2007 JEEP PATRIOT Owners Manual

CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transaxle overheating and failure. It can
also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above
30 mph (48 km/h). Do not spin the wheels continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
With Ignition Key
Automatic And Manual Transaxle
Front-wheel-drive vehicles must have the front wheels
elevated; Four-wheel-drive vehicles must be hauled on a
flatbed truck.
All Transaxles
CAUTION!
If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the ACCESSORY posi-
tion, not in the LOCK position.
Do not attempt to use sling type equipment when
towing. When securing vehicle to flat bed truck, do
not attach to front or rear suspension components.
Damage to your vehicle may result from improper
towing.
If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON
position, not the ACCESSORY position. Make certain the
transaxle remains in NEUTRAL.
336 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. A dolly should be
used under the front wheels if the rear wheels are raised.
Proper towing equipment is necessary to prevent dam-
age to the vehicle.
Battery power is required to release the brake/
transmission interlock system. There is a removable plug
in the right side of the shifter housing that allows you to
insert your finger to override the system. The ignition
key must be in the on position to use the override lever.
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat
Towing With All Four Wheels On The Ground)
CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the driv-
etrain will result.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 337
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mEngine Compartment Ð Gasoline Engines.....342
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II........343
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message............344
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................344
mReplacement Parts......................346
mDealer Service.........................346
mMaintenance Procedures..................347
NEngine Oil..........................347NDrive Belt ± Check Condition.............351
NSpark Plugs.........................351
NCatalytic Converter....................351
NCrankcase Emission Control System........353
NFuel Filter..........................353
NAir Cleaner Element (Filter)..............353
NMaintenance-Free Battery................354
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............356
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............357
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NFront Suspension Ball Joints..............357
NBody Lubrication.....................358
NWindshield Wiper Blades................358
NWindshield Washer Reservoir.............359
NExhaust System......................359
NCooling System.......................360
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......365
NFuel System Connections................365
NBrake System........................366
NAutomatic Transaxle (CVT)..............368
NManual Transaxle.....................369
NRear Drive Assembly (RDA )± AWD/4WD Models
Only..............................370NPower Transfer Unit (PTU) ± AWD/4WD Models
Only..............................371
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................371
mFuses/Integrated Power Module (IPM).......376
mVehicle Storage........................380
mReplacement Bulbs......................380
mBulb Replacement......................381
NHeadlamps..........................381
NFog Lights..........................383
NTail Lights, Rear Turn Signals And Backup Lights
Ð Replacement.......................384
NLicense Lights........................386
NCenter High-Mounted Stoplight...........387
340 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

mFluids And Capacities...................388
mFluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts........388NEngine.............................388
NChassis............................389
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 341
7

ENGINE COMPARTMENT Ð GASOLINE ENGINES
342 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM Ð OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transaxle control systems. When these systems are oper-
ating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent per-
formance and fuel economy, as well as engine emissions
well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the ªMalfunction Indicator Light.º It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
²Prolonged driving with the ªMalfunction Indica-
tor Lightº on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
²If the ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 343
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