2007 JEEP PATRIOT brakes

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Ð If Equipped
The Anti-Lock Brake System provides increased vehicle
stability and brake performance under most braking
conditions. The system automatically ªpumpsº the
brakes during severe braking conditions to prevent
wheel lock-up.WARNING!
Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish their
effectiveness and may lead to an accident. Pumping
makes the stopping distance longer. Just press firmly
on your brake pedal when you need to slow down or
stop.
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WARNING!
²Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natural
laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking or steering efficiency beyond
that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
²The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
²The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.The ABS light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake
System. The light will come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position
and may stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or comes on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not come on when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
bulb repaired as soon as possible.
If both the Brake Warning Light and the ABS Light
remain on, the Anti-Lock brakes (ABS) and Electronic
Brake Force Distribution (EBD) systems are not function-
ing. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.
274 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
²Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles (805
km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage
your vehicle.
²During the first 500 miles (805 km) of trailer
towing, limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this
manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR,
or GCWR, ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
²When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
316 STARTING AND OPERATING

þWhen replacing tires refer to the Tires±General Infor-
mation section of this manual on Replacement Tires for
proper tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires
with a higher load carrying capacity will not increase
the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements Ð Trailer Brakes
þ
Donotinterconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
þAn electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
þTrailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000
lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
318 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle's hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Towing Requirements Ð Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.The Trailer Tow Package may includea4and7pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
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Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Section.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake And Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect the surface of the hoses and nylon tubing for
evidence of heat and mechanical damage. Hard andbrittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particu-
lar attention should be made to examining those hose
surfaces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before a hose is replaced
based on leakage.
366 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Battery............................... 354
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 29
Belts, Drive............................ 351
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 358
B-Pillar Location........................ 281
Brake Assist System...................... 138
Brake Fluid............................ 389
Brake, Parking.......................... 270
Brake System........................272,366
Anti-Lock (ABS).................136,137,273
Hoses.............................. 366
Master Cylinder....................... 367
Parking............................. 270
Warning Light........................ 172
Brakes.............................272,366
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 241
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 69
Bulb Replacement.....................380,381
Bulbs, Light............................ 380Calibration, Compass..................... 188
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 388
Capacities, Fluid........................ 388
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 307
Oil (Engine).......................342,349
Car Washes............................ 372
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 306
Cargo Area Cover....................... 154
Cargo Area Features...................... 152
Cargo Compartment
Light............................... 152
Luggage Carrier....................... 160
Cargo Light............................ 152
Cargo Load Floor........................ 156
Cargo Tie-Downs........................ 156
Catalytic Converter...................... 351
Caution, Exhaust Gas...................... 69
CD (Compact Disc) Player...............191,199
INDEX 423
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Fluid Level Check...................370,371
Frequency of Fluid Change............370,371
Lubricant Selection...............369,370,371
Map/Reading Lights..................... 118
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 367
Mirrors................................ 78
Electric Powered....................... 80
Exterior Folding........................ 80
Outside.............................. 78
Rearview............................. 78
Vanity............................... 82
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 294
Mopar Parts.........................346,415
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 119
Navigation Radio........................ 213
Navigation System....................... 213
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 69Occupant Restraints....................... 36
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 303
Odometer............................. 176
Trip .............................174,176
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road)............ 247
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement)............ 247
Oil, Engine.........................347,388
Capacity............................ 388
Change Interval....................... 348
Checking............................ 347
Disposal............................ 350
Filter............................... 350
Identification Logo..................... 349
Materials Added to..................... 350
Recommendation...................349,388
Synthetic............................ 350
Viscosity............................ 349
Oil Pressure Light....................... 170
Onboard Diagnostic System..............343,344
INDEX 431
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