2023 Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel (maintenance, modifications, and more)

[biodiesel]

I've wanted a JT Jeep Gladiator ever since 2021 when it was first released with the diesel engine. At that time, I just assumed the EcoDiesel would be offered for a minimum of 5 model years, so I figured we'd purchase one later down the road when our finances were more favorable. Then in August of 2023, Jeep surprised us by announcing the discontinuation of the EcoDiesel. We were not ready to buy, but the big discounts ($15,000 off MSRP) encouraged us to push up the timeline on a new 2023 Gladiator.

My reason for the JT was two-fold. We wanted a capable vehicle that could get us to and from our mountain property in times of inclement weather. Unlike our Ram trucks, the Jeep will have more aggressive tires and tires that are rated for severe snow conditions. The 4x4 system, high ground clearance, and front/rear lockers make the Jeep the perfect vehicle for our needs/wants. And secondly, the Gladiator, in my opinion, is the most versatile midsize truck on the market. Not only does it perform well off-road, but it's also fuel efficient, has lots of power/torque, and has excellent towing capability.

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[biodiesel]

The first thing I did was remove the dealer decal.

 

[biodiesel]

We had Line-X sprayed on the bed/tailgate and a tonneau cover installed. If I understand correctly, the tonneau cover is made by BAKFlip but Line-X is sprayed on the panels. Interestingly, the Line-X version of the tonneau cover was slightly cheaper than BAKFlip and came with a lifetime warranty. I have since removed the Line-X decal from the cover and from the rear window.

 

[biodiesel]

Unlike the older style of block heater, the 2023 has a brass socket on the engine side that requires a plug heater. It was a very easy install. The plug pushes into the socket and is secured with the built-in clip.

 

[biodiesel]

The Gladiator has a primary battery and an auxiliary battery, which is mostly for the start-stop function. I don't use the start/stop function, but I've decided to leave the auxiliary battery in place for extra reserve capacity. There's enough parasitic draw from the batteries that it's important to keep them charged and maintained. To make this process easier, I installed a BatterMINDer EZ Connector to the front bumper.

I also installed a 125V NOCO electrical outlet receptable for the block heater.

 

[DailyDrivenTJ]

Unlike the older style of block heater, the 2023 has a brass socket on the engine side that requires a plug heater. It was a very easy install. The plug pushes into the socket and is secured with the built-in clip.

Could you share the part number on that block heater?

 

[biodiesel]

Could you share the part number on that block heater?

part #68523853AA (block heater)
part #68535072AA (cord)

 

[DailyDrivenTJ]

part #68523853AA (block heater)
part #68535072AA (cord)

I am going to shamelessly copy your work. Well done. Love how clean the install is.

 

[biodiesel]

I am going to shamelessly copy your work. Well done. Love how clean the install is.

Thank you. The nice thing about forums is being able to share ideas and help others make informed decisions. I would guess that 90% of my decisions have been motivated by others.

 

[nanook12]

If you live in a very cold area, I would consider adding an oil pan heater (silicone pad). The block heater is only 300W, the old style block heater was 400W…neither of those are going to preheat the oil.

 

[Krobarr]

If you live in a very cold area, I would consider adding an oil pan heater (silicone pad). The block heater is only 300W, the old style block heater was 400W…neither of those are going to preheat the oil.

if you live in a cold climate (I'm in Alberta Canada) I would install a coolant pre heater. I have a heating pad installed underneath my battery and the OEM block heater as well.

 

[GladiatorPilot23]

The Gladiator has a primary battery and an auxiliary battery, which is mostly for the start-stop function. I don't use the start/stop function, but I've decided to leave the auxiliary battery in place for extra reserve capacity. There's enough parasitic draw from the batteries that it's important to keep them charged and maintained. To make this process easier, I installed a BatterMINDer EZ Connector to the front bumper.

I also installed a 125V NOCO electrical outlet receptable for the block heater.

Lake Speed Jr has multiple videos talking about using start stop vs disabling. Wear metals went up due to fuel dilution. Also, engineering explained did a video on it for fuel consumption.

 

[BourbonRunner]

Lake Speed Jr has multiple videos talking about using start stop vs disabling. Wear metals went up due to fuel dilution. Also, engineering explained did a video on it for fuel consumption.

Got a link? Tried googling LSJR's video but couldn't locate it. Thanks!

 

[GladiatorPilot23]

Got a link? Tried googling LSJR's video but couldn't locate it. Thanks!

It was a discussion inside of one of his videos but not in the title unfortunately. If I find it, I'll paste it here.

 

[Rusty PW]

If you live in a very cold area, I would consider adding an oil pan heater (silicone pad). The block heater is only 300W, the old style block heater was 400W…neither of those are going to preheat the oil.

Last winter when it got down to 0F. Have my block heater on a timer. It comes on 2 hrs before I leave the house in the morning. My temp gauge reads 100F when I start it.

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