2013 Wrangler seems to drag when taking foot off the gas

Dee in SC

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Hello! We are new to owning a Jeep, I hadn't ever driven one until we bought this used 2013 Jeep Wrangler Sport, with under 60,000 miles. We just bought a motorhome, and see that the favorite vehicle to take along is the Jeep, so we decided to look for one. My question is, again keep in mind this is our first jeep so we are as green as green can get, when driving our jeep, when you take your foot off the gas, it seems to really drag, almost like braking, without touching the brake pedal, is that normal? When driving it, it seems to need a heavy foot on the gas, unlike suv's we've owned, which I know this isn't an suv, it's a totally different animal all together, but I'm just checking to see if this is the normal for a jeep wrangler. I hate buying used cars, it always makes me nervous not knowing what may be wrong with it, and knowing absolutely nothing about Jeep's, it makes me feel stupider then stupid.
 
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Hello! We are new to owning a Jeep, I hadn't ever driven one until we bought this used 2013 Jeep Wrangler Sport, with under 60,000 miles. We just bought a motorhome, and see that the favorite vehicle to take along is the Jeep, so we decided to look for one.
You're in luck. The Wrangler was specifically designed to be flat towed.
My question is, again keep in mind this is our first jeep so we are as green as green can get, when driving our jeep, when you take your foot off the gas, it seems to really drag, almost like braking, without touching the brake pedal, is that normal? When driving it, it seems to need a heavy foot on the gas, unlike suv's we've owned,
You're driving a vehicle that weighs over 4,000 pounds and has the aerodynamic properties of a barn. Coasting isn't their strong point.
which I know this isn't an suv
Yes, it is.
 
The Jeeps snail speed is normal, most of us get a throttle pedal enhancer to make it go faster.
thanks for the quick response, I'm more concerned about the drag when you take your foot off the gas, more the the snail speed, but it's good to know that part is normal
 
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You're in luck. The Wrangler was specifically designed to be flat towed.

You're driving a vehicle that weighs over 4,000 pounds and has the aerodynamic properties of a barn. Coasting isn't their strong point.

Yes, it is.
thank you for your quick response, we look forward to taking our jeep on a lot of new adventures, and knowing I've been worrying about nothing, it much nicer.
 
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thanks for the quick response, I'm more concerned about the drag when you take your foot off the gas, more the the snail speed, but it's good to know that part is normal

To check for brake drag block the front wheels and put Jeep in neutral and jack up the rear axle, then see if the wheels turn free.

Then put back into park and Jack up the front and check the same. If one is hanging up then you found your problem, also do the tire spin right after putting the brakes on hard.
 
Two things:
  1. There's nothing green about a Jeeo
  2. The aerodynamics of your Jeep have more in common with a barn than a Prius. Thus a lot of what you're noticing is that. It's like a barn flying down the highway. As soon as it gets a chance to stop, it will.
 
I've experienced what you are feeling. It's almost feels like your in 1rst or 2nd gear when you let off the gas. I think the transmission itself is acting as a brake although I don't really feel it downshifting. Make sense?
 
I've experienced what you are feeling. It's almost feels like your in 1rst or 2nd gear when you let off the gas. I think the transmission itself is acting as a brake although I don't really feel it downshifting. Make sense?
that's exactly how it feels, great analogy, thanks for your response
 
Just like any new to you vehicle, you should take it in for an inspection to your trusted mechanic. You may be experiencing standard jeep aerodynamics, or you may have a brake/bearing issue.

Unless of course you are of the mechanically inclined sort with a shed of tools... in that case follow @BLACKJKU 's advice above.
 
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Just had a similar issue on mine. Discovered a sticking caliper upon touching a very hot wheel on the driver side rear. When I pulled the tire the caliper had a vice grip on the rotor. A bit of sweat and 4 letter words later, new caliper solved it for me.

Recommend checking each of your wheels near the center caps after a drive and see if one or more is hotter than the others. That could be a good indication of where your problem lies. What the problem is will take further detective work.
 
Just had a similar issue on mine. Discovered a sticking caliper upon touching a very hot wheel on the driver side rear. When I pulled the tire the caliper had a vice grip on the rotor. A bit of sweat and 4 letter words later, new caliper solved it for me.

Recommend checking each of your wheels near the center caps after a drive and see if one or more is hotter than the others. That could be a good indication of where your problem lies. What the problem is will take further detective work.
Did you check your wheel bearing after? I had that happen to my WJ. A month later I was changing a hub. Just ended up changing both fronts while I was at it.
 
Did you check your wheel bearing after? I had that happen to my WJ. A month later I was changing a hub. Just ended up changing both fronts while I was at it.
Mine was a rear. My rear axle bearings and seals are less than a year old (5 months to be exact) so I didn't dig too deep to keep my stress levels low. Hahahaha.

I figure they'll let me know when they're ready to tap out. I have since experienced much better power, fuel economy, and road manners so I am pretty confident that I have this issue solved. For a 11 year old Jeep, I couldn't be happier.
 
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