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Open Roads Forum > Dinghy Towing

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zmotorsports

Utah

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Posted: 02/03/12 06:00am

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MPond wrote:

rk911 wrote:

our 2003 TJ *does* have a steering wheel lock but it also has an unlocked/off position for the key. so we tow with a dummy key to unlock the wheel but we don't need to pull fuses or the battery cable as nothing comes on when the key is turned to unlocked/off. other model years may be similar.

I believe Mike (zmotorsports) wsa referring to JK Wrangerlers (2007-present). The TJ and LJ (97-06) are different - they have a steering wheel lock, but there is an additional key position where the wheel is unlocked but the accessories are not powered on. The JKs that have a wheel lock don't have that key position.

This is correct. Sorry, I should have been more specific but he was asking about a late model JK. The JK models DO NOT have an unlock only position. The unlock or first position is also the ACC(accessory) position.

Older models of Jeeps such as the TJ, YJ, WJ and ZJ all have the three positions in which the first is an 'unlock' and does not power anything.

Mike.

2003 Monaco Dynasty/ 26' Haulmark Edge trailer
2011 Jeep Unlimited Rubicon

lostdog

Jacksonville, FL

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Posted: 02/03/12 09:39am

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We toad a '10 Wrangler. Hook up to tow bar, connect lighting connection, put auto transmission in park, put transfer case in neutral, pull the key and put it in my pocket. No key, no fuse, no fuss. A great vehicle for a toad!

Chuck n Terri
2011 Georgetown 378TS in FireMist
2010 Wrangler Toad
Rica, the old cat
Max E. Dog, the puppy dog
Kirby, the old dog, passed but not forgotten

ttt1953

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Posted: 02/03/12 08:03pm

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Talked to the service manager and the Jeep 800 customer hotline. All they can do is quote the owners manual.
I feel confident towing it with the key in my pocket.
Thanks for all the help.

Tom & Carol
ToBi our Chocolate Lab
2008 Monaco Monarch 30SFS
2008 Colorado CC 4X4 Toad

rk911

Wheaton IL

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Posted: 02/03/12 08:13pm

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ttt1953 wrote:

Talked to the service manager and the Jeep 800 customer hotline. All they can do is quote the owners manual.
I feel confident towing it with the key in my pocket.
Thanks for all the help.

and until the manual is updated that's the only answer you're gonna get from jeep. i suspect we'd find fingerprints from jeep's legal dept. all over the lack of an updated manual.

73,
rich, n9dko
www.bananaboatbytes.com
I know a guy who's addicted to brake fulid. He says he can stop anytime.
_________________________________

2000 Itasca Suncruiser 35U
'46 Willys CJ2A
'03 Jeep Wrangler TJ
'10 Jeep Liberty KK

MPond

Thousand Oaks, CA

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Posted: 02/04/12 11:17am

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rk911 wrote:

ttt1953 wrote:

Talked to the service manager and the Jeep 800 customer hotline. All they can do is quote the owners manual.
I feel confident towing it with the key in my pocket.
Thanks for all the help.

and until the manual is updated that's the only answer you're gonna get from jeep. i suspect we'd find fingerprints from jeep's legal dept. all over the lack of an updated manual.

If you look here: http://www.jeep.com/en/owners/manuals/ and you look up 2012 Jeep Wrangler, there are 3 manuals you can download:

Owner's Manual
Supplement
User Guide

The Owner's Manual still has the same outdated instructions, but the User Guide has been updated - it no longer includes the instructions about leavomg the keys in the ignition or disconnecting the battery - see page 80 & 81.

2003 Country Coach Intrigue, Cummins ISL 400
Toad: 2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (LJ) toad, with just a few mods...

Other rig: 2005 Chevy Silverado 3500 Duramax Dually / Next Level 38CK Fifth-wheel Toy Hauler w/ quads, sand rail, etc...

MPond

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Posted: 02/04/12 11:20am

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Here's an excerpt from the User Guide:

Recreational Towing – Four-Wheel Drive Models
NOTE: The transfer case must be shifted into NEUTRAL (N), automatic
transmission must be shifted into PARK, and manual transmission must be placed in gear (NOT in NEUTRAL) for recreational towing.

Shifting Into NEUTRAL (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for recreational towing.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Turn OFF the engine.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
4. Shift the automatic transmission into NEUTRAL or depress the clutch pedal on a manual transmission.
5. Shift the transfer case lever into NEUTRAL (N).
6. Start the engine.
7. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
8. Release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal on manual transmissions) for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 with automatic transmission in DRIVE or manual transmission in first gear.
10. Turn OFF the engine.
11. Firmly apply the parking brake.
12. Shift the transmission into PARK or place manual transmission in gear (NOT in Neutral).
13. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.
14. Release the parking brake.

Oregon Ms

Oregon

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Posted: 02/04/12 11:32am

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I have an 09 JK (later model) that has no steering wheel lock. FINALLY, someone at the dealership gave me an explaination for when and why the steering wheel lock went away. He said government regulations require some kind of anti-thief device. When (in mid 09?) they went to the computerized key in the JK they were no longer obligated to put in a steering wheel lock.

ttt1953

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Posted: 02/04/12 12:48pm

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Excellent information. Thanks for the support and guidance!!

DanLefoot

San Diego

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Posted: 02/06/12 08:52am

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MPond wrote:

Thanks.
Glad to see they finally updated the Users Guide.
I bought a 2012 a month ago and it still had the instructions to place the key in the acc. position and disconnect the battery.
Dan