boatbum01
Seabrook, Tx.
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The owners manual on my jeep says to have the key in ACC position when towing, after putting the xfer case in neutral etc. This is an auto transmission. They also say to disconnect the negative battery terminal. What is the purpose of disconnecting the battery terminal? This makes it necessary to run separate wires for power for the brake buddy.
Please help!
Thanks,
Jim
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webhannet
Southern Coastal Maine
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Joined: 08/09/2004
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There's no need to disconnect the battery if you have the correct fuse disconnected - mine has a special holder to make it easy to recognize and pull. I think the '07 and '08 (mine) are the same in that regard. With just the fuse disconnected, the cigarette lighter is still powered. You'll get lots of arguments that the lighter is not adequately powered for the BB, but mine has been fine (the LIGHTER PLUG - NOT the Brake Buddy!).
The fuse disconnect stops mileage from registering on your odometer.
I had a blank key cut to leave in the ignition. With the fuse "on", the engine starts and immediately cuts out - no computer chip - and the steering column can do what it needs to do. No risk of theft or fears of someone seeing the key and breaking-in for it.
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mowermech
Billings, MT
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If the key has to be in the ACC position to unlock the steering wheel, you run the risk of discharging the battery, because of all the things that are powered up in that position. Jeep really dropped the ball in not keeping the "OFF but not locked" position in the switch, that the older Jeeps have.
It may be possible to have your mechanic disable the steering wheel lock, then you could just leave the switch in the OFF position. However, the "Nanny State" may forbid disabling the lock. "Safety and Security", y'know...
If you have the tools and skills, you could disable it yourself. Just a thought, not advice or a recommendation.
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'94 Dodge 3500 4X2 CTD, Std. cab, LB, 5 speed, 4.10 LS diff., Jacobs Rambrake, 273,000 Miles
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Daily driver: '06 Jeep Liberty CRD
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targaboat
sulphur springs, tx, usa
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You need the help of someone that is knowledgeable about towing Jeeps. The neutral is in the transfer case and has nothing to do with the automatic transmission. They also changed the electrical system recently. You also did not mention which jeep you have. If you have a two wheel drive you cannot tow it. Therefore get some help from someone who knows the overall view of towing jeeps.
* This post was
edited 08/28/08 09:57am by targaboat *
Fly Boy
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accsys
Green Cove Springs, FL
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targaboat wrote:You need the help of someone that is knowledgeable about towing Jeeps. The neutral is in the transfer case and has nothing to do with the automatic transmission. They also changed the electrical system recently. You also did not mention which jeep you have. If you have a two wheel drive you cannot tow it. Therefore get some help from someone who knows the overall view of towing jeeps.
I believe he is getting advice from people with knowledge of towing Jeeps since both respondants tow Jeeps. He also stated he was to put the transfer case in neutral - two wheel drive Jeeps do not have a transfer case!
John & Doris
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targaboat
sulphur springs, tx, usa
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I agree. The automatic transmission comment threw me. I have towed jeeps for many years and could not believe it when DB screwed up the electrical design for towing. One of the neatest ways to fix this, at least in GM products is to wire a switch in place of the appropriate fuse.
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WTD44
Ca.
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My 04 auto requires putting the transfer case in nutral, trans in park, key in off position to unlock steering wheel. In 4 years and 50,000 miles I have never had a dead battery and sometimes we tow for 12 hours.
Did something change w/ the 07's?
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Pigkisser
West Texas
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I tow a 2008 JK Wrangler, which I believe is set up the same as the 2007. In order to unlock the steering wheel, you have to place the key in the first position. Unfortunately, this powers up all vehicle accessories and systems which will result in a dead battery when you arrive at you destination. To prevent this, the owners manual recommends disconnecting the battery. However, it is much easier to pull the IOD fuse located in the box under the hood. The IOD is a large fuse encased in white plastic with "ears" attached. The ears are there to assist you in gripping the fuse and pulling it up in order to disconnect most electrical systems, and keep the battery from going dead. When you arrive at your destination, just push the IOD fuse back down, and you are good to go. The entire process takes less than one minute. I do this and have never had the battery go dead. Additionally, when the IOD is pulled most electrical systems are powered down, but the 12 volt power point (cigarette lighetr) is still available if you need it for your supplemental brake system.
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Gary Franks
Pacific Northwest
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I tow an '08 Wrangler Unlimited 4wd. The replies that suggest pulling the IOD fuse are correct. For the first few times, I didn't pull my fuse out far enough and it bounced back in. Be sure to pull it to the second click, then it will stay out until you put it back in.
Question for other 07/08 Wrangler owners: When I get around to installing my brake system (U.S. Gear), I will have a charge line running to the Jeep. Will I still want to pull the fuse?
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gnm
Florida
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I tow a 2007 Jeep Commander, the key is out, trans in park and the transfer case is in neutral with just a push of a button, very simple, no fuses to disconnect or battery cables.
Jeep recommends only one auto trans for flat towing, Quadra-Trac II /Quadra-Drive II 4WD
The ignition key is in the dash not the steering column so the front wheels don't lock up.
I find it very easy to tow.
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