2023 JEEP GLADIATOR tow bar

STARTING AND OPERATING197
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.
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 Ú page 195.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)

The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight
of all cargo, consumables and equipment
(permanent or temporary) loaded in or on the trailer
in its "loaded 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 Úpage 195.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The TW 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.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) — If Equipped
The TSC 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 swaying 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 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 manufacturer's directions, 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
crosswinds and contributes positively to tow
vehicle and trailer stability. Trailer sway control and
WARNING!
If the gross trailer weight is 2,000 lb (907 kg) or
more, it is recommended to use a weight-
distributing hitch to ensure stable handling of
your vehicle. If you use a standard weight-
carrying hitch, you could lose control of your
vehicle and cause a collision.
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.
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206STARTING AND OPERATING
Shifting Into N (Neutral)
Use the following procedure to prepare your
vehicle for recreational towing.

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on level
ground.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the automatic transmission into NEUTRAL or press the clutch pedal on a
manual transmission. 4. Turn the engine off.
5. Shift the transfer case lever into N (Neutral).
6. Start the engine.
7. Shift the transmission into DRIVE or 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 the engine off.
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.Automatic transmissions must be placed in
PARK for recreational towing.
Manual transmissions must be placed in gear
(not in Neutral) for recreational towing.
Before recreational towing, perform the proce -
dure outlined under “Shifting Into N (Neutral)”
to be certain that the transfer case is fully in N
(Neutral). Otherwise, internal damage will
result.
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe 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.
CAUTION!
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed 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 roll, even if the automatic
transmission is in PARK (or manual transmission
is in gear). The parking brake should always be
applied when the driver is not in the vehicle.
CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain
that the transfer case is fully in N (Neutral)
before recreational towing to prevent damage to
internal parts.CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the
transmission is shifted into PARK with the
transfer case in N (Neutral) and the engine
running. With the transfer case in N (Neutral)
ensure that the engine is OFF before shifting the
transmission into PARK.

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324SAFETY
Locating The LATCH Anchorages
The lower anchorages are round bars
that are found at the rear of the seat
cushion where it meets the seatback,
adjacent to the anchorage symbols on
the seatback. They are just visible when you lean
into the rear seat to install the child restraint. You
will easily feel them if you run your finger along the
gap between the seatback and seat cushion.

LATCH Anchorages

Locating The Upper Tether Anchorages
There are tether strap anchorages
located behind each of the rear seats.
Tether Strap Anchorages

LATCH-compatible child restraint systems will be
equipped with a rigid bar or a flexible strap on each
side. Each will have a hook or connector to attach
to the lower anchorage and a way to tighten the
connection to the anchorage. Forward-facing child
restraints and some rear-facing child restraints will
also be equipped with a tether strap. The tether
strap will have a hook at the end to attach to the
top tether anchorage and a way to tighten the strap
after it is attached to the anchorage.
Center Seat LATCH
Do not install child restraints with rigid lower
attachments in the center seating position. Only
install this type of child restraint in the outboard
seating positions. Child restraints with flexible,
webbing mounted lower attachments can be
installed in any rear seating position. Always follow the directions of the child restraint
manufacturer when installing your child restraint.
Not all child restraint systems will be installed as
described here.
To Install A LATCH-Compatible Child
Restraint
If the selected seating position has a Switchable
Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) seat belt, stow
the seat belt, following the instructions below.
Ú
page 325 to check what type of seat belt each
seating position has.

1. Loosen the adjusters on the lower straps and on the tether strap of the child seat so that
you can more easily attach the hooks or
connectors to the vehicle anchorages.

WARNING!
Never use the same lower anchorage to attach
more than one child restraint. If you are
installing LATCH-compatible child restraints next
to each other, you must use the seat belt for the
center position. You can then use either the
LATCH anchors or the vehicle’s seat belt for
installing child seats in the outboard positions.
Please Ú page 324 for typical installation
instructions.

23_JT_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 324

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY351
Proper towing or lifting equipment is required to
prevent damage to your vehicle. Use only tow bars
and other equipment designed for this 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 fascia/bumpers or associated
brackets. State and local laws regarding 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, instructions
on shifting the automatic transmission out of
PARK (P) in order to move the vehicle Úpage 348.
FOUR–WHEEL DRIVE MODELS
FCA LLC US recommends towing with all wheels
OFF the ground. Acceptable methods are to tow
the vehicle on a flatbed or with one end of the
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 (N)
and the transmission is in PARK (P) (for automatic
transmissions) or in gear ( NOT in NEUTRAL , for
manual transmissions) Ú page 205.
WITHOUT THE KEY FOB
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is
towed with the ignition in the OFF position. The only
approved method of towing without the key fob is
with a flatbed truck. Proper towing equipment is
necessary to prevent damage to the vehicle.
EMERGENCY TOW HOOKS —
I
F EQUIPPED
If your vehicle is equipped with tow hooks, they are
mounted in the front and the rear fascia/bumpers.

Front Tow Hooks

NOTE:Depending on vehicle trim level, rear tow hooks
may vary.
CAUTION!
Do not use sling type equipment when towing.
Vehicle damage may occur.
When securing the vehicle to a flatbed truck,
do not attach to front or rear suspension
components. Damage to your vehicle may
result from improper towing.
CAUTION!
Front or rear wheel lifts must not be used (if
the remaining wheels are on the ground).
Internal damage to the transmission or
transfer case will occur if a front or rear wheel
lift is used when towing.
Towing this vehicle in violation of the
approved requirements can cause severe
transmission and/or transfer case damage.
Damage from improper towing is not covered
under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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390SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
F74 ––Spare*
F75 ––Spare*
F76 –20 Amp Yellow ECM (GAS)/PCM (DSL)
F77 –10 Amp Red Heated Mirrors
F78 ––Spare*
F79 –20 Amp Yellow SMART BAR CTRL MOD
F80 –15 Amp Blue Powertrain Control Module (PCM)/Solenoid 1 2 Block Shift
F81 30 Amp Pink –REAR DEFROSTER (EBL)
F82 30 Amp Pink –FUEL HTR*
F83 60 Amp Yellow –GLOW PLUG*
F84 30 Amp Pink –UREA HTR CTRL UNIT*
F85 –10 Amp Red PM SENSOR*
F86 ––Spare*
F87 –10 Amp Red SUPPLY/PURGING PMP*
F88 20 Amp Blue –NOx SENSOR #1/#2*
F89 –10 Amp RedSteering Column Control Module (SCCM)/Cruise Control
(CRUISE CTL)/Digital TV (DTV)/Airbag Disable Lamp
F90 20 Amp Blue –TRAILER TOW PARK LMP*
F91 –20 Amp Yellow Horn
F92 40 Amp Green –HD ACCY #2*
Cavity Cartridge Fuse Micro Fuse Description

* If Equipped

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