How to Disable the Auto Park Brake for Flat-Towing on a 2018 Jeep Cherokee

Updated 09/30/2024 | Published 07/03/2018

Question:

Can the fuses be pulled to disable the electric parking brake while flat towing?

asked by: Joseph

Expert Reply:

According to the owner's manual for your 2018 Jeep Cherokee, "You must ensure that the Auto Park Brake feature is disabled before towing this vehicle, to avoid inadvertent Electric Park Brake engagement. The Auto Park Brake feature is enabled or disabled via the customer programmable features in the Uconnect Settings". Therefore, I recommend disabling the Auto Park Brake though the Uconnect settings and not by pulling the fuse.

In order to flat-tow the vehicle you are going to need a base plate kit, tow bar, wiring harness, supplemental braking system, safety cables, and a possible high-low adapter. If you would like for me to recommend any of these parts then please let me know and I would be happy to do so.

expert reply by: Conner L

Joe R.

11/3/2021

Just purchased a used 2016 Jeep Cherokee Latitude. It appears to have the Roadmaster plate with removable arms already installed. It also has been wired for lights and the emergency breakaway switch. There is also a single wire that maybe is for keeping the battery charged? I was towing a 2014 Fiat that I purchased a Blue Ox base plate from you a few years ago. I would like to reuse my Ready Brute Elite II tow bar. Do you sell the Roadmaster removable arms separately? Also, there is an aftermarket switch in the console, assuming that is something installed to either disconnect the emergency brake power or a fuse disconnect. Any thoughts?

Les D.

11/4/2021

If I understand you correctly, you use to flat tow a 2014 Fiat using Ready Brute Ellite II (surge brake) Tow bar and you would like to move that tow bar to your 2016 Jeep. Also your Jeep has a Roadmaster base plates, but can we identify which ones. You also mention a single wire. Where does it start and end at? I think we can figure this out. First, I need to know if this is 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive. Note that front-wheel-drive models and models with 1-speed power transfer units are not able to be safety flat towed. Also note that, although there are no distance or speed restrictions when flat towing the Cherokee, you will need to purchase and install a flat-tow wiring kit from your local Mopar dealer before flat towing the vehicle.

Les D.

11/4/2021

Joe R.

11/4/2021

@LesD The Cherokee is a 4x4 and was previously flat towed. My assumption is that it has the Mopar wiring kit installed though I really don’t know what that does. I was told the single wire may have been for a power braking system? The after market switch has an aircraft style red guard. The jeep has Active Drive Ii, which I believe is the 2 speed transfer case. There is a neutral button to push prior to towing as described in the owner manual. Also there is a roadmaster breakaway switch installed which I also assume was for a electric breaking system

See All (4) Replies to Joe R. ∨

Joe R.

11/8/2021

Thanks for the information. I did a little more research and found that the single wire was for a previous Invisibrake system that was removed. I also found some wiring for a charge line to the battery. I found all the receipts from the previously installed system under the spare tire. It was all installed early 2016. I also was able to identify that it does have the flat tow kit installed to prevent the death wobble. Really appreciate your insights. I now have a path to move forward.

Paul

9/29/2024

Disabling Auto Park brake before flat towing. Does this also apply to 2024 Grand Cherokee Overland?

Jon G.

9/30/2024

@Paul I took a look at the online manual and I didn't see anything in it about an Auto Brake function needing to be messed with. You'll want to consult your copy of the owner's manual to verify this on your end as well.

Paul

9/29/2024

Conner L Re- Disable Auto Brake feature-does your answer also pertain to the 2024 Grand Cherokee Overland?