2008 JEEP PATRIOT Owners Manual

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

Operating Tips
232 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Window Fogging
Vehicle side windows tend to fog on the inside in mild
rainy or humid weather. To clear the windows, set mode
to the mix or defrost position. Direct the panel outlets
toward the side windows. Do not use recirculate without
A/C for long periods as fogging may occur.
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by using the defrost position.
If the fogging problem persists, clean the inside window
surfaces. The cause of undue fogging may be dirt collect-
ing on the inside surface of the glass.
NOTE:In cold weather, the use of the recircu-
late position will cause windows to fog on the
inside because of moisture build up inside the
vehicle. Moisture and ice can also accumulate
on the inside of the sheet metal and may result inheadliner and/or electronic component damage. For
maximum defogging, press the recirculation button until
recirculate is off.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high-
quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corrosion
protection and to raise the boiling point of the coolant for
protection against overheating. A 50% concentration is
recommended.
Outside Air Intake
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, directly in front of the wind-
shield, is free of ice, slush, snow or other obstructions
such as leaves. Leaves collected in the air-intake plenum
may reduce air flow and plug the plenum water drains.
The blower air will heat faster in cold weather if you use
only a low blower speed for the first few minutes of
vehicle operation.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 233
4

Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is at each end of the
instrument panel. These nonadjustable outlets direct air
toward the side windows when the system is in either the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.
234 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures.....................239
▫Manual Transmission..................239
▫Automatic Transmission................239
▫Normal Starting......................240
▫Extremely Cold Weather
(Below
20°F Or
29°C)................240
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................241
▫After Starting........................241
Manual Transaxle — If Equipped...........242
▫Recommended Shift Speeds..............243
▫Downshifting........................243

Automatic Transaxle — If Equipped.........244
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock System.......246
▫Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock
System.............................246
▫Gear Ranges For Continuously Variable
Automatic Transaxle (CVT)..............246
5

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

Brake System..........................278
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) —
If Equipped.........................279

Power Steering........................282

Tire Safety Information...................283
▫Tire Markings........................283
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........287

Tires — General Information...............291
▫Tire Pressure.........................291

Tire Chains...........................300

Tire Rotation Recommendations............300

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) —
If Equipped...........................301
▫Base System — If Equipped..............304▫Premium System — If Equipped..........306
▫General Information...................310

Snow Tires...........................310

Fuel Requirements......................311
▫Gasoline Engines.....................311
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................311
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............312
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................312
▫Materials Added To Fuel................313
▫Fuel System Cautions..................313
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............314

Adding Fuel..........................314
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............314
STARTING AND OPERATING 237
5

▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............316

Vehicle Loading........................317
▫Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).......317

TrailerTowing .........................317
▫Common Towing Definitions.............318
▫Trailer Hitch Classification...............320
▫Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)......................321▫Trailer And Tongue Weight..............322
▫Towing Requirements..................323
▫TowingTips .........................327

Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.).................329
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................329
238 STARTING AND OPERATING