2012 JEEP PATRIOT ABS

To Disarm The System
Press UNLOCK on the RKE transmitter, or insert the key
into the ignition switch and turn the ignition switch to
the ON/RUN position.
If something has triggered the Vehicle Security Alarm in
your absence, the horn will sound three times and exterior
lights blink three times when you unlock the doors. Check
the vehicle for tampering. The Vehicle Security Alarm is
designed to protect your vehicle; however, you can create
conditions where the Vehicle Security Alarm will armunexpectedly. If you remain in the vehicle and lock the
doors with the RKE transmitter, once the Vehicle Security
Alarm is armed (after 16 seconds), when you pull the door
handle to exit, the alarm will sound. If this occurs, press
the UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter to disarm
the Vehicle Security Alarm.
Vehicle Security Alarm Manual Override
The Vehicle Security Alarm will not arm if you lock the
doors using the manual door lock plunger.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19

WARNING! (Continued)
•If you are required to drive with the liftgate open,
make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
Do not use the recirculation mode.
Gas props support the liftgate in the open position.
However, because the gas pressure drops with tempera-
ture, it may be necessary to assist the props when
opening the liftgate in cold weather.
OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS
Some of the most important safety features in your
vehicle are the restraint systems:
•Three-point lap and shoulder belts for the driver and
all passengers
•Advanced Front Air Bags for driver and front passenger
•Supplemental Active Head Restraints (AHR) located
on top of the front seats (integrated into the head
restraint) — if equipped
•Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains
(SABIC) for the driver and passengers seated next to a
window
•Supplemental Seat-Mounted Side Air Bags (SAB) — if
equipped
•An energy-absorbing steering column and steering
wheel
•Knee bolsters for front seat occupants
•Front seat belts incorporate pretensioners that may
enhance occupant protection by managing occupant
energy during an impact event
•All seat belt systems (except the driver’s) include
Automatic Locking Retractors (ALRs), which lock the
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 39

NOTE:If either indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check
for a defective outside light bulb.
9. High Beam Indicator
This indicator shows that the high beam head-
lights are on. Push the multifunction lever forward
to switch the headlights to high beam, and pull toward
yourself (normal position) to return to low beam.
10. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light — If Equipped
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS). The light will turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON/RUN position and
may stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not turn on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN position, have
the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
11. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned to ON/
RUN, this light will turn on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check. During the bulb check, if
the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound.
After the bulb check or when driving, if the driver or
front passenger’s seat belt remains unbuckled, the Seat
Belt Reminder Light will illuminate and the chime will
sound. Refer to “Occupant Restraints” in “Things To
Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion.
200 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

12. Tachometer
The white area of the scale shows the permissible engine
revolutions-per-minute (RPM x 1000) for each gear range.
Before reaching the red area, ease up on the accelerator to
prevent engine damage.
13. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. As engine coolant temperatures rise and the
gauge approachesH, this indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound after reaching a set
threshold. Further overheating will cause the tempera-
ture gauge to passH, a continuous chime will occur until
the engine is allowed to cool.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also,
shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the ve-
hicle. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call forservice. Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “What To
Do In Emergencies” for further information.
14. Brake Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the
Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
In this case, the light will remain on until the condition
has been corrected. If the problem is related to the brake
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 201

booster, the ABS pump will run when applying the brake
and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. Part of the brake system may have failed.
It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have
a collision. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS), are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the
Brake Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS
Light. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by
turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to the
ON/RUN position. The light should illuminate for ap-
proximately two seconds. The light should then turn off
unless the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is
detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the light
inspected by an authorized dealer.
202 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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

AUTOSTICK
AutoStickis a driver-interactive transmission that offers
six manual ratio changes to provide you with more
control. AutoStickallows you to maximize engine brak-
ing, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and
improve overall vehicle performance. This system can
also provide you with more control during passing, city
driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving,
trailer towing, and many other situations. Automatic ratio
changes upward will only occur to protect the Continu-
ously Variable Automatic Transmission (CVT) and/or the
engine from overspeed. Changes down will only happen
at minimum engine speed to prevent stalling.
Operation
NOTE:AutoStickis not available until the CVT warms
up in cold weather.
AutoStickoperation is activated in the DRIVE position
by moving the shift lever side-to-side. Moving the shiftlever to the (+) side will activate AutoStickand shift up
to the next higher manual ratio, unless you are already
operating in or near Overdrive, in which case sixth gear
ratio will be selected. In like manner, moving the shift
lever to (-) will activate AutoStickand shift to the next
lower manual ratio. After AutoStickis activated, the
manual ratio selected is displayed in the transmission
ratio display and tipping the shift lever to the (+) or (-)
direction will cause an upshift or downshift by one ratio.
AutoStickIs Deactivated:
•By holding the shift lever to (+) momentarily
•When the shift lever is shifted out of DRIVE
•When in sixth position, by touching the shift lever to
the right
•When heavy Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) applica-
tion is detected
308 STARTING AND OPERATING

malfunction is caused by an internal leak, as the brake
fluid in the master cylinder drops, the “Brake Warning
Light” will light.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the “Brake Warning Light” on
is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking per-
formance or vehicle stability during braking may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle or
will make your vehicle harder to control. You could
have a collision. Have the vehicle checked immedi-
ately.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The ABS provides increased vehicle stability and brake
performance under most braking conditions. The system
automatically “pumps” the brakes during severe braking
conditions to prevent wheel lock-up.
WARNING!
•Pumping of the anti-lock brakes will diminish
their effectiveness and may lead to a collision.
Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just
press firmly on your brake pedal when you need
to slow down or stop.
•The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of phys-
ics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking or steering efficiency beyond that af-
forded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and
tires or the traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent collisions, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing.
(Continued)
324 STARTING AND OPERATING