2009 JEEP PATRIOT power steering fluid

Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for six to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes on while
driving, have the system checked by an authorized
dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the
tires (including spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check the area under the vehicle after overnight parking
for fuel, engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if
gasoline fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid,
transmission fluid or brake fluid leaks are suspected, the
cause should be located and corrected immediately.
70 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
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
286 STARTING AND OPERATING

apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
No chemical flushes should be used in any power
steering system; only the approved lubricant may be
used.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
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” in Section 7 for the correct fluid type.
PARKING BRAKE
When the parking brake is applied with the ignition ON,
the Brake Light in the instrument cluster will come on.
NOTE:This light only shows that the parking brake is
on. It does not show the degree of brake application.
If the parking brake is applied while the vehicle is
moving, a chime will sound to alert the driver. The chime
will sound up to 10 times or until the vehicle has
returned to a stop.
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is set. To set the parking brake, pull up firmly on
the lever. Also, place the shift lever in the PARK position
(automatic transaxle) or REVERSE position (manual
transaxle). To release the parking brake, apply the brake
pedal, pull up slightly on the lever, then depress the
button on the end of the lever and push the lever fully
down toward the floor.
STARTING AND OPERATING 287
5

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.0L/2.4L
1 — Washer Fluid Reservoir 6 — Battery
2 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 7 — Air Cleaner Filter
3 — Engine Oil Fill 8 — Coolant Pressure Cap
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 9 — Engine Oil Dipstick
5 — Integrated Power Module 10 — Engine Coolant ReservoirMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 3657

Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transaxle (CVT) MOPARCVTF + 4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Manual Transaxle MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) MOPARGear & Axle Lubricant SAE 80W-90 API GL 5 or equivalent non-
synthetic product.
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) MOPARGear & Axle Lubricant SAE 80W-90 API GL 5 or equivalent non-
synthetic product.
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARDOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids or equivalent.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPARPower Steering Fluid +4 or ATF+4 Automatic Transmission
Fluid.
406 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
410 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Autostick............................. 264
Battery............................... 373
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 25
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 375
B-Pillar Location........................ 305
Brake Assist System...................... 293
Brake Fluid............................ 406
Brake, Parking.......................... 287
Brake System........................289,384
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................290,292
Master Cylinder....................... 384
Parking............................. 287
Warning Light........................ 170
Brakes.............................289,384
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 261
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 68
Bulb Replacement.....................397,398
Bulbs, Light............................ 397Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 404
Capacities, Fluid........................ 404
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 332
Oil (Engine).......................365,371
Power Steering........................ 286
Car Washes............................ 389
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 332
Cargo Area Cover....................... 155
Cargo Area Features...................... 154
Cargo Compartment
Light............................... 154
Luggage Carrier....................... 159
Cargo Light............................ 154
Cargo Load Floor........................ 156
Cargo Tie-Downs........................ 156
Caution, Exhaust Gas...................... 69
Cellular Phone........................81,242
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 402
INDEX 437
10