Can a 2009 Cherokee be towed with all four wheels on the ground. This one does not have a transfer case, it is full time 4x4 (AWD). I read here about putting the transfer case is neutral, but I can't do that. How can I identify if this vehicle can safely be towed ?

 

All in Neutral for relatively short run flat towing, for longer tows I do all in neutral but front end on a dolly. Ever so easy to hookup, tow, drop off.

 

Like claytonXJ said there will be no pressure in the trans lines so even though you might be getting some lubrication from the fluid sitting in the trans, you still are not getting the proper lubrication it is designed to get when the trans is in any movement at all. So any driveline vibrations or any axle movement that moves the trans while the vehicle is not running will cause the trans to be improperly lubricated. If you are in park you prohibit any movement from happening. And if you are paranoid about it slipping the axles into gear, tie the lever up or make a lock of some sort.

 

Just a thought, the friction from gear oil in the transfer case actually will turn the output shaft of the auto trans, which in turn, turns the trans internals but it does not activate the trans pump which is critical in a moving auto trans. The auto trans fluid does not ride the gears (because there isn't any) up for circulation, it has to be pumped. A short distance might be ok, but I would not do it for any sustained distance. In the past I remember salutions for using pumps to move the fluid when the vehicle is not running but is being flat towed. I've never understood why the manual trans has to be put in gear though, I've never owned an auto trans only manual, I just do what the manual says.

 

I'm assuming that you mean a Grand Cherokee or a Liberty (marketed as a Cherokee in all but North America). Either way, this forum focuses on the Cherokee XJ (1984-2001) and, to a lesser degree, the Grand Cherokee (ZJ & WJ 1993-2004). There are a few people here familiar with later models but you'd have better luck getting an answer from a forum dedicated to what you have. Or by reading the owner's manual

 

it is my understanding that if it does not have a transfer case which you can shift (t-case) into neutral, and it is an automatic transmission, then no, you can not safely flat tow it for any long periods of time.

if it is a standard trans, then i would assume you can flat tow with trans lever in neutral for as long as you want.

 

I just realized this thread is three years old. Oh well, it's relevant and timeless info.

 

That's the correct way^^ right there.

Guess what else it does?

It helps you verify the transfer case is indeed in Neutral!!!

If it's not, the Jeep won't roll.

I have the carnage of folks trying to out guess the designers of this system.

 

yes, that is the correct way for either command trac or select trac and quadra trac and quadra drive but not for freedom drive or active drive.

the last two does not have a transfer case, so there is no mid driveline neutral option.

 

Ok, so my 89 was flat towed behind a motorhome. Only has 170k miles (had 165 a year ago when I bought it) But I keep running into issues people normally don't have until far past 200k miles.

Does being flat towed rack up miles? I have a feeling it does not, but was curious.

 

It does rack up miles unless someone disconnected the speedo cable at the transfer case.

 

I have a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with 4WD. I flat tow the Jeep (4 wheels down) behind my RV. I tow it with the xfer case in neutral and the transmission in park, like the manual says. But, after towing, I get in the Jeep and put it in 2wd (all the way forward) and the tranny in reverse and back away from the RV. When I do this, sometimes, especially when I turn the wheels, I get a loud clunking or popping sound from the gears, which sounds like something is not engaging properly. It is loud, and embarrassing. Sometimes it helps if I shift the xfer case to Lo and go a little ways, either forward or backward, and then switch back to 2wd. This sometimes clears up the problem. I have to play with the gears and it eventually clears itself up and then all is fine. The problem is hard to diagnose since it only happens after towing and clears up rather soon. Any ideas what to do?

 

I would try putting the trans in Neutral, shifting the transfer case into 2WD and then Reverse.

 

Thanks! I will try that!

 

When it comes to finding a Jeep Cherokee that's suitable for flat towing, it's essential to consider the transmission and transfer case. I remember delving into similar research for my own outdoor adventures, and it's crucial to look for models with a "neutral" setting on the transfer case that allows for flat towing, typically found in the NP242 transfer case. The automatic transmission itself doesn't necessarily matter as much as the transfer case's capabilities. On a somewhat related note, during one of my trips to New York City, I stumbled upon the big toy store in New York. There, I discovered an array of toy vehicles and action figures that ignited my passion for exploration and adventure. If you're looking for more outdoor excitement, feel free to explore largerthanlifetoys.com, where you can find a plethora of toys to fuel your adventurous spirit. Good luck with your Jeep search!