2008 JEEP PATRIOT Owners Manual

•Unique Engine Calibration– When the system has
the 4WD lock lever engaged and is in the Low
Off-Road mode or reverse, the engine calibration
changes to run higher spark advance with premium
fuel for optimum off-road performance. Your vehicle is
equipped with an active spark knock system and can
adjust the engine calibration for a varying range of fuel
octane levels.High Mobility Characteristics
The Freedom Drive II Off-Road package has high off-
road mobility characteristics with an approach angle A=
29 degrees, a break-over angle B= 23 degrees, a running
ground clearance C= 9 in (23 cm), a departure angle D=
33 degrees, and a turning circle of 35.6 ft (11 m).
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Angles A B C D
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Water Fording Characteristics
Water fording characteristic is the vehicle’s ability to
cross a body of still water, where the powertrain and
drivetrain are safe from water ingestion. The Freedom
Drive II Off-Road package has high water fording char-
acteristics with the ability to cross a pool of water,without stopping, 19 in (48 cm) deep at a maximum
speed of 5 mph (8 km/h) with an entrance ramp angle of
1.3 degrees.
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Water Fording Characteristics
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The Basics of Off-Road Driving
You will encounter many types of terrain driving off-
road. You should be familiar with the terrain and area
before proceeding. There are many types of surface
conditions: hard packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand,
mud, snow and ice. Every surface has a different effect on
your vehicle’s steering, handling and traction. Control-
ling your vehicle is one of the keys to successful off-road
driving, so always keep a firm grip on the steering wheel
and maintain a good driving posture. Avoid sudden
accelerations, turns or braking. In most cases there are no
road signs, posted speed limits or signal lights. Therefore
you will need to use your own good judgment on what is
safe and what isn’t. When on a trail you should always be
looking ahead for surface obstacles and changes in
terrain. The key is to plan your future driving route while
remembering what you are currently driving over.CAUTION!
Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other
combustible materials. The heat from your vehicle
exhaust system could cause a fire.
WARNING!
Always wear your seat belt and firmly tie down
cargo. Unsecured cargo can become projectiles in an
off-road situation.
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When To Use Low (L Off-Road) with the 4WD
Lock Lever Engaged
When driving off-road, shift into low (L Off-Road) and
activate the 4WD LOCK. This will provide additional
traction and activates the numerous off-road features to
improve handling and control on slippery or difficult
terrain. Due to the sustained lower gearing, low (L
Off-Road) with 4WD Lock engaged will allow the engine
to operate in a higher power range. This will allow you to
cross over obstacles and descend hills, with improved
control and less effort.
Simultaneous Brake And Throttle Operation
Many off-road driving conditions require the simulta-
neous use of the brake and throttle (two-footed driving).
When climbing rocks, logs, or other stepped objects,
using light brake pressure with light throttle will keep the
vehicle from jerking or lurching. This technique is also
used when you need to stop and restart a vehicle on a
steep incline.
Driving in Snow, Mud and Sand
There is a drastic reduction in traction when driving in
snow, mud or sand. The vehicle will be less responsive to
steering, acceleration and braking inputs. Therefore you
should accelerate slowly, leave greater stopping distances
and avoid abrupt vehicle maneuvers. You want to keep a
slow constant steady pace. The key is to maintain the
vehicle’s momentum.
•Snow– In heavy snow or for additional control and
traction at slower speeds, activate the 4WD LOCK and
shift the transmission to low (L Off-Road) if necessary.
Don’t shift to a lower gear than necessary to maintain
headway. Over-revving the engine can spin the wheels
and traction will be lost. If you start to slow to a stop,
try turning your steering wheel no more than a 1/4
turn quickly back and forth, while still applying
throttle. This will allow the tires to get a freshbite
and help maintain your momentum.
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CAUTION!
On icy or slippery roads, do not downshift at high
engine RPM’s or vehicle speeds because engine brak-
ing may cause skidding and loss of control.
•Mud–Deep mud creates a great deal of suction around
the tires and is very difficult to get through. You should
use low (L Off-Road) with the 4WD LOCK engaged and
maintain your momentum. If you start to slow to a stop,
try turning your steering wheel no more than a 1/4 turn
quickly back and forth for additional traction. Mud
holes pose an increased threat of vehicle damage and
getting stuck. They are normally full of debris from
previous vehicles getting stuck. As a good practice
before entering any mud hole, get out and determine
how deep it is, if there are any hidden obstacles and if
the vehicle can be safely recovered if stuck.
•Sand– Soft sand is very difficult to travel through
with full tire pressure. When crossing soft sandy spots
in a trail maintain your vehicle’s momentum and do
not stop. The key to driving in soft sand is using the
appropriate tire pressure, accelerating slowly, avoid-
ing abrupt maneuvers and maintaining the vehicle’s
momentum. If you are going to be driving on large soft
sandy areas or dunes, reduce your tire pressure to a
minimum of 15 psi (103 kPa) to allow for a greater tire
surface area. You should use low (L Off-Road) with the
4WD LOCK engaged and ESP turned off. Reduced tire
pressure will drastically improve your traction and
handling, while driving on the soft sand, but you must
return the tires to normal air pressure before driving
on pavement or other hard surfaces. Be sure you have
a way to reinflate the tires prior to reducing the
pressure.
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CAUTION!
Reduced tire pressures may cause tire unseating and
total loss of air pressure. To reduce the risk of tire
unseating, while at a reduced tire pressure, reduce
your speed and avoid sharp turns or abrupt
maneuvers.
Crossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other High
Points)
While driving off-road, you will encounter many types of
terrain. These varying types of terrain bring different
types of obstacles. Before proceeding review the path
ahead to determine the correct approach and your ability
to safely recover the vehicle if something goes wrong.
Keeping a firm grip on the steering wheel, bring the
vehicle to a complete stop and then inch the vehicleforward until it makes contact with the object. Apply the
throttle lightly while holding a light brake pressure and
ease the vehicle up and over the object.
WARNING!
Crossing obstacles can cause abrupt steering system
loading which could cause you to loose control of
your vehicle.
Using A Spotter
There are many times where it is hard to see the obstacle
or determine the correct path. Determining the correct
path can be extremely difficult when you are confronting
many obstacles. In these cases have someone guide you
over, through, or around the obstacle. Have the person
stand a safe distance in front of you where they can see
the obstacle, watch your tires and undercarriage, and
guide you through.
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