Jeep Liberty: Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.)

Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle

Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive Models

Recreational towing is allowed ONLY if the rear wheels are OFF the ground. This may be accomplished using a tow dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow this procedure:

1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.

3. Firmly set the parking brake. Place the transmission in PARK.

4. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Remove the ignition key.

6. Install a suitable clamping device, designed for towing, to secure the front wheels in the straight position.

Flat towing (with all four wheels on the ground) is allowed ONLY if the driveshaft is removed. Towing with the rear wheels on the ground while the driveshaft is connected will result in severe transmission damage.

WARNING!
If the driveshaft is removed, the vehicle can roll even if the transmission is in PARK, which could cause serious injury or death.

The parking brake must be firmly engaged and the wheels chocked during driveshaft removal and installation.

The parking brake must remain engaged unless the vehicle is securely and properly connected to the tow vehicle, or the driveshaft is completely reinstalled. See your authorized dealer for proper driveshaft removal and reinstallation procedures, including flange orientation/alignment, use of thread-locking compound, proper bolt torque specifications, etc.

CAUTION!
Towing with the rear wheels on the ground (while the driveshaft is connected) will cause severe transmission damage. Damage from improper towing is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive Models

The transfer case must be shifted into NEUTRAL (N) and the transmission must be placed in PARK for recreational towing. The NEUTRAL (N) selection button is adjacent to the transfer case selector switch. Shifts into and out of transfer case NEUTRAL (N) can take place with the selector switch in any mode position.

CAUTION!
• Front or rear wheel lifts should not be used.

• Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be damaged.

Shifting Into NEUTRAL (N)

WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the NEUTRAL (N) position without first fully engaging the parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N) position disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move, even if the transmission is in PARK. The parking brake should always be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.

Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for recreational towing.

CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL (N) before recreational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop and shift the transmission to PARK.

2. Turn OFF the ignition.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position, but do not start the engine.

4. Press and hold the brake pedal.

5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.

6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object, press and hold the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL (N) button (located above the selector switch) for four seconds, until the light behind the NEUTRAL (N) symbol starts to blink, indicating shift in progress. The light will stop blinking (stay on solid) when the shift to NEUTRAL (N) is complete.

Neutral Switch

7. After the shift is completed and the NEUTRAL light comes on, release the NEUTRAL (N) button.

8. Start the engine.

9. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.

10. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.

11. Turn OFF the engine.

12. Firmly apply the parking brake.

13. Shift the transmission into PARK and remove the ignition key.

CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the transmission is shifted into PARK with the transfer case in NEUTRAL (N) and the engine running. With the transfer case in NEUTRAL (N) ensure that the engine is off prior to shifting the transmission into PARK.

14. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.

15. Release the parking brake.

NOTE:
• Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met prior to pressing the NEUTRAL (N) button, and must continue to be met until the four seconds elapse and the shift has been completed. If any of these requirements are not met prior to pressing the NEUTRAL (N) button or are no longer met during the four second timer, then the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will flash continuously until all requirements are met or until the NEUTRAL (N) button is released.

• The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN position for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the ignition switch is not in the ON/RUN position, the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.

• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have not been met.

Shifting Out Of NEUTRAL (N)

Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for normal usage.

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leaving it connected to the tow vehicle.

2. Firmly apply the parking brake.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position, but do not start the engine.

4. Press and hold the brake pedal.

5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.

6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object, press and hold the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL (N) button (located above the selector switch) for one second.

Neutral Switch

7. After the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light turns off, release the NEUTRAL (N) button.

8. After the NEUTRAL (N) button has been released, the transfer case will shift to the position indicated by the selector switch.

NOTE: When shifting out of transfer case NEUTRAL (N), turning the engine OFF may be required to avoid gear clash.

9. Shift the transmission into PARK.

10. Release the brake pedal.

11. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.

12. Start the engine.

13. Press and hold the brake pedal.

14. Release the parking brake.

15. Shift the transmission into DRIVE, release the brake pedal, and check that the vehicle operates normally.

NOTE:
• Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met prior to pressing the NEUTRAL (N) button, and must continue to be met until the shift has been completed.

If any of these requirements are not met prior to pressing the NEUTRAL (N) button or are no longer met during the shift, the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will flash continuously until all requirements are met or until the NEUTRAL (N) button is released.

• The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN position for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the ignition switch is not in the ON/RUN position, the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.

• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have not been met.

Trailer Towing

Hazard Warning Flashers