2019 Jeep Cherokee Doesn’t Need Flat Tow Wiring Harness

[LarryinID]

...despite the manual saying it does.

A poster in another thread posted a case (#S1823000031, dated 5/22/18) saying so. Still need 4wd and Active Drive II for flat towing.

My dealer wasn’t aware and installed it for me (for free). I checked and they said I can just not use it...don’t install fuse or flip switch.

Maybe in a couple more years they’ll update the manual.

[BobGed]

This thread with all the pertinent information already exists. http://www.irv2.com/forums/f85/updat...ml#post4243680

Do we really need another one?

[LarryinID]

Originally Posted by BobGed

This thread with all the pertinent information already exists. http://www.irv2.com/forums/f85/updat...ml#post4243680

Do we really need another one?

I noted that. Thanks for posting a link. While it has some unrelated nonsense some may find it complementary.

If you don’t need a thread you are welcome to ignore. Your worthless post helps no one.

My main point is that it isn’t limited to the Latitude sub model. Too bad you can’t understand that. And also if your clueless dealer installs it there shouldn’t be a problem. Guess you didn’t comprehend that either.

[LarryinID]

Originally Posted by LarryinID

...despite the manual saying it does.

A poster in another thread posted a case (#S1823000031, dated 5/22/18) saying so. Still need 4wd and Active Drive II for flat towing.

My dealer wasn’t aware and installed it for me (for free). I checked and they said I can just not use it...don’t install fuse or flip switch.

Maybe in a couple more years they’ll update the manual.

I rechecked the manual and suspect there is a problem. It tells you to turn the key off and remove the fob for towing. The kit instructions have you install a fuse and flip a switch to power the electronic steering for towing. Unless they installed a mechanical damper I suspect you’ll need to keep the “ key” in ACC position to tow safely.

Anyone seen anything on that?

[LarryinID]

Originally Posted by LarryinID

I rechecked the manual and suspect there is a problem. It tells you to turn the key off and remove the fob for towing. The kit instructions have you install a fuse and flip a switch to power the electronic steering for towing. Unless they installed a mechanical damper I suspect you’ll need to keep the “ key” in ACC position to tow safely.

Anyone seen anything on that?

Update on this for those who might not follow the other threads. The bottom line is that I believe I can ignore the flat tow wiring kit and leave the ignition “off” when towing. So I don’t need to wire up power to the battery. The 2019 Trailhawk has a cigarette lighter plug active with the key off to power my brake buddy.

Although the paper manual they give you, titled “User Guide”, still says you need the flat tow kit and says to charge the battery when towing, the online “Owners Manual” deletes those entries from the flat towing table. Both manuals end up the hook procedure by putting the ignition switch in the “off” position. The online Owners Manual is about twice as thick as the User Guide.

This leads me to suspect that the fix added a mechanical damper, as in the wrangler, vs. keeping the electric steering active, as the wiring kit did.

[LarryinID]

Originally Posted by LarryinID

Update on this for those who might not follow the other threads. The bottom line is that I believe I can ignore the flat tow wiring kit and leave the ignition “off” when towing. So I don’t need to wire up power to the battery. The 2019 Trailhawk has a cigarette lighter plug active with the key off to power my brake buddy.

Although the paper manual they give you, titled “User Guide”, still says you need the flat tow kit and says to charge the battery when towing, the online “Owners Manual” deletes those entries from the flat towing table. Both manuals end up the hook procedure by putting the ignition switch in the “off” position. The online Owners Manual is about twice as thick as the User Guide.

This leads me to suspect that the fix added a mechanical damper, as in the wrangler, vs. keeping the electric steering active, as the wiring kit did.

One last update: the electronic manual in the uconnect computer in the Trailhawk has the old flat tow table, telling you to install the flat tow wiring harness and charge the battery when towing.

[rpasetto]

There's a simple test that some who tow the older cherokees do. With engine off test the 'feel' of the steering wheel when turniong it; it should be tight with no power assist operating. Then, activate the EPS, either using the harness like we did with older models, or putting the AD2 into the neutral position. Either way, after waiting 15 or so seconds, the power steer assist should be evident.

I am sure many Cherokee owners will want to know the results of this test.

[LarryinID]

Originally Posted by rpasetto

There's a simple test that some who tow the older cherokees do. With engine off test the 'feel' of the steering wheel when turniong it; it should be tight with no power assist operating. Then, activate the EPS, either using the harness like we did with older models, or putting the AD2 into the neutral position. Either way, after waiting 15 or so seconds, the power steer assist should be evident.

I am sure many Cherokee owners will want to know the results of this test.

I suspect the system mod they made for 2019s doesn’t keep the EPS active. The procedure in the online Owners Manual tells you to turn the vehicle off and remove the fob after putting the transfer case in neutral for towing.

I suspect they’ve added mechanical damping to the steering system. Perhaps like the sysyem they use in the Wrangler.

[rpasetto]

Originally Posted by LarryinID

I suspect the system mod they made for 2019s doesn’t keep the EPS active. The procedure in the online Owners Manual tells you to turn the vehicle off and remove the fob after putting the transfer case in neutral for towing.

I suspect they’ve added mechanical damping to the steering system. Perhaps like the sysyem they use in the Wrangler.

I believe that the Wrangler EPS is electric-over-hydraulic. If that is the change it should be quite easy to determine by a look under the hood.

If there is some mechanical damping added to the EPS system that'd be great; many were hoping that would have been the initial solution. Again, visual inspection/comparison should evidence that.

[LarryinID]

Originally Posted by rpasetto

I believe that the Wrangler EPS is electric-over-hydraulic. If that is the change it should be quite easy to determine by a look under the hood.

If there is some mechanical damping added to the EPS system that'd be great; many were hoping that would have been the initial solution. Again, visual inspection/comparison should evidence that.

Good thought. Should be easy...but not. Engine compartment jam packed from top. Plate beneath engine prevents looking up.

[rpasetto]

Originally Posted by LarryinID

Good thought. Should be easy...but not. Engine compartment jam packed from top. Plate beneath engine prevents looking up.

If the PS system is electric-hydraulic there should be an electric PS pump somewhere and something in the OM about PS fluid.

I recall when the 2018's came out there were some who were told that the "wobble fix" was not needed anymore... same earlier for the 2017's. It was easy for sales to say that... just find an old TSB from the prior year.

I recommend caution, based on past performance.

[LarryinID]

Jeep replied confirming kit not needed on 2019.

Found online updated User Guide that also deletes the kit requirement and battery charging note.

[whalepirot]

Originally Posted by LarryinID

Jeep replied confirming kit not needed on 2019.

Jeep CS had no clue, but Star Case #S1823000031 says 2019 Cherokess do NOT need it (from Dave in parts, at Victory Chrysler, in Kansas City).


Both Corwyn Jeep in Springfield, MO and Tuttle-Click Jeep in Irvine, CA had absolutley no idea what I was askin about.


Frankly, Wrangler info is a hijack of this thread and a further wast eof the hours it's taken to wrest a simple answer from clueless Jeep sources.