Tow jeep

[LisaBush]

So we got a new jeep, we'll new to us. 2007 Jeep Rubicon, 4wd, automatic. Do I tow in p or n after I but trany in n? Our last Jeep was a manual trans so I'm not sure about auto.


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[Superchief]

Here is the dingy towing guide for 2007. Don't see that model listed.



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[NV245]

Put transfer case in neutral, auto trans in Park, this keeps the automatic transmission from rotating without the engine running the transmission pump for lubrication.


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[Gottawonder]

You can find your model year owner's manual here: Jeep Owners | Download an Owners Manual 2004 - 2011 | Jeep

It describes the procedure.

[Cornelius]

The Rubicon is a version of the Wrangler (or if a 4 door, Wrangler Unlimited) model. Follow the instructions posted above. Since your Jeep was made before mid 2012, you will need to have a key in the ignition so the steering is unlocked when towing.

If your Jeep has an anti-theft chip key, have a cheap non-chip key made for this purpose. That way the steering can be unlocked, but without a chip the engine will not run more than a few seconds preventing theft.

[LisaBush]

Thx. I love using this site, I always get my questions answered! And I don't feel silly asking them!


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[LisaBush]

Do I need to disconnect battery?


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[boowho]

Originally Posted by LisaBush

Do I need to disconnect battery?


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Don't know on the Jeep, but my Ford Fiesta requires that the battery be disconnected. I always figured it might be because the power steering is electric.

Boowho??

[Campin Cajun]

You do not need to disconnect the battery on a Wrangler.


2013 Berkshire 390 BH

[LisaBush]

So my next question is, we pulled it from Tx to Colorado, first thing I did wrong was I turned the key one too many clicks, killed my battery, not my biggest issue tho, now my engine light is on. Any ideas why? Manual says as long as it is not flashing to not worry to much?


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[NV245]

Disconnect battery, walk away for 1/2 hour, reconnect and see if fault returns. Autozone used to read faults for free, could be trans battery disconnected fault. As vehicle battery goes below 9 volts, controllers have no idea what they are doing, especially with key on, so multiple faults can be set, and without complete battery disconnect, these faults will be put into memory until erased. So try battery disconnect for 1/2 hour to allow for capacitors to fully discharge.


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[John McClain]

Ok leaving your auto transmission in park or in N does not effect if the transmission spins or not, The transfer case keeps the transmission from turning . I leave my jeep in park so when my wife jumps in she just has to pull the transfer case back into gear so it wont roll . It's also help to make sure your transfer case is indeed in N . start your jeep up and put the T-case in N now put your auto. transmission in gear R or D if the jeep did not try to move your T-case in N. Turn the engine off 1st back click with the key put the trans in park , Turn the key back till the steering wheel locks up than forward one click the steering wheel should now be unlocked and you should not be abele to turn on the radio. I flat tow my jeep every year to Moab Ut. and the Rubicon trail and have hauled in N and in park . If you PM me I will show you an easy way to wire up your tail lights with no chance back feed to the jeeps electrical system

[Campin Cajun]

My Wrangler steering wheel do not lock. Yours shouldn't either Lisa. After putting the transfer case in N and transmission in P you can take the key out. No need to leave the key in the ignition.


2013 Berkshire 390 BH

[John McClain]

My stearing wheel does lock and being the president of my local jeep club. I sent out a shout on are forums and had about 10 replies so far and all their jeeps steering wheels all lock up to. what year is your jeep ?

[Cornelius]

A correction to my earlier post: It was mid-2008 that Jeep discontinued the steering wheel lock on the Wrangler. If your Wrangler build date was before that, you need a key in the ignition to keep the steering unlocked when towing. The best advice is to follow the owner's manual instructions for your model and year.

[Campin Cajun]

Mine is a 2009 Sahara, no steering lock. I also read that '08 was the year no steering wheel lock was reinstated by Jeep. Sorry Lisa, I just read you have an '07.


2013 Berkshire 390 BH

[LisaBush]

Thx for all the help. I disconnected the battery for about 30 mins and the light went off.


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[LisaBush]

Oh, the Jeep is a 2007, it does lock without the key


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[chesterhull]

My 2007 did have the steering wheel lock. I finally took a little time to remove it (it wasn't that hard...just followed a video on YouTube), and it was SOOOO nice not to have to leave the key in to tow!
It seems like a small thing on paper, but it really made a big difference to me!
If you're DIY inclined, you can make that mod to your jeep.


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[Phil57]

You can take your jeep to any dealer and they will remove the lock from the steering wheel. It takes a couple of minutes and is worth the little cost.