2012 JEEP PATRIOT checking oil

WARNING! (Continued)
•If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running, adjust your heating or cooling
controls to force outside air into the vehicle. Set
the blower at high speed.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
86 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after afully warmed engine is shut off. Do not check oil level
before starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking engine oil level when the engine is cold will
give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of
the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. The range markings will
consist of a crosshatch zone that says SAFE or a cross-
hatch zone that says MIN at the low end of the range and
MAX at the high end of the range. Adding 1 qt (1L) of oil
when the reading is at the low end of the indicated range
will result in the oil level at the full end of the indicator
range.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 419

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change,
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset byreferring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
At Each Stop For Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 459

Electronic Brake Control System............. 326
Anti-Lock Brake System................ 327
Brake Assist System................... 327
Electronic Roll Mitigation............... 328
Traction Control System................ 328
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 158
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)............. 332
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 213
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................ 392
Jump Starting....................... 402
Towing............................ 409
Emission Control System Maintenance......... 416
Engine............................413,414
Block Heater........................ 298
Break-In Recommendations.............. 84
Checking Oil Level................... 419
Cooling........................... 431Exhaust Gas Caution................85,370
Fuel Requirements.................... 367
Jump Starting....................... 402
Oil .........................419,454,455
Oil Change Interval................... 420
Oil Filler Cap..................413,414,421
Oil Filter........................... 455
Oil Selection........................ 420
Oil Synthetic........................ 421
Overheating........................ 390
Temperature Gauge................... 203
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 71
Ethanol............................... 368
Event Data Recorder...................... 74
Exhaust Gas Caution.................38,85,370
Exhaust System.......................85,429
Exterior Lights.......................... 88
488 INDEX

Outside............................ 97
Rearview........................... 94
Vanity............................. 99
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 357
Mopar Parts.........................417,478
MTBE/ETBE........................... 368
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 149
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 84
Occupant Restraints...................39,67,71
Occupant Restraints (Sedan)...........64,65,67,70
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 367
Odometer............................. 207
Trip ...........................205,207
Oil Change Indicator..................... 216
Oil Change Indicator, Reset................. 216Oil, Engine.........................419,454
Capacity........................... 454
Change Interval..................... 420
Checking.......................... 419
Disposal........................... 421
Filter............................. 422
Identification Logo................... 420
Materials Added to................... 421
Recommendation..................420,454
Synthetic.......................... 421
Viscosity........................... 421
Onboard Diagnostic System..............415,416
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®)........... 161
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual)............ 5
Overheating, Engine...................204,390
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).........5,479
Paint Care............................. 442
Panic Alarm............................ 24
494 INDEX