2008 JEEP PATRIOT power steering

feel confident with the vehicle and your abilities. You
should always climb hills straight up and down. Never
attempt to climb a hill on an angle.
•Before Climbing A Steep Hill– As you approach a
hill consider its grade or steepness. Determine if it is
too steep. Look to see what the traction is on the hill
side trail. Is the trail straight up and down? What is on
top and the other side? Are there ruts, rocks, branches
or other obstacles on the path? Can you safely recover
the vehicle if something goes wrong? If everything
looks good and you feel confident, then you should
use low (L Off-Road) with the 4WD LOCK engaged
and proceed with caution maintaining your momen-
tum as you climb the hill
•Driving Up Hill– Once you have determined your
ability to proceed and have shifted into the appropri-
ate gear, line your vehicle up for the straightest
possible run. Accelerate with an easy constant throttleand apply more power as you start up the hill. Do not
race forward into a steep grade, the abrupt change of
grade could cause you to lose control. If the front end
begins to bounce, ease off the throttle slightly to bring
all four tires back on the ground. As you approach the
crest of the hill ease off the throttle and slowly proceed
over the top. If the wheels start to slip as you approach
the crest of a hill, ease off the accelerator and maintain
headway by turning the steering wheel no more than
a 1/4 turn quickly back and forth. This will provide a
freshbiteinto the surface and will usually provide
enough traction to complete the climb. If you do not
make it to the top, place the vehicle in REVERSE and
back straight down the grade using engine resistance
along with the vehicle brakes.
STARTING AND OPERATING 265
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POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
282 STARTING AND OPERATING

2All Transaxles
CAUTION!
If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the ACC position, not in
the LOCK position.
Do not attempt to use sling type equipment when
towing. When securing the vehicle to a flat bed truck,
do not attach to front or rear suspension components.
Damage to your vehicle may result from improper
towing.
If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON
position, not the ACC position. Make certain the trans-
mission remains in NEUTRAL.
Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. A dolly should be
used under the front wheels if the rear wheels are raised.
Proper towing equipment is necessary to prevent dam-
age to the vehicle.
Battery power is required to release the brake/
transmission interlock system. There is a removable plug
in the right side of the shift lever housing that allows you
to insert your finger to override the system. The ignition
key must be in the ON position to use the override lever.
Towing this Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat
Towing with All Four Wheels on the Ground)
CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the driv-
etrain will result.
344 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

Engine Compartment — Gasoline...........348

Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II........349
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............349

Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................350

Replacement Parts......................351

Authorized Dealer Service................352

Maintenance Procedures..................352
▫Engine Oil..........................352▫Drive Belt — Check Condition............356
▫Spark Plugs.........................356
▫Catalytic Converter....................356
▫Crankcase Emission Control System........358
▫Fuel Filter..........................358
▫Air Cleaner Element (Filter)..............358
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................359
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............361
▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............362
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Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by authorized dealers or other
service facilities using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C system
sealers, stop leak products, seal conditioners, compressor
oil, or refrigerants.
Power Steering — Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine OFF to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure an accurate fluid level reading.
Do not overfill. Use only the manufacturer’s recom-
mended power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” for correct fluid types.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
There are two front suspension lower ball joints that are
permanently lubricated. Inspect these ball joints when-
ever under-vehicle service is done. Damaged seals and
their corresponding potentially damaged ball joints must
be replaced.
362 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” under Section 8.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake And Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect the surface of the hoses and nylon tubing for
evidence of heat and mechanical damage. Hard andbrittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particu-
lar attention should be made to examining those hose
surfaces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
Ensure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before a hose is replaced
based on leakage.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 371
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FUSES/INTEGRATED POWER MODULE (IPM)
An Integrated Power Module (IPM) is located in the
engine compartment near the air cleaner assembly. This
center contains cartridge fuses and mini-fuses. A label
that identifies each component may be printed on the
inside of the cover. Refer to “Engine Compartment” in
this section of the Owner’s Manual for the underhood
location of the IPM.
Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
1 Empty Empty
2 15 Amp
Lt BlueAWD/4WD ECU
Feed
3 10 Amp
RedCHMSL Brake Switch
Feed
4 10 Amp
RedIgnition Switch Feed
5 20 Amp
YellowTrailer Tow
Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
6 10 Amp
RedIOD Sw/Pwr Mir/
Ocm Steering Cntrl
Sdar/Hands-Free
Phone
7 30 Amp
GreenIOD Sense1
8 30 Amp
GreenIOD Sense2
9 40 Amp
GreenPower Seats
10 20 Amp
YellowCCN Power Locks
11 15 Amp
Lt BluePower Outlet
12 20 Amp
YellowIgn Run/Acc Inverter
382 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts
Automatic Transaxle (CVT) Fluid MoparCVTF + 4
Manual Transaxle Fluid MoparATF+4 MS9602
Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) MoparGear & Axle Lubricant SAE 80W-90 API GL 5 or equivalent non-
synthetic product.
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) MoparGear & Axle Lubricant SAE 80W-90 API GL 5 or equivalent non-
synthetic product.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 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 MoparPower Steering Fluid +4 or MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 397
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