2008 JEEP PATRIOT suspension

WARNING!
Never use tow straps with end hooks or link two
straps with a clevis pin. These heavy metal objects
could become projectiles if a strap breaks, which
could cause severe injury. Never leave more than 2 to
3 ft (61 to 91 cm) of slack in the strap. More slack than
this greatly increases the risk of injury and vehicle
damage. Always keep everyone at least 30 ft (9 m)
away from a strapping or winching situation.
After Driving Off-Road
Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than
does most on-road driving. After driving off-road, it is
always a good idea to check for damage.
•Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle.
Check tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and
exhaust system for damage.
•Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on
the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and sus-
pension. Retighten them, if required, and torque to the
values specified in the Service Manual.
•Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These
things could be a fire hazard, or they might hide
damage to fuel lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals,
and propeller shafts.
•After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or
similar dirty conditions, have brake drums and rotors,
brake linings, and axle yokes inspected and cleaned as
soon as possible.
•If you experience unusual vibration after driving in
mud, slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for
packed material. Packed foreign material can cause a
wheel imbalance and cleaning the wheels will correct
the situation.
274 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
DO NOT use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change suspension
dimensions and performance characteristics, result-
ing in changes to steering, handling, and braking of
your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable handling
and stress to steering and suspension components.
You could lose control and have an accident resulting
in serious injury or death. Use only the tire and
wheel sizes with load ratings approved for your
vehicle.
WARNING!
•NEVER use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer
readings.
STARTING AND OPERATING 299
5

Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
•Fast tire wear.
•Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
•Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your
authorized dealer for proper diagnosis.
Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
TIRE CHAINS
Due to limited clearance, tire chains are not recom-
mended.
CAUTION!
Damage to the vehicle may result if tire chains are
used.
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates and tend to develop irregular wear pat-
terns.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of the
tires. The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile
with aggressive tread designs such as those on all-season
300 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
PARK. Always block orchockthe trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
324 STARTING AND OPERATING

2All Transaxles
CAUTION!
If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the ACC position, not in
the LOCK position.
Do not attempt to use sling type equipment when
towing. When securing the vehicle to a flat bed truck,
do not attach to front or rear suspension components.
Damage to your vehicle may result from improper
towing.
If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON
position, not the ACC position. Make certain the trans-
mission remains in NEUTRAL.
Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. A dolly should be
used under the front wheels if the rear wheels are raised.
Proper towing equipment is necessary to prevent dam-
age to the vehicle.
Battery power is required to release the brake/
transmission interlock system. There is a removable plug
in the right side of the shift lever housing that allows you
to insert your finger to override the system. The ignition
key must be in the ON position to use the override lever.
Towing this Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat
Towing with All Four Wheels on the Ground)
CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the driv-
etrain will result.
344 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

▫Front Suspension Ball Joints..............362
▫Body Lubrication.....................363
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................363
▫Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir........364
▫Exhaust System......................364
▫Cooling System.......................365
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......370
▫Fuel System Connections................370
▫Brake System........................371
▫Automatic Transaxle (CVT)..............373
▫Manual Transaxle.....................374
▫Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) – AWD/4WD
Models Only........................375▫Power Transfer Unit (PTU) – AWD/4WD
Models Only........................375
▫Appearance Care And Protection
From Corrosion......................376

Fuses/Integrated Power Module (IPM).......382

Vehicle Storage........................385

Replacement Bulbs......................385

Bulb Replacement......................386
▫Headlamps..........................386
▫Fog Lights..........................389
▫Tail Lights, Rear Turn Signals And Backup
Lights — Replacement..................389
▫License Lights........................391
▫Center High-Mounted Stoplight...........392
346 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

Required Maintenance Intervals
Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mile-
age are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. 6,000 10 000 6
Rotate tires. 6,000 10 000 6
If using your vehicle for dusty or off-road conditions, in-
spect the engine air cleaner filter; replace if necessary.12,000 20 000 12
Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary. 12,000 20 000 12
Replace the air conditioning filter. 12,000 20 000 12
Inspect the CV Joints. Perform the first inspection at 12,000
mi (20 000 km) or 12 months.24,000 40 000 24
Inspect Exhaust System. Perform the first inspection at
12,000 mi (20 000 km) or 12 months.24,000 40 000 24
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals;
replace if necessary.24,000 40 000 24
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. 30,000 50 000 30
Replace the spark plugs.30,000 50 000 30
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 403
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