What is Autostick

Unleash the Power of Manual Control

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.

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. 

Close-up of Jeep shifters showcasing the AutoStick feature

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.

Watch Here ➤➤ How to Use the AutoStick 

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.

Read more ➤➤ How to Shift into 4Lo

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.

Jeep Maintenance and knowing the ins and outs of your Jeep will help you take care of your Jeep. 

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.  

Check out myYouTube Video My Engine Swap Saga