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.
Fully press the clutch pedal before shifting
gears. As you release the clutch pedal, lightly
press the accelerator pedal.
You should always use FIRST gear when starting
from a standing position...
You must press and hold the brake pedal while
shifting out of PARK.
CAUTION!
Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only
after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop...
Other information:
The Occupant Restraint
Controller
(ORC) monitors the readiness of the
electronic parts of the air bag system
whenever the ignition switch is in the
START or ON/RUN position. If the ignition switch
is in the OFF position or in the ACC position, the
air bag system is not on and the air bags will not
inflate...
The best protection against carbon monoxide
entry into the vehicle body is a properly
maintained engine exhaust system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the
exhaust system; or if the exhaust fumes can be
detected inside the vehicle; or when the
underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;
have an authorized technician inspect the
complete exhaust system and adjacent body
areas for broken, damaged, deteriorated, or
mispositioned parts...