2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE tow bar

To move the crossbars, loosen the attachments, located at
the upper edge of each crossbar, approximately eight
turns using the anti-theft wrench provided with the
MOPARcrossbars. Then, move the crossbar to the
desired position, keeping the crossbars parallel to the
rack frame. Once the crossbar is in the desired position,
retighten the with the wrench to lock the crossbar into
position.
NOTE:
•To help control wind noise when the crossbars are not
in use, place the front and rear crossbars approxi-
mately 24 in (61 cm) apart. Optimal noise reduction
can then be achieved by adjusting the front crossbar
forward or aft using increments of 1 in (2.5 cm).
•If the rear crossbar (or any metallic object) is placed
over the satellite radio antenna (if equipped), you may
experience interruption of satellite radio reception. For
improved satellite radio reception, avoid placing the
rear crossbar over the satellite radio antenna.
•The grab handles on the back of the vehicle (if
equipped) are not to be used as a towing feature.
CAUTION!
•To prevent damage to the roof of your vehicle, do
not carry any loads on the roof rack without the
crossbars installed. The load should be secured
and placed on top of the crossbars, not directly on
the roof. If it is necessary to place the load on the
roof, place a blanket or some other protection
between the load and the roof surface.
(Continued)
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 277

Trailer Tongue Weight (TW)
The TW is the downward force exerted on the hitch ball
by the trailer. In most cases it should not be less than 10%
or more than 15% of the trailer load. You must consider
this as part of the load on your vehicle.
Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied by the
maximum width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control can be a mechanical telescoping
link that can be installed between the hitch receiver and
the trailer tongue that typically provides adjustable fric-
tion associated with the telescoping motion to dampen
any unwanted trailer swaying motions while traveling.
If equipped, the electronic Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
recognizes a swaying trailer and automatically applies
individual wheel brakes and/or reduces engine power to
attempt to eliminate the trailer sway.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer tongue
weight, just as if it were luggage located at a hitch ball or
some other connecting point of the vehicle. These kind of
hitches are the most popular on the market today and
they are commonly used to tow small- and medium-
sized trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing hitch system works by applying
leverage through spring (load) bars. They are typically
used for heavier loads, to distribute trailer tongue weight
to the tow vehicle’s front axle and the trailer axle(s).
When used in accordance with the manufacturers’ direc-
tions, it provides for a more level ride, offering more
consistent steering and brake control, thereby enhancing
towing safety. The addition of a friction/hydraulic sway
control also dampens sway caused by traffic and cross-
winds, and contributes positively to tow vehicle and5
STARTING AND OPERATING 525

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Failure to follow these procedures can cause se-
vere transmission and/or transfer case damage.
Damage from improper towing is not covered
under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
•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 drive-
shafts 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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 541

8. After the shift is completed and the NEUTRAL (N)
light stays on, release the NEUTRAL (N) button.
9. Start the engine.
10. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.11. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure
that there is no vehicle movement.
12. Turn OFF the engine.
13. Firmly apply the parking brake.
14. Shift the transmission into PARK and remove the key
fob.
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the trans-
mission 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.
15. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable
tow bar.
16. Release the parking brake.
NEUTRAL (N) Switch
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 543

Towing Condition Wheels OFFthe Ground 2WD Models
4WD Models
Flat Tow NONEIf transmission is operable:
•Transmission in
NEUTRAL
•30 mph (48 km/h)max speed
•15 miles (24 km) maxdistance See instructions in “Recreational Tow-
ing” under “Starting and Operating”
•Transmission in
PARK
•Transfer Case in NEUTRAL
•To w i nforward direction
Wheel Lift or Dolly To w Front
NOT ALLOWED
Rear OK NOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALL BEST METHOD BEST METHOD
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 equip-
ment 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.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 567