2017 JEEP WRANGLER trailer

When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as when
operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, in
hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or while
towing a heavy trailer), use the AutoStick shift control
(refer to “AutoStick” in this section for further information)
to select a lower gear. Under these conditions, using a
lower gear will improve performance and extend transmis-
sion life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for ab-
normal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission remains
in the current gear until the vehicle is brought to a stop.
After the vehicle has stopped, the transmission will remain
in second gear regardless of which forward gear is selected.
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to operate.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated.
Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle to be driven to an
authorized dealer for service without damaging the trans-
mission.In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition to the LOCK/OFF position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no
longer detected, the transmission will return to normal
operation.
NOTE: Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your earliest
possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has diagnos-
tic equipment to determine if the problem could recur. If
the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer service
is required.6
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Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically con-
trolled Overdrive (fifth gear). The transmission will auto-
matically shift into Overdrive if the following conditions
are present:
•The gear selector is in the DRIVE position.
• Vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
• The driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
Autostick
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission feature pro-
viding manual shift control, giving you more control of the
vehicle. AutoStick allows you to maximize engine braking,
eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and im-
prove overall vehicle performance.
This system can also provide you with more control during
passing, city driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain
driving, trailer towing, and many other situations.
Operation
When the gear selector is in the DRIVE position, the
transmission will operate automatically, shifting between
the five available gears. To engage AutoStick, simply tap
the gear selector to the right or left (+/-) while in the DRIVE position. Tapping (-) to enter AutoStick mode will
downshift the transmission to the next lower gear, while
using (+) to enter AutoStick mode will retain the current
gear. When AutoStick is active, the current transmission
gear is displayed in the instrument cluster.
In AutoStick mode, the transmission will shift up or down
when (+/-) is manually selected by the driver, unless an
engine lugging or overspeed condition would result. It will
remain in the selected gear until another upshift or down-
shift is chosen, except as described below.
•
The transmission will automatically upshift when nec-
essary to prevent engine over-speed.
• Heavily pressing the accelerator pedal will generate an
automatic downshift (for improved acceleration) when
reasonable.
• The transmission will automatically downshift as the
vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging) and will
display the current gear.
• The transmission will automatically downshift to first
gear when coming to a stop. After a stop, the driver
should manually upshift (+) the transmission as the
vehicle is accelerated.
300 STARTING AND OPERATING

Loading
The actual total weight and the weight of the front and rear
of your vehicle at the ground can best be determined by
weighing it when it is loaded and ready for operation.
The entire vehicle should first be weighed on a commercial
scale to insure that the GVWR has not been exceeded. The
weight on the front and rear of the vehicle should then be
determined separately to be sure that the load is properly
distributed over the front and rear axle. Weighing the
vehicle may show that the GAWR of either the front or rear
axles has been exceeded but the total load is within the
specified GVWR. If so, weight must be shifted from front to
rear or rear to front as appropriate until the specified
weight limitations are met. Store the heavier items down
low and be sure that the weight is distributed equally. Stow
all loose items securely before driving.
Improper weight distributions can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
CAUTION!
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR
or the maximum front and rear GAWR. If you do, parts
on your vehicle can break, or it can change the way
your vehicle handles. This could cause you to lose
control. Also overloading can shorten the life of your
vehicle.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information on
limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do with
your vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully review this
information to tow your load as efficiently and safely as
possible.
To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage,
follow the requirements and recommendations in this
manual concerning vehicles used for trailer towing.
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 315

Common Towing Definitions
The following trailer towing related definitions will assist
you in understanding the following information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, cargo and tongue weight.
The total load must be limited so that you do not exceed
the GVWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certification
Label” in “Starting And Operating” for further informa-
tion.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all
cargo, consumables and equipment (permanent or tempo-
rary) loaded in or on the trailer in itsloaded and ready for
operation condition.
The recommended way to measure GTW is to put your
fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight of
the trailer must be supported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
and trailer when weighed in combination.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear
axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles
evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or
rear GAWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certifica-
tion Label” in “Starting And Operating” for further infor-
mation.
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the maximum
front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition
can result if either rating is exceeded.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer. 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.
316 STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer Sway Control – If Equipped
The trailer sway control is a telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver and the trailer tongue.
It typically provides adjustable friction associated with the
telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted trailer sway-
ing motions while traveling.
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 kinds 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 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 manufacturer’s directions, it provides
for a more level ride, offering more consistent steering and
brake control thereby enhancing towing safety. The addi-
tion of a friction/hydraulic sway control also dampens
sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and contributespositively to tow vehicle and trailer stability. Trailer sway
control and a weight distributing (load equalizing) hitch
are recommended for heavier Tongue Weights (TW) and
may be required depending on vehicle and trailer
configuration/loading to comply with Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) requirements.
WARNING!
•
An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing Hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking per-
formance, and could result in a collision.
• Weight Distributing Systems may not be compatible
with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult with your hitch
and trailer manufacturer or a reputable Recreational
Vehicle dealer for additional information.6
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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.
Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions
Class 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 (2 267 kg)
Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty 10,000 lbs (4 535 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.
318 STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
Engine/
Transmission Axle
Model GCWR
(Gross Com- bined Wt.Rating) Frontal Area
Max. GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.6L/Manual 3.21 Two–Door Sport Model(4WD) 6,900 lbs (3
130 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32
sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.6L/Manual 3.73 Two–Door Sport Model(4WD) 8,400 lbs (3
810 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32
sq m) 3,500 lbs (1
587 kg) 350 lbs
(158 kg)
3.6L/
Automatic 3.21 Two–Door
Sport Model(4WD) 6,900 lbs (3
130 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32
sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.6L/
Automatic 3.73 Two–Door
Sport Model(4WD) 8,400 lbs (3
810 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32
sq m) 3,500 lbs (1
587 kg) 350 lbs
(158 kg)
3.6L/Manual 3.21 Two–Door Sahara Model(4WD) 7,000 lbs (3
175 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32
sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.6L/Manual 3.73 Two–Door Sahara Model(4WD) 8,500 lbs (3
856 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32
sq m) 3,500 lbs (1
587 kg) 350 lbs
(158 kg)
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 319

Engine/
Transmission Axle
Model GCWR
(Gross Com- bined Wt.Rating) Frontal Area
Max. GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Trailer
Tongue Wt. (See Note)
3.6L/
Automatic 3.21 Two–Door
Sahara Model(4WD) 7,000 lbs (3
175 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32
sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
3.6L/
Automatic 3.73 Two–Door
Sahara Model(4WD) 8,500 lbs (3
856 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32
sq m) 3,500 lbs (1
587 kg) 350 lbs
(158 kg)
3.6L/Manual 4.10 Two–Door Rubicon
Model (4WD) 8,600 lbs (3
900 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32
sq m) 3,500 lbs (1
587 kg) 350 lbs
(158 kg)
3.6L/
Automatic 3.73 Two–Door
Rubicon
Model (4WD) 8,600 lbs (3
900 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32
sq m) 3,500 lbs (1
587 kg) 350 lbs
(158 kg)
3.6L/
Automatic 4.10 Two–Door
Rubicon
Model (4WD) 8,600 lbs (3
900 kg) 25 sq ft (2.32
sq m) 3,500 lbs (1
587 kg) 350 lbs
(158 kg)
3.6L/Manual 3.21 Four–Door Sport Model(4WD) 7,400 lbs (3
357 kg) 32 sq ft (2.97
sq m) 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) 200 lbs (91 kg)
320 STARTING AND OPERATING