gravel conditions and more wheel spin than ESP would
normally allow is required to gain traction.
To turn ESP on again, momentarily depress the ªESP
Control Switchº. This will restore the normal ªESP Onº
mode of operation.
WARNING!
In the Partial ESP mode, the engine torque reduction
and stability features are desensitized. Therefore, the
enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is
unavailable.
NOTE:To improve the vehicle's traction when driving
with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the ªPartial Offº
mode by pressing the ESP switch. Once the situation
requiring ESP to be switched to the ªPartial Offº mode isovercome, turn ESP back on by momentarily depressing
the ªESP Control Switchº. This may be done while the
vehicle is in motion.
ESP 4WD Operating Modes
In addition to ESP ON and Partial ESP (described above
in ªESP 2WD Operating Modesº), all 4WD equipped
vehicles can also choose the following ESP operating
mode:
ESP OFF
This mode is intended for off-highway or off-road use
when ESP stability features could inhibit vehicle maneu-
verability due to trail conditions. This mode is entered by
depressing and holding the ªESP Control Switchº for 5
seconds when the vehicle is stopped and the engine is
running. After 5 seconds, the ªESP/TCS Indicator Lightº
will illuminate and the ªESP Offº message will appear in
the odometer. Press and release the trip odometer button
located on the instrument cluster to clear this message.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 143
3
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
23. Four-Wheel-Drive Light
This light indicates the vehicle is in 4WD locked mode.
24. Odometer/Trip Odometer
A vacuum fluorescent display indicates the total distance
the vehicle has been driven. Also, the cluster will display,replacing the odometer/trip odometer, vehicle warning
messages such as: door/gate ajar and loose gas cap.
Loose gas cap will be displayed from the Odometer/Trip
Odometer on all models.
NOTE:If vehicle is equipped with the optional Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) in the instru-
ment cluster, all warnings including ªdoorº, and ªgATEº
will only be displayed in the EVIC display. For additional
information, refer to ªElectronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter Ð If Equippedº in Section 3.
U.S. federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading is changed during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so that the correct mileage can
be determined.
176 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
25. OFF ROAD Light Ð If Equipped
The symbol illuminates (is armed) when the 4WD lock
switch is activated and the transmission range indicator
is in Low or Reverse position.
26. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD that monitors emissions, engine, and
automatic transmission control systems. The light
will illuminate when the key is in the ON/RUN position
before engine start. If the bulb does not come on when
turning the key from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condi-
tion checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.If the Malfunction Indicator Light flashes when the
engine is running, serious conditions may exist that
could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic
converter damage. The vehicle should be serviced as
soon as possible if this occurs.
27. Hill Descent Control Light Ð If Equipped
The symbol illuminates (is armed) when the
4WD lock switch is activated and the transmis-
sion range indicator is in Low or Reverse
position (Off Road Mode).
28. Front Fog Light Indicator Ð If Equipped
This light shows when the front fog lights are ON.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 177
4
29. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator
Light/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light Ð
If Equipped
If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, apply as little throttle as possible. While
driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road con-
ditions, and do not switch off the ESP, or TCS Ð if
equipped.
30. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator Light
The malfunction lamp for the ESP is combined
with BAS. The yellow ªESP/BAS Warning
Lampº comes on when the ignition switch is
turned to the ªONº position. They should go
out with the engine running. If the ªESP/BAS Warning
Lampº comes on continuously with the engine running,
a malfunction has been detected in either the ESP or the
BAS system. If this light remains on after several ignitioncycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles at
speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see your autho-
rized dealer as soon as possible.
31.4WD!Malfunction Light
This light monitors the Four -Wheel-Drive
(4WD) system. The light will come on, for a
bulb check, when the ignition key is turned to
the ON position and may stay on for as long as
3 seconds.
When lit solid:There is an 4WD system fault. 4WD
performance will be at a reduced level. Service the 4WD
system soon.
When blinking:The 4WD system is temporarily dis-
abled due to overload condition.
178 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
NOff-Road Driving Tips And Vehicle
Characteristics.......................247
NFreedom Drive II 4WD System Operation....248
NFreedom Drive II ± Off-Road Features.......249
NHigh Mobility Characteristics.............250
NWater Fording Characteristics.............252
NThe Basics Of Off-Road Driving...........254
NWhen To Use Low (L Off-Road) With The 4WD
Lock Lever Engaged...................254
NSimultaneous Brake And Throttle Operation . . 255
NDriving In Snow, Mud And Sand..........255
NCrossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other
High Points).........................257
NHill Climbing........................260NDriving Through Water.................262
NAiring Down For Off-Road Driving........265
NVehicle Recovery......................266
NAfter Driving Off-Road.................269
mParking Brake.........................270
mBrake System..........................272
NAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Ð If
Equipped...........................273
mPower Steering........................276
mTire Safety Information...................277
NTire Markings........................277
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........280
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........281
234 STARTING AND OPERATING
CAUTION!
If you skip more than one gear while downshifting
or downshift at too high a vehicle speed, you could
damage the engine, transmission, or clutch.
To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, shift
down to 2nd or 1st when descending a steep grade.
When turning a corner, or driving up a steep grade,
downshift early so that the engine will not be overbur-
dened.
Four Wheel Drive System Ð If Equipped
This feature provides full time, on-demand, Four Wheel
Drive (4WD).
Where one or more wheels have wheel spin or if addi-
tional traction is needed in sand, deep snow, or loose
Four Wheel Drive Switch
246 STARTING AND OPERATING
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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 247
5
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
248 STARTING AND OPERATING