Tuning for all 2020-2026 Gladiator 3.6 Models

[bmpcamry09]

People asked for a giant condensed post for tuning, so here it is. My development thread can be found on the JL Wrangler forum:

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/hp-tuners-for-3-6-models-fixing-what-jeep-won’t.163856/page-11#post-3381158

I have a new Youtube channel

https://www.youtube.com/bmpcalibrations

And a new Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61589474228174

I own a 2025 3.6 JL Auto after previously owning a 2020 and a 2018. The GPEC5 (2022 ish and newer) Wranglers and Gladiators suffer from a hesitation/stutter/misfire at low load/low RPM situations. Brand new off the showroom floor I noticed the issue. Most noticeably felt between 3rd and 4th gear at RPMS below 2000, but can also be felt at highway cruising speeds in the same area. They also have a terribly uneven power band at low throttle.

One of my side gigs for the last few years has been tuning. Mostly Ford Ecoboost platform and some occasional GM. I have tuned 100s of vehicles both remotely and in person. I am OCD about the way my own vehicles drive. I spent a ton of money on training courses and took nearly every single one I could find. Tuning/calibrating has essentially consumed my free time for the past few years.

A Jeep mastertech on the JL forum (shout out to @alphawolff) dealt with this issue and determined it was a tuning problem, but no one had a fix, not even Jeep. Jeep Cares and their tech support area has known about this since as early as 2023 and they have not been able to fix it.

Within a few days of testing and development, I found the "stutter" problem. Here is a brief summary:

JL Wranglers and Gladiators with the PUG (2nd gen) Pentastar 3.6 have new features, namely VVL and an EGR system. For years, people said the VVL was like Honda VTEC, activating at high load/high RPM to increase power. I discovered that is NOT the case. At no point in a wide open throttle run do these us "high lift". The ONLY time VVL is active is low load/low RPM situations. VVL is activated by cutting the 12 volt power supply to the VVL solenoids. When these solenoids are deactivated, the high lift mode engages, locking out the center rocker of our complex rocker arms. The way this system is set up paired with poor VVT mapping, torque management, spark mapping, and 8 speed transmission mapping focused on economy, makes driving these a sluggish experience.

I have corrected these issues and more by developing FULL TUNING on the whole platform for all 3.6 owners, including eTorque models. My tuning addresses all aspects of the engine and transmission and completely transforms the driving experience. Smoother, better power, more refinement, more usable torque, and much more. Expect power gains of up to 30 HP/30 TQ on 93 octane, could see more depending on health of vehicle. 87 octane gains will be more conservative, but all octanes will result in huge improvements in drive-ability, response, and usable power below 3500 RPM.

Heads up, there is up to $1500 total cost in this when all is said and done, but every single customer of mine will tell you it was worth it, plus you get lots of features with the MPVI3/4 units.

Now that is out of the way, lets talk about how it works.......

If you don't have anything purchased yet, here is what you need to get FROM HP TUNERS, NOT ME:

-New MPVI4 ($400) or pick up a used MPVI3 on Marketplace or the like ($200-$300)
-Dodge 2018+ Smart Access Cable ($80) unless you have a Tazer or other SGW Bypass device
-PCM Unlock Service ($250, not needed if you want transmission only tune)
-HP Tuners Credits (one time purchase, mated to your VIN/MPVI4 device)
-GPEC2A (older JLs and JTs, side connectors on PCM) - 2 Credits needed for PCM, 4 additional
needed for TCM on automatic models
-GPEC5 (newer models, top connectors on PCM) - 4 credits needed for PCM, 4 additional
needed for TCM on automatic models.

******Note, If you are a new GPEC2A customer and buy a new MPVI4 and 6 credits at the
time of purchase, your unlock service will be FREE!!!!*******

By purchasing an MPVI4, you can do other things like check engine light diagnosis, transmission adaptive reset, rear diff gearing changes, tire size changes, power steering disable, and more.

TUNING PACKAGES (Payment Links Below)

You can pay now for your tuning if you'd like, just be sure to send me an email at [email protected] after payment is made so that I can send your tuning guide and mark you as paid.

Trans Only Tune for 8 Speed Auto Owners - $200

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7WYK8NQ6J6G5J

-3.6 AND 2.0 owners
-No PCM unlock needed but you need the bypass cable or a Tazer installed.
-Cleaner crisper shifting, reduced shift times, less shift slop
-Less clutch slip = longer lasting trans and better temp management
-Better shift schedule, much easier downshifts, no more engine bogging.
-Included in the full tune package, do not need to purchase separately.
-Can customize shift schedules and shift firmness to your liking.

6 Speed Models - Complete Engine Tune - $300

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/4G48PECNZL492


Automatic Models - Complete Engine and Transmission Tune - $400

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/V2CAFGS6FD3DS

- Will tune for whatever octane you want to run. We start with what is in your tank.
-Second tune for different octane included for FREE
-All octanes have improved mid range torque, throttle response, refinement, and drivability.
-All files CUSTOM tuned with datalogs and revisions as needed to dial it in.
-Cam timing and VVT operation completely revised.
-Dramatically enhanced throttle response, no more spongy throttle
-Torque management changes to put power to the ground better
-Gains of 30HP/30TQ possible with 93 octane fuel
-Gains of 10 HP/20TQ possible with 87 octane fuel
-All octanes will shift the torque curve and make power much more usable.

The full tune is a dramatic night and day difference in your ride. It is a must have on ALL 3.6 models, but even moreso on 2023 and up models with the bad hesitation/stutter from VVL.

I will provide the tune file and I do it all remotely through email. It is your responsibility to buy the MPVI4, Access Cable, and PCM unlocking. Once you have your stuff, then I build your tune from your existing stock tune.

Attached you will find my tuning guide which will walk you through what you need to get started.

Here is a video I made walking through the whole process.....



If you would like to donate to BMP Calibrations for continued development, videos, content, or if your just feeling generous, those can be made here:

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7KM73ADCSMHLW

Thanks!

Sponsored

 

[Free2roam]

Come up with something 3.0 Ecodiesel related. There may be interest on that motor too.

 

[bmpcamry09]

Come up with something 3.0 Ecodiesel related. There may be interest on that motor too.

I’d like to, but there are so few of them locally in my area. I don’t have much diesel experience outside of a couple Ford powerstrokes. Transmission is the same though.

I would need one for a few weeks locally to work on before doing it remotely for people.

 

[Dilly’S Willy]

@bmpcamry09 If I wasn't still stuck with other things going on, I'd be in your shoes doing diag/tuning on my JT too since I have a manual and the GPEC2 ECM.

I knew these engines were severely limited. EPA crap always ruins performance.

You mentioned 87oct not getting the bigger gains, but that's okay. It's more about HOW the power is delivered than HOW MUCH power id delivered. A fat powerband of 250whp from 2k-5.5k rpm is WAY quicker and faster than 300whp from 4k-6k rpm when commuting, since most people aren't looking to rev that high around town.

Good job and keep up the work, while some of us try to play catchup lol

 

[Bigcatfish]

A bunch of people asked for a giant condensed post for my tuning, so here it is. A fresh thread. I have done 5 Gladiators and 18 Wranglers at this point since launching the service in early March. My full development thread can be found on the JL Forums at:

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/hp-tuners-for-3-6-models-fixing-what-jeep-won’t.163856/page-11#post-3381158

I also have a new Youtube channel

https://www.youtube.com/@bmpcalibrations

And a new Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61589474228174

I own a 2025 3.6 JL Auto after previously owning a 2020 and a 2018. Both Wranglers and Gladiators suffer from a nasty hesitation/stutter/misfire at low load/low RPM situations. Brand new off the showroom floor I noticed the issue. Most noticeably felt between 3rd and 4th gear at RPMS below 2000, but can also be felt at highway cruising speeds in the same area. They also have a terribly uneven power band at low throttle.

One of my gigs for the last few years has been tuning. I've tuned mostly on the Ford Ecoboost platform and some occasional GM stuff. Look up my user name on the HP Tuners forums and you'll see I'm a nerd. I have tuned 100s of vehicles both remotely and in person. I am OCD about the way my own vehicles drive. I spent a ton of money on training courses and took nearly every single one I could find. I networked with some of the biggest names in the industry to wrap my head around everything. It has essentially consumed my free time for the past few years. I now own a new company called BMP Calibrations.

A Jeep mastertech on the JL forum dealt with this issue and determined it was a tuning related problem, no one had a fix, not even Jeep. Jeep Cares and their tech support area has known about this since as early as 2023 and they have not been able to fix it.

I unlocked my PCM and busted out the laptop and my MPVI4 and got to work. Within a few days of testing and development, I found the problem. Here is a brief summary:

JL Wranglers and Gladiators with the PUG (2nd gen) Pentastar 3.6 have new features, namely VVL (variable valve lift, an add on to the existing VVT) and an EGR system. For years, people said the VVL system was like Honda VTEC, activating at high load/high RPM to increase power. I discovered that is NOT the case with this VVL system. At no point in a wide open throttle run are our vehicles using the "high lift" feature of the VVL system. They are on the low side the whole pull. The ONLY time VVL high lift is active is low load/low RPM situations. The high lift is activated by cutting the 12 volt power supply to the VVL solenoids. Normally they are always powered up to keep it in low lift mode. This is backwards compared to similar systems from Honda.

On our Jeeps, when these solenoids are deactivated, the high lift mode engages, locking out the center rocker of our complex rocker arms. At the same time, the VVL system adjusts cam timing, making it nearly fully advanced on the intake side. In my testing it appears high lift VVL activation is to supplement the EGR system with extra air and not for power. The way this system is mapped, paired with the TERRIBLE intake cam scheduling, torque management Nannie’s, rough spark table mapping, and 8 speed transmission mapping focused on economy, makes driving these a sluggish experience.

I have corrected these issues with tuning via HP Tuners. Heads up, there is a considerable amount of up front cost to get into this (PCM unlocking, MPVI3 or MPVI4 device, access cable, credits, then paying me for the tuning and logging itself. My tuning addresses all aspects of the engine and transmission and completely transforms the driving experience. Smoother, better power, more refinement, more usable torque, and much more. Expect power gains of up to 30 HP/30 TQ on 93 octane, could see more depending on health of vehicle. 87 octane gains will be more conservative, but all octanes will result in huge improvements in drive-ability, response, and usable power below 3500 RPM.

Now that is out of the way, lets talk about how it works.......

If you don't have anything purchased yet, here is what you need to get FROM HP TUNERS, NOT ME, as explained in that other forum thread:

-MPVI4 ($400)
-Dodge 2018+ Smart Access Cable ($80) if you don't already have a bypass
-PCM Unlock Service ($250, not needed if you want transmission only tune)
-HP Tuners Credits
-GPEC2A (older JLs and JTs, side connectors on PCM) - 2 Credits needed for PCM, 4 additional needed for TCM
-GPEC5 (newer models, top connectors on PCM) - 4 credits needed for PCM, 4 additional needed for TCM
-If you are a new GPEC2A customer and buy a new MPVI4 plus 6 credits at the
time of purchase, your unlock service will be FREE!!!!

By purchasing an MPVI4, you will have access to other things like check engine light diagnosis, transmission adaptive reset, rear diff gearing changes, tire size changes, power steering disable, and more as HP Tuners adds more features. Those are the ones currently available in addition to the tuning.

TUNING PACKAGES (Payment Links Below)

You can pay now for your tuning if you'd like, just be sure to send me an email at [email protected] after payment is made so that I can send your tuning guide and mark you as paid.

Trans Only Tune for 8 Speed Auto Owners - $200

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7WYK8NQ6J6G5J

-3.6 AND 2.0 owners
-No PCM unlock needed but you need the access cable.
-Cleaner crisper shifting, reduced shift times, less shift slop
-Less clutch slip = longer lasting trans and better temp management
-Better shift schedule, much easier downshifts, no more engine bogging.
-Included in the full tune package, do not need to purchase separately.
-Can customize shift schedules and shift firmness to your liking.

Automatic Models - Complete Engine and Transmission Tune - $400

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/V2CAFGS6FD3DS

6 Speed Models - Complete Engine Tune - $300

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/4G48PECNZL492

- Will tune for whatever octane you want to run. We start with what is in your tank.
-Second tune for different octane included for FREE
-All octanes will have dramatically improved mid range torque, throttle response, refinement, and drivability.
-All files will be CUSTOM tuned with multiple datalogs and revisions as needed to dial it in.
-Cam timing and VVT operation completely revised.
-Dramatically enhanced throttle response, no more spongy throttle
-Torque management changes to put power to the ground better
-Gains of 30HP/30TQ possible with 93 octane fuel
-Gains of 10 HP/20TQ possible with 87 octane fuel
-All octanes will shift the torque curve and make power much more usable.
-Deeper customization upon request

The full tune is a dramatic night and day difference in your ride. It is what I recommend the most. Please note, I only provide the tune file and I do it all remotely through email, it is on you to buy the MPVI4, Access Cable, and PCM unlocking. Once you have your stuff, I will likely have same day or next day turn around once you supply me with your read.

Attached you will find my .complete tuning guide which will walk you through what you need to get started.

If you would like to donate to BMP Calibrations for continued development, videos, content, or if your just feeling generous, those can be made here:

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7KM73ADCSMHLW

Thanks!

I am guessing this will void my warranty?

 

[bmpcamry09]

I am guessing this will void my warranty?

No. This has been discussed in great detail on the JL thread. Dealer can’t tell. WiTech will not see that parameters were tuned on. Only thing it’ll show it flash count but no tech looks for that for anything. Only thing you might not have under 3/36 warranty is the PCM itself. Everything else will be fine.

 

[AbnMP13]

I used to do this with my 2020 Toyota Tacoma.

IT's a HUGE difference.

(going to do math on total cost of equipment / software /files)

 

[swanson]

Would this help with the power and shifting while towing?

 

[bmpcamry09]

Would this help with the power and shifting while towing?

Yes absolutely

 

[JmattNYC]

Sounds interesting, How safe are these tuns ? Not a computer or software engineer so please in dumb man terms for me lol Also do you have plans to partner up with a big name corp ?

 

[bmpcamry09]

Sounds interesting, How safe are these tuns ? Not a computer or software engineer so please in dumb man terms for me lol Also do you have plans to partner up with a big name corp ?

Completely safe. That’s why I datalog everything and make sure everything is running the way I want before giving a “final” file. In some ways especially on 87 octane tunes they can be safer than factory because factory spark timing is too aggressive for 87 octane.

No current plans to partner up with any other tuners but may partner up with a few aftermarket shops who want to offer a tuning option.

 

[81Mojave]

While I have a Livernois tune, I had to have warranty work on my manual transmission, which in order to have done they wanted to do the clutch update. They cannot do that with my unlocked PCM so I had to buy a second PCM but I do think tuning makes a huge change in this truck.

 

[bmpcamry09]

While I have a Livernois tune, I had to have warranty work on my manual transmission, which in order to have done they wanted to do the clutch update. They cannot do that with my unlocked PCM so I had to buy a second PCM but I do think tuning makes a huge change in this truck.

The guys at livernois know what they are doing, but Jeep is low on their priority list. And last time I checked, they don’t datalog and review your file to make sure your getting the most out of it for your Jeep. Nothing against them as they make big gains on some platforms, they are just a huge operation with a lot of focus on other platforms. Their cost is about the same all in as going the HP Tuners route with me.

No one else out there is tuning these like I am. One on one remote support with complete customization. My customers can literally call or text me with questions anytime and I respond quickly. Sometimes it takes 5-10 datalogs for me to feel comfortable with your finished product.

Here is a datalog picture from a 2021 Gladiator I wrapped up tonight for @zuki_dan

Estimated 299 horsepower at 6400 RPM on regular 87 octane gas. Now this is an inferred calculated number based on aircharge and other variables and not an dyno or crank number, but, it’s an Insane number, that same calculation in the software usually has these around 265-275 on 87 fuel with stock tuning. I see 220-240 HP on these with 87 octane all the time.

But all of my customers will say the same thing, it’s not just about that magic HP gain, it’s more about drivability, shifting the torque curve to the left, and making your Jeep drive the way it should have from the factory.

 

[bmpcamry09]

I used to do this with my 2020 Toyota Tacoma.

IT's a HUGE difference.

(going to do math on total cost of equipment / software /files)

If your a GPEC5 unit (most 2022 and up), plan on $1400 ish all in including my fee if your an automatic and don’t have any of the supplies. If your a GPEC2A and you take advantage of the discount on PCM unlocking mentioned in that tuning guide, your more around $1100 all in.

What I tell guys is it’s the best bang for your buck mod, costing the same as an entry to mid level lift kit, and costing less than a set of tires

 

[JmattNYC]

Thank you and i will look into this with the idea of potentially purchasing, Thank you for your work on this!
Am sure this will pair great with other proformance enhancements like cold air intakes, exhaust, trottler controllers,etc. Get the last juice out of the V6!

Completely safe. That’s why I datalog everything and make sure everything is running the way I want before giving a “final” file. In some ways especially on 87 octane tunes they can be safer than factory because factory spark timing is too aggressive for 87 octane.

No current plans to partner up with any other tuners but may partner up with a few aftermarket shops who want to offer a tuning option.

Sponsored