quote:

Like I said I'm really glad I found this forum!!!

As usual, there will be no charge for the assistance.

Need some help!

I just towed my 08' JK back from the RV dealership behind my motor home and noticed that I was registering miles on my trip meter and was suddenly getting 35 miles per gallon on the mileage meter.
I am not sure if it registered to the odometer as I did not check the overall mileage when I hooked up but I had checked the trip meter to see how far it was to the dealership. The gas mileage speaks for itself as I have never seen more than 19 mpg on the meter before.

I definitely had the transfer case in neutral and the auto gear shift in park while towing and had performed a pre departure test to make sure I was in neutral by putting the jeep in drive and tested for movement as the owners manual instructs. The jeep also rolled freely when I got home as I pushed it away from the motor home when I disconnected.

Any ideas? It sure seams as though my transmission would have to turn to accomplish adding miles to the Jeep

I think I solved my question from the previous post. Apparently I had the key in the on position not ACC.

New Question...Did I damage anything by doing this?

Right. I had the same problem (earlier post). Position 1 is just enough to unlock the steering wheel. Took a few trips for me to figure this out. All is well with the Cool Tech setup and lighting under all scenarios.

I didn't try the extreme hill again (yet), but I did set the Brake Pro on the lowest settings & seemed to have a much easier time towing and braking.

-Fairview

It was nice to see the dash display 35mpg due to my error, I should have taken a picture and tried to sell how to accomplish the high MPG

You need to be slightly more intelligent than the equipment you are trying to operate!

quote:

Originally posted by Kyp J:
Has anyone tried removing the steering wheel locking lug on a JK? I removed the one in my current TJ and it wasn't that hard but I don't have the new one yet. All these electrical issues would be simpler not having to fool with the key.

I will answer my own question now that I have my new Jeep.

Not easy or maybe not possible, at least with the tools that worked on the TJ. There seem to be some different size "security" style Torx screws holding the ignition assy. on. I have a set of normal sizes and none work. Maybe there is a #35 that I don't have. With "chipped" ignition key there is also an extra gadget in the way plus a lot of plastic covered electrical stuff in the way of getting to the necessary parts.

Darn! It was nice not having to put the key in to tow.

Well, thanks to all of the knowledge and help I've received here, I'm about ready for my first tow.
I've composed a checklist that I plan to use, particularly at first, and I thought it might also be useful to others.
But before finalizing it, I'd like to get the opinions of the folks here. Is it complete? Orderly? And, very important, are the steps in the correct sequence? Thanks!
Pre-tow checklist

Jeep Wrangler Preparation:
Drive Jeep JK to hook-up spot (3 to 3-1/2 feet) behind motorhome
Write down starting mileage
Write down displayed mpg
Set brake
Shift transmission into “N” (Neutral)
Shift transfer case lever into “N” (Neutral)
Shift automatic transmission into “D” (Drive)
Make sure there is no vehicle movement
Turn JK ignition key to unlocked “OFF” position
Make sure steering wheel turns freely
Shift automatic transmission into “P” (Park)
Set the emergency brake
Chock one wheel

Connecting the RV & the Wrangler:
Attach the base to the Jeep mounts
Verify all baseplate pins, linchpins, and locks
Insert towbar stinger into motorhome hitch receiver
Insert hitchpin and fasten with hitchpin lock or clip
Hold both towbar arms and rotate towbar to vertical
Push release latch, bring arms to horizontal position
Align holes in one arm with holes in base
Attach towbar arm to base with basepin
Secure basepin with lock or linchpin
Align holes in second arm with holes in base
Attach second towbar arm to base with basepin
Secure second basepin with lock or linchpin
Attach safety cables
Plug in electrical wiring

Final checks:
Test taillights, brakelights, turn signals
Be sure steering is unlocked
Be sure key is in unlocked “OFF” position
Be sure transmission is in “P” (Park)
Be sure transfer case is in “N” (Neutral)
Be sure emergency brake is released
Release and open Wrangler hood
Remove IOC fuse from fusebox
Close and lock Wrangler hood
Place IOC fuse in plastic bag
Tie plastic bag to top of steering wheel using red cloth flag
Verify that second Jeep key is outside of vehicle
Lock Jeep Wrangler door
Remove the wheel chock

Immediately after pulling away:
Steer briefly left and then right
Stop, check towbar to ensure both arms are locked
Examine all elements of towing system
Depart

I would pull the brake switch fuse as well. Put that one in the bag. The IOC fuse will stay in place & does not need to be removed.
Also, not sure on your shifting procedures. I think I had to be rolling to shift the transfer case from 2 to 4 to N.
Play with it a little. You've got the right idea.

If you keep track of engine time you need to record that info as ET resets when you pull the IOC fuse. Also no mention of auxillary brake hookup.

ronnie

Davidx,

That seems like a good checklist that you have developed. Perhaps you may want to consider a disconnect list as well - and make sure to include the re-insertion of the IOD fuse.

Maybe it would be a good idea to have a spare "dumb" key made at the local hardware store. These dumb keys cost about $2 and lack the transponder for the key to start/run the Jeep. However, they are great for towing and getting your Jeep in this first key position. Wehn you are confident in your checklist(s), you can laminate them and attach them to the dumb key.