No need to disconnect battery on Jeep Wrangler

[RedRaider93]

I learned something a few weeks ago on a recent trip, so I thought I'd pass it along to any owners of a 2014 (or newer) Jeep Wrangler. If you turn the ignition key all the way off and remove the key, the steering wheel never locks. Therefore, there's no need to leave the key in the ignition and disconnect the battery. You just do all the other steps from the manual, but skip that one.

At an RV park, a guy with the same model Jeep as me came over and told me that. The owners manual doesn't mention it at all, so I was a little skeptical, but I've tried it now for over 2,000 miles of driving with no problems at all.

It's nice to be able to use the power locks, etc. and save time when hooking up so I thought I'd pass this along. Hope it helps!

[JJT]

Same on my 2012. Think they changed a few years before 2012, but not sure.

[Lt Dan]

My 2012 is the same way. From what I understand, it's 2007 and newer Wranglers that don't have a locking steering wheel. The newer ones use a microchip in the ignition key as a theft deterrent. Our good friends have a 2005 and it does have the locking steering wheel.

[exgman]

My '07 had a locking steering column. They changed that about half way through '08.

[zmotorsports]

Late 2008 and on JK/JKU's do not have the steering wheel lock.

When we were looking I was looking for a 2009-2010 for this reason, ended up with a 2011 that the wife fell in love with the interior on.

Mike.