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Topic: How to enable drivetrain in Jeep Cherokee (Read 1935 times) previous topic - next topic

How to enable drivetrain in Jeep Cherokee

I was able to tow our Jeep.
I left the key Fab in the ignition.
Because of that the battery is very low now.
I can't get the key Fab out.
I'm thinking I should charge the battery first.
The owners Manuel told me how to get the drivetrain disabled but not how to re engage it

Rick & MJ Berry
1998 U320 40'
Ohio

Re: How to enable drivetrain in Jeep Cherokee

Reply #1 –
Need more information, what year, model?
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: How to enable drivetrain in Jeep Cherokee

Reply #2 –
It's a 2011
Rick & MJ Berry
1998 U320 40'
Ohio

Re: How to enable drivetrain in Jeep Cherokee

Reply #3 –
Have to be a little bit more informative. What type of transmission do you have, what type of transfer case? Not all Jeeps can be flat towed. If it doesn't say so in your manual then you're may not be able to be flat towed, and doing so damage the transmission.
I have a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee what's a quadra-trac 2 transmission. I always find it difficult to get it into towing mode. The owner's manual doesn't exactly tell you the right way to do it.
You do have to turn off the key or else you will drain the battery. You need to towing lights stop lights and turn signals to be powered by the coach not the car battery.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: How to enable drivetrain in Jeep Cherokee

Reply #4 –
Here are the directions from my 2012 Jeep Liberty.  As Bob said, not all Jeeps are towable.  I'm sure you will have a better chance if the battery is completely charged.

Rich
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive Models
The transfer case must be shifted into NEUTRAL (N) and the transmission must be placed in PARK for recreational towing. The NEUTRAL (N) selection button is adjacent to the transfer case selector switch. Shifts into and out of transfer case NEUTRAL (N) can take place with the selector switch in any mode position.
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.
• Tow only in a forward direction. Towing this vehicle backwards can cause severe damage to the transfer case.
• The transmission must be placed in PARK for recreational towing.
• Before recreational towing, perform the procedure outlined under "Shifting into NEUTRAL (N)" to be certain that the transfer case is fully in NEU- TRAL (N). Otherwise, internal damage will result.
• Failure to follow these procedures can cause se- vere transmission and/or transfer case damage.
(Continued)
   
    CAUTION! (Continued)
• 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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 427
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 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 OFF the ignition.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position, but do not start the engine.
4. Press and hold the brake pedal.
5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object, press and hold the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL (N) button (located above the selector switch) for four sec- onds, until the light behind the NEUTRAL (N) symbol starts to blink, indicating shift in progress. The light will stop blinking (stay on solid) when the shift to NEUTRAL (N) is complete.
Neutral Switch
7. After the shift is completed and the NEUTRAL light comes on, release the NEUTRAL (N) button.
8. Start the engine.
9. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
10. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.
11. Turn OFF the engine.
12. Firmly apply the parking brake.
13. Shift the transmission into PARK and remove the ignition key.
 
    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.
14. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.
15. Release the parking brake.
NOTE:
• Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met prior to pressing the NEUTRAL (N) button, and must continue to be met until the four seconds elapse and the shift has been completed. If any of these require- ments are not met prior to pressing the NEUTRAL (N) button or are no longer met during the four second
STARTING AND OPERATING 429
timer, then the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will flash continuously until all requirements are met or until the NEUTRAL (N) button is released.
• The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN position for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the ignition switch is not in the ON/RUN position, the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have not been met.
Shifting Out Of NEUTRAL (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for normal usage.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leaving it con- nected to the tow vehicle.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position, but do not start the engine.
4. Press and hold the brake pedal.
5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object, press and hold the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL (N) button (located above the selector switch) for one second.
  Neutral Switch
7. After the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light turns off, release the NEUTRAL (N) button.
8. After the NEUTRAL (N) button has been released, the transfer case will shift to the position indicated by the selector switch.

NOTE: When shifting out of transfer case NEUTRAL NOTE:
(N), turning the engine OFF may be required to avoid gear clash.
9. Shift the transmission into PARK.
10. Release the brake pedal.
11. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle. 12. Start the engine.
13. Press and hold the brake pedal.
14. Release the parking brake.
15. Shift the transmission into DRIVE, release the brake pedal, and check that the vehicle operates normally.
• Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met prior to pressing the NEUTRAL (N) button, and must continue to be met until the shift has been completed. If any of these requirements are not met prior to pressing the NEUTRAL (N) button or are no longer met during the shift, the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will flash continuously until all requirements are met or until the NEUTRAL (N) button is released.
• The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN position for a shift to take place and for the position indicator lights to be operable. If the ignition switch is not in the ON/RUN position, the shift will not take place and no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light indicates that shift requirements have not been met.
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: How to enable drivetrain in Jeep Cherokee

Reply #5 –
Most owners manual s are now online for free.
Google it
Year, model, and you should be able to have it. It will be pdf format.  There also is a company that wants you to do 30 day free trial. You can try them if jeep doesn't come thru.  All should be free. Bookmark this thread also. So you have the above information.
1999 U270 40 #5518
USN. USPS.

Re: How to enable drivetrain in Jeep Cherokee

Reply #6 –
Rich,
I charged the battery. And . I just reversed the process like your thread said.  Not sure why it wasn't in the my manual.
So I brought the my Jeep out of neutral and everything is good.
Thanks
One note . Like I said I should have taken the key out but didn't. I wonder if I remove the key, like the manual says, if I won't drain the battery.
Also l have a 6 pin plug on coach with a 7 pin adapter that goes to the Jeep.
There is no dc power coming from the 6 pin coach plug.
The Foretravel Manuel indicates no dc power.
Why wouldn't there be power coming through to charge the the tow vehicle battery.
Rick & MJ Berry
1998 U320 40'
Ohio

Re: How to enable drivetrain in Jeep Cherokee

Reply #7 –
Quote from: 18360 –

Why wouldn't there be power coming through to charge the the tow vehicle battery.

Unless you wire in a charge line, standard trailer wiring does NOT include a 12V hot to the tow battery.  If one were towing a trailer, rather than a car, one wouldn't need a charge line.

Wiring in a charge line is something one has to request when setting up a toad.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: How to enable drivetrain in Jeep Cherokee

Reply #8 –

An aside here ... if you have a 2014 - 2018 Jeep Cherokee, Active Drive II 4WD with electric power steering and are flat towing you need a wiring harness kit from Chrysler that includes wires, a switch and and a fuse holder.  This lets you turn on the electric steering while towing, no key needed.  Towing these cars without the add on kit can lead to the front wheels not realigning themselves to center especially on rough roads.  With the electric steering enables this does not happen.

Without it, when it happens there is quite a bit of violent shaking.  Maybe a bit of panic too.

Mopar Part Number: 68321424AB
Technical Service Bulletin: #08-029-16 Rev A

They suggest a battery connection through the tow harness.  I opted not to do that.  If we are towing several days in a row without disconnecting the Cherokee we just start and run it for 5-10 min at the end of the day.

Amazon.com: Mopar 68321424AB Flat Tow Wiring Harness: Automotive

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: How to enable drivetrain in Jeep Cherokee

Reply #9 –
Do you have a tow brake system on your Jeep?

I tow with an Air Force One.  I have an independent brake and turn signal light setup.  But the Air Force One does apply the Jeep brakes and when it does, the Jeep OEM brake lights come on and eventually (after about 3 days of towing) the battery will get low.  This happens even with the key off.  So on extended trips, I change the battery at the end of each day.

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: How to enable drivetrain in Jeep Cherokee

Reply #10 –
What Roger said  X2 I did opt to use the spare wire in the wire harness to run a hot wire to the Cherokee battery, but as Roger said and I have talked to others who do not run a hot wire to battery and
they don't seem to have  any problem as long as they start the car and run it occasionally
Also, look on the Jeep forum and you can find the paperwork to get the harness installed under a Chrysler recall/warranty if you just take it in they will charge for harness plus installation unless you have the correct paperwork
Chris
1999 U 320 DGFE
Build Number 5523
Chris & Elka Lang
In the field, Lonoke AR

Re: How to enable drivetrain in Jeep Cherokee

Reply #11 –
So I put the key faub in the off position and took it out after is got it ready to be towed.
I drove for about three hours with no problem with battery charge.
I guess I will just have to experiment with how long I can drive without turning the engine on to recharge.
I have a buddy break system with is pretty simple. I have a monitor in the coach and it alerts me big there is low battery.
Rick & MJ Berry
1998 U320 40'
Ohio

Re: How to enable drivetrain in Jeep Cherokee

Reply #12 –
My son owns a RV and fabricating shop where he installs a couple of towing kits almost every week or so.  He always includes in the 7 wire loom he uses a charge line for tow tow vehicle.  It is a no charge item and reduces the need to worry about battery discharge.  I have been towing various vehicles better than 20 years with no problems.  It is a simple add on and I think you would be happy with it.  The towing harness on 2014 to 2018 Cherokees is a must if you are going to tow.  It was a very common issue with wheel wobble. Jeep fixed it and if yours hasn't had the adapter harness done you need to do it.  Best in your travels.

Re: How to enable drivetrain in Jeep Cherokee

Reply #13 –
Quote from: 18360 –
So I put the key faub in the off position and took it out after is got it ready to be towed.
I drove for about three hours with no problem with battery charge.
I guess I will just have to experiment with how long I can drive without turning the engine on to recharge.
I have a buddy break system with is pretty simple. I have a monitor in the coach and it alerts me big there is low battery.
Not sure what you mean  by the key fob. To me that is the key you use to start the car and open the doors.
The push button start button is another name I believe.
My manual says to take it off I remember correctly, and its not so, or at least I haven't found it to be necessary.
Also find that my transfer case grinds when putting it in neutral.
Haven't done a lot of towing it yet, but in the bit I have done, didn't have trouble with the battery. I put in the light kit that is powered off the coach. I think it bypasses the brake, but now that I think about it, when it depresses the brake pedal (air force one)
the light must go on. I guess over time it could lose some electrons with that. I would be worried about overcharging the battery off the coach. Maybe a small solar panel on the hood?
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired
 

Re: How to enable drivetrain in Jeep Cherokee

Reply #14 –
Bob,

My experience is 2 days no problem.  3 days starts to get iffy.  A lot depends on how much stop and go you do.  Also depends on how good/old the battery is. 

I changed my OEM Jeep battery to an Optima combo rv/starting battery.  I forget what color top that is.  It lived about twice as long as the OEM before it failed.  When it did, I was out of town and my wife ended up at the Jeep dealer and we are back to an OEM battery in the Jeep.

I'm not sure that starting the Jeep and running it for 5-10 minutes is enough time to recharge from a days worth of driving.  When I use a 40A smart charger, it takes almost an hour to top off the charge.

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15