Unleashing the Power of Manual Control
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| My Jeep Shifter |
As Jeeper, I love the thrill of off-road adventures and the freedom to conquer any terrain. Our Jeeps are designed to handle the toughest trails. However, there’s a feature that often goes underutilized: the AutoStick.
This function blends the ease of an automatic transmission with the control of a manual gearbox, offering drivers the best of both worlds. Mastering AutoStick can enhance your driving experience. It has made a difference for me when I tackle the trails.
What is the AutoStick?
The AutoStick is a manual shift mode integrated into Jeep’s automatic transmissions. It allows drivers to manually select gears without the need for a clutch pedal. This feature gives you more control over your vehicle’s performance, which can be particularly advantageous in off-road scenarios where precise gear selection is crucial.
Why Use the AutoStick?
Enhanced Control: Off-road driving often requires specific gear selections to navigate obstacles, climb hills, or descend steep slopes. The AutoStick allows you to choose the optimal gear for each situation, improving traction and control.
Engine Braking: When descending steep inclines, using a lower gear can help control your speed without over-relying on the brakes, reducing wear and tear.
Performance Tuning: For those who enjoy pushing their Jeeps to the limit, manually selecting gears can enhance performance and response, giving you that extra edge in challenging conditions.
How to Use the AutoStick 👉 Watch Here
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| Autstick plus and minus |
Engaging AutoStick
1. Start Driving in Automatic Mode: Begin your drive in the standard automatic mode. The transmission will shift gears automatically as usual.
2. Shift to Manual Mode: Locate the gear lever. Depending on your Jeep model, you might see a « + » and « – » symbol or simply a side gate. To engage the AutoStick, Tap (move the gear lever) to the side (usually to the left or right) from the « D » (Drive) position into the manual shift gate.
Shifting Gears Manually
Upshifting: To upshift, push the gear lever towards the « + » symbol. This will shift the transmission to a higher gear. Upshifting is useful for gaining speed or driving on level ground.
Downshifting: To downshift, pull the gear lever towards the « – » symbol. This will shift the transmission to a lower gear. Downshifting is beneficial for climbing hills, engine braking, or when more power is needed.
Best Practices for Using AutoStick
Anticipate the Terrain: When approaching obstacles or steep inclines, pre-select the appropriate gear to maintain momentum and control.
Smooth Transitions: Avoid abrupt gear changes. Smoothly shift gears to prevent jerking and maintain stability, especially on uneven terrain.
Monitor RPM: Keep an eye on the tachometer to avoid over-revving the engine. Shift gears within the optimal RPM range to ensure efficient performance.
Use Engine Braking: When descending, downshift to lower gears to utilize engine braking. This reduces reliance on your brakes and prevents overheating.
Practice: Like any skill, mastering the AutoStick takes practice. Spend time in a controlled environment, such as a flat trail or open field, to get comfortable with manual gear selection.
When Not to Use the AutoStick
While the AutoStick offers significant benefits, there are times when it’s best to stick with the automatic mode.
Highway Driving: On highways or smooth, predictable roads, the automatic mode is typically more efficient and less demanding.
Heavy Traffic: In stop-and-go traffic, constant manual shifting can be tiring and unnecessary.
Learning Curve: If you’re new to driving or unfamiliar with manual transmissions, start by getting comfortable with your Jeep’s standard automatic mode before experimenting with the AutoStick.
The AutoStick is a powerful tool in your Jeep’s arsenal, offering the flexibility of manual control without the complexity of a traditional manual transmission. By understanding and utilizing this feature, you can enhance your driving experience, tackle tougher trails, and truly unleash the full potential of your Jeep.
Jeep’s Tips:
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip and the vehicle could skid.
You can start out from a stop, in first or second gear. Tapping(+) at stop will allow starting in second gear. Starting out in second gear can be helpful in snowy and icy conditions.
