2008 JEEP PATRIOT coolant level

13. Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. If the engine is critically hot, a warning chime
will sound 10 times. After the chime turns off, the
engine will still be critically hot until the light goes out.
14. Brake System Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions, in-
cluding brake fluid level and parking brake appli-
cation. If the brake light turns on, it may indicate that the
parking brake is applied, there is a low brake fluid level
or there is a problem with the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS).
The dual-brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. Failure of either half of the dual-brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It will
take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have an
accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 175
4

Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant that allows extended maintenance intervals. This
coolant can be used up to five years or 100,000 miles
before replacement. To prevent reducing this extended
maintenance period, it is important that you use the same
coolant throughout the life of your vehicle. Please review
these recommendations for using Hybrid Organic Addi-
tive Technology (HOAT) coolant.
When adding coolant, a minimum solution of 50% rec-
ommended MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000
Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technol-
ogy), or equivalent, in water should be used. Use higher
concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if temperatures below

34°F (
37°C) are anticipated.
Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/engine coolant solution.The use of lower quality water will reduce the amount of
corrosion protection in the engine cooling system.
Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE:Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent coolant
changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of coolant
and to ensure that coolant will return to the radiator from
the coolant recovery bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 367
7

WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to
cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to
build up in the cooling system. To prevent scald-
ing or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while
the system is hot or under pressure.
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for yourcommunity. To prevent ingestion by animals or children
do not store ethylene glycol-based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
ground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine idling and warm to normal operating tempera-
ture, the level of the coolant in the bottle should be
between the “ADD” and “FULL” lines shown on the
bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
the coolant freeze point or replacing the coolant. Advise
your service attendant of this. As long as the engine
operating temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle
need only be checked once a month.
368 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
7

FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)13.5 Gal 51.0 L
Engine Oil-With Filter
All Gasoline Engines (use API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil) 4.5 qts 4.26 L
Cooling System *
MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Miles Formula), or
equivalent.7.2 qts 6.8 L
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 395
7

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