Towing Information: Service and Repair
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOWING, Vehicle
A vehicle equipped with SAE approved wheel lift-type towing equipment can be used to tow Jeep vehicles. When towing a 4WD vehicle using a wheel-lift towing device, use tow dollies under the opposite end of the vehicle. A vehicle with flatbed device can also be used to transport a disabled vehicle.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
CAUTION: The following safety precautions must be observed when towing a vehicle:
- Secure loose and protruding parts.
- Always use a safety chain system that is independent of the lifting and towing equipment.
- Do not allow towing equipment to contact the disabled vehicle's fuel tank.
- Do not allow anyone under the disabled vehicle while it is lifted by the towing device.
- Do not allow passengers to ride in a vehicle being towed.
- Always observe state and local laws regarding towing regulations.
- Do not tow a vehicle in a manner that could jeopardize the safety of the operator, pedestrians or other motorists.
- Do not attach tow chains, T-hooks, or J-hooks to a bumper, steering linkage, drive shafts or a non-reinforced frame hole.
- Do not tow a heavily loaded vehicle. Use a flatbed device to transport a loaded vehicle.
TWO-WHEEL - DRIVE VEHICLE TOWING
Chrysler Corporation recommends that a vehicle be towed with the rear end lifted, whenever possible.
WARNING: When towing a disabled vehicle and the drive wheels are secured in a wheel lift or tow dollies, ensure the transmission is in the park position (automatic transmission) or a forward drive gear (manual transmission).
WARNING: Ensure vehicle is on a level surface or the wheels are blocked to prevent vehicle from rolling.
TWO WHEEL DRIVE TOWING - REAR END LIFTED
CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to secure steering wheel during towing operation.
Provided that the transmission is operable, tow with the transmission in N (Neutral) and the ignition key in the OFF position along with the front wheels raised and the rear wheels on the ground. The speed must not exceed 30 mph (50 km/h) and the distance must not exceed 15 miles (25 km).
If the vehicle is to be towed more than 15 miles (25 km ) or faster than 30 mph, it must be towed on a flatbed, or with the rear wheels raised and the front wheels on the ground, or with the front end raised and the rear wheels on a towing dolly.
1. Attach wheel lift device to rear wheels.
2. Place the transmission in neutral.
3. Raise vehicle to towing position.
4. Attach safety chains. Route chains so not to interfere with tail pipe when vehicle is lifted.
CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to secure steering wheel during towing operation.
5. Secure steering wheel in straight ahead position with a clamp device designed for towing.
6. Place transmission in park.
CAUTION: Towing the vehicle, with the rear wheels on the ground, at more than 30 mph (50 km/h) or for more than 15 miles (25 km) can cause severe transmission damage.
TWO WHEEL DRIVE TOWING - FRONT END LIFTED
CAUTION: Many vehicles are equipped with air dams, spoilers, and/or ground effect panels. To avoid component damage, a wheel-lift towing vehicle or a flat-bed hauling vehicle is recommended.
1. Attach wheel lift device to rear wheels.
2. Place the transmission in neutral.
3. Raise the rear of the vehicle off the ground and install tow dollies under rear wheels.
4. Attach wheel lift device to front wheels and raise vehicle to towing position.
5. Attach the safety chains.
CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to secure steering wheel during towing operation.
6. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to unlock the steering wheel.
7. Secure steering wheel in straight ahead position with a clamp device designed for towing.
8. Place transmission in park.
FOUR-WHEEL - DRIVE VEHICLE TOWING
Chrysler Corporation recommends that a 4WD vehicle be transported on a flat-bed device. A Wheel-lift device can be used provided the trailing wheels are off the ground and positioned in tow dollies.
WARNING: When towing a disabled vehicle and the drive wheels are secured in a wheel lift or tow dollies, ensure the transmission is in the park position.
CAUTION: Many vehicles are equipped with air dams, spoilers, and/or ground effect panels. To avoid component damage, a wheel-lift towing vehicle or a flat-bed hauling vehicle is recommended.
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE TOWING - REAR END LIFTED
WARNING: Ensure vehicle is on a level surface or the wheels are blocked to prevent vehicle from rolling.
1. Attach wheel lift device to front wheels.
2. Place the transmission in neutral.
3. Raise the front of the vehicle off the ground and install tow dollies under front wheels.
4. Attach wheel lift device to rear wheels and raise vehicle to towing position.
5. Attach safety chains. Route chains so not to interfere with tail pipe when vehicle is lifted.
6. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to unlock the steering wheel.
CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to secure steering wheel during towing operation.
7. Secure steering wheel in straight ahead position with a clamp device designed for towing.
8. Place transmission in park.
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE TOWING - FRONT END LIFTED
WARNING: Ensure vehicle is on a level surface or the wheels are blocked to prevent vehicle from rolling.
1. Attach wheel lift device to rear wheels.
2. Place the transmission in neutral.
3. Raise the rear of the vehicle off the ground and install tow dollies under rear wheels.
4. Attach wheel lift device to front wheels and raise vehicle to towing position.
5. Attach the safety chains.
CAUTION: Do not use steering column lock to secure steering wheel during towing operation.
6. Secure steering wheel in straight ahead position with a clamp device designed for towing.
7. Place transmission in park.