2008 JEEP PATRIOT 4WD

ESP Operating Modes
The ESP system has three available operating modes for
4WD equipped vehicles and two available operating
modes for 2WD equipped vehicles.
Full On (4WD Models) or On (2WD Models)
This is the normal operating mode for ESP. Whenever the
vehicle is started the ESP system will be in this “On”
mode. This mode should be used for most driving
situations. ESP should only be turned to “Partial Off” or
“ESP Off” for specific reasons as noted below.
Partial Off (4WD Models) or On (2WD Models)
This mode is entered by momentarily depressing the ESP
OFF switch. When in “Partial Off” mode the “ESP
Indicator Light” will be illuminated. This mode is in-
tended to be used if the vehicle is in deep snow, sand or
gravel conditions and more wheel spin than ESP would
normally allow is required to gain traction.To turn ESP on again, momentarily depress the ESP OFF
switch. This will restore the normal “ESP On” mode of
operation.
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 “Partial Off”
mode by pressing the ESP OFF switch. Once the situation
requiring ESP to be switched to the “Partial Off” mode is
overcome, turn ESP back on by momentarily depressing
the ESP OFF switch. This may be done while the vehicle
is in motion.
Full Off (4WD Models Only)
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 ESP OFF switch for five
seconds when the vehicle is stopped and the engine is
running. After five seconds, the “ESP Indicator Light”
140 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replace-
ment or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.
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 aftermarket tire sealants
or balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.23. 4WD Indicator 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 “door”, and “gATE”
will only be displayed in the EVIC display. For additional
information, refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter — If Equipped” in Section 3.
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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.
Change Oil Message
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change
indicator system. The “Change Oil” message will flash in
the instrument cluster odometer for approximately 12
seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate the
next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change
indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the
engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon
your personal driving style. Unless reset, this message
will continue to display each time you turn the ignition
switch to the ON/RUN position. To turn off the messagetemporarily, press and release the Trip Odometer button
on the instrument cluster. To reset the oil change indica-
tor system (after performing the scheduled maintenance)
refer to the following procedure.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.Do not
start the engine.
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three
times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
NOTE:If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary repeat this procedure.
25. OFF ROAD Indicator Light — 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.
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26. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
This light is part of an Onboard Diagnostic
system called OBD II that monitors emissions,
engine, and automatic transmission control sys-
tems. The light will illuminate when the key is in the
ON/RUN position before engine start. If the light does
not come on when turning the key from OFF to ON/
RUN, have the condition 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 MIL 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 Indicator Light — If Equipped
The symbol illuminates (is armed) when the
4WD Lock switch is activated and the trans-
mission range indicator is in LOW or REVERSE
position (Off-Road Mode).
28. Front Fog Light Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light shows when the front fog lights are on.
29. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator
Light/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light —
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 — if
equipped.
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30. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator Light
The malfunction light for the ESP is combined
with BAS. The yellow “ESP/BAS Warning
Light” comes on when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position. They should go out
with the engine running. If the “ESP/BAS Warning
Light” 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 ignition
cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles/
kilometers at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see
your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
31. 4WD! Warning Light
This light monitors the 4-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
three 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.
32. Electronic Vehicle Information Center Display — If
Equipped
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
messages.
33. Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
Button — If Equipped
Pushing this button, will change the display to the
choices available for EVIC.
182 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

AutoStick— If Equipped................249
▫AutoStickOperation..................249
▫AutoStickGeneral Information...........250

Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped....251

Freedom Drive II – Safe Off-Road Driving.....252
▫Off-Road Driving Tips And Vehicle
Characteristics.......................252
▫Freedom Drive II 4WD System Operation....253
▫Freedom Drive II – Off-Road Features.......254
▫High Mobility Characteristics.............255
▫Water Fording Characteristics.............257
▫The Basics Of Off-Road Driving...........259
▫When To Use Low (L Off-Road) With The
4WD Lock Lever Engaged...............260▫Simultaneous Brake And Throttle Operation . . 260
▫Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand..........260
▫Crossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other
High Points).........................262
▫HillClimbing ........................264
▫Driving Through Water.................268
▫Airing Down For Off-Road Driving........270
▫Vehicle Recovery......................271
▫After Driving Off-Road.................274

Driving On Slippery Surfaces..............275
▫Acceleration.........................275
▫Traction............................276

Parking Brake.........................276
236 STARTING AND OPERATING

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF
EQUIPPED
This feature provides full time, on-demand, 4–Wheel
Drive (4WD).Where one or more wheels have wheel spin or if addi-
tional traction is needed in sand, deep snow, or loose
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
amber 4WD Indicator Light 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
4WD Indicator Light will then go out.
NOTE:Refer to Electronic Stability Program (ESP) in the
“Electronic Brake Control System” section of this manual
for additional information.
Four-Wheel Drive Switch
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•Unique springs fora1in(2.5cm)ofincreased ride
height
•Fog lamps
•Seat height adjust
•Three-mode Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
•Hilldescent control
•Unique off-road engine calibration for optimum off-
road performance with premium fuel
•Off-road Brake Traction Control
•Unique off-road Anti-lock brake calibration
•Heavy duty cooling package (Eng/larger CVT oil
cooler, High capacity cooling fans)
•Heavy duty alternator
•Improved body sealing and high located drivetrain
component vents
•Reinforced rear lateral links
Freedom Drive II 4WD System Operation
Under normal driving conditions, the vehicle operates in
the active 4–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
roads. The active 4–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.
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