2022 Jeep Gladiator Owners Manual - Gladiator Tops

Gladiator Tops

For your convenience, a tool kit is provided with your vehicle located in the center console. This kit includes the necessary tools required for the operations described in the following sections. All pieces fit into the ratchet for easy use.

Note:

The soft top and the hard top are to be used independently. Your vehicle warranty will not cover damage resulting from both tops being installed at the same time.

Provided Tools

If your vehicle is equipped with a Dual Top, the soft top system will be provided in a separate box located in the bed of the vehicle for shipping purposes only.

LOWERING THE SOFT TOP

Lowering The Soft Top ¹Use this QR code to access your digital experience.

WARNING:

• Do not drive the vehicle with the rear window up/removed unless the quarter windows are also removed. Dangerous exhaust gases could enter the vehicle causing harm to the driver and passengers.

• The fabric quarter windows and fabric top are designed only for protection against the elements. Do not rely on them to contain occupants within the vehicle or to protect against injury during an accident. Remember, always wear seat belts.

• Make sure hands and fingers are clear of all pinch points when installing and removing the soft top. The lift assist mechanism and side bows may cause serious injury if fingers or hands get caught in between.

CAUTION:

The soft top is not designed to carry any additional loads such as roof racks, spare tires, building, hunting or camping supplies, and/or luggage, etc. Also, it was not designed as a structural member of the vehicle and, thus, cannot properly carry any additional loads other than environmental (rain, snow, etc.).

If the temperature is below 72°F (24°C) and/or the top has been folded down for a period of time, the top will appear to have shrunk when you raise it, making it difficult to put up. This is caused by a natural contraction of the vinyl or acrylic materials of the fabric top.

Place the vehicle in a warm area. Pull steadily on the top fabric. The vinyl will stretch back to its original size and the top can then be installed. If the temperature is 41°F (5°C) or below, do not attempt to put the top down or roll the rear or side curtains.

CAUTION:

• Do not run a fabric top through an automatic car wash. Window scratches and wax buildup may result.

• Do not lower the top when the temperature is below 41°F (5°C). Damage to the top may result.

• Do not move your vehicle until the top has been either fully attached to the windshield frame, or fully lowered.

• Follow the proper steps for cleaning and caring for your vehicle’s fabric top .

• Do not use any tools (screwdrivers, etc.) to pry or force any of the clamps, clips, or retainers securing the soft top. Do not force or pry the soft top framework when opening or closing. Damage to the top may result.

Failure to follow these cautions may cause interior water damage, stains, or mildew on the top material:

• It is recommended that the top be free of water prior to opening it. Operating the top, opening a door or lowering a window while the top is wet may allow water to drip into the vehicle's interior.

• Careless handling and storage of the soft top may damage the seals, causing water to leak into the vehicle's interior.

• The soft top must be positioned properly to ensure sealing. Improper installation can cause water to leak into the vehicle's interior.

Side View Top And Components

Rear Window View And Components

Lowering The Soft Top Into The Sunrider® Position:

Lowering The Soft Top ¹Use this QR code to access your digital experience.

1. Fold both sun visors forward against the windshield.

2. Release the header latches from the crossbar by pulling the handle downward. Make sure the hook is fully disengaged from its receiver.

   

   Step Two

3. From both the left and right sides, lift up on the #1 Bow of the soft top to begin the operation. It is recommended to utilize two people for this procedure.

   

   Step Three

4. Move to the side of the vehicle and use the side link to fold the soft top rearward.

   

   Step Four

5. Secure the top in this position by using the two hook-and-loop fasteners provided in the center console.

   

   Step Five

Note:

The vehicle can be driven in the Sunrider® Position with the rear window and quarter panel cover assemblies fully installed or completely removed.

CAUTION:

Quarter panel cover assemblies and rear window must be either all in or all out.

REMOVING THE REAR WINDOW AND QUARTER PANEL COVER ASSEMBLIES

Note:

Both quarter panel cover assemblies and the rear window must ALL be removed together, or installed together.

1. Start by removing the rear window first. Use the two straps located on the bottom of each side of the rear window to remove the right and left vertical retainers, as well as the lower center retainer.

   

   Step One (Right Side Shown)

   

   Step One

2. While keeping the rear window level, slide it outward in either direction until it is completely separate from its retainer. Do not pull downward while removing the rear window. Damage to the retainer could result. Store the rear window in the soft top rear window storage bag (if equipped), or in a safe location .

   

   Step Two

3. After removing the rear window, remove the quarter panel cover assemblies starting with either side. Disengage the quarter panel cover assembly from the bottom by pulling the fabric at the bottom upward.

4. With two hands, grab the front of the quarter panel cover assembly and pull outward to disengage it from its retainer on the door frame.

   

   Step Four

5. Pull the quarter panel cover assembly up and out from the bottom, then pull it down and away from the vehicle to remove.

   

   Step Five

6. Repeat this procedure for the other quarter panel cover assembly. Store the assemblies in the soft top rear window storage bag (if equipped), or a safe location.

SOFT TOP REAR WINDOW STORAGE BAG — IF EQUIPPED

To safely store the soft top rear window, proceed as follows:

1. With the bag opened completely, fold the fabric divider downward and lay the rear window in the bottom of the bag.

   

   Step One

2. Fold the divider upward, covering the rear window.

   

   Step Two

3. Lay the first quarter panel cover assembly all the way to the right side and the second quarter panel cover assembly on the left side. Secure both using the two hook-and-loop fastener straps on each side.

   Note:

   The quarter panel cover assemblies are marked “1” and “2” on the inside of the panel assembly.

   

   Step Three

   1 — Left Quarter Panel Cover Assembly

   2 — Right Quarter Panel Cover Assembly

4. Close the storage bag and store in a safe location.

   

   Step Four

RAISING THE SOFT TOP

Raising The Soft Top ¹Use this QR code to access your digital experience.

1. From the Sunrider® Position, remove straps if previously secured.

   

   Step One

   CAUTION:

   Failure to follow the next steps could result in damage to the soft top or vehicle.

2. Using the side link, lift and push the soft top toward the front of the vehicle, manually guiding the top into the closed position.

   

   Step Two

   

   Step Two

3. From inside the vehicle, pull the handle on the header latch downward to engage the hook into its receiver.

   

   Step Three

4. Pull the handle back upward while squeezing the hook, locking the latch into place.

   

   Step Four

5. Repeat steps three and four on the other side.

INSTALLING THE REAR WINDOW AND QUARTER PANEL COVER ASSEMBLIES

Note:

Both quarter panel cover assemblies and the rear window must ALL be removed together, or installed together.

If the rear window and quarter panel cover assemblies were previously removed, proceed as follows to install:

1. Guide the top of the quarter panel cover assembly up into the retainer.

   

   Step One

   CAUTION:

   Failure to follow all quarter panel cover assembly and rear window install steps could result in damage to the Soft Top or vehicle.

2. Engage the plastic retainers on the front of the cover assembly (toward the front of the vehicle) starting at the top, and working downward.

   

   Step Two

   Note:

   It is critical that the retainers are fully engaged before the vehicle resumes motion.

3. Secure the hook-and-loop fastener at the upper front corner of each quarter panel cover assembly by pressing firmly.

   

   Step Three

4. From either side, guide the rear window into the retainer while keeping the window level.

   

   Step Four

5. Engage the retainer along the bottom of the rear window beginning on the left side of the vehicle and working toward the center. Then, move to the right side of the vehicle and continue from the center, working to the right until the rear window is secured in the lower retainer.

   

   Step Five

6. Engage the vertical retainers up the right and left side of the rear window.

   

   Step Six

7. Tuck the rear window under the soft top fabric and press firmly.

   

   Step Seven

8. Engage the rear window retainers in the lower right and left corners.

CAUTION:

Quarter panel cover assemblies and rear window must be either all in or all out.

REMOVING THE SOFT TOP

Removing The Soft Top ¹Use this QR code to access your digital experience.

1. Fully lower the soft top to the Sunrider® position .

   CAUTION:

   Failure to follow the next steps could result in damage to the soft top or vehicle.

2. Using the provided #T50 Torx head driver and ratchet, unscrew the two Torx head fasteners on the inside of each top mechanism.

   

   Step Two

3. Utilizing two people, lift the soft top up and away from the vehicle, careful to avoid the vehicle’s sport bar and trim. Store the soft top in a safe, clean, and dry location.

4. Remove the door frames. The rear door frames must be removed before the front door frames .

5. Using the provided #T50 Torx head driver and ratchet, unscrew the six Torx head fasteners on both rear corners and the back of the cab, then remove the belt rail.

   Note:

   Folding down the rear seats is recommended to provide easier access to the fasteners.

6. 

   Step Five

   1 — Rear Fasteners

   2 — Corner Fasteners

INSTALLING THE SOFT TOP

Note:

If installing the soft top immediately after removing the hard top, ensure the wire harness is stored properly, and not tucked under the belt rail .

1. Install the belt rail on the rear of the vehicle. Secure the belt rail using the six fasteners with the provided #T50 Torx head driver and ratchet. Refer to the following table for recommended torque specifications.

   Torque Specification For Torx Fastener	Maximum	Minimum
   119.5 in-lb (13.5 N·m)	150.5 in-lb (17.0 N·m)	106.2 in-lb (12.0 N·m)

   CAUTION:

   Do not overtighten Torx fasteners. Damage to the retainers will occur.

   

   Step One

   1 — Rear Fasteners

   2 — Corner Fasteners

2. Install the door frames. Start with both front doors, followed by both rear doors. Apply the appropriate torque specifications for the door frame Torx head fasteners .

   CAUTION:

   Failure to follow the next steps could result in damage to the soft top or vehicle.

3. Unsnap and remove the storage bag. This bag should be discarded. It was intended as a protective cover for shipping only.

4. Ensure the top is secured with the provided hook-and-loop fasteners, then lift the soft top onto the rear of the cab. Line up the locator pins (one on each side of the soft top) with the rear door frames.

   

   Step Four

5. Using the provided #T50 Torx head driver and ratchet, install and tighten the Torx fasteners by turning them clockwise. Secure them until they are snug, being careful not to cross-thread the fasteners or overtighten. Refer to the following table for recommended torque specifications. Repeat on the opposite side.

   

   Step Five

   Torque Specification For Torx Fasteners	Maximum	Minimum
   119.5 in-lb (13.5 N·m)	150.5 in-lb (17.0 N·m)	106.2 in-lb (12.0 N·m)

   CAUTION:

   Do not overtighten Torx fasteners. You can strip the fasteners if they are overtightened.

   

   Step Five

6. Before driving the vehicle with the top in the Sunrider® position, ensure the top is secured with the provided hook-and-loop fasteners .

   

   Step Six

HARD TOP FRONT PANEL(S) REMOVAL

Hard Top Front Panel(s) Removal ¹Use this QR code to access your digital experience.

CAUTION:

• The hard top is not designed to carry any additional loads, such as after-market roof racks, spare tires, building materials, hunting or camping supplies, etc. .

• Do not move your vehicle until the top has been either fully attached to the front header, sport bar, and body, or fully removed.

Failure to follow these cautions may cause interior water damage, stains or mildew:

• It is recommended that the top be free of water prior to panel removal. Removing the top, opening a door, or lowering a window while the top is wet may allow water to drip into the vehicle’s interior.

• The hard top assembly must be positioned properly to ensure sealing. Improper installation can cause water to leak into the vehicle’s interior.

• Careless handling and storage of the removable roof panels may damage the seals, causing water to leak into the vehicle’s interior.

• The front panel(s) must be positioned properly to ensure sealing. Improper installation can cause water to leak into the vehicle’s interior.

Hard Top Components

Note:

The left side panel must be removed before removing the right side panel.

1. Fold down the sun visor against the windshield.

2. Turn the three L-shaped locks on the left side panel (one at the front, the rear, and outside), unlocking them from the roof.

   

   Step Two

   1 — Rear Panel Lock

   2 — Front Panel Lock

   3 — Outside Panel Lock

3. Unlatch the left side header panel latch located at the top of the windshield.

   

   Step Three

   1 — Header Panel Latched

   2 — Header Panel Unlatched

4. Remove the left side panel.

5. Repeat the previous steps to remove the right side panel.

HARD TOP PANEL(S) STORAGE BAG — IF EQUIPPED

The Freedom Top panels storage bag allows you to store your hard top panels. The storage bag contains two compartments.

Lay the bag for the panels down so the loops and hooks are facing upward. Unzip the bag and fold back the outer flap.

Note:

• Ensure the front panel latch is closed prior to inserting the panel into the panels bag.

• There is a pouch located on the front of the bag to store the provided hard top edge protectors that are used when the hard top is not installed on the vehicle.

1. Insert the left side hard top panel into the bag with the latches facing upward.

2. Unfold the black panel divider (ensure the divider is lying flat).

3. Insert the right side Freedom Top panel into the bag with the latches facing downward.

   Note:

   Ensure the front panel latch is closed prior to inserting the panel into the bag.

4. Unfold the outer flap and zip the hard top bag closed.

   

   Step Four

5. Store the Freedom Top panels bag in a safe location.

HARD TOP FRONT PANEL(S) INSTALLATION

1. Set the right side panel on the windshield frame with the locating pin in the front receiver mounting hole, followed by the left side panel, making sure there is no overhang. Make sure that the panels are sitting flush with the body.

2. Secure the panel(s) using the same steps for removal in reverse order.

Note:

To prevent water leaks, the seals and hard top panels should be clear of any dust and debris prior to reinstallation.

REMOVING THE HARD TOP

Removing The Hard Top ¹Use this QR code to access your digital experience.

1. Remove both front panels .

2. Open both front doors.

3. Using the provided #50 Torx head driver and ratchet, remove the two Torx head screws that secure the hard top at the B-pillar (near the top of the front doors).

   

   Step Three

4. If equipped, remove the lower interior soft trim panel (attached by the hook-and-loop fastener) by pulling the panel away from the trim.

   

   Step Four

5. Remove the Torx head fasteners that secure the hard top to the vehicle: two along the interior body side, rearward of the back doors, followed by the four fasteners along the back of the vehicle cab using the #T50 Torx head driver.

   

   Step Five

   1 — Body side Torx Head Fasteners

   2 — Vehicle Cab Torx Head Fasteners

6. Locate the wire harness on the left rear inside corner of the vehicle. To access the harness, remove the plastic cover by pushing the cover to the side, and sliding it off.

   Note:

   Do not force open; this will break the plastic cover.

   

   Step Six

7. To release the wire harness, pull back on the red latch (1), then push down on the black button (2) while pulling the harness out.

   

   Step Seven

   1 — Red Latch

   2 — Black Button

8. Remove the hard top from the vehicle. Install the provided edge protectors along the bottom edges of the hard top, and place the hard top on a soft surface to prevent damage.

   CAUTION:

   The removal of the Hard Top requires four adults located on each corner. Failure to follow this caution could damage the Hard Top.

9. Store the wire harness by removing the storage cover on the quarter trim. Use the mechanical key blade to pry the cover open.

   

   Step Nine

10. Tuck the wire harness inside the storage compartment, and replace the cover.

    

    Step Ten

CAUTION:

• The front panel(s) must be positioned properly to ensure sealing. Improper installation can cause water to leak into the vehicle's interior.

• The hard top assembly must be positioned properly to ensure sealing. Improper installation can cause water to leak into the vehicle's interior.

• The hard top is not designed to carry any additional loads, such as after-market roof racks, spare tires, building materials, hunting or camping supplies, etc. .

• Do not move your vehicle until the top has been either fully attached to the windshield frame and body, or fully removed.

• The removal of the hard top requires four adults located on each corner. Failure to follow this caution could damage the hard top.

INSTALLING THE HARD TOP

If the door frames are installed from soft top usage, they must be removed prior to installation of the hard top .

To install the hard top, place the hard top on the vehicle while making sure that the top is sitting flush with the body at the sides and across the back. Then follow the removal steps in reverse order.

Note:

• Inspect the hard top seals for damage and replace if necessary.

• Install the hard top using the same steps for removal in reverse order.

  When reinstalling the interior soft trim panel:

  • Be sure the panel is centered so that there is an even gap on both sides.

  • Apply pressure over the hook-and-loop fasteners to ensure they are properly secured.

The Torx head fasteners that attach the hard top to the body should be torqued to 155 in-lb +/- 22 in-lb (17.5 N·m +/- 2.5 N·m) using the provided #T50 Torx head driver and ratchet.

CAUTION:

Do not overtighten Torx fasteners. Damage to the retainers will occur.

SUNRIDER® FOR HARD TOP — IF EQUIPPED

WARNING:

Do not open or close the Sunrider® top while driving. Operating the top while driving could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Failure to follow this warning may result in serious injury or death.

The Sunrider® soft top can be used in place of the Hard Top Freedom Panels for quick and easy opening of the area above the driver and front passenger seats.

Sunrider® For Hard Top

To install the Sunrider® soft top, proceed as follows:

1. Remove both front Hard Top Freedom panels .

2. With the help of a second person, set the Sunrider® top onto the top of the vehicle making sure to align the holes at the front and rear of the side rails.

   

   Lower Sunrider® Onto The Vehicle

3. Swing the front frame bracket around the side of the rail, and insert the door rail attachment bolt (provided bolt without spacer) from underneath. Tighten with a #40 Torx head driver until snug.

   

   Attach Front Door Rail Bolt

4. Insert the rear door rail attachment bolt (provided bolt with spacer) from underneath. Tighten with #40 Torx head driver until snug.

   

   Attach Rear Door Rail Bolt

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 on the other side of the vehicle.

   Note:

   The recommended torque specification for the front and rear door rail attachment bolts is 8.8 ft-lb (12 N·m).

6. Attach the rear clamp at the rear center of the Sunrider® top using the two provided rear clamp attachment bolts. Tighten with #40 Torx head driver until snug.

   

   Rear Clamp Location

   Note:

   The recommended torque specification for the rear clamp attachment bolts is 3.7 ft-lb (5 N·m).

7. From inside the vehicle, lift and pull the Sunrider® top forward using the integrated handle on the front header of the top. Manually guide the top into the closed position.

   

   Push Sunrider® Top Forward

8. From inside the vehicle, pull the handle on the header latch downward to engage the hook into its receiver. Pull the handle back upward while squeezing the hook, locking the latch into place. Repeat on the other side.

   

   Engage Both Header Latches

To Open The Sunrider® Top

To open the Sunrider® top, proceed as follows:

1. Fold both sun visors forward against the windshield.

2. Release the header latches from the crossbar by pulling the handle downward. Make sure the hook is disengaged from its receiver.

   

   Release Both Header Latches

3. From the front of the Sunrider® top, lift and push the top rearward to the Sunrider® position.

   

   Sunrider® Position

4. Secure the top by using the two hook-and-loop fasteners provided with the Sunrider® kit, and wrap one around the side rails on each side of the Sunrider® top to hold it in place.

   

   Hook-And-Loop Fastener Placement