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triplewide · 02-20-2016, 07:05 AM

I have just completed the set up to tow my 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Reading the instructions in the Jeep handbook are not clear to me.

When you tow is the transmission in Drive?

Attached is a PDF of the book. I will type here also to make it easier.

To place in tow mode:

1.Depress brake pedal
2. Shift trans into neutral To be able to shift trans, ignition Key must be in in unlocked OFF position.
3. Shift transfer case to neutral
4. Start engine
5. Shift trans to Drive
6. Release brake, check for vehicle movement
7. Shut the engine off, place key in unlocked OFF position

Following the above, when you are ready to tow :
Trans will be in Drive
Transfer will be in neutral
Key will be in UNLOCKED OFF position

To return to normal drive mode:

1. Shift trans to neutral
2. Shift transfer case to desired position
3. Shift transmission into Drive

Jeep tow instructions.pdf

wildtoad · 02-20-2016, 07:23 AM

Reading the PDFs, you left off steps 8-11!

FlyingDiver · 02-20-2016, 08:06 AM

Yeah, you missed the steps in the right column. Transmission should be in Park, transfer case in neutral. Key is probably still in because that year has a steering wheel lock.

sailwing2003 · 02-20-2016, 08:30 AM

As already posted, yes your main gear selector is going to be in Park.

I am careful to do all my selections with the engine running.
Then I do as the instruction say. After selecting the N on the transfer case, then dropping the other gear selector into D. When the Jeep does not move, I twist the key to shut off the engine. Then go to Park.

If you are in D, the key will only go to the safe to tow position, since the transmission in not in Park, yet. If you put it into Park, then you can accidentially get the key into the steering column locking position.

You of course want to be sure to check that all wheels are rolling and the fronts are free steering as you get going. I also fasten a bright white washcloth on the steering wheel with a clothes pin, and can see that moving in the rear camera

triplewide · 02-22-2016, 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingDiver

Yeah, you missed the steps in the right column. Transmission should be in Park, transfer case in neutral. Key is probably still in because that year has a steering wheel lock.

After reading your posts do I feel stupid!
That's not exactly accurate, I felt stupid before reading them also.

Thanks for the help

triplewide · 02-22-2016, 02:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailwing2003

As already posted, yes your main gear selector is going to be in Park.

I am careful to do all my selections with the engine running.
Then I do as the instruction say. After selecting the N on the transfer case, then dropping the other gear selector into D. When the Jeep does not move, I twist the key to shut off the engine. Then go to Park.

If you are in D, the key will only go to the safe to tow position, since the transmission in not in Park, yet. If you put it into Park, then you can accidentially get the key into the steering column locking position.

You of course want to be sure to check that all wheels are rolling and the fronts are free steering as you get going. I also fasten a bright white washcloth on the steering wheel with a clothes pin, and can see that moving in the rear camera

Thanks for the feedback and the good tip on the steering wheel flag.