2008 JEEP PATRIOT checking oil

AUTHORIZED DEALER SERVICE
Your authorized dealer has the qualified service person-
nel, special tools, and equipment to perform all service
operations in an expert manner. Service manuals are
available which include detailed service information for
your vehicle. Refer to these service manuals before
attempting any procedure yourself.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If you
have any doubt about your ability to perform a service
job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
352 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

The best time to check the engine oil level is about five
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off. Do not
check oil level before starting the engine after it has sat
overnight. Checking engine oil level when the engine is
cold will give you an incorrect reading.Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of
the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. The range markings will
consist of a crosshatch zone that says SAFE or a cross-
hatch zone that says MIN at the low end of the range and
MAX at the high end of the range. Adding 1 qt (1L) of oil
when the reading is at the low end of the indicated range
will result in the oil level at the full end of the indicator
range.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill the engine. Overfilling the engine as
indicated by the range markings, as described above,
on the engine oil dipstick will cause oil aeration,
which can lead to loss of oil pressure and an increase
in oil temperature. This could damage your engine.
Engine Oil Dipstick
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 353
7

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

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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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

Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 181,350
Manual, Service......................... 414
Manual Transaxle..................239,242,374
Downshifting......................... 243
Fluid Level Check...................374,375
Frequency of Fluid Change............375,376
Lubricant Selection..................374,375
Map/Reading Lights..................... 120
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 372
Mirrors ................................ 78
Electric Powered....................... 80
Exterior Folding........................ 80
Outside.............................. 79
Rearview............................. 78
Vanity ............................... 82
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 301
Mopar Parts.........................351,413
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 121Navigation Radio........................ 217
Navigation System....................... 217
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 69
Occupant Restraints....................... 35
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 311
Odometer............................. 179
Trip .............................177,179
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road)............ 252
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement)............ 252
Oil Change Indicator..................... 184
Oil Change Indicator, Reset................. 184
Oil, Engine.........................352,395
Capacity............................ 395
Change Interval....................... 354
Checking............................ 352
Disposal............................ 355
Filter ............................... 355
Identification Logo..................... 354
INDEX 427
10

Materials Added to..................... 355
Recommendation...................354,395
Synthetic............................ 355
Viscosity............................ 354
Oil Pressure Light....................... 173
Onboard Diagnostic System..............349,350
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 142
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual)............ 5
Outside Air Intake....................... 233
Overdrive............................. 248
Overheating, Engine...................... 332
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual)......... 5,414
PaintCare ............................. 376
Panic Alarm............................ 21
Parking Brake.......................... 276
Passing Light........................... 125
Personal Settings........................ 187
Pets.................................. 68Phone, Cellular.......................... 82
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect) .............. 82
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 287
Power
Distribution Center (Fuses)............... 382
Door Locks........................... 27
Mirrors .............................. 80
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 152
Steering..........................282,362
Steering, Checking..................... 362
Sunroof............................. 149
Transfer Unit......................... 375
Windows............................. 32
Power Steering Fluid..................... 397
Power Transfer Unit...................... 375
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 48
Preparation for Jacking.................... 335
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 45
428 INDEX