2008 JEEP PATRIOT Filler cap

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

Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period of time. If the
vehicle is stopped in an open area with the engine
running for more than a short period, adjust the
ventilation system to force fresh, outside air into the
vehicle.
•Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
•Keep the liftgate closed when driving your vehicle to
prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous ex-
haust gases from entering the vehicle.
ADDING FUEL
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door, on the left side
of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged, be sure
the replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.
314 STARTING AND OPERATING

After removing the gas cap, place the gas cap tether cable
over a hook on the inside of the fuel door. This keeps the
gas cap suspended away from and protects the vehicle’s
surface.CAUTION!
•A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the Malfunc-
tion Indicator Light (MIL) to turn on.
•To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
Fuel Filler Door Features
STARTING AND OPERATING 315
5

WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
•Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is
in violation of most state and Federal fire regula-
tions and will cause the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) to turn on.
NOTE:Tighten the gas cap about 1/4 turn until you
hear one click. This is an indication that cap is properly
tightened.
If the gas cap is not tighten properly, the MIL will come
on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time the vehicle
is refueled.
WARNING!
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on the
ground while filling.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose or improperly installed, a “gASCAP”
message will be displayed in the Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter in the instrument cluster. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Description” in Section 4 of this manual. Tighten
the fuel filler cap properly and press the odometer/trip
odometer RESET button to turn the message off. If the
problem continues, the message will appear the next time
316 STARTING AND OPERATING

the vehicle is started. Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic
System — OBD II” in Section 7 of this manual for more
information.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control sys-
tem could result from using an improper fuel tank
filler cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let
impurities into the fuel system.
VEHICLE LOADING
Vehicle Loading Capacities:
Front Seat Occupants....................... 2
Rear Seat Occupants....................... 3
Luggage....................... 175lbs(80kg)
Vehicle Rated Capacity............ 925lbs(420 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes the weight of your vehicle, the driver,
passengers, cargo and trailer tongue weight. The total
load must be limited so that you do not exceed the
GVWR.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully
review this information to tow your load as efficiently
and safely as possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this manual concerning ve-
hicles used for trailer towing.
STARTING AND OPERATING 317
5

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
7

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated Onboard
Diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transaxle control systems. When these systems are oper-
ating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent per-
formance and fuel economy, as well as engine emissions
well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose or
improperly installed. A “gASCAP” message will be dis-
played in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap until
aclickingsound is heard. This is an indication that the
gas cap is properly tightened. Press the trip odometer
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 349
7