Jeep Liberty (2012 year). Manual

When Towing Trailers With Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) Between 3,500 Lbs (1 588 kg) And 5,000 Lbs
(2 268 kg)
The following chart provides maximum trailer weight ratings towable for the following engine/transmission
combinations, ONLY if using a weight distributing hitch.

Engine/

Transmission

Model

Frontal Area

Max. GTW

(Gross Trailer Wt.)

Max. Tongue Wt.

(See Note)

3.7L/Automatic

w/Trailer Tow

Package

4x2

64 sq ft (5.94 sq m)

5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)

500 lbs (227 kg)

3.7L/Automatic

w/Trailer Tow

package

4x4

64 sq ft (5.94 sq m)

5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)

500 lbs (227 kg)

Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo
(ie. the GVWR), and the GVWR should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Infor-
mation placard. Refer to “Tire Safety Information” in “Starting and Operating” for further information.

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Trailer And Tongue Weight

Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your
vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the
rear can cause the trailer to sway severely side to side
which will cause loss of control of vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of
many trailer collisions.

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.

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NOTE:

Remember that everything put into or on the

trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options, or authorized dealer-installed
options, must be considered as part of the total load on
your vehicle. Refer to the “Tire and Loading Information”
placard for the maximum combined weight of occupants
and cargo for your vehicle.

Towing Requirements

To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drive-
train components, the following guidelines are recom-
mended:

CAUTION!

• Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles

(805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.

(Continued)

CAUTION! (Continued)

• Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a

trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full throttle.
This helps the engine and other parts of the
vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.

WARNING!

Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow these
guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as
possible:

(Continued)

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WARNING! (Continued)

• Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer

and that is 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 a collision.

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

overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance, or dam-
age to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering,
suspension, chassis structure, or tires.

• 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.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a

grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on
the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle transmission
in PARK. Always, block or

ⴖchockⴖ 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 uti-
lized (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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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
“Tires – General Information” in “Starting and Oper-
ating” for information on tire pressures and for proper
tire inflation procedures.

− Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres-

sures before trailer usage.

− Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage

before towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires – General
Information” in “Starting and Operating” for informa-
tion on tread wear indicators and for the proper
inspection procedure.

− When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Infor-

mation” in “Starting and Operating” for information

on replacement tires and for the proper tire replace-
ment 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

hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You might not have
brakes when you need them and could have a
collision.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Towing any trailer will increase your stopping

distance. When towing you should allow for addi-
tional space between your vehicle and the vehicle
in front of you. Failure to do so could result in a
collision.

Towing Requirements – Trailer Lights And Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stoplights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.

The Trailer Tow Package may include a four and seven-
pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer har-
ness and connector.

NOTE:

Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles

wiring harness.

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

Four-Pin Connector

1 — Female Pins

4 — Park

2 — Male Pin

5 — Left Stop/Turn

3 — Ground

6 — Right Stop/Turn

Seven-Pin Connector

1 — Battery

5 — Ground

2 — Backup Lamps

6 — Left Stop/Turn

3 — Right Stop/Turn

7 — Running Lamps

4 — Electric Brakes

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Towing Tips

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

Automatic Transmission
The “DRIVE” range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range,
activate the TOW/HAUL feature. Refer to “Automatic
Transmission” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.

NOTE:

Using the TOW/HAUL feature while operating

the vehicle under heavy operating conditions will im-
prove performance and extend transmission life by re-
ducing excessive shifting and heat build up. This action
will also provide better engine braking.

If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 min-
utes of continuous operation, then change the automatic
transmission fluid and filter according to the interval

specified for “police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer tow-
ing.” Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.

TOW/HAUL
To reduce potential for automatic transmission overheat-
ing, press the TOW/HAUL button when driving in hilly
areas or select the

⬙2⬙ range on more severe grades. Refer

to “Automatic Transmission” in “Starting and Operat-
ing” for further information.

Electronic Speed Control – If Equipped

− Do not 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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Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:

− City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-
mission into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.

− Highway Driving
Reduce speed.

− Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle

Towing Condition

Wheel OFF the Ground

Two-Wheel Drive Models

Four-Wheel Drive Models

Flat Tow

NONE

NOT ALLOWED

See Instructions

• Transmission in PARK
• Transfer case in NEUTRAL (N)
• Tow in forward direction

Dolly Tow

Front

NOT ALLOWED

Rear

NOT ALLOWED

On Trailer

ALL

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Recreational Towing — Two-Wheel Drive Models

Recreational towing is allowed ONLY if the rear wheels
are OFF the ground. This may be accomplished using a
tow dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow
this procedure:

1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following
the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Drive the rear wheels onto the tow dolly.

3. Firmly set the parking brake. Place the transmission in
PARK.

4. Properly secure the rear wheels to the dolly, following
the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Remove the ignition key.

6. Install a suitable clamping device, designed for tow-
ing, to secure the front wheels in the straight position.

Flat towing (with all four wheels on the ground) is
allowed ONLY if the driveshaft is removed.

Towing

with the rear wheels on the ground while the driveshaft
is connected will result in severe transmission damage.

WARNING!

If the driveshaft is removed, the vehicle can roll even
if the transmission is in PARK, which could cause
serious injury or death.

The parking brake must be firmly engaged and the
wheels chocked

during driveshaft removal and installa-

tion. The parking brake must remain engaged unless the
vehicle is securely and properly connected to the tow
vehicle, or the driveshaft is completely reinstalled. See
your authorized dealer for proper driveshaft removal
and

reinstallation

procedures,

including

flange

orientation/alignment, use of thread-locking compound,
proper bolt torque specifications, etc.

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CAUTION!

Towing with the rear wheels on the ground (while
the driveshaft is connected) will cause severe trans-
mission damage. Damage from improper towing is
not covered under the New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.

Recreational Towing — Four-Wheel Drive Models

The transfer case must be shifted into NEUTRAL (N) and
the transmission must be placed in PARK for recreational
towing. The NEUTRAL (N) selection button is adjacent to
the transfer case selector switch. Shifts into and out of
transfer case NEUTRAL (N) can take place with the
selector switch in any mode position.

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.

• Tow only in a forward direction. Towing this

vehicle backwards can cause severe damage to the
transfer case.

• The transmission must be placed in PARK for

recreational towing.

• Before recreational towing, perform the procedure

outlined under “Shifting into NEUTRAL (N)” to
be certain that the transfer case is fully in NEU-
TRAL (N). Otherwise, internal damage will result.

• Failure to follow these procedures can cause se-

vere transmission and/or transfer case damage.

(Continued)

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CAUTION! (Continued)

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

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

Shifting Into NEUTRAL (N)

WARNING!

You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
NEUTRAL (N) position without first fully engaging
the parking brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL (N)
position disengages both the front and rear drive-
shafts from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle
to move, even if the transmission is in PARK. The
parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.

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

CAUTION!

It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that
the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL (N) before
recreational towing to prevent damage to internal
parts.

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop and shift the
transmission to PARK.

2. Turn OFF the ignition.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position, but
do not start the engine.

4. Press and hold the brake pedal.

5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.

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6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
press and hold the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL (N)
button (located above the selector switch) for four sec-
onds, until the light behind the NEUTRAL (N) symbol
starts to blink, indicating shift in progress. The light will
stop blinking (stay on solid) when the shift to NEUTRAL
(N) is complete.

7. After the shift is completed and the NEUTRAL light
comes on, release the NEUTRAL (N) button.

8. Start the engine.

9. Shift the transmission into REVERSE.

10. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure
that there is no vehicle movement.

11. Turn OFF the engine.

12. Firmly apply the parking brake.

13. Shift the transmission into PARK and remove the
ignition key.

Neutral Switch

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CAUTION!

Damage to the transmission may occur if the trans-
mission is shifted into PARK with the transfer case in
NEUTRAL (N) and the engine running. With the
transfer case in NEUTRAL (N) ensure that the engine
is off prior to shifting the transmission into PARK.

14. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable
tow bar.

15. Release the parking brake.

NOTE:

• Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met

prior to pressing the NEUTRAL (N) button, and must
continue to be met until the four seconds elapse and
the shift has been completed. If any of these require-
ments are not met prior to pressing the NEUTRAL (N)
button or are no longer met during the four second

timer, then the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light will flash
continuously until all requirements are met or until the
NEUTRAL (N) button is released.

• The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN position

for a shift to take place and for the position indicator
lights to be operable. If the ignition switch is not in the
ON/RUN position, the shift will not take place and no
position indicator lights will be on or flashing.

• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light

indicates that shift requirements have not been met.

Shifting Out Of NEUTRAL (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage.

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leaving it con-
nected to the tow vehicle.

2. Firmly apply the parking brake.

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3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position, but
do not start the engine.

4. Press and hold the brake pedal.

5. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.

6. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
press and hold the recessed transfer case NEUTRAL (N)
button (located above the selector switch) for one second.

7. After the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light turns off,
release the NEUTRAL (N) button.

8. After the NEUTRAL (N) button has been released, the
transfer case will shift to the position indicated by the
selector switch.

Neutral Switch

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NOTE:

When shifting out of transfer case NEUTRAL

(N), turning the engine OFF may be required to avoid
gear clash.

9. Shift the transmission into PARK.

10. Release the brake pedal.

11. Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.

12. Start the engine.

13. Press and hold the brake pedal.

14. Release the parking brake.

15. Shift the transmission into DRIVE, release the brake
pedal, and check that the vehicle operates normally.

NOTE:

• Steps 1 through 5 are requirements that must be met

prior to pressing the NEUTRAL (N) button, and must
continue to be met until the shift has been completed.
If any of these requirements are not met prior to
pressing the NEUTRAL (N) button or are no longer
met during the shift, the NEUTRAL (N) indicator light
will flash continuously until all requirements are met
or until the NEUTRAL (N) button is released.

• The ignition switch must be in the ON/RUN position

• A flashing NEUTRAL (N) position indicator light

indicates that shift requirements have not been met.

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Jeep Liberty (2012 year). Manual - part 27