towing JEEP CHEROKEE 2016 KL / 5.G Owner's Guide

CAUTION!(Continued)
•Tow only in a forward direction. Towing this ve-
hicle backwards can cause severe damage to the
power transfer unit.
• The transmission must be in PARK for recreational
towing.
• Before recreational towing, perform the procedure
outlined under “Shifting into NEUTRAL (N)” to be
certain that the power transfer unit is fully in
NEUTRAL (N). Otherwise, internal damage will
result.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above re-
quirements can cause severe transmission and/or
power transfer unit damage. Damage from im-
proper towing is not covered under the New Ve-
hicle Limited Warranty.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Ensure that the Electric Park Brake is released, and
remains released, while being towed.
• Do not use a bumper-mounted clamp-on tow bar
on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be
damaged.
608 STARTING AND OPERATING

Shifting Into NEUTRAL (N)
WARNING!
You or others could be injured or killed if you leave
the vehicle unattended with the power transfer unit
in the NEUTRAL (N) position without first fully
engaging the parking brake. The NEUTRAL (N)
position disengages both the front and rear drive-
shafts 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.Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
recreational towing.CAUTION!
It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the power transfer unit is fully in NEUTRAL (N)
before recreational towing to prevent damage to
internal parts.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop and shift the transmission to PARK.
2. Turn the engine OFF.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position, but do not start the engine.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 609

SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE ................651
 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ...........652
▫ Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Models ..........654▫
4x4 Models With 1–Speed Power Transfer
Unit .............................. .655
▫ 4x4 Models With 2–Speed Power Transfer
Unit .............................. .656
616 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or
even failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your vehi-
cle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stop-
ping when you are stuck and do not let anyone near
a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
RECOVERY STRAP — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be included with a recovery strap.
Recovery straps do not act like traditional tow straps,
chains, or winch cables.
WARNING!
Recovery straps should only be used in emergencies to
rescue stranded vehicles. Only use Recovery straps on
vehicles that fit within the recommended GVW of your
recovery strap. Only attach recovery straps to OE
recommended anchor points or emergency towing an-
chor points. Never attach to tow ball or vehicle tie
down point, these are not designed for this purpose.
Never attach to vehicle steering, drive train, or any
other suspension components. NEVER pull a strap
over sharp edges or abrasive surfaces that can damage
the recovery strap. NEVER use a damaged strap, it has
reduced strength. DO NOT attempt to repair straps.
ONLY persons involved in the recovery should be in
either vehicle. No passengers. Anyone inside the ve-
hicles can be struck by strap recoil, causing serious
injury. MOVE bystanders at least 40 feet from the
recovery area when using the recovery strap.
650 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled
vehicle using a commercial towing service. If the trans-
mission and drivetrain are operable, disabled 4x4 ve-
hicles may also be towed as described under “Recre-
ational Towing” in the “Starting And Operating” section.
4X4 MODELS
Towing Condi- tion Wheels OFF
the Ground FWD MODELS 1–SPEED
POWER TRANSFERUNIT 2–SPEED
POWER TRANSFER UNIT
Flat Tow NONE NOT AL-
LOWED NOT ALLOWED See instructions under “Rec-
reational Towing” in “Start-ing And Operating”
•Transmission in PARK
• Power Transfer Unit in
NEUTRAL
• To w i n forward direction
652 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

4X4 MODELS
Towing Condi- tion Wheels OFF
the Ground FWD MODELS 1–SPEED
POWER TRANSFERUNIT 2–SPEED
POWER TRANSFER UNIT
Wheel Lift or
Dolly Tow Rear
NOT AL-
LOWED NOT ALLOWED
NOT ALLOWED
Front OKNOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Flatbed ALLBEST
METHOD OK
BEST METHOD
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 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 regarding
vehicles under tow must be observed. NOTE:
•
You must ensure that the Auto Park Brake feature is
disabled before towing this vehicle, to avoid inadver-
tent Electric Park Brake engagement. The Auto Park
Brake feature is enabled or disabled via the customer
programmable features in the Uconnect Settings.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 653

•Vehicles with a discharged battery or total electrical
failure when the electric parking brake (EPB) is engaged,
will need a wheel dolly or jack to raise the rear wheels
off the ground when moving the vehicle onto a flatbed.
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. Note that the Safehold
feature will engage the Electric Park Brake whenever the
driver’s door is opened (if the ignition is ON, transmis-
sion is not in PARK, and brake pedal is released). If you
are towing this vehicle with the ignition in the ON/RUN
position, you must manually disable the Electric Park
Brake each time the driver’s door is opened, by pressing
the brake pedal and then pushing the EPB switch down.
If the key fob is unavailable, or the vehicle’s battery is
discharged, refer to “Shift Lever Override” in this section
for instructions on shifting the transmission out of PARK
so that the vehicle can be moved.
CAUTION!
• Do not use sling type equipment when towing.
Vehicle damage may occur.
• When securing the vehicle to a flat bed truck, do
not attach to front or rear suspension components.
Damage to your vehicle may result from improper
towing.
• Ensure that the Electric Park Brake is released, and
remains released, while being towed.
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Models
The manufacturer recommends towing your vehicle with
all four wheels OFFthe ground using a flatbed.
If flatbed equipment is not available, this vehicle must
towed with the front wheels OFF the ground (using a
towing dolly, or wheel lift equipment with the front
wheels raised).
654 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Ensure that the Electric Park Brake is released, and
remains released, while being towed.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe transmission damage. Dam-
age from improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
4x4 Models With 1–Speed Power Transfer Unit
The manufacturer requires towing with all four wheels
OFFthe ground.
Acceptable methods are to tow the vehicle on a flatbed,
or with one end of vehicle raised and the opposite end on
a towing dolly.
CAUTION!
• DO NOT tow this vehicle with ANY of its wheels
on the ground. Damage to the drivetrain will result.
• Front or rear wheel lifts must not be used. Internal
damage to the transmission or power transfer unit
will occur if a front or rear wheel lift is used when
towing.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above re-
quirements can cause severe transmission and/or
power transfer unit damage. Damage from im-
proper towing is not covered under the New Ve-
hicle Limited Warranty.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 655

4x4 Models With 2–Speed Power Transfer Unit
The manufacturer recommends towing with all four
wheelsOFFthe 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 Power
Transfer Unit is operable, vehicles with a 2–speed Power
Transfer Unit may be towed (in the forward direction,
with ALLwheels on the ground), under the following
conditions:
• The Power Transfer Unit must be in NEUTRAL (N).
• The transmission must be in PARK.
• Ensure that the Electric Park Brake is released, and
remains released, while being towed. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting and Operat-
ing” for detailed instructions.
CAUTION!
•
Front or rear wheel lifts must not be used. Internal
damage to the transmission or power transfer unit
will occur if a front or rear wheel lift is used when
towing.
• Towing this vehicle in violation of the above re-
quirements can cause severe transmission and/or
power transfer unit damage. Damage from im-
proper towing is not covered under the New Ve-
hicle Limited Warranty.
656 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated Onboard
Diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.
CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
• If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“CHECK GASCAP” message will be displayed in the
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) or Driver
Information Display (DID). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle
Information (EVIC) or Driver Information Display
(DID)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 661