Jeep Wrangler: Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive Models / Shifting Into (N) Neutral

Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for recreational towing:

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.

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. 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.

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 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 seven and eight 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).

    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.

13. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.
14. Release the parking brake.