2008 JEEP PATRIOT check engine

When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant to
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, the contents of the coolant recovery bottle must
also be protected against freezing.
•If frequent coolant additions are required or if the level
in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when the
engine cools, the cooling system should be pressure
tested for leaks.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine which contains
aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean also.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 369
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NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done when-
ever the brake system is serviced and at every engine oil
change.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning light is on.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brakefluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. The brake fluid level should be checked
when the pads are replaced. However, low fluid level
may be caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with amanual
transaxle, the brake fluid reservoir supplies fluid to both
the brake system and the clutch release system. The two
systems are separated in the reservoir, and a leak in one
system will not affect the other system. Themanual
transaxleclutch release system should not require fluid
replacement during the life of the vehicle. If the brake
fluid reservoir is low and the brake system does not
indicate any leaks or other problems, it may be a result of
a leak in the hydraulic clutch release system. See your
local authorized dealer for service.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” under
Section 8.
372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

steel belt traction on the drive and driven pulleys. Refer
to “Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts” for correct
fluid type.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid will cause belt slip and
result in a complete transmission failure! Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” for correct
fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the automatic transaxle should be
checked only by a trained technician.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 of this
manual for the correct change interval.
Special Additives
Do not add any materials (other than leak detection dyes)
to Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT) Fluid
(CVTF+4). CVTF+4 is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives.
Manual Transaxle
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturers recommended transmission
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts”
under Section 8.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more that 3/16 in (4.7 mm) below the bottom of
the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
374 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil
if it has been six months since your last oil change and
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 mi (10 000 km) or six months, whichever
comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If this
scheduled oil change is performed by someone otherthan your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Oil Change
Required” in “Use Factory Settings” of the EVIC section
in this manual or under “Odometer/Trip Odometer” in
the Instrument Cluster Descriptions section of this
manual.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 401
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Once a Month
•Check the tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
•Check the manual transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
402 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 279
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 367
Adding Fuel........................... 314
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 163
Additives, Fuel......................... 313
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 358
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 361
Air Conditioning Controls................. 227
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 232
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............361,362
Air Conditioning System................227,361
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 292
Airbag................................ 48
Airbag Deployment..................... 53,55
Airbag Light..................... 53,57,70,173
Airbag Maintenance....................... 57
Airbag, Side............................ 54
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)............. 49,54
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............ 18,176Alignment and Balance................... 300
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 223
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........366,395,396
Capacities........................... 395
Disposal............................ 368
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............133,279
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 18
Appearance Care........................ 376
Assistance Towing........................ 95
Automatic Door Locks................... 27,29
Automatic Transaxle........... 13,239,244,333,373
Fluid Level Check...................... 374
Interlock System....................... 246
Overheating.......................... 333
Selection Of Lubricant................... 373
Shifting ............................. 246
Special Additives...................... 374
Autostick ............................. 249
418 INDEX

Caution, Exhaust Gas...................... 69
CD (Compact Disc) Player...............195,203
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance........ 226
Cellular Phone........................ 82,226
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 392
Chains, Tire............................ 300
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 334
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 284
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............... 350
Child Restraint.......................... 60
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 64
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts........... 63
Child Safety Locks........................ 30
Child Seat.............................. 66
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 311
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 378
Climate Control......................... 227Clock ........................194,197,205,218
Clutch............................... 372
Clutch Fluid........................... 372
CoinHolder ........................... 155
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 226
Compact Spare Tire...................... 295
Compass.............................. 192
Compass Calibration..................... 192
Compass Variance....................... 191
Console.............................. 155
Contract, Service........................ 411
Coolant (Antifreeze)...................395,396
Cooling System......................... 365
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 367
Coolant Level......................365,368
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 368
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 366
Inspection........................... 368
Points to Remember.................367,369
420 INDEX

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 138
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 183
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 334
Jump Starting......................... 340
Towing ............................. 343
Emission Control System Maintenance......350,400
Engine............................. 69,348
Break-In Recommendations................ 69
Checking Oil Level..................... 352
Cooling ............................. 365
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 314
Fuel Requirements..................... 311
Jump Starting......................... 340
Oil ...........................352,395,396
Oil Change Interval.................... 354
Oil Filler Cap......................348,354
OilFilter ............................ 396
Oil Selection.......................... 354Oil Synthetic......................... 355
Operation............................ 69
Overheating.......................... 332
Temperature Gauge..................... 177
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 56
Event Data Recorder...................... 58
Exhaust Gas Caution.............. 35,69,314,364
Exhaust System......................... 364
Fabric Care............................ 378
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 358
Engine Fuel.......................... 358
Engine Oil........................355,396
Flashers.............................. 332
Hazard Warning....................... 332
Turn Signal.......................... 389
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 339
Flooded Engine Starting................... 241
422 INDEX