2012 JEEP PATRIOT Owners Manual

•Most of the time, when in Automatic Operation, you
can temporarily put the system into Recirculation
Mode by pressing the Recirculation button. However,
under certain conditions, while in Automatic Mode,
the system is blowing air out the defrost vents. When
these conditions are present, and the Recirculation
button is pressed, the indicator will flash and then turn
off. This tells you that you are unable to go into
Recirculation Mode at this time. If you would like the
system to go into Recirculation Mode, you must first
move the Mode knob to Panel, Bi-Level and then press
the Recirculation button. This feature reduces the
possibility of window fogging.
Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A solution of 50% ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant and 50% water is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation Mode during winter months is
not recommended because it may cause window fogging.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower settings. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 287

Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem, increase blower speed.
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.
NOTE:Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods as fogging may occur.
Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is located at each end of
the instrument panel. These non-adjustable outlets direct
air toward the side windows when the system is in the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter — If Equipped
The A/C Filter prevents most dust and pollen from
entering the cabin. The filter acts on air coming from
outside the vehicle and recirculated air within the pas-
senger compartment. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for A/C Air Filter service
information or see your authorized dealer for service.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedules” for filter service
intervals.
288 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 289

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.................... 295
▫Manual Transmission – If Equipped....... 295
▫Automatic Transmission – If Equipped..... 296
▫Normal Starting..................... 296
▫Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or29°C)............... 297
▫If Engine Fails To Start................ 297
▫After Starting....................... 297
Engine Block Heater — If Equipped........ 298Manual Transmission — If Equipped........ 298
▫Five–Speed Manual Transmission......... 298
▫Recommended Shift Speeds............. 299
▫Downshifting....................... 300
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped...... 300
▫Key Ignition Park Interlock............. 302
▫Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 302
▫Gear Ranges........................ 303
5

AutoStick.......................... 308
▫Operation......................... 308
▫General Information.................. 309
Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped . . 309
On-Road Driving Tips.................. 310
Off-Road Driving Tips.................. 310
▫When To Use Low (L Off-Road) With The
4WD Lock Lever Engaged.............. 311
▫Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand......... 312
▫Hill Climbing....................... 313
▫Driving Through Water................ 316
▫After Driving Off-Road................ 318
Power Steering....................... 319
▫Power Steering Fluid Check............. 320Parking Brake........................ 321
Brake System........................ 323
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........... 324
Electronic Brake Control System........... 326
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........... 327
▫Brake Assist System (BAS).............. 327
▫Traction Control System (TCS)........... 328
▫Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)......... 328
▫Hill Descent Control (HDC) – If Equipped . . 329
▫Hill Start Assist (HSA) – Manual
Transmission Or Off-Road Package Only.... 330
▫Electronic Stability Control (ESC)......... 332
▫ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC Off Indicator Light............ 335
292 STARTING AND OPERATING

Tire Safety Information................. 337
▫Tire Markings....................... 337
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)......... 340
▫Tire Terminology And Definitions......... 341
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure.......... 342
Tires — General Information............. 346
▫Tire Pressure....................... 346
▫Tire Inflation Pressures................ 347
▫Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 349
▫Radial Ply Tires..................... 349
▫Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire
And Wheel – If Equipped.............. 349
▫Compact Spare Tire – If Equipped........ 350▫Full Size Spare – If Equipped............ 351
▫Limited-Use Spare – If Equipped......... 351
▫Tire Spinning....................... 352
▫Tread Wear Indicators................. 352
▫Life Of Tire........................ 353
▫Replacement Tires.................... 354
Tire Chains.......................... 355
Snow Tires.......................... 355
Tire Rotation Recommendations........... 356
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)..... 357
▫Base System........................ 360
▫Premium System – If Equipped.......... 362
▫General Information.................. 366
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STARTING AND OPERATING 293

Fuel Requirements..................... 367
▫2.0L And 2.4L Engine................. 367
▫Reformulated Gasoline................ 367
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............. 368
▫E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles...... 368
▫MMT In Gasoline.................... 369
▫Materials Added To Fuel............... 369
▫Fuel System Cautions................. 369
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings............ 370
Adding Fuel......................... 371
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap).............. 371
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message........... 373Vehicle Loading...................... 373
▫Vehicle Certification Label.............. 373
Trailer Towing........................ 375
▫Common Towing Definitions............ 375
▫Trailer Hitch Classification.............. 378
▫Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)........ 379
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight............. 380
▫Towing Requirements................. 381
▫Towing Tips........................ 386
Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.)................ 387
294 STARTING AND OPERATING