2010 JEEP PATRIOT power steering

The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic parts of
the airbag system whenever the ignition switch is in the
START or ON position. If the key is in the OFF position,
in the ACC position, or not in the ignition, the airbag
system is not on and the airbags will not inflate.
The ORC contains a backup power supply system that
may deploy the airbags even if the battery loses power or
it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.Also, the ORC turns on the Airbag Warning
Light in the instrument panel for approxi-
mately four to eight seconds for a self-check
when the ignition is first turned on. After the
self-check, the Airbag Warning Light will turn off. If the
ORC detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it
turns on the Airbag Warning Light, either momentarily
or continuously. A single chime will sound if the light
comes on again after initial startup. It also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the instru-
ment cluster Airbag Warning Light if a malfunction is
noted that could affect the airbag system. The diagnostics
also record the nature of the malfunction.
WARNING!
Ignoring the Airbag Warning Light in your instru-
ment panel could mean you won’t have the airbags to
protect you in a collision. If the light does not come
on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes
on as you drive, have an authorized dealer service the
airbag system immediately.
Driver and Passenger Airbag Inflator Units
The Driver and Passenger Airbag Inflator Units are
located in the center of the steering wheel and the right
side of the instrument panel. When the ORC detects a
collision requiring the Advanced Front Airbags, it signals
the inflator units. A large quantity of non-toxic gas is
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 65

Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.
86 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Instrument Panel Dimming ............. 146
▫ Map/Reading Lights .................. 147
 Windshield Wipers And Washers .......... 148
▫ Windshield Wiper Operation ............ 148
▫ Intermittent Wiper System .............. 149
▫ Windshield Washers .................. 149
▫ Mist Feature ........................ 150
 Tilt Steering Column ................... 151
 Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped ..... 152
▫ To Activate ......................... 153
▫ To Set a Desired Speed ................ 153
▫ To Deactivate ....................... 153
▫ To Resume Speed .................... 153 ▫
To Vary The Speed Setting .............. 154
▫ Manual Transaxle .................... 154
▫ To Accelerate For Passing .............. 155
 Garage Door Opener — If Equipped ........ 155
▫ Programming HomeLink .............. 157
▫ Gate Operator/Canadian Programming .... 159
▫ Using HomeLink ................... 160
▫
Reprogramming A Single HomeLink Button. . 160
▫ Security ........................... 160
▫ Troubleshooting Tips .................. 161
▫ General Information .................. 161
 Power Sunroof — If Equipped ............ 162
▫ Opening The Sunroof ................. 163
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 89

AutoStick — If Equipped ............... 299
▫ Operation ......................... 299
▫ General Information .................. 300
 Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped . . 300
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 301
▫ Acceleration ........................ 301
▫ Traction ........................... 302
 Driving Through Water ................. 302
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 303
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 303
 On-Road Driving Tips .................. 305
 Off-Road Driving Tips .................. 305 ▫
When To Use Low (L Off-Road) With The
4WD Lock Lever Engaged .............. 306
▫ Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand ......... 306
▫ Hill Climbing ....................... 308
▫ Driving Through Water ................ 311
▫ After Driving Off-Road ................ 313
 Power Steering ....................... 314
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 315
 Parking Brake ........................ 316
 Brake System ........................ 318
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 319
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 321
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 322
286 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
Manual Transmission – If Equipped
Before starting the engine fully apply the parking brake,
press the clutch pedal to the floor, and place the shift
lever in NEUTRAL.NOTE:
•The engine will not start unless the clutch pedal is
pressed to the floor.
•If the key will not turn and the steering wheel is
locked, rotate the wheel in either direction to relieve
pressure on the locking mechanism and then turn the
key.
Automatic Transmission – If Equipped
The shift lever must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting to any driving gear.
NOTE:
You must press the brake pedal before shifting
out of PARK.
290 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Do not leave the
ignition key in the ignition switch. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the shift lever into the PARK position:
•When shifting into PARK, firmly move the shift lever
all the way forward until it stops.
•Look at the shift indicator window on the shift lever
bezel to ensure it is in the PARK position.
•You must press the brake pedal to move the shift lever
out of the PARK position.
CAUTION!
Before moving the shift lever out of PARK, you must
turn the ignition from LOCK to ON so the steering
wheel and shift lever are released. Otherwise, dam-
age to the steering column or shift lever could result.
You must also press the brake pedal.
REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle rearward. Use this
range only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL
This range is used when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running. The engine
may be started in this range. Set the parking brake if you
must leave the vehicle.
DRIVE
This range is used for most city and highway driving.
298 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other
combustible materials. The heat from your vehicle
exhaust system could cause a fire.
WARNING!
Always wear your seat belt and firmly tie down
cargo. Unsecured cargo can become projectiles in an
off-road situation.
When To Use Low (L Off-Road) with the 4WD
Lock Lever Engaged
When driving off-road, shift into low (L Off-Road) and
activate the 4WD LOCK. This will provide additional
traction and activates the numerous off-road features to
improve handling and control on slippery or difficult
terrain. Due to the sustained lower gearing, low (LOff-Road) with 4WD LOCK engaged will allow the
engine to operate in a higher power range. This will
allow you to cross over obstacles and descend hills, with
improved control and less effort.
NOTE:
For maximum off-road performance, premium
fuel is recommended. While the vehicle will operate on
regular fuel when in L Off-Road mode, the engine has
been calibrated for maximum performance using pre-
mium fuel.
Driving in Snow, Mud and Sand
There is a drastic reduction in traction when driving in
snow, mud or sand. The vehicle will be less responsive to
steering, acceleration and braking inputs. Therefore, you
should accelerate slowly, leave greater stopping distances
and avoid abrupt vehicle maneuvers. You want to keep a
slow constant steady pace. The key is to maintain the
vehicle’s momentum.
306 STARTING AND OPERATING

is on the hill side trail. Is the trail straight up and down?
What is on top and the other side? Are there ruts, rocks,
branches or other obstacles on the path? Can you safely
recover the vehicle if something goes wrong? If every-
thing looks good and you feel confident, then you should
use low (L Off-Road) with the 4WD LOCK engaged and
proceed with caution maintaining your momentum as
you climb the hill.
Driving Up Hill
Once you have determined your ability to proceed and
have shifted into the appropriate gear, line your vehicle
up for the straightest possible run. Accelerate with an
easy constant throttle and apply more power as you start
up the hill. Do not race forward into a steep grade, the
abrupt change of grade could cause you to lose control. If
the front end begins to bounce, ease off the throttle
slightly to bring all four tires back on the ground. As you
approach the crest of the hill ease off the throttle and
slowly proceed over the top. If the wheels start to slip asyou approach the crest of a hill, ease off the accelerator
and maintain headway by turning the steering wheel no
more than a 1/4 turn quickly back and forth. This will
provide a fresh
biteinto the surface and will usually
provide enough traction to complete the climb. If you do
not make it to the top, place the vehicle in REVERSE and
back straight down the grade using engine resistance
along with the vehicle brakes.WARNING!
Never attempt to climb a hill at an angle or turn
around on a steep grade. Driving across an incline
increases the risk of a rollover, which may result in
severe injury.
Driving Down Hill
Before driving down a steep hill you need to determine if
it is too steep for a safe descent. What is the surface
traction? Is the grade too steep to maintain a slow
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STARTING AND OPERATING 309