Don't Get Stranded - Easy Fixes Tips & Tricks (Dead Batteries, Manual Park Release, AutoPark Disengage Etc)

[PW45]

Don't forget that autopark won't engage if your seatbelt is buckled. I've buckled it and just sat on top of the belt just to avoid autopark

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[Kevin_D]

Hi Kevin, I've only ever shifted the TC into N or 4-Lo while the transmission was in N. If the battery is dead or Jeep disabled, then the Manual Park Release may be your best bet to ensure the tow truck driver doesn't drag your Jeep onto the flatbed while in gear. I've only had my Jeep for a year, so I am no expert and did a little research to provide a good answer. Hopefully the following video and info extracted from the owner's manual helps. Thanks for asking this question.



Manual Park Release

In order to move the vehicle in cases where the transmission will not shift out of Park (P) (such as a depleted battery), a Manual Park Release is available.

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled vehicle using a commercial towing service.

Flat Tow See instructions
Wheel Lift Or Dolly Tow NOT ALLOWED
Flatbed BEST METHOD

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE

Flat Tow

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on level ground.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the automatic transmission into NEUTRAL
4. Turn the engine off.
5. Shift the transfer case lever into N (Neutral).
6. Start the engine.
7. Shift the transmission into DRIVE or REVERSE.
8. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 with automatic transmission in DRIVE
10. Turn the engine off.
11. Firmly apply the parking brake.
12. Shift the transmission into PARK

Step 12.
This is how I've flat-towed my JT.
This procedure could stand to be improved...

Kevin

 

[Kevin_D]

Don't forget that autopark won't engage if your seatbelt is buckled. I've buckled it and just sat on top of the belt just to avoid autopark

If you turn the truck off, it's going to slam into Park regardless of the seat belt!

Kevin

 

[Gvsukids]

How does the repo man do it with vehicle for which he has no keys?

Picks it up with his truck and puts dolly wheels under the rear wheels.

 

[Kilroy]

Don't forget that autopark won't engage if your seatbelt is buckled. I've buckled it and just sat on top of the belt just to avoid autopark

I tried to move down the driveway to make more room for the smoker, forgot about the autopark and left the door open. Mildly annoying.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Picks it up with his truck and puts dolly wheels under the rear wheels.

Yeah, rhetorical question.......... meaning that even if you get stuck with all 4 wheels unable to turn for some reason, a good operator can still get it towed away and locking all 4 wheels and preventing releasing with the lever, it can still be moved. Dolly or trailer or whatever

 

[biplaneguy]

Don't forget that autopark won't engage if your seatbelt is buckled. I've buckled it and just sat on top of the belt just to avoid autopark

I know this is an old thread and may be a stupid question, but what is the downside to jumpering the seat belt switch so it thinks the seatbelt is always buckled?

 

[Gvsukids]

I know this is an old thread and may be a stupid question, but what is the downside to jumpering the seat belt switch so it thinks the seatbelt is always buckled?

Auto-stop won't engage.

 

[biplaneguy]

Auto-stop won't engage.

That's not a downside, that's the hoped-for result.

 

[Gvsukids]

That's not a downside, that's the hoped-for result.

What is your desired result?

 

[ShadowsPapa]

What is your desired result?

He's testing Darwin's laws.

 

[biplaneguy]

What is your desired result?

He's testing Darwin's laws.

Not at all; I just to be able to look out the open door when necessary, like backing a trailer or driving up onto ramps or whatever without being slammed into park because some lawyer thinks he needs to protect me.

 

[Gvsukids]

Not at all; I just to be able to look out the open door when necessary, like backing a trailer or driving up onto ramps or whatever without being slammed into park because some lawyer thinks he needs to protect me.

Hence why there are devices and Tazer, to defeat the issue.

 

[biplaneguy]

You guys are missing my point. I know a Tazer wil do it, but if disconnecting or jumpering the driver's seat belt switch has the desired effect (disabling autopark) with no other undesirable effects, that's a lot simpler and cheaper.

 

[Labswine]

As far as moving it when it's in park and won't start, it's very simple.

Just put the transfer case in Neutral. It'll free wheel all day and night. That's how people tow Jeeps behind their motor homes. Simply leave the transmission in park and put the T-case in neutral.

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