2008 JEEP PATRIOT maintenance

cluster. To reset the oil change indicator system (after
performing the scheduled maintenance) refer to the fol-
lowing 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.EVIC Functions
Press the EVIC button until one of the following func-
tions is displayed on the EVIC:
•Compass/Temperature/Audio
•Average Fuel Economy
EVIC Button
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 185
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CD/DVD MAINTENANCE
To keep the CD/DVD discs in good condition, take the
following precautions:
1. Handle the disc by its edge; avoid touching the
surface.
2. If a disc is stained, clean the surface with a soft cloth,
wiping from center to edge.
3. Do not apply paper, paper CD labels, or tape to the
disc; avoid scratching a disc.
4. Do not use solvents such as benzine, thinner, cleaners,
or antistatic sprays.
5. Store a disc in its case after playing.
6. Do not expose a disc to direct sunlight.7. Do not store a disc where temperatures may become
too high.
8. Do not play discs that are small in size or have
irregular shapes.
RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES
Under certain conditions, the cellular phone being ON in
your vehicle can cause erratic or noisy performance from
your radio. This condition may be lessened or eliminated
by relocating the cellular phone antenna. This condition
is not harmful to the radio. If your radio performance
does not satisfactorily “clear” by the repositioning of the
antenna, it is recommended that the radio volume be
turned down or off during cellular phone operation.
226 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

MAX A/C
For maximum cooling select the
air direction to either the Panel or
Bi-Level position using the mode
control. Press the A/C button and
the recirculation button so that
both lamps are illuminated and
set the temperature control to its
coolest setting.
NOTE:
•Recirculation Mode will not operate in floor, mix or
defrost modes.
•See “Circulation Control” in this section, for proper or
extended use of this position.
Air Filtration System — If Equipped
An air filter is included in the optional Security Group.
Filter media includes a particle filtration layer and a
charcoal layer. The filter will reduce, but not eliminate,
diesel and agricultural smells. The filter acts only on air
coming from outside the vehicle; it does not filter air
inside the passenger compartment. See the maintenance
schedule for the filter change interval. The air filter
change interval coincides with engine oil and filter
change intervals. As with oil changes, the interval is
shorter for heavy duty service or dusty conditions. See
your authorized dealer for service.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 231
4

type tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to main-
tain mud, snow, and wet traction levels and contribute to
a smooth, quiet ride.
Follow the recommended tire rotation frequency for your
type of driving found in the “Maintenance Schedules”
Section of this manual. More frequent rotation is permis-
sible, if desired. The reason(s) for any rapid or unusual
wear should be corrected before rotating. The suggested
rotation method is the “forward-cross” shown in the
diagram below.TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)
— IF EQUIPPED
•
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) will warn
the driver of a low tire pressure based on the vehicle
recommended cold placard pressure.
•The tire pressure will vary with temperature by about
1 psi (6.9 kPa) for every 12°F (6.5°C). This means that
when the outside temperature decreases, the tire pres-
sure will decrease. Tire pressure should always be set
based on “cold inflation tire pressure”. This is defined
as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not been
driven for at least three hours, or driven less than 1 mi
(1 km) after a three hour period. The cold tire inflation
pressure must not exceed the maximum inflation
pressure molded into the tire sidewall. Refer to “Tires
– General Information” in this section for information
on how to properly inflate the vehicle’s tires. The tire
STARTING AND OPERATING 301
5

CAUTION!
•The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warnings have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system
operation or sensor damage may result when us-
ing replacement 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.
•After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure,
always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will
prevent moisture and dirt from entering the valve
stem, which could damage the Tire Pressure Moni-
toring Sensor.NOTE:
•The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care
and maintenance or to provide warning of a tire failure
or condition.
•The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure gauge
while adjusting your tire pressure.
•Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
•The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure using an accurate tire gauge, even
if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale
light.
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5

NOTE:Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options, or authorized dealer-installed
options, must be considered as part of the total load on
your vehicle. Refer to the Tire and Loading Information
placard in the Tire Safety Information Section of this
manual for the maximum combined weight of occupants
and cargo for your vehicle.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your vehicle drivetrain
components, the following guidelines are recommended:
CAUTION!
•Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 mi (805 km)
of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage your
vehicle.
•During the first 500 mi (805 km) of trailer towing,
limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Perform the maintenance listed in the “Maintenance
Schedule.” Refer to Section 8 of this manual. When
towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR, or GCWR,
ratings.
STARTING AND OPERATING 323
5

Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. Refer to the “Main-
tenance Schedule” in Section 8 for transmission fluid
change intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)

Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips — Cooling System
To reduce the potential for engine and transmission
overheating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in NEUTRAL but do not increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
refer to Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
328 STARTING AND OPERATING

the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and
the fan control to HIGH. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H”,
pull over when safe and stop the vehicle with the
engine at idle. Turn the air conditioner OFF and wait
until the pointer drops back into the normal range.
After appropriate action has been taken, if the
pointer remains on the “H”, turn the engine OFF
immediately and call for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to “Maintenance”, Section 7 of
this manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OVERHEATING
During sustained high speed driving or trailer towing up
long grades on hot days, the automatic transaxle oil may
become too hot.
If this happens, the transmission overheat indi-
cator light will come on, and the vehicle will
slow slightly until the automatic transaxle cools
down enough to allow a return to the requested speed. If
the high speed is maintained, the overheating will reoccur,
as before, in a cyclic fashion.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 333
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