Page 14 - Jeep Jamboree Ultimate Guide To Safe Common Sense Off-Roading

TRANSMISSIONS

There are two common types of transmissions, automatic and manual. In many parts of North America,
driving a manual transmission has become a lost art. But for most countries around the world, this is
much more common. Each transmission type has advantages and disadvantages for off-road driving.
Know how to best utilize your specific transmission.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
As simple as it may sound, the first thing you’ll need to know is how to put your vehicle in the correct
gear. There may appear to be two gear shifters on the floor. The other is actually the transfer case, which
will allow you to engage four-wheel drive. Automatics are generally easier to control because you let the
transmission do most of the work. Remember, speed is not the answer. Let the vehicle do what it was
designed to do.

USING YOUR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
• Engine braking may be limited with automatic transmissions. Supply sufficient brake and throttle as
your vehicle speeds and slows.
• Gearing down to D1 or D2 and using 4WD Low (see four-wheel drive systems, page 24) should allow
the vehicle to crawl and idle over obstacles with little to no throttle.
• Use the highest gears possible for climbing. Descend in the lowest gears.

• Using the overdrive button will lock the vehicle out of its highest gear.
This is useful when navigating steep hills and difficult terrain – as well
as in on-road towing situations

• For difficult terrain, you may need to employ left-foot breaking. This
allows you to lightly feather both the brake and throttle to control your
speed over difficult obstacles.

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
• More user-friendly • May run away on downhill slopes
• Smooth transition of power • Cannot push-start
• Less effort • Cannot stall-start
• Easier for towing • Higher repair expenses
• No clutch to burn • May overheat in tough terrains
• More adaptable to four-wheeling

The vehicle will shift between all gears as needed. Allows you to
efficiently reach high speeds. Typically used for highway driving.

Holds the vehicle to second gear and eliminates
an unexpected downshift or upshift.

Limits the vehicle to first gear. Slows down the engine and provides
max torque. Used when tackling tough terrain at very low speeds.

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