Shifting transfer case when preparing to flat tow

[JeepCares]

I'm in the camp with Willwhig. With my JL 2018 Sport S (I flat tow), no problem following procedure to shift Transfer Case from 2D to N. However, when I'm ready to disconnect and return the Transfer Case from N to 2D... that can be a bear! I find if I 'rock' the jeep a bit, the gears seem to align and the Transfer Case shifts back to 2D. I've been practicing several days in a row, and it OR me seems to get a little bit better.

I called my local Jeep Service to schedule a quick appointment to check the Transfer Case, but I'm now thinking ALL OF US HAVE THIS PROBLEM, and it's not the Transfer Case linkage.

Any suggestions on 'technique' to improve my ability to shift back to 2D?

Hello terrytnt,

Just to chime in, if you end up going to the dealer, let us know via direct message so we can get a case started. Very sorry for any inconvenience as a result of this.

Jasmine
Jeep Social Care Specialist

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[terrytnt]

I've decided NOT to take the Jeep in because shifting the Transfer Case from 2D to N and back has become easier. For certain, I still have some challenges, but cranking over the engine and shifting from P to N and back, seems to help.

 

[Broccoli2]

To you guys that tow... I just picked up a JLU I have flat towed my JK for years. I had to remove a fuse and leave the key in the on position.... How is this accomplished with the Keyless system? Did I miss something in the manual?
besides, hooking it up with the tow bar, cables, electrical etc. can you tell me exactly what else I have to do, please?
Thanks

 

[terrytnt]

I'm also flat towing my JL Sport 2dr. Once you've set up the jeep for flat tow, i.e., tow bars, electrical wires, braking system, you simply shift the Transfer Case to N, put the transmission in P (automatic) and turn off the engine. NO need for the key fob to be in the jeep (you can even lock the jeep if desired).

 

[Rhinebeck01]

For flat towing a JL... pulling it with all 4 wheels on the ground by a rope, pulling with an RV, etc., pulling it for a long distance, you must have the automatic transmission in park, transfer case in neutral and ignition off. Steering wheel never locks ... is not capable of locking on a JL/JLU. You can lock doors.

On a JL, with a manual transmission, it's transfer case in neutral, leave shifter in forward gear. Ignition off. Most will tell you leave the shifter in highest forward gear.

Do NOT leave the key fob in the JL .

Note:
Never ever dolly tow a JL with either front or rear wheels off the ground.

 

[FWB FL]

I've also towed over 3000 miles with my Jeep and it has got easier after 15 or more times in and out of N for the transfer case, and yes it can be hard to move on occasion.

 

[Broccoli2]

Steering wheel never locks ... is not capable of locking on a JL/JLU.

Rhinebeck01 i want to be crystal clear on this.. (I removed all of your post that did not apply to my question).

Are you absolutely positive that the steering "is not capable of locking on a JL/JLU." If this is true this will make towing a lot easier however I will be very surprised if the jeep JL is the only modern vehicle that does not have a steering lock. I will definitely check this when I get home today. Boy do I wish I drove it to work today...... In the meantime anyone have enough energy to get your phone out..... Unlock the doors than put your key back inside your house (out of range of the jeep) then go out and try and turn the steering wheel to full lock (all the way to the right or left) then post up the video.... PS. it can't be any of you that have already towed it because if it had locks they are now broken

 

[Broccoli2]

@Broccoli2
And no frigging way will l post a video to prove it.

Well good sir, you are correct..... No Frigging way huh... Hope I didn't upset you...

I have towed my 2011 JKU all over the place too. not even close to that many miles but I've towed it...

 

[terrytnt]

Once again, I have the NEW JL 2 dr Sport. I've flat towed for 2 weeks throughout Maine, NH and Vermont. Transmission in P, Transit Case in N and power OFF, doors locked and key fob in my Motorcoach... all worked perfectly.

As to the tight Transit Case issue I noted above, I followed the advice of many and practiced multiple times a day for a week (to work-in the shifting)... YES, it became easier to shift from N to 2dr and no reason to go to the local dealership.

 

[Hypalon Man]

I have a new 18 JL Wrangler Sport with Automatic Transmission

200 miles on it. Haven't flat towed yet but I have the Jeep prepped and ready.
I am "attempting" to learn the process of what the Manual calls Recreational Towing (behind a motorhome, etc.) which is what I will be doing. See Pages 178 - 180 of the Users Guide.
My particular challenge is Shifting out of Neutral (N) (page 180). Despite my best efforts, and those of one Service Advisor at the Dealership we have not been able to get the transfer case out of N to the desired position of 2 or 4 H, in my case 2 H.
We can do it with the engine running (a definite no-no supposedly). But the Advisor had to do it.

My initial findings/observations (first time operation of the transfer case in general) is wow, this is tight and tricky, at least for me as a novice. It does seem to loosening up slightly.

I have filed an inquiry with Jeep Customer Care and assigned reference number. It's Saturday.

I will likely give them a call on Monday. 877-426-5337

Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[Hypalon Man]

I have a new 18 JL Wrangler Sport with Automatic Transmission

200 miles on it. Haven't flat towed yet but I have the Jeep prepped and ready.
I am "attempting" to learn the process of what the Manual calls Recreational Towing (behind a motorhome, etc.) which is what I will be doing. See Pages 178 - 180 of the Users Guide.
My particular challenge is Shifting out of Neutral (N) (page 180). Despite my best efforts, and those of one Service Advisor at the Dealership we have not been able to get the transfer case out of N to the desired position of 2 or 4 H, in my case 2 H.
We can do it with the engine running (a definite no-no supposedly). But the Advisor had to do it.

My initial findings/observations (first time operation of the transfer case in general) is wow, this is tight and tricky, at least for me as a novice. It does seem to loosening up slightly.

I have filed an inquiry with Jeep Customer Care and assigned reference number. It's Saturday.

I will likely give them a call on Monday. 877-426-5337

Any insight would be appreciated.

My issue is still not resolved!!

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...-of-neutral-after-flat-tow.20298/#post-493691

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