2008 Jeep Wrangler

[TexasPhillip]

I tow a 2008 Jeep Wrangler using the RVi braking system. On my jeep, I have to leave the key in the ON position to tow due to the steering wheel lock.
The problem is by the time I have towed for a day, the battery has run down, even if I start the jeep during rest stops, it usually will not start when we reach our destination for the day.
Can anyone tell me the specific fuse to pull that will turn everything off while the key is on during towing?
Thanks for any help.

PHillip

[klutchdust]

haddy1 wrote:

klutchdust wrote:
My 08 JK has the locking steering wheel. It was one of the first in production for that year. The "clock spring" is now defective and it basically has something to do with the air bag deployment and is located inside the

steering column.I am going to dismantle the column to replace the defective part and the "lock" will not be going back in. For JK owners, when the clock spring goes bad the air bag light will go on. Each time you make a

left or right turn it will chime. There was a recall on certain 08's but not mine. A man placed a u-tube video showing how to replace it and I am going to do it myself.

You might want to double check that clockspring. I believe that my 2007 was extended to lifetime. I previously have disabled the wheel lock on several Jeeps. After taking a look at my 2007, I decided that it wasn't worth the effort.

I called the dealer and then spoke directly to Jeep Corporate. My serial number was not one of those that were defective. I tried to talk them into repairing it anyway but no deal. It's been

a real good vehicle for me.

[jpmihalk]

klutchdust wrote:
My 08 JK has the locking steering wheel. It was one of the first in production for that year. The "clock spring" is now defective and it basically has something to do with the air bag deployment and is located inside the

steering column.I am going to dismantle the column to replace the defective part and the "lock" will not be going back in. For JK owners, when the clock spring goes bad the air bag light will go on. Each time you make a

left or right turn it will chime. There was a recall on certain 08's but not mine. A man placed a u-tube video showing how to replace it and I am going to do it myself.

2008 must have been a particularly bad year for Jeep clock springs. I had a 2008 Liberty that went through 3 clock springs replaced before I traded it back to the dealer for a Commander. My Liberty had way too many electrical issues, and each time the clock spring went bad, the lights came on by themselves, the windshield wipers turned on spontaneously and all kinds of crazy things happened with each throwing a different computer error code. They kept repairing it under warranty but it seemed like there was no fix. I have since traded the Commander for a JK Wrangler Unlimited that I can tow 4 down.

[haddy1]

klutchdust wrote:
My 08 JK has the locking steering wheel. It was one of the first in production for that year. The "clock spring" is now defective and it basically has something to do with the air bag deployment and is located inside the

steering column.I am going to dismantle the column to replace the defective part and the "lock" will not be going back in. For JK owners, when the clock spring goes bad the air bag light will go on. Each time you make a

left or right turn it will chime. There was a recall on certain 08's but not mine. A man placed a u-tube video showing how to replace it and I am going to do it myself.

You might want to double check that clockspring. I believe that my 2007 was extended to lifetime. I previously have disabled the wheel lock on several Jeeps. After taking a look at my 2007, I decided that it wasn't worth the effort.

[klutchdust]

My 08 JK has the locking steering wheel. It was one of the first in production for that year. The "clock spring" is now defective and it basically has something to do with the air bag deployment and is located inside the

steering column.I am going to dismantle the column to replace the defective part and the "lock" will not be going back in. For JK owners, when the clock spring goes bad the air bag light will go on. Each time you make a

left or right turn it will chime. There was a recall on certain 08's but not mine. A man placed a u-tube video showing how to replace it and I am going to do it myself.

[dodge_guy]

sch911 wrote:

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.

that`s why i said to double check!

[TexasPhillip]

srx-6 wrote:
Yes it is. If you can go to the thread in the link I sent it has pictures.

That sir, is the best information I have gotten. I really appreciate it. Before your post I did look at and try to pull out the IOD fuse. I stopped before It came all the way out because I thought I might break it. Now I understand. Thanks again.

Phillip

[haddy1]

The IOD fuse that you are looking for has a T-handle so it's easy to pull. Make sure that you get it all the way up. (You don't need to remove the fuse) If you care to, you can also pull the M1 fuse which will disable the brake lights if your brake system depresses the pedal on the Jeep.

[srx-6]

Yes it is. If you can go to the thread in the link I sent it has pictures.

[TexasPhillip]

srx-6 wrote:
I also tow a 2008 Wrangler. You should leave the ignition in the ACC position(that is the first click. DO NOT turn it to the ON position(two clicks). Also under the hood in the fuse box you should disengage the IOD fuse which will turn off any accessories. All you do is pull up on the fuse until you feel 2 clicks then when ready to drive push it back down in place. A knife blade type battery disconnect will also work but you will loose all of your radio presets when you disconnect the battery. This thread should help.

https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/22720717/print/true.cfm

That's some good information. From a previous poster I did look in the owners manual for the IOD fuse. Is the one you are referring to a 60 amp fuse?

thanks,
Phillip

[srx-6]

I also tow a 2008 Wrangler. You should leave the ignition in the ACC position(that is the first click. DO NOT turn it to the ON position(two clicks). Also under the hood in the fuse box you should disengage the IOD fuse which will turn off any accessories. All you do is pull up on the fuse until you feel 2 clicks then when ready to drive push it back down in place. A knife blade type battery disconnect will also work but you will loose all of your radio presets when you disconnect the battery. This thread should help.

https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/22720717/print/true.cfm

[Y-Guy]

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.

[TexasPhillip]

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

[dahkota]

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.

[sch911]

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.