Jeep Liberty: Towing A Disabled Vehicle

This section describes procedures for towing a disabled vehicle using a commercial wrecker service. If the transmission and drivetrain are operable, disabled vehicles may also be towed as described under “Recreational Towing” in the “Starting And Operating” section.

Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to prevent damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars and other equipment designed for the purpose, following equipment manufacturer’s instructions. Use of safety chains is mandatory. Attach a tow bar or other towing device to main structural members of the vehicle, not to bumpers or associated brackets. State and local laws applying to vehicles under tow must be observed.

If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.) while being towed, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN position, not the ACC position.

If the vehicle’s battery is discharged, refer to “Shift Lever Override” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for instructions on shifting the automatic transmission out of the PARK position for towing.

CAUTION!
• Do not attempt to use sling type equipment when towing. When securing the vehicle to a flat bed truck, do not attach to front or rear suspension components. Damage to your vehicle may result from improper towing.

• If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the ignition must be in the ON/RUN or ACC position, not in the LOCK/OFF position.

Towing Without The Ignition Key Fob

Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed with the ignition in the LOCK/OFF position. The only approved method of towing without the ignition key is with a flatbed truck. Proper towing equipment is necessary to prevent damage to the vehicle.

Two-Wheel Drive Models

The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle with all four wheels OFF the ground using a flatbed.

If flatbed equipment is not available, and the transmission is operable, the vehicle may be towed (with rear wheels on the ground) with the transmission in NEUTRAL.

Speed must not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h) and the distance must not exceed 15 miles (24 km).

CAUTION!
Towing faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or farther than 15 miles (24 km) with rear wheels on the ground can cause severe damage to the transmission. Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

If the transmission is not operable, or the vehicle must be towed faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or farther than 15 miles (24 km), tow with the rear wheels OFF the ground (on a flatbed, or with the rear wheels raised using a wheel lift or towing dolly), or remove the driveshaft.

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.

Four-Wheel Drive Models

The manufacturer recommends towing with all wheels OFF the ground. Acceptable methods are to tow the vehicle on a flatbed or with one end of vehicle raised and the opposite end on a towing dolly.

If flatbed equipment is not available, and the transfer case is operable, the vehicle may be towed (in the forward direction, with ALL wheels on the ground), IF the transfer case is in NEUTRAL and the transmission is in PARK. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And Operating” for detailed instructions.

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

• Failure to follow these towing methods can cause severe damage to the transmission and/or transfer case. Such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Jump-Starting Procedures

Engine Compartment — 3.7L