
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

improved traction capability off-road. It also, turns on
other system features in conjunction with L Off-Road
mode.
²Unique Engine Calibration± When the system has
the 4WD lock lever engaged and is in the Low
Off-Road mode or reverse, the engine calibration
changes to run higher spark advance with premium
fuel for optimum off-road performance. Your vehicle is
equipped with an active spark knock system and can
adjust the engine calibration for varying range of fuel
octane levels.
High Mobility Characteristics
The Patriot with the Freedom Drive II Off-Road package
has high off-road mobility characteristics with an ap-
proach angle A= 29 degrees, a break-over angle B= 23
degrees, a running ground clearance C= 9 ins. (23 cm), a
departure angle D= 33 degrees, and a turning circle of
35.6 ft. (11 m).
250 STARTING AND OPERATING

wear should be corrected before rotating. The suggested
rotation method is the ªforward-crossº shown in the
diagram.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
GASOLINE ENGINES
Your vehicle is designed to meet all emis-
sion regulations and provide excellent fuel
economy when using high quality regular
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of
87. The use of premium gasoline is notrecommended. The use of premium gasoline will provide
no benefit over high quality regular gasolines, and in
some circumstances, may result in poorer performance.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of gasoline (with the ap-
propriate octane rating for your engine) before consider-
ing service for the vehicle.
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning gasoline referred to as ªReformulated Gasolineº.
STARTING AND OPERATING 303
5

Reformulated gasolines contain oxygenates, and are spe-
cifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and im-
prove air quality.
The manufacturer supports the use of reformulated gaso-
lines. Properly blended reformulated gasolines will pro-
vide excellent performance and durability of engine and
fuel system components.
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with oxy-
genates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE, and ETBE. Oxygen-
ates are required in some areas of the country during the
winter months to reduce carbon monoxide emissions.
Fuels blended with these oxygenates may be used in
your vehicle.
CAUTION!
DO NOT use gasolines containing Methanol or E85
Ethanol. Use of these blends may result in starting
and driveability problems and may damage critical
fuel system components.
Problems that result from using methanol/gasoline
blends are not the responsibility of the manufacturer.
While MTBE is an oxygenate made from Methanol, it
does not have the negative effects of Methanol.
MMT In Gasoline
MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase the octane num-
ber. Gasolines blended with MMT offer no performance
advantage beyond gasolines of the same octane number
without MMT. Gasolines blended with MMT have shown
to reduce spark plug life and reduce emission system
304 STARTING AND OPERATING

performance in some vehicles. The manufacturer recom-
mends using gasolines without MMT. Since the MMT
content of gasoline may not be indicated on the pump,
you should ask your gasoline retailer whether or not
his/her gasoline contains MMT.
It is even more important to look for gasolines without
MMT in Canada, because MMT can be used at levels
higher than those allowed in the United States.
MMT is prohibited in Federal and California reformu-
lated gasolines.
Materials Added to Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions and would result in additional cost. Therefore
you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle's
performance:
²The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance,
damage the emission control system.
²An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.
²The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers is not recommended. Most of these
STARTING AND OPERATING 305
5

Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
Engine Oil Filter Mopart04884900AB or equivalent.
Spark Plugs Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Information label in the engine com-
partment.
Fuel Selection 87 Octane (R + M)/2
Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transaxle (CVT) Fluid MopartCVTF + 4
Manual Transaxle Fluid MopartATF+4 MS9602
Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) MopartGear & Axle Lubricant SAE 80W-90 API GL 5 or equivalent non-
synthetic product.
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) MopartGear & Axle Lubricant SAE 80W-90 API GL 5 or equivalent non-
synthetic product.
Brake Master Cylinder MopartDOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids or equivalent.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartPower Steering Fluid +4 or MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 389
7

Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle.................... 369
Fluids................................ 388
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 388
Fog Lights.......................121,177,383
Folding Rear Seat........................ 114
Folding Rear Seat (Sedan).................. 114
Four Wheel Drive....................... 246
Systems............................. 246
Four Wheel Drive Operation................ 246
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 335
Fuel..............................303,388
Adding............................. 307
Additives............................ 305
Capacity............................ 388
Clean Air............................ 303
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 307
Filter............................... 353
Gasoline............................ 303Gauge.............................. 169
Hoses.............................. 365
Light............................... 170
Octane Rating........................ 303
Requirements......................... 303
System Hoses......................... 365
Tank Capacity........................ 388
Fueling............................... 307
Fuses................................ 376
Garage Door Opener (HomeLinkt) ........... 130
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)............307,308,344
Gasoline, Clean Air...................... 303
Gasoline (Fuel).......................303,388
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 304
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................... 173
Fuel................................ 169
Odometer........................... 176
INDEX 427
10

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
10