2009 JEEP WRANGLER Recreational Towing

▫Base System ........................ 353
▫ General Information .................. 356
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 356
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 357
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 357
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 358
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 358
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 359
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 359
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 360
 Adding Fuel ......................... 361
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 361
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 363
Vehicle Loading ...................... 363
▫ Certification Label ................... 363
 Trailer Towing ........................ 365
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 366
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 368
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..................... 369
▫ Trailer And Trailer Tongue Weight ........ 375
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 376
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 381
 Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 382
▫ Towing – Two-Wheel Drive Models ....... 382
▫ Towing – Four-Wheel Drive Models ....... 383
276 STARTING AND OPERATING

REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Use only
after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL
This range is used when vehicle is standing for pro-
longed periods with engine running. Engine may be
started in this range. Set the parking brake if you must
leave the vehicle.
NOTE:Towing, coasting, or driving the vehicle for any
other reason with the shift lever in NEUTRAL can result
in severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in Section 5 and “Towing a Disabled Vehicle” in
Section 6 of this manual. OVERDRIVE
This range is used for most city and highway driving.
The transmission contains an electronically-controlled
fourth gear Overdrive, and will automatically shift from
DRIVE to OVERDRIVE if the following conditions are
present:
•The shift lever is in DRIVE.
•The O/D OFF switch has not been activated.
•Vehicle speed is above approximately 30 mph
(48 km/h).
When frequent transmission shifting occurs while using
Overdrive, such as when operating the vehicle under
heavy load conditions (for example, in hilly terrain,
strong head winds, or trailer towing), turning off over-
drive will improve performance and extend transmission
life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 289

4H Position
This range locks the front and rear driveshafts together,
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. This range (4H) provides additional traction for
loose, slippery road surfaces and should not be used on
wet or dry pavement.
The “4WD Indicator Light” (located in the instrument
cluster) will illuminate when the transfer case is shifted
into the 4H position.
N (Neutral) Position
This range disengages the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain. It is to be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in Sec-
tion 5 of this manual.
4L Position
This range locks the front and rear driveshafts together,
forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the samespeed. This range (4L) provides additional traction and
maximum pulling power for loose, slippery road surfaces
only. Do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
The “4WD Indicator Light” (located in the instrument
cluster) will illuminate when the transfer case is shifted
into the 4L position.
Shifting Procedure
2H to 4H or 4H to 2H
Shifting between 2H and 4H can be made with the
vehicle stopped or in motion. If the vehicle is in motion,
shifts can be made up to 50 mph (80 km/h). With the
vehicle in motion, the transfer case will engage/
disengage faster if you momentarily release the accelera-
tor pedal after completing the shift. Apply a constant
force when shifting the transfer case lever.
294 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•An improperly adjusted weight-distributing hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking
performance, and could result in an accident.
•Weight-Distributing Hitch Systems may not be
compatible with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult
with your hitch and trailer manufacturer or a
reputable Recreational Vehicle dealer for addi-
tional information.
Trailer Hitch Classification
The following chart provides the industry standard for
the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can
tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the
correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.
Refer to the Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) chart for the Max. GTW towable for your
given drivetrain.
Trailer Hitch Classification DefinitionsClass Max. Trailer Hitch Industry Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium
Duty 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Class IV - Extra
Heavy Duty 10,000 lbs (4 540 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum
Trailer Weight Ratings)” chart for the Maximum
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given
drivetrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on
your vehicle.
368 STARTING AND OPERATING

Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped

Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
CAUTION!
Front or rear wheel lifts should not be used. Internal
damage to the transmission or transfer case will occur
if a front or rear wheel lift is used when recreational
towing.
Towing – Two-Wheel Drive Models
Recreational towing is allowed ONLY if the rear drive-
shaft is removed. See your authorized dealer or refer to
the Service Manual. Towing with the rear wheels on the
ground while the driveshaft is connected can result in
severe transmission damage.
382 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing – Four-Wheel Drive Models
NOTE:The transfer case must be shifted into N (Neu-
tral), 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)
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N
(Neutral) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case N (Neutral) 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 N (Neutral) before recre-
ational towing to prevent damage to internal parts.
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Press the brake pedal.
3. Shift the automatic transmission into NEUTRAL or
press the clutch pedal on a manual transmission.
4. Shift the transfer case lever into N (Neutral).
5. Start the engine.
6. Shift the automatic transmission into DRIVE or the
manual transmission into gear.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 383

Oil Pressure Light....................... 201
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............402,403
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 6
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 82
Overheating, Engine ................... 205,388
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........6,477
Paint Care ............................. 428
Paint Damage .......................... 428
Panic Alarm ............................ 21
Parking Brake .......................... 315
Passing Light ........................... 96
Pets .................................. 73
Phone, Cellular .......................... 82
Phone, Hands-Free (uconnect) ............... 82
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 339
Polishing and Waxing ..................... 429
Power Door Locks ........................... 32 Steering
.......................... 313,314
Windows ............................. 35
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 48
Preparation for Jacking .................... 390
Pretensioners Seat Belts ............................ 46
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 346
Radio Operation ........................ 263
Radio, Satellite (uconnect studios)........... 258
Rear Axle (Differential) .................... 427
Rear Swing Gate ......................... 37
Rear Window Defroster ................... 193
Rear Window Features .................... 192
Rear Wiper/Washer ...................... 192
Rearview Mirrors ........................ 81
Recorder, Event Data ...................... 59
Recreational Towing ...................... 382
Shifting into Transfer Case Neutral (N) ....... 383
492 INDEX

Inflation Pressures..................... 343
Jacking ........................... 389,392
Load Capacity ..................... 338,339
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ........... 351
Pressure Warning Light .................. 206
Quality Grading ....................... 479
Radial .............................. 346
Replacement ......................... 348
Rotation ............................ 350
Safety .............................. 333
Sizes ............................... 335
Spare Tire ........................... 390
Spinning ............................ 346
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 347
To Open Hood .......................... 93
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 375
Torque Converter Clutch .................. 291
Tow Hooks, Emergency ................... 396
Towing ............................ 365,397Disabled Vehicle
....................... 397
Guide .............................. 369
Recreational .......................... 382
Weight .............................. 369
Trac-Lok Rear Axle ...................... 295
Traction Control ......................... 319
Traction Control Light .................... 211
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ................. 332
Trailer Towing .......................... 365
Cooling System Tips .................... 382
Hitches .......................... 356,368
Minimum Requirements ................. 376
Trailer and Tongue Weight ............... 375
Wiring .............................. 380
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 369
Trailer Weight .......................... 369
Transfer Case ........................... 426
Four-Wheel-Drive Operation .............. 291
Maintenance ......................... 426
496 INDEX