2008 JEEP PATRIOT Electrical

Once unlocked, the liftgate can be opened or closed
without using the key. To open the liftgate, squeeze the
liftgate release and pull the liftgate open with one fluid
motion.NOTE:In the event of a power malfunction, or the RKE
transmitter is inoperative, insert the key into the liftgate
lock cylinder and turn to the right (manual lock models
only). Using the liftgate handle, pull the liftgate open
with one fluid motion.
Although the liftgate has no inside release mechanism,
the liftgate trim panel includes an opening with a snap-in
cap that provides access to release the latch in the event
of an electrical system malfunction.
Opening The Liftgate
34 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Using HomeLink.....................147
▫Reprogramming A Single
HomeLinkButton....................148
▫Security............................148
▫Troubleshooting Tips...................148
▫General Information...................149

Power Sunroof — If Equipped.............149
▫Opening The Sunroof..................150
▫Closing The Sunroof...................150
▫Pinch Protect Feature...................151
▫Pinch Protect Override.................151
▫Venting Sunroof — Express..............151
▫Sunshade Operation...................152▫Wind Buffeting.......................152
▫Sunroof Maintenance...................152
▫Ignition Off Operation..................152

Electrical Power Outlets — If Equipped.......152
▫Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off.......154

Console Features.......................155

Cargo Area Features.....................156
▫Cargo Light/Removable Self Recharging
Flashlight — If Equipped................156
▫Retractable Cargo Area Cover —
If Equipped.........................158
▫Removable Load Floor..................159
▫Cargo Tie-Down Loops.................160
▫Fold Down Speakers — If Equipped........161
76 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Sunshade Operation
The sunshade can be opened manually. However, the
sunshade will open automatically as the sunroof opens.
NOTE:The sunshade cannot be closed if the sunroof is
open.
Wind Buffeting
Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of
pressure on the ears or a helicopter-type sound in the
ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the
windows down, or the sunroof (if equipped) in certain
open or partially open positions. This is a normal occur-
rence and can be minimized. If the buffeting occurs with
the rear windows open, open the front and rear windows
together to minimize the buffeting. If the buffeting occurs
with the sunroof open, adjust the sunroof opening to
minimize the buffeting or open any window.
Sunroof Maintenance
Use only a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to clean
the glass panel.
Ignition Off Operation
The sunroof will also operate up to 45 seconds after the
ignition has been turned off. The sunroof operation will
be canceled if either of the front doors are opened during
the 45 second time period.
ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS — IF EQUIPPED
There is a standard 12 Volt power outlet in the instrument
panel and a 115 Volt (150 Watts Maximum) power outlet
in the center console on certain models for added conve-
nience. These outlets can power cell phones, electronics
and other low power devices.
NOTE:Due to overload protection the inverter will shut
down if the power rating is exceeded.
152 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off
CAUTION!
•Many accessories that can be plugged in draw
power from the vehicle’s battery, even when not in
use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s battery will
discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent engine starting.
•Accessories that draw higher power (i.e., coolers,
vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.); will degrade the
battery even more quickly. Only use these inter-
mittently and with greater caution.
•After the use of high power draw accessories, or
long periods of the vehicle not being started (with
accessories still plugged in), the vehicle must be
driven a sufficient length of time to allow the
generator to recharge the vehicle’s battery.
Power Outlet — 115 Volts (150 Watts)
154 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Fuel Gauge/Fuel Door Location
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the pointer will show the level of fuel remain-
ing in the fuel tank. The fuel pump symbol
points to the side of the vehicle where the fuel
door is located.
2. Voltage Warning Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should come on when the
ignition switch is first turned ON and remain on briefly
as a bulb check. If the Voltage Warning light remains on,
or comes on while driving, it means that the vehicle is
experiencing a problem with the charging system. Obtain
SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See your authorized dealer.3. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control system. If a prob-
lem is detected, the light will come on while the
engine is running. If the light remains lit with
the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable
and not need towing, however see your authorized
dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light is flashing when the engine is running you
may experience power loss, an elevated/rough idle, and
increased brake pedal effort, and your vehicle may
require towing. Immediate service is required.
The light will come on when the ignition switch is first
turned ON and remain on briefly as a bulb check. This is
normal. If the light does not come on during starting,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
172 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

EVIC button will place the Compass in calibration mode.
The Cal indicator will come on continuously in the EVIC
display, to indicate that the compass is now in the
calibration mode and that the vehicle can now be driven
to calibrate. A short EVIC button press from theCali-
brate Compass (Yes)screen will exit the EVIC Customer
Programmable features, and return it to its normal oper-
ating mode. To complete the compass calibration, drive
the vehicle in one or more complete 360 degree circles
under 5 mph (8 km/h) in an area free from power lines
and large metallic objects, until the CAL indicator turns
off. The compass will now function normally.RADIO GENERAL INFORMATION
RADIO BROADCAST SIGNALS
The radio will provide excellent reception under most
operating conditions. Like any system, however, automo-
tive radios have performance limitations, due to mobile
operation and natural phenomena, which might lead you
to believe your sound system is malfunctioning. To help
you understand and save you concern about these “ap-
parent” malfunctions, you must understand a point or
two about the transmission and reception of radio sig-
nals.
Electrical Disturbances
Radio waves may pick up electrical disturbances during
transmission. They mainly affect the wave amplitude,
and thus remain a part of the AM reception. They
interfere very little with the frequency variations that
carry the FM signal.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 193
4

Press and hold the FF button to fast forward through the
tracks. Release the FF button to stop the fast forward
feature. If the RW button is pressed, the current track will
reverse to the beginning of the track and begin playing.
RND/SET Button (Random Play Button) (CD
Mode)
Press this button while the CD is playing to activate
Random play. This feature plays the selections on the
compact disc in random order to provide an interesting
change of pace.
Press the SEEK button to move to the next randomly
selected track.
Press the RND button a second time to stop Random
play.
Operating Instructions - Auxiliary Mode
The auxiliary (AUX) jack is an audio input jack, which
allows the user to plug in a portable device such as an
MP3 player, cassette player, or microphone and utilize
the vehicle’s audio system to amplify the source and play
through the vehicle speakers.
The auxiliary mode becomes active when an electrical
device is plugged into the AUX jack using a standard 3.5
mm stereo audio cable and the user presses and releases
the MODE button until AUX appears on the display.
NOTE:The radio will return to the last stored mode if
the ignition switch is turned from the OFF/LOCK posi-
tion to the ACC position, the radio is turned on, and the
radio was previously in the AUX mode.
SEEK Button (Auxiliary Mode)
No function.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 201
4

NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.
Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
4-Pin Connector
7-Pin Connector
STARTING AND OPERATING 327
5