Jeep TJ (2006 year). Manual — part 16

which will cause loss of control of vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of
many trailer accidents.

Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on
your bumper or trailer hitch.

Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:

• The tongue weight of the trailer.
• The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment

put in or on your vehicle.

• The weight of the driver and all passengers.

NOTE:

Remember that everything put into or on the

trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options, or dealer-installed options,
must be considered as part of the total load on your
vehicle. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information plac-
ard in the Tire Safety Information Section of this manual
for the maximum combined weight of occupants and
cargo for your vehicle.

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5

Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drivetrain
components the following guidelines are recommended:

NOTE:

Trailer towing requires special rear axle lubri-

cant. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
Section 7 for more information.

CAUTION!

• Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles (805

km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage
your vehicle.

• During the first 500 miles (805 km) of trailer

towing, limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).

Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this
manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR,
or GCWR, ratings.

WARNING!

Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:

Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.

• When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-

load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.

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• Safety chains must always be used between your

vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.

• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.

When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
P for Park. With a manual transmission, shift the
transmission into reverse. And with four-wheel-drive
vehicles, make sure the transfer case is not in neutral.
Always, block or

⬙chock⬙ the trailer wheels.

• GCWR must not be exceeded.
• Total weight must be distributed between the tow

vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:

1. GVWR

2. GTW

3. GAWR

4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight).

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5

Towing Requirements — Tires

− Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact

spare tire.

− Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe

and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to the
Tires–General Information section of this manual on
Tire Pressures for proper tire inflation procedures.

− Also, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation

pressures before trailer usage.

− Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage

before towing a trailer. Refer to the Tires–General
Information section of this manual on Tread Wear
Indicators for the proper inspection procedure.

− When replacing tires refer to the Tires–General Infor-

mation section of this manual on Replacement Tires for

proper tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires
with a higher load carrying capacity will not increase
the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limits.

Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes

− Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or

vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.

− An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is

required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.

− Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000

lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs (907 kg).

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CAUTION!

If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.

WARNING!

Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.

Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.

Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.

The Trailer Tow Package may include a 4 and 7 pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.

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5

NOTE:

Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles

wiring harness.

The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.

4 - Pin Connector

7- Pin Connector

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STARTING AND OPERATING

If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.

Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “3” range
should be selected.

NOTE:

Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle

under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.

The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See “Schedule B” in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals.

NOTE:

Check the automatic transmission fluid level

before towing.

Towing Tips — O/D Off (If Equipped)
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, turn the “O/D OFF” feature ON when driving in
hilly areas or shift the transmission to Drive position 2 on
more severe grades. Refer to “Transmission Shifting” in
this section.

Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)

− Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.

− When using the speed control, if you experience speed

drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.

− Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to

maximize fuel efficiency.

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5

Towing Tips — Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:

− City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in neutral and increase engine idle speed.

− Highway Driving
Reduce speed.

− Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.

− refer to Cooling System Operating information in the

Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)

CAUTION!

Front or rear wheel lifts should not be used. Internal
damage to the transmission or transfer case will
occur if a front or rear wheel lift is used when
recreational towing.

NOTE:

The transfer case must be shifted into N (Neu-

tral) for recreational towing.

Shifting Into Neutral (N)

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

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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. Depress brake pedal.

2. Shift automatic transmission into N (Neutral) or de-
press 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
unlocked OFF 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.

CAUTION!

Damage to the transmission may occur if the trans-
mission 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).

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5

Shifting Out Of Neutral (N)

Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage.

1. Shift automatic transmission into N (Neutral) or de-
press clutch pedal on manual transmission.

2. Shift transfer case lever into desired position.

3. Shift automatic transmission into D (Drive) or release
clutch on manual transmissions.

NOTE:

When shifting out of transfer case N (Neutral)

on automatic transmission equipped vehicles, turning
the engine off may be required to avoid gear clash.

WARNING!

You or others could be injured 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 move
despite the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.

CAUTION!

• Do not use a bumper mounted clamp-on tow bar

on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be
damaged.

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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CONTENTS

䡵 Hazard Warning Flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
䡵 If Your Engine Overheats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
䡵 Jacking And Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254

▫ Jack Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
▫ Spare Tire Stowage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255

▫ Preparations For Jacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
▫ Jacking Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256

䡵 Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
䡵 Towing A Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261

6

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is on top of the steering column, just
behind the steering wheel. Depress the switch and both
cluster indicators and all front and rear directional sig-
nals will flash. Depress the switch again to turn Hazard
Warning Flashers off.

Hazard Flasher Switch

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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.

If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.

NOTE:

With extended use, the flasher may wear down

your battery.

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.

• On the highways — Slow down.

• In city traffic — While stopped, put transmission in N

(Neutral), but do not increase engine idle speed.

NOTE:

There are steps that you can take to slow down

an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
Control to maximum heat, the Mode Control to floor, and
the Fan Control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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6

CAUTION!

Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H”,
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “H”, and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately, and call for service.

JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING

WARNING!

• Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous.

The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you.
You could be crushed. Never get any part of your
body under a vehicle that is on a jack. If you need
to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a service
center where it can be raised on a lift.

• The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing

tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the
vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should
be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or
slippery areas.

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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Jack Location

The jack and lug wrench are stored under the front
passenger seat. The jack handle driver and jack extension
are located in a kit that is stored on the floor board to the
right of the front passenger seat. On some models, this
tool kit is under the carpeting in the same location.

To remove the jack from its stowage position, turn the
thumb screw counterclockwise to loosen jack, and then
remove it from the bracket.

Spare Tire Stowage
To remove the spare tire from the carrier, remove the tire
cover, if equipped, and remove the lug nuts with the lug
wrench turning them counterclockwise.

Jack Storage Location

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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6

NOTE:

If you have added aftermarket accessories to the

spare tire mounted carrier, it cannot exceed a gross
weight of 50 lbs (23 kg) including the weight of the spare
tire.

Preparations For Jacking
Park on a firm level surface, avoid ice or slippery areas,
set the parking brake

and place automatic transmission

in P (Park), or manual transmission in R (Reverse). Turn
OFF the ignition.

WARNING!

Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off
the road to avoid being hit when operating the jack
or changing the wheel.

• Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasher.

• Block both the front and rear

of the wheel diagonally oppo-
site of the jacking position.
For example, if changing the
right front tire, block the left
rear wheel.

• Passengers should not remain in the vehicle when the

vehicle is being jacked.

Jacking Instructions

1. Remove spare tire, jack and tools from stored location.

2. Loosen (but do not remove) the wheel lug nuts by
turning them to the left one turn while the wheel is still
on the ground.

3. Assemble the jack and jacking tools. Connect jack
handle driver to extension, then to lug wrench.

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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES