2007 JEEP PATRIOT ESP

traction surfaces, activate the 4WD Lock switch by pull-
ing up once and releasing. This locks the center coupling
allowing more torque to be sent to the rear wheels. The
amber94WD9light will come on in the cluster. This can be
done on the fly, at any vehicle speed. To deactivate,
simply pull on the switch one more time. The cluster light
will then go out.
NOTE:Refer to ºESP (Electronic Stability Program) in
the ªElectronic Brake Control Systemº section of this
manual for additional information.
PATRIOT FREEDOM DRIVE II ± SAFE OFF-ROAD
DRIVING
Off-Road Driving Tips and Vehicle Characteristics
The Patriot with the Freedom Drive II Off-Road package
has excellent on and off-road capabilities. These off-road
capabilities will allow you to explore those wilderness
trails where few travel, providing a source of exciting andsatisfying recreation. Before you venture out you should
contact your local governmental agency to determine
what are the designated off-road vehicle (ORV) trails or
recreation areas. You should always tread lightly and
only use established roads, trails or ORV recreational
areas. The National Forest Service, Bureau of Land Man-
agement or local Department of Natural Resources are a
wealth of information and usually have maps with
marked trails.
NOTE: For optimum off-road performance, premium
fuel is recommended. However, your vehicle is
equipped with an active spark knock system and can
adjust the engine calibration for varying range of fuel
octane levels.The Patriot's Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package
The Jeep Patriot with the Freedom Drive II has excellent
capability on and off-road.
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The package includes:
²2.4L DOHC 16-Valve I4 (172 bhp @ 6000 rpm, 165 lb-ft
@ 4400 rpm)
²Second generation continuously variable transaxle
(CVT2L) with 19:1 crawl ratio
²Tow Hooks: 2 front and 1 rear
²Front engine and transaxle skid plate
²Fuel tank skid plate
²Air filtration system
²Unique springs for a 1 inch of increased ride height
²Fog lamps
²Seat height adjust
²Three-mode Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
²Hill-descent control
²Unique off-road engine calibration for optimum off-
road performance with premium fuel
²Off-road Brake Traction Control
²Unique off-road Anti-lock brake calibration
²Heavy duty cooling package (Eng/larger CVT oil
cooler, High capacity cooling fans)
²Heavy duty alternator
²Improved body sealing and high located drivetrain
component vents
²Reinforced rear lateral links
Freedom Drive II 4WD System Operation
Under normal driving conditions, the vehicle operates in
the active four wheel drive mode. Pulling up on the 4WD
lock lever activates the 4WD system and lights the amber
4WD cluster light. This commands a higher torque to the
rear wheels, for improved traction capability on slippery
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roads. The active four wheel drive mode has the same
functionality with the Freedom Drive I system. Shifting
the transaxle gear select lever into Low Off-Road mode
with the 4WD lock lever active, lights the amber off-road
and 4WD cluster lights. This off-road mode gives the
combined benefits of a 19:1 crawl ratio, hill descent
braking, optimum off-road performance with premium
fuel, and off-road brake traction control for improved
traction capability off-road. In low, the transaxle (CVT2L)
initially maintains the 19:1 crawl ratio before changing
ratio. This low ratio is ideal for crawling over obstacles.
Freedom Drive II ± Off-Road Features
The following are key off-road features which are active
when the system has the 4WD lock lever engaged and is
in the Low Off-Road mode.
²Hill descent Braking± Hill descent braking uses the
vehicle braking system to provide a controlled descent
down varying grades. This feature is only active whenthe system has the 4WD lock lever engaged and is in
the Low Off-Road mode or reverse. Hill descent
braking can be turned off by turning off ESP. The hill
decent control speed varies between 4-6 mph (6 -10
km/h) forward, 3 mph (5 km/h) reverse.
²Off-Road Brake Traction Control± When conditions
warrant, the vehicle braking system transfers torque
from side to side. It does not control throttle input
unlike normal traction control which is active in
normal drive mode.
²19.1 Crawl Ratio± When the system has the 4WD lock
lever engaged and is in the Low Off-Road mode, the
CVT2L initially maintains the 19:1 crawl ratio before
changing ratio. This low ratio is ideal for crawling over
obstacles.
²4WD Lock Mode± Four wheel drive lock mode
commands a higher torque to the rear wheels, for
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additional traction and activates the numerous off-road
features to improve handling and control on slippery or
difficult terrain. Due to the sustained lower gearing, low
(L Off-Road) with 4WD Lock engaged will allow the
engine to operate in a higher power range. This will
allow you to cross over obstacles and descend hills, with
improved control and less effort.
Simultaneous Brake And Throttle Operation
Many off-road driving conditions require the simulta-
neous use of the brake and throttle (two footed driving).
When climbing rocks, logs, or other stepped objects,
using light brake pressure with light throttle will keep the
vehicle from jerking or lurching. This technique is also
used when you need to stop and restart a vehicle on a
steep incline.
Driving in Snow, Mud and Sand
There is a drastic reduction in traction when driving in
snow, mud or sand. The vehicle will be less responsive to
steering, acceleration and braking inputs. Therefore you
should accelerate slowly, leave greater stopping distances
and avoid abrupt vehicle maneuvers. You want to keep a
slow constant steady pace. The key is to maintain the
vehicle's momentum.
²Snow± In heavy snow or for additional control and
traction at slower speeds, activate the 4WD Lock and
shift the transmission to a low (L Off-Road) if neces-
sary. Don't shift to a lower gear than necessary to
maintain headway. Over-revving the engine can spin
the wheels and traction will be lost. If you start to slow
to a stop, try turning your steering wheel no more than
a 1/4; turn quickly back and forth, while still applying
throttle. This will allow the tires to get a fresh9bite9
and help maintain your momentum.
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CAUTION!
On icy or slippery roads, do not downshift at high
engine rpm's or vehicle speeds because engine brak-
ing may cause skidding and loss of control.
²Mud± Deep mud creates a great deal of suction
around the tires and is very difficult to get through.
You should use low (L Off-Road) with the 4WD Lock
engaged and maintain your momentum. If you start to
slow to a stop, try turning your steering wheel no
more than a 1/4; turn quickly back and forth for
additional traction. Mud holes pose an increased
threat of vehicle damage and getting stuck. They are
normally full of debris from previous vehicles getting
stuck. As a good practice before entering any mudhole, get out and determine how deep it is, if there are
any hidden obstacles and if the vehicle can be safely
recovered if stuck.
²Sand± Soft sand is very difficult to travel through
with full tire pressure. When crossing soft sandy spots
in a trail maintain your vehicle's momentum and do
not stop. The key to driving in soft sand is to use the
appropriate tire pressure, accelerating slowly, avoid-
ing abrupt maneuvers and maintaining the vehicle's
momentum. If you are going to be driving on large soft
sandy areas or dunes, reduce your tire pressure to a
minimum of 15 psi (103 kPa) to allow for a greater tire
surface area. You should use low (L Off-Road) with the
4WD Lock engaged and ESP turned off. Reduced tire
pressure will drastically improve your traction and
handling, while driving on the soft sand, but you must
return the tires to normal air pressure before driving
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the possibilities of a down hill slide or roll over. Make
sure the surface has good traction with firm and stable
soils. If possible transverse the incline at an angle
heading slightly up or down.
WARNING!
Driving across an incline increases the risk of a roll
over, which may result in severe injury.
²If You Stall Or Begin To Lose Headway± If you stall
or begin to lose headway while climbing a steep hill,
allow your vehicle to come to a stop and immediately
apply the brake. Restart the engine and shift to R
(Reverse). Back slowly down the hill allowing engine
and hill descent braking to control the descent and
apply your brakes if necessary, but do not allow the
tires to lock
WARNING!
If the engine stalls or you lose headway or cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill or grade, never
attempt to turn around. To do so may result in
tipping and rolling the vehicle, which may result in
severe injury. Always back carefully straight down a
hill in R (Reverse) gear. Never back down a hill in N
(Neutral) using only the vehicle brakes. Never drive
diagonally across a hill, always drive straight up or
down
Driving Through Water
Extreme care should be taken crossing any type of water.
Water crossings should be avoided if possible and only
be attempted when necessary, in a safe responsible
manner. You should only drive through areas which are
designated and approved. You should tread lightly and
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²Before You Cross Any Type Of Water± As you
approach any type of water you need to determine if
you can cross it safely and responsibly. If necessary, get
out and walk through the water or probe it with a
stick. You need to be sure of its depth, approach angle,
current and bottom condition. Be careful of murky or
muddy waters, check for hidden obstacles. Make sure
you will not be intruding on any wildlife and you can
recover the vehicle if necessary. The key to a safe
crossing is the water depth, current and bottom con-
ditions. On soft bottoms the vehicle will sink in,
effectively increasing the water level on the vehicle. Be
sure to consider this when determining the depth and
the ability to safely cross
²Crossing Puddles, Pools, Flooded Areas Or Other
Standing Water± Puddles, pools, flooded or other
standing water areas normally contain murky or
muddy waters. These water types normally contain
hidden obstacles and make it difficult to determine anaccurate water depth, approach angle, and bottom
condition. Murky or muddy water holes are where
you want to hook up tow straps prior to entering. This
makes for a faster, cleaner and easier vehicle recovery.
If you are able to determine you can safely cross, than
proceed using the low and slow method.
CAUTION!
Muddy waters can reduce the cooling system effec-
tiveness by depositing debris onto the radiator.
²Crossing Ditches, Streams, Shallow Rivers Or Other
Flowing Water± Flowing water can be extremely
dangerous. Never attempt to cross a fast running
stream or river even in shallow water. Fast moving
water can easily push your vehicle downstream
sweeping it out of control. Even in very shallow water,
a high current can still wash the dirt out from around
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POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
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