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Old 10-03-2024, 11:52 PM   #1
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Jeep Cherokee Toad issue

I recently purchased a 2016 Jeep Cherokee to use as a toad. I am in the process of installing the kit sold by Jeep to prevent it from having the death wobble while being towed. I have some concerns about the function and hopefully some people who have that kit on the Cherokee's or know about the kit can give me some guidance.

When I turn the kit switch on and install the fuse, the power steering is working, steering wheel turns the tires easily. All good so far. When I turn the kit switch off and pull the fuse the steering wheel still easily, the power steering is still on. If I start the engine and then turn the engine off after I have turned off the kit switch off and pulled the fuse the power steering is no longer on.

I am afraid if I stop for the night, turn the kit switch off and pull the fuse the power steering is going to drain my battery as the power steering is still on. I don't know, maybe the power steering only draws power when the steering wheel is moving, but it would seem to me the power steering would be drawing power any time it is turned on

Is the function I have described normal or do I have a issue? If I do have a problem, do you think it is installation problem or an operator problem? I installed the kit.

The vehicle is new to me so I don't know the in & outs of it, but something that seems odd to me is the way the dash lights don't go out. The instructions that came with the kit say to wait until the dash lights go out before turning on the kit switch and installing the fuse. If I turn the engine off and stay in the drivers seat the dash lights stay on. I have to get out of the seat before the dash lights will go out. I have been getting out of the seat opening and shutting the door after I get out of the seat, so I don't really know if it is sitting out of the seat or opening and closing the door that allows the dash lights to go out.

I am have plans to leave on a trip in 4 days towing the vehicle, so I would really appreciate any advice or recommendations anyone has.

Please feel free to send me an email if you have any suggestions.

Thanks,

Byron
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Old 10-04-2024, 09:10 AM   #2
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There are a number of threads on the Cherokee "death wobble" already here. Search for it to get in-depth knowledge. Basically, you are correct that you will need a charging line from your MH to the Jeep. The Cherokee is known for being hard on batteries as well. You still might have to install a larger battery in the Jeep or fire it up every 3-4 hours just to keep the battery charged. There are also discussion about towing and batteries specific to the Cherokee at JeepCherokeeClub.com.

As for the overhead lights, I am pretty sure that it is tied to the door opening and closing.

That all said, the Cherokee is one of the most fun, comfortable and versatile tow vehicles available. Two weeks ago, we used ours to cruise museums, then went tarantula hunting on the back dirt roads, then 4-wheeling in Colorado.

I do carry a car battery charger when camping just in case, but I haven't needed it since I upgraded the Cherokee to a bigger battery.
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Old 10-04-2024, 03:11 PM   #3
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My 2015 Cherokee Trailhawk has a fuse under the hood and a switch in the console box for the Death Wobble fix. I can’t imagine how pulling the fuse and turning off the switch at night could drain the battery. Reconnecting in the AM should merely activate the system. Battery drain could come from staying attached to the coach at night. I just went through some drama with a dead dead battery after towing three days in a row. I had to have Jeep towed to Jeep dealer for a flash reboot of power control module (The transfer case would not shift from N to D, hence the tow). My lesson is to never let Jeep battery go dead. Typically we tow and unhook every day and use the Jeep to go somewhere. No battery issues. 3 days towing with no unhooking created a big problem. In the future I will run the Jeep for 15 minutes or so every day and disconnect everything at night to keep the battery safe if I am continuously towing for a few days….
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Old 10-04-2024, 03:26 PM   #4
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I put a small solar panel on tke dash and plug it into the power outlet/cigarette lighter socket. Battery drain problem solved. Like $50 on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Porta...835581001&th=1
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Old 10-04-2024, 07:41 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by letsride4 View Post

When I turn the kit switch on and install the fuse, the power steering is working, steering wheel turns the tires easily. All good so far. When I turn the kit switch off and pull the fuse the steering wheel still easily, the power steering is still on. If I start the engine and then turn the engine off after I have turned off the kit switch off and pulled the fuse the power steering is no longer on.

I am afraid if I stop for the night, turn the kit switch off and pull the fuse the power steering is going to drain my battery as the power steering is still on. I don't know, maybe the power steering only draws power when the steering wheel is moving, but it would seem to me the power steering would be drawing power any time it is turned on

Is the function I have described normal or do I have an issue?

Byron
I also installed the kit on my 2015 Cherokee (sold in 2018) and the steering stayed powered up for about 10 minutes as I recalled. Others at the time reported the same behavior so I don’t think you have to worry about depleting the battery after pulling the fuse. However, I did add a charge line to keep the battery charged during towing to replace the energy used by the electric steering. Recommend checking for steering assist function after 10 to 15 minutes after pulling the fuse to verify it deengerized.
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Old 10-05-2024, 10:04 AM   #6
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Thanks to all that replied - Especially to Jim as you addressed my specific concern.

I did a little test last night, turning the anti death wobble kit off and checking it every five minutes to see if the power steering was still on. Some time between my 5 minute check and 10 minute check the system shut down. Exactly as Jim described, so I guess my installation is functioning properly.

Thanks to all -
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