2008 Jeep Wrangler

Phillip as you found some 2008s have it and some don't, can be very confusing when you hear different reports. Glad you figured yours out.

You can pull the IOD (ignition off draw) fuse in the fuse box to keep the battery from draining while towing I've read.

Thanks for all the replies. Yep, my jeep does have the steering wheel lock. Apparently, they changed over sometime during the 2008 model year as some 2008's have the wheel lock and some don't.

Thanks again for all the suggestions,
Phillip

If you have an automatic, the information below, taken from jeepforum.com, may help:

"I finally figured out how to remove the key without locking the steering wheel for flat towing. From the “on” position: with the key pushed in as far as it will go, turn the key to the “acc” position (past the lock position), then pull out on the key, (it should move slightly outward but not out), holding it outward, turn to the lock position. When I do this the key comes out but the column doesn’t lock. I remember a salesman showing me this but couldn’t quite remember the exact procedure. Post if this works for anyone else. I have ‘05 Auto."

If you have a manual, it may not work:
"Your vehicle may be equipped with a passive steering wheel lock (manual transmission only). This lock prevents steering the vehicle without the ignition key. If the steering wheel is moved a half turn in either direction and the key is not in the ignition, the steering wheel will lock."

In 2008, some wranglers had steering wheel locks, some didn't.

dodge guy wrote:
I would double check the owners manual vs. your Jeep. I do think the steering lock was eliminated. if not, then either remove the battery cable or run a charge wire from the MH to the Jeep.

AGAIN! The owners manual was wrong (as has been previously stated in this thread) for many years of production for the Wrangler. The OP needs to run a test to see if the column actually has a lock or not.

Why not have your mechanic remove the steering wheel, disable the steering lock, and reinstall the wheel?
If you have some mechanical ability and the tools, I suppose you could do it yourself, if messing with the airbag doesn't worry you.
Removing the lock pin will solve the problem forever, there will be no need to leave the key in the ignition.
It is beyond comprehension why the decision-makers decided that the "OFF, not locked" switch position was no longer needed!
If you had a 2006 Wrangler, you would not have the problem!

I would double check the owners manual vs. your Jeep. I do think the steering lock was eliminated. if not, then either remove the battery cable or run a charge wire from the MH to the Jeep.

I use to pull my 1999 Jeep Wrangler all the time behind my truck. I just left the steering locked. Never really ever noticed any front tire wear on the Jeep. Probably not a good idea however.

It is not good at all running down the battery below it 50% charge state. Even for the non-deep cycle start batteries.

I guess you could install a battery ON-OFF disconnect switch or just pull the negative battery cable when being in tow.

I pulled my truck negative cable once for a few days when I had to replace my alternator. When I got everything up and running again I had lost some computer settings by not having the battery connected all the time. The manual said this was normal and it would relearn itself after using it for awhile. My idle was so low it would stop the engine at stop signs. After a week of one foot on the gas pedal and the other foot on the brake I finally took it back to FORD to get my idle setting reset. Cost $90 for two minutes of work on their computer console. Don't you just love these electronic sensors. No manual idle adjust anywhere to be found.

Roy Ken

The 2008 Wrangler Owner's Manual indicates the key must be used to unlock the steering lock when being towed. It says the key should be in the ACC position, but many people turn it past this to the ON position that that will activate more of the electrical system. The recommended way of disabling the system is to remove the negative battery cable and many people use a simple cut-off switch. I've found the ones you can get that have a small knob tend to corrode over time and you're constantly having to remove and clean them. I use an enclosed one now that has a big red plastic key and it has eliminated all my corrosion problems. If all you want to do is remove a fuse though, the one to look for is the IOD fuse.

Bad switch

Good switch

BTW, this only applies to a Wrangler with 4wd.

Are you absolutely sure you have a steering wheel lock? I ask because for several years the Wrangler owners manual was wrong in this regard. With the key out of the ignition see if you can turn the wheel 360 degrees.