Jeep GLADIATOR 2020 Owner's Manual page 218

216 STARTING AND OPERATING
4L
Four-Wheel Drive Low Range — This range
provides low speed four-wheel drive. It
maximizes torque to the front driveshaft, forcing
the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. This range provides additional traction
and maximum pulling power for loose, slippery
road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h).
The transfer case is intended to be driven in the
2H position for normal street and highway
conditions, such as hard-surfaced roads.
In the event that additional traction is required,
the transfer case 4H and 4L positions can be
used to lock the front and rear driveshafts
together, forcing the front and rear wheels to
rotate at the same speed. The 4H and 4L
positions are intended for loose, slippery road
surfaces only and not intended for normal
driving. Driving in the 4H and 4L positions on
hard-surfaced roads will cause increased tire
wear and damage to the driveline components.
Refer to "Shifting Procedures" in this section for
further information on shifting into 4H or 4L.
The instrument cluster alerts the driver that the
vehicle is in four-wheel drive, and the front and
rear driveshafts are locked together. The light
will illuminate when the transfer case is shifted
into the 4H position.
When operating your vehicle in 4L, the engine
speed will be approximately three times (four
times for Rubicon models) that of the 2H or 4H
positions at a given road speed. Take care not
to overspeed the engine.
Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles
depends on tires of equal size, type, and
circumference on each wheel. Any difference
will adversely affect shifting and cause damage
to the transfer case.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved
traction, there is a tendency to exceed safe
turning and stopping speeds. Do not go faster
than road conditions permit.
Shifting Procedures
2H To 4H Or 4H To 2H
Shifting between 2H and 4H can be made with
the vehicle stopped or in motion. The preferred
shifting speed would be 0 to 45 mph (72 km/h).
With the vehicle in motion, the transfer case will
engage/disengage faster if you momentarily
release the accelerator pedal after completing
the shift. Do not accelerate while shifting the
transfer case. Apply a constant force when
shifting the transfer case lever.
NOTE:
Do not attempt to make a shift while only the

front or rear wheels are spinning. The front
and rear driveshaft speeds must be equal for
the shift to take place. Shifting while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning can cause
damage to the transfer case.
Delayed shifts out of four-wheel drive may be

experienced due to uneven tire wear, low or
uneven tire pressures, excessive vehicle
loading, or cold temperatures.
Shifting effort will increase with speed, this is

normal.
During cold weather, you may experience
increased effort in shifting until the transfer
case fluid warms up. This is normal.