2009 JEEP PATRIOT Owners Manual

MAX A/C
For maximum cooling select the
air direction to either the Panel or
Bi-Level position using the mode
control. Press the A/C button and
the recirculation button so that
both lamps are illuminated and
set the temperature control to its
coolest setting.
NOTE:
•Recirculation Mode will not operate in floor, mix or
defrost modes.
•See “Circulation Control” in this section, for proper or
extended use of this position.
Air Filtration System — If Equipped
An air filter is included in the optional Security Group.
Filter media includes a particle filtration layer. The filter
will reduce, but not eliminate, diesel and agricultural
smells. The filter acts only on air coming from outside the
vehicle; it does not filter air inside the passenger com-
partment. See the maintenance schedule for the filter
change interval. The air filter change interval coincides
with engine oil and filter change intervals. As with oil
changes, the interval is shorter for heavy duty service or
dusty conditions. See your authorized dealer for service.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 247
4

Operating Tips
248 UNDERSTANDING YOUR 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
4

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

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.................... 256
▫Manual Transmission — If Equipped....... 256
▫Automatic Transmission — If Equipped..... 256
▫Normal Starting..................... 256
▫Extremely Cold Weather
(Below20°F Or29°C)............... 257
▫If Engine Fails To Start................. 257
▫After Starting....................... 258Manual Transaxle — If Equipped........... 258
▫5–Speed Manual Transaxle.............. 258
▫Recommended Shift Speeds............. 260
▫Downshifting....................... 260
Automatic Transaxle — If Equipped......... 260
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock System...... 261
▫Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock
System............................ 262
▫Gear Ranges........................ 262
5

AutoStick— If Equipped............... 264
▫Operation.......................... 264
▫General Information................... 265
Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped . . . 266
Driving On Slippery Surfaces............. 266
▫Acceleration........................ 266
▫Traction........................... 267
Driving Through Water.................. 267
▫Flowing/Rising Water................. 268
▫Shallow Standing Water................ 268
On-Road Driving Tips.................. 270
Off-Road Driving Tips.................. 270▫When To Use Low (L Off-Road) With The
4WD Lock Lever Engaged.............. 271
▫Simultaneous Brake And Throttle
Operation.......................... 271
▫Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand......... 271
▫Crossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other High
Points)............................ 273
▫Hill Climbing....................... 276
▫Driving Through Water................ 278
▫Airing Down For Off-Road Driving........ 281
▫Vehicle Recovery..................... 282
▫After Driving Off-Road................ 284
Power Steering........................ 286
▫Power Steering Fluid Check............. 286
252 STARTING AND OPERATING

Parking Brake........................ 287
Brake System......................... 289
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) — If
Equipped.......................... 290
Electronic Brake Control System........... 292
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........... 292
▫Brake Assist System (BAS).............. 293
▫Traction Control System (TCS)........... 294
▫Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM).......... 294
▫Hill Descent Control (HDC) — If Equipped . . 295
▫Electronic Stability Program (ESP)......... 296
Tire Safety Information.................. 300
▫Tire Markings....................... 300▫Tire Identification Number (TIN).......... 304
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure........... 305
Tires — General Information.............. 309
▫Tire Pressure........................ 309
▫Tire Inflation Pressures................. 310
▫Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation.... 312
▫Radial Ply Tires...................... 312
▫Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped........ 312
▫Limited-Use Spare — If Equipped......... 313
▫Tire Spinning....................... 314
▫Tread Wear Indicators................. 315
▫Life Of Tire......................... 315
▫Replacement Tires.................... 316
STARTING AND OPERATING 253
5

Tire Chains.......................... 318
Snow Tires.......................... 318
Tire Rotation Recommendations............ 318
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)..... 319
▫Base System........................ 322
▫Premium System — If Equipped.......... 324
▫General Information................... 328
Fuel Requirements..................... 328
▫Reformulated Gasoline................. 329
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............. 329
▫E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles...... 329
▫MMT In Gasoline.................... 330
▫Materials Added To Fuel............... 331▫Fuel System Cautions.................. 331
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings............. 332
Adding Fuel......................... 332
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)............... 332
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message........... 334
Vehicle Loading....................... 335
▫Vehicle Certification Label.............. 335
Trailer Towing........................ 337
▫Common Towing Definitions............ 337
▫Trailer Hitch Classification.............. 339
▫Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)...................... 340
254 STARTING AND OPERATING