Re: Has the steering wheel lock be eliminated?
Do new cars still have a steering wheel lock?
I don't have my Cherokee yet so need to ask about the sterling wheel lock that is on my old car. To flat tow, you need to have a key in the ignition and turned to disable the steering wheel lock. I can't find anything about having to do this in the on-line owners manual.
It is fully documented in the User Guide and Owners Manual (p514). Here is what the User Guide states and it should answer all of your questions (note key fob is removed is you don't have keyless):
Recreational Towing — 4WD Models with 2-Speed Power Transfer Unit
• The power transfer unit must be shifted into NEUTRAL (N) and the transmission
must be in PARK for recreational towing. The NEUTRAL (N) selection button is
adjacent to the power transfer unit selector switch. Shifts into and out of
NEUTRAL (N) can take place with the selector switch in any mode position.
CAUTION!
• DO NOT dolly tow any 4WD vehicle. Internal damage to the transmission or
power transfer unit will occur if a dolly is used when recreational towing.
• Tow only in a forward direction. Towing this vehicle 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.
• Failure to follow these procedures can cause severe transmission and/or power
transfer unit 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.
Shifting Into NEUTRAL
• Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for recreational towing.
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.
4. Press and hold the brake pedal.
5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
6. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, press and hold the recessed NEUTRAL (N)
button (located by the selector switch) for four seconds. The light behind the
NEUTRAL (N) symbol will blink, indicating shift in progress. The light will stop
blinking (stay on solid) when the shift to NEUTRAL (N) is complete.
7. After the shift is completed and the NEUTRAL (N) light stays on, release the
NEUTRAL (N) button.
8. Start the engine.
9. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
UTILITY
126
10. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle
movement.
11. Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.
12. Apply the parking brake.
13. Shift the transmission into PARK, turn the engine OFF and remove the key fob.
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 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, 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.