2009 JEEP PATRIOT instrument panel

Window Fogging
Vehicle side windows tend to fog on the inside in mild
rainy or humid weather. To clear the windows, set mode
to the mix or defrost position. Direct the panel outlets
toward the side windows. Do not use recirculate without
A/C for long periods as fogging may occur.
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by using the defrost position.
If the fogging problem persists, clean the inside window
surfaces. The cause of undue fogging may be dirt collect-
ing on the inside surface of the glass.
NOTE:In cold weather, the use of the recircu-
late position will cause windows to fog on the
inside because of moisture build up inside the
vehicle. Moisture and ice can also accumulate
on the inside of the sheet metal and may result inheadliner and/or electronic component damage. For
maximum defogging, press the recirculation button until
recirculate is off.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high-
quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corrosion
protection and to raise the boiling point of the coolant for
protection against overheating. A 50% concentration is
recommended.
Outside Air Intake
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, directly in front of the wind-
shield, is free of ice, slush, snow or other obstructions
such as leaves. Leaves collected in the air-intake plenum
may reduce air flow and plug the plenum water drains.
The blower air will heat faster in cold weather if you use
only a low blower speed for the first few minutes of
vehicle operation.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 249
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Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is at each end of the
instrument panel. These nonadjustable outlets direct air
toward the side windows when the system is in either the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.
250 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located on the
instrument panel, below the radio.
Press the switch to turn on the Hazard
Warning flashers. When the Hazard
Warning flasher switch is activated, all
directional turn signals will flash on
and off to warn oncoming traffic of an
emergency. Press the switch a second
time to turn off flashers.
Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.
If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
Hazard Warning flasher will continue to operate with the
ignition key removed and the vehicle locked.NOTE:With extended use, the Hazard Warning flasher
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
•On the highways — Slow down.
•In city traffic — While stopped, put the transmission in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
If the pointer rises to theH(red) mark, the instrument
cluster will sound a chime. When safe, pull over and stop
the vehicle with the engine at idle. Turn off the air
conditioning and wait until the pointer drops back into
the normal range. If the pointer remains on theH(red)
mark for more than a minute, turn the engine off imme-
diately and call for service.
350 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas, they may cause respiratory harm.
Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle has plastic headlights that are lighter and
less susceptible to stone breakage than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and, therefore,
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol-
lowed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel
wool or other aggressive material to clean the lenses.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with MOPARGlass Cleaner or any commercial
household-type glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive type
cleaner. Use caution when cleaning the inside rear win-
dow equipped with electric defrosters or the right rear
quarter window equipped with the radio antenna. Do
not use scrapers or other sharp instruments which may
scratch the elements. When cleaning the rearview mirror,
spray cleaner on the towel or rag that you are using. Do
not spray cleaner directly on the mirror.
Instrument Panel Cover
The instrument panel cover has a low glare surface which
minimizes reflections on the windshield. Do not use
protectants or other products which may cause undesir-
able reflections. Use soap and warm water to restore the
low glare surface.
392 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Instrument Panel Bezels
CAUTION!
When installing hanging air fresheners in your ve-
hicle, read the installation instructions carefully.
Some air fresheners will damage the finish of
painted or decorated parts if allowed to directly
contact any surface.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet, soft rag. A mild soap solution may
be used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean, damp
rag.
2. Dry with a soft cloth.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the seat belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the seat belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the seat belts from the
car to wash them.
Replace the seat belts if they appear frayed or worn or if
the buckles do not work properly.
Dry with a soft cloth.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 393
7

Gearshift.............................. 262
General Information.................19,109,328
General Maintenance..................... 369
Glass Cleaning.......................... 392
Gross Axle Weight Rating.................. 337
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.............335,337
Hands-Free Phone (UConnect) .............. 81
Hazard
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water........................ 267
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 350
Head Restraints......................... 117
Headlights............................ 398
Cleaning............................ 392
High Beam.......................... 126
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch........ 126
Passing............................. 127
Replacing........................... 398Switch.............................. 123
Heated Seats........................... 117
Hill Descent Control...................177,295
Hitches
Trailer Towing........................ 339
HomeLink(Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 136
Hood Release.......................... 121
Ignition............................... 12
Key ................................ 12
Ignition Key Removal..................... 12
Immobilizer (Sentry Key).................16,20
Infant Restraint.......................... 61
Information Center, Vehicle................. 179
Inside Rearview Mirror.................... 75
Instrument Cluster....................... 167
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 165
Instrument Panel Cover................... 392
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 393
442 INDEX

Trailer and Tongue Weight............... 341
Wiring.............................. 345
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 340
Trailer Weight.......................... 340
Transaxle............................. 260
Automatic....................12,256,260,386
Autostick............................ 264
Manual........................14,256,258
Operation........................... 260
Overdrive........................... 264
Selection of Lubricant................... 386
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 25
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) . . 136
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 24
Transporting Pets........................ 68
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 315
Trip Odometer.......................... 175Trip Odometer Reset Button................ 173
Turn Signals......................126,168,400
UCI Connector......................... 229
UConnect(Hands-Free Phone).............. 81
Understanding Your Instrument Panel......... 165
Uniform Tire Quality Grades................ 432
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) Connector . . . 229
Universal Transmitter..................... 136
Unleaded Gasoline....................... 328
Vanity Mirrors........................... 80
Variance, Compass....................... 186
Vehicle Certification Label................. 335
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)............ 7
Vehicle Loading...................305,335,336
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations.............. 8
Vehicle Storage......................... 397
Vehicle Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).......... 19
INDEX 451
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