Symptoms
A burning smell after slow off-road work or towing, slipping, or a 'clutch overheating' message. NHTSA recalls 20V-124, 21V-028 and 23V-116 cover pressure plates that can overheat and fracture on 2020–2023 manual Gladiators.
The fix, step by step
- Check the recalls first; the dealer remedy is a new clutch assembly and software.
- For a worn clutch on a truck that's already been remedied, support the truck, drop the front and rear driveshafts and the transfer case, unbolt the starter and bellhousing, and lower the transmission.
- Fit the new clutch and flywheel to the manufacturer's specifications, refit everything, bleed the hydraulics and follow the service manual for any clutch or software relearn.
Tools & part numbers
- Transmission jack
- clutch alignment tool
- torque wrench
- jack stands
- service manual
Where to buy the parts
Centerforce II clutch kit, JL/JTQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Centerforce dual-friction clutch kit with flywheel, JL/JTQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Mopar 68333561AB clutch pedal sensor, JL/JTQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Jeep Gladiator JT parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.