How To Autostick

Unleashing the Power of Manual Control

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

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. 

My Jeep Check Engine Light Saga

The Beginning of the Issue

This is my personal story about my 2015 Jeep Wrangler and that annoying check engine light that’s been with me for four years.

This light lit up my dash for 4 years.

It all started shortly after my adventure on the Rubicon Trail in July 2020. I was in Texas on my way to visit my niece. It was scorching hot and humid. During a pit stop, while enjoying some tacos with the AC blasting, the check engine light came on. The code...P0306 - Misfire in Cylinder 6.

My Niece & I in Corpus Christie

Troubleshooting Attempts

I tried everything to fix it:

• Replaced the spark plugs
• Swapped and replaced the ignition coils

But nothing worked. Given my financial situation and some personal challenges, I decided to live with that little light on my dashboard.

For the next four years, I drove another 45,000 miles with the check engine light on. It wasn’t ideal, but it was the best I could do at the time.

The Final Diagnosis

When I moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, I decided to have TNT Customs take another look. They tested & swapped everything again and more.

• Fuel injector
• Ignition coils
• Spark plugs

But the misfire in Cylinder 6 persisted. They ran a compression test and found 50 PSI in Cylinder 6 compared to 156-160 PSI in the other cylinders. The verdict...Time for a new engine.

My 3.6L Engine

The Solution

At the time, there was a waiting list for a Jasper remanufactured 3.6 engine, I was number 5 on the list. However, at that time financially, I wasn’t ready. Recently, I got lucky and found an engine that would work at a reasonable cost.

Sometimes life throws you curveballs, but with a bit of patience and persistence, you can find a way through. Definitely, a lot of patience on my part. 

Now my engine is gone replaced with another 3.6L the guys at the shop I worked at helped me find. They did a great job putting it all back together for me. Now on to more items to fix in my Jeep.  

My Engine Swap Saga 👉 Watch Here

What is the Jeep Badge of Honor

A Digital Passport

The Jeep Badge of Honor app is an official mobile application designed by Jeep to celebrate the off-roading lifestyle. It enables Jeep owners to explore new trails, document their adventures, and earn badges for tackling off-road terrains. It's a digital passport for your off-roading journeys. 

The Jeep Badge of Honor app boasts an impressive selection of trails. As of now, there are over 68 trails listed, with new ones added periodically. These trails are scattered across the U.S., covering a variety of terrains from rugged mountains to sandy deserts.

Once you complete the trail Jeep will send you a badge you can display on your Jeep. They become conversation pieces. 

How to Use the Jeep Badge of Honor App

Getting started with the Jeep Badge of Honor app is easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the app like a pro:

Download the App: Available on both iOS and Android, just search for "Jeep Badge of Honor" in your app store.

Create an Account: Sign up using your email or social media accounts. Make sure to input your Jeep model details.

Explore Trails: Browse through the list of trails across the United States. Each trail is rated for difficulty, and you can see photos and reviews from other Jeepers.

Check-In: When you hit the trail, use the app to check in. Your phone's GPS verifies your location, making it easy to prove you’ve tackled the trail.

Earn Badges: Completing trails earns you digital badges. Then Jeep will mail you the physical badges to proudly display on your vehicle.

What is the Jeep Sway Bar Button

A Key Component in Off-Roading and Jeep Performance

When it comes to off-roading, understanding your vehicle's components is crucial. One such component that often gets overlooked is the sway bar. This seemingly simple piece of equipment can make a significant difference in your off-roading experience, especially if you're driving a Jeep. 

How to Sway Bar thumbnail

How to Use the Sway Bar Button in the Jeep Rubicon 👉 Watch Here

What is a Sway Bar?

A sway bar, also known as an anti-roll bar or stabilizer bar, is a part of a vehicle's suspension system. It's a long, torsion-resistant bar that connects the left and right wheels through short lever arms linked by a bar. The primary purpose of a sway bar is to reduce body roll during cornering or when driving over uneven terrain.

How Does a Sway Bar Work?

When you take a turn or drive over rough terrain, your vehicle's body tends to roll to one side due to centrifugal force. The sway bar counteracts this force by transferring some of the load to the opposite side of the vehicle. This process helps keep all four wheels in contact with the ground, providing better stability and handling.

Importance of a Sway Bar in Off-Roading

Off-roading is all about tackling challenging terrains and obstacles. Here's why a sway bar is vital in this context:

1. Improved Stability: Off-road trails are often uneven and unpredictable. A sway bar helps maintain stability by minimizing body roll, which is essential when navigating steep inclines, declines, and side slopes.

2. Enhanced Handling: Better handling means more control over your vehicle. A sway bar ensures that your Jeep remains responsive to steering inputs, which is crucial when maneuvering through tight trails or rocky paths.

3. Safety: Off-roading can be risky, and safety should always be a top priority. By keeping your vehicle more stable and reducing the likelihood of rollovers, a sway bar plays a significant role in ensuring your safety on the trails.

4. Comfort: While off-roading is often about the thrill, comfort shouldn't be ignored. A sway bar helps provide a smoother ride by keeping your vehicle more level, which can reduce driver fatigue and improve the overall off-roading experience.

Sway Bar Disconnects: A Game Changer for Jeep Owners

Many off-road enthusiasts, particularly Jeep owners, opt for sway bar disconnects. These allow you to disengage the sway bar when off-roading and reconnect it for on-road driving. The benefits are twofold:

1. Increased Articulation: Disconnecting the sway bar increases wheel articulation, allowing your Jeep's wheels to move more independently. This flexibility is invaluable when navigating obstacles like rocks, tree roots, and deep ruts.

2. Versatility: Sway bar disconnects provide the best of both worlds. You can enjoy enhanced stability and handling on the road, and when you hit the trails, you can disconnect the sway bar for maximum off-road performance.

Maxsa Bushcraft Chef Knife

Testing Out This Knife

For the next few months I will be testing out this Bushcraft Chef Knife by Maxsa. A fellow Jeeper and YouTube fan started Maxsa two years ago. After some local success in the DC/Virginia area, they decided to bring it to a wider audience. So, they reached out to me to try out the knife.

Maxsa Knife

I have been using the knife in my kitchen and plan on taking it with me on some camping outings. In the meantime, if you're an outdoor enthusiast or a home chef in need of a reliable, sharp, and versatile knife and want to check it out for yourself, there is a special discount code.

Jeep Momma Tests Out the Maxsa Bushcraft Chef Knife 👉 Watch Here

Maxsa Bushcraft Chef Knife Camping 👉Watch Here

Discount Offer

As a special offer, you can use the discount code JEEPMOMMA15 to get an exclusive discount. Just click on the link provided to apply the code.

👉Purchase Here

Maxsa Knife in Box

Key Features

• Superior Sharpness and Strength

  • Pro-grade Japanese AUS-10 steel with 3x more carbon.
  • Easily chops through wood and skins hogs.
  • Razor sharp for delicate tasks like dicing onions without tears.

• Weatherproof Versatility

  • Designed to perform in both outdoor and kitchen environments.
  • Stain and water-resistant for durability in all conditions.

• Premium Materials

  • 6.5” Japanese high carbon stainless steel blade.
  • Achieves 58 HRC for strength and edge retention.
  • Refined two-tone finish that is chip-resistant.

• Bushcraft Toughness

  • Full tang design for exceptional balance and strength.
  • Ergonomic handle made from waterproof Micarta and G10 for a slip-free grip.
  • Tapers and contours to fit naturally in your hand with thumb and finger indentations for easy pinch grip.

• Versatile Blade Geometry

  • Suitable for a wide range of tasks from campsite to kitchen.
  • Handles both rugged outdoor adventures and delicate culinary tasks with ease.

• Ergonomic Comfort

  • Sloped design for a natural grip.
  • Provides comfort and control for maximum cutting edge performance.

Steps to Start Living Your Best Life

Jeep Momma driving topless

Declutter your Stuff 

Be purposeful about this. Go drawer by drawer, closet by closet. Then do it all again in a couple of months. Emotionally holding on to stuff bogs down your life. Stop using those excuses, "one day I will use it" or "I spent a lot of money on that I can't". That is living in the past or living in the future. Live in the here and now. 

How to Simplify Your Life 👉Read More

Declutter Your Past Emotions

This was the hardest one for me to do. When I moved to Colorado in 2020 I knew I was on the road to my best life, but something was holding me back. I was blinded by my own emotions. I was grieving a loss, so many losses, my home, my old life, my old friends, my marriage. There was a lot of unnecessary guilt I placed on myself and a lot of anger from wrongs done to me. I needed to forgive myself and let go of those wrongs before I could truly move on. Even years later I was still blinded by my own emotions and those emotions grew heavier with more losses. Finding my faith again put me back on the right path. For some of us it takes years to sort through the past. It's necessary to truly move on. 

Finding Jesus again brought me a peace  👉 Read More

Declutter Your Time

Reduce your commitments like volunteering or events you attend. Re-evaluate your job. I started slowly with my volunteer commitments. I taught myself to say no. My Maryland job loss was not on purpose but being let go was a blessing in disguise.

Declutter Your Electronic Life

Reduce your time on social media, reduce the amount of social media you have, reduce your information overload, and most importantly disconnect from the world once in a while. Information overload can be debilitating. 

Information Overload Article

Declutter Your Relationships

Cut out the negative people in your life. This is a hard one to do, but very necessary. Negative people are very draining emotionally. 

Finding My Peace Through Faith

Rediscovering Jesus

The day I headed out West. 

The past decade has been a rollercoaster ride filled with so much turmoil. I did a lot of soul searching and took several leaps of faith. I lost a lot but gained so much more. There were times of great joy and some of the lowest moments in my life. 

During this bumpy ride, I took steps to start living my best life. I decluttered my stuff, relationships and time. I found my passion and started new hobbies. It wasn't until recently I realized, during all these steps I had been missing the most important step to a better life. 

Building a Relationship with God

Tammy filled with peace. 

Rediscovering Jesus and building a relationship with God lead me to an inner peace. I have learned the power of forgiveness and letting go. The power of forgiving myself for my choices and the power to forgive those who betrayed me. I don't worry about the stories told about me and what others think of me because in the end only God matters. 

In a world filled with chaos, uncertainty, and constant change, finding peace seems like an elusive dream. Many of us search for tranquility and a sense of purpose in various ways, but often, the answer lies closer than we think. Rediscovering Jesus and fostering a relationship with God can bring profound peace and transform your life in remarkable ways.

Rediscovering Jesus

God's beautiful flowers. 

For those of us who grew up in a Christian environment or have been exposed to the teachings of Jesus, it's not uncommon to drift away or lose sight of our faith amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. However, taking steps to reconnect with Jesus can be a life-changing decision. Here's what I did.

Reflect on Your Journey

Spend time reflecting on your spiritual journey. Consider the moments when you felt closest to Jesus and the factors that contributed to that connection. Reflect on what caused the distance in your relationship with Him. This self-awareness is the first step towards rekindling your faith.

Engage with Scripture

The Bible is a powerful tool for understanding the teachings of Jesus and God's plan for us. Make it a habit to read the Bible regularly. Start with the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) to revisit the life and teachings of Jesus. Allow His words to guide and inspire you.

Prayer and Meditation

Prayer is a direct line of communication with God. Set aside time each day to pray and meditate. Share your thoughts, concerns, and gratitude with Him. Through prayer, you can develop a deeper, more personal relationship with God and feel His presence in your life.

Building a Relationship with God

A strong relationship with God is the cornerstone of a peaceful and fulfilling life. Here’s how nurturing this relationship can positively impact your life:

Inner Peace

One of the most profound benefits of a relationship with God is the inner peace that comes with it. Trusting in God's plan and knowing that He is in control can alleviate anxiety and stress. This peace transcends understanding and remains steadfast even in the face of life's challenges.

Guidance and Purpose

When you build a relationship with God, you gain a sense of purpose and direction. God has a unique plan for each of us, and through prayer and reflection, you can discern His will for your life. This guidance helps you make decisions aligned with your true calling and values.

Community and Support

Being part of a faith community can provide immense support and encouragement. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who share your beliefs can strengthen your faith and provide a network of love and support. Engaging in fellowship activities, attending church, and participating in Bible studies can enrich your spiritual journey.

Forgiveness and Redemption

Understanding God's grace and forgiveness is a transformative experience. No matter your past mistakes or shortcomings, God’s love and mercy are always available. Embracing this forgiveness allows you to let go of guilt and shame, paving the way for healing and growth.

Living a Better Life

A life anchored in faith and a relationship with God is inherently richer and more fulfilling. Here are some practical ways to integrate your faith into everyday life:

Acts of Kindness and Service

Living out the teachings of Jesus through acts of kindness and service to others brings immense joy and fulfillment. Whether it’s volunteering, helping a neighbor, or simply showing compassion, these acts reflect God's love and make the world a better place.

Gratitude and Mindfulness

Cultivating a mindset of gratitude and mindfulness can transform your perspective. Regularly thank God for His blessings and be mindful of His presence in your daily life. This practice fosters contentment and joy.

Healthy Habits

Embrace habits that nurture both your body and soul. Exercise, eat healthily, get enough rest, and spend time in nature. These practices honor the body God has given you and enhance your overall well-being.

Seek Wisdom

Continually seek wisdom through prayer, scripture, and the counsel of trusted spiritual mentors. This wisdom will guide you through life’s complexities and help you grow in your faith.