Jeep Wrangler: MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED / Downshifting

Moving from a high gear down to a lower gear is recommended to preserve brakes when driving down steep hills. In addition, downshifting at the right time provides better acceleration when you desire to resume speed. Downshift progressively. Do not skip gears to avoid overspeeding the engine and clutch.

NOTE:

The manual transmission shift system is equipped with gear blockers, which will prevent downshifts into FIRST or SECOND gear above certain vehicle speeds.

WARNING!

Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip, and the vehicle could skid.

CAUTION!

• Skipping gears and downshifting into lower gears at higher vehicle speeds can damage the engine and clutch systems. Any attempt to shift into lower gear with clutch pedal pressed may result damage to the clutch system. Shifting into lower gear and releasing the clutch may result in engine damage.
• When descending a hill, be very careful to downshift one gear at a time to prevent overspeeding the engine which can cause engine damage, and/or clutch damage, even if the clutch pedal is pressed. If transfer case is in low range the vehicle speeds to cause engine and clutch damage are significantly lower.
• Failure to follow the maximum recommended downshifting speeds may cause the engine damage and/or damage the clutch, even if the clutch pedal is pressed.
• Descending a hill in low range with clutch pedal pressed could result in clutch damage.

Maximum Recommended Downshift Speeds

CAUTION!

Failure to follow the maximum recommended downshifting speeds may cause the engine to overspeed and/or damage the clutch disc, even if the clutch pedal is pressed.

NOTE:

Vehicle speeds shown in the chart above are for 2WD High and 4WD High only, vehicle speeds in 4WD Low would be significantly less.