Jeep Cherokee

 Owners Manual

Starting and operating » Recreational towing (behind motorhome, etc.)
Recreational Towing - 4X4 Models With 2-Speed Power Transfer Unit

The power transfer unit must be shifted into NEUTRAL (N) and the transmission must be in PARK for recreational towing. The NEUTRAL (N) selection button is adjacent to the 4WD selector switch. Shifts into and out of NEUTRAL (N) can take place with the selector switch in any mode position.

CAUTION!

• DO NOT dolly tow any 4x4 vehicle. Towing with only one set of wheels on the ground (front or rear) will cause severe transmission and/or power transfer unit damage. Tow with all four wheels either ON the ground, or OFF the ground (using a vehicle trailer).
• Tow only in a forward direction. Towing this vehicle backwards can cause severe damage to the power transfer unit.
• The transmission must be in PARK for recreational towing.
• Before recreational towing, perform the procedure outlined under "Shifting into NEUTRAL (N)" to be certain that the power transfer unit is fully in NEUTRAL (N). Otherwise, internal damage will result.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above requirements can cause severe transmission and/or power transfer unit damage. Damage from improper towing is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Ensure that the Electric Park Brake is released, and remains released, while being towed.
• Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be damaged.

Shifting Into NEUTRAL (N)

WARNING!

You or others could be injured or killed if you leave the vehicle unattended with the power transfer unit in the NEUTRAL (N) position without first fully engaging the parking brake. The NEUTRAL (N) position disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to roll, even if the automatic transmission is in PARK (or manual transmission is in gear). The parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.

Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for recreational towing.

CAUTION!

It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that the power transfer unit is fully in NEUTRAL (N) before recreational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop and shift the transmission to PARK.

2. Turn the engine OFF.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position, but do not start the engine.

4. Press and hold the brake pedal.

5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.

6. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold the recessed NEUTRAL (N) button (located by the selector switch) for four seconds. The light behind the NEUTRAL (N) symbol will blink, indicating shift in progress. The light will stop blinking (stay on solid) when the shift to NEUTRAL (N) is complete.

Neutral Switch

7. After the shift is completed and the NEUTRAL (N) light stays on, release the NEUTRAL (N) button.

8. Start the engine.

9. Release the parking brake.

10. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.

11. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.

12. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.

13. Apply the parking brake.

14. Shift the transmission into PARK, turn the engine OFF, and remove the key fob.

15. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.

16. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position, but do not start the engine.

17. Press and hold the brake pedal.

18. Release the parking brake.

19. Turn the ignition OFF, remove the Key Fob, and release the brake pedal.

NOTE:

• Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met before pushing the NEUTRAL (N) button, and must continue to be met until the shift has been completed.

  If any of these requirements are not met before pushing the NEUTRAL (N) button or are no longer met during the shift, then the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will flash continuously until all requirements are met or until the NEUTRAL (N) button is released.

• The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN position for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the ignition switch is not in the ON/RUN position, the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have not been met.

Shifting Out Of NEUTRAL (N)

Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for normal usage.

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leaving it connected to the tow vehicle.

2. Apply the parking brake.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position, but do not start the engine.

4. Press and hold the brake pedal.

5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.

6. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold the recessed power transfer unit NEUTRAL (N) button (located by the selector switch) for one second.

Neutral Switch

7. When the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light turns off, release the NEUTRAL (N) button.

8. After the NEUTRAL (N) button has been released, the power transfer unit will shift to the position indicated by the selector switch.

NOTE: When shifting the power transfer unit out of NEUTRAL (N), the engine should remain OFF to avoid gear clash.

9. Shift the transmission into PARK.

10. Release the brake pedal.

11. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.

12. Start the engine.

13. Press and hold the brake pedal.

14. Release the parking brake.

15. Shift the transmission into DRIVE, release the brake pedal, and check that the vehicle operates normally.

16. Re-enable the Auto Park Brake feature, if desired.

NOTE:

• Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met before pushing the NEUTRAL (N) button, and must continue to be met until the shift has been completed.

  If any of these requirements are not met before pushing the NEUTRAL (N) button or are no longer met during the shift, the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will flash continuously until all requirements are met or until the NEUTRAL (N) button is released.

• The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN position for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the ignition switch is not in the ON/RUN position, the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have not been met.

Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle

Recreational Towing - Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Models

Recreational Towing - 4X4 Models With 1-Speed Power Transfer Unit

Recreational Towing - 4X4 Models With 2-Speed Power Transfer Unit