Does The Steering Wheel Have To Be Unlocked When Flat-Towing 2005 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Published 11/11/2016

Question:

does the steering column stay in locked position when flat towing

asked by: Cal K

Expert Reply:

The ignition key on your Jeep needs to be placed in the acc position to unlock the steering wheel.

Here are the steps that need to be followed per the owner's manual on page 346.
1. Depress brake pedal.
2. Shift automatic transmission into N (Neutral) or depress
clutch pedal on manual transmission.
3.Shift transfer case lever into N (Neutral).
4. Start engine.
5. Shift automatic transmission into D (Drive) or manual
transmission into gear.
6. Release brake pedal and ensure that there is no vehicle
movement.
7. Shut the engine off and place the ignition key into the
ACC position.
8. Shift automatic transmission into P (Park).
9. Apply parking brake.
10. Attach vehicle to the tow vehicle with tow bar.
11. Release parking brake.
12. Disconnect the negative battery cable, and secure it
away from the negative battery post.

CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the transmission
is shifted into P (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 prior to shifting the transmission into P (Park)
(refer to steps 7 – 8 above).
Shifting Out Of Neutral (N)

Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage.
1. Shift automatic transmission into N (Neutral) or depress
clutch pedal on manual transmission.
2. Shift transfer case lever into desired position.