2013 JEEP PATRIOT User Guide

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
• This vehicle has two full time, on-demand, four-wheel-drive (4WD) systemsavailable, Freedom Drive I and Freedom-Drive II. They provide for all-weather,
all-terrain capability for added driving security in less-than-ideal road conditions.
Freedom-Drive I™ Four Wheel Drive System
• The vehicle will constantly monitor wheel slippage and transfer power to the axle that can use it the most.
• For additional traction in sand, deep snow or loose traction surfaces, the “4WD Lock” sends equal amounts of the torque to the front and rear axles at low speeds.
• To activate, pull the T-handle, located in between the front driver and passenger seats, up once and release. The “4WD Indicator Light” will come on in the cluster.
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• This can be done on the fly, at any vehicle speed. To deactivate, simply pull on theT-handle one more time. The “4WD Indicator Light” will then turn off.
Trail Rated
®Freedom-Drive II™Four Wheel Drive System (IF EQUIPPED) • This system offers all the benefits of Freedom Drive I™ plusthe rugged capability of true Trail-Rated off road performance
with three additional features:
• Off-Road Mode
• Pulling up on the T-handle while the gear shift lever is in the Low position activates the Off-Road mode.
• This feature allows power to be sent to all four wheels when additional traction is required while also delivering enhanced off-road capability for water fording,
moving on steep grades and rock crawling.
• Brake Lock Differential
• This feature helps keep the vehicle moving forward when one wheel loses traction by directing power from the wheel that slips to the wheel with more grip on the
same axle providing more traction in off-road situations.
• Hill Descent Control/Hill Start Assist
• The Hill Descent Control System maintains vehicle speed while descending hills during off-road driving situations and is available in both low and reverse gears.
• This allows a smooth and controlled hill descent on rough or slippery terrain without the driver needing to touch the brake pedal.
• The Hill Start Assist system assists the driver when starting a vehicle from a stop on a hill.
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TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM TRAILER
WEIGHT RATINGS)
Engine/
Transmission Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt.
(See Note)
2.0L Auto/Man 22 sq ft
(2.04 sq m) 1,000 lbs (450 kg) 150 lbs (45 kg)
2.4L Auto/Man 22 sq ft
(2.04 sq m) 1,000 lbs (450 kg) 150 lbs (45 kg)
2.4L Auto With
Freedom Drive II Off Road
Package (AWL)32 sq ft
(3.0 sq m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 300 lbs (136 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE:
The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of
occupants and cargo, and should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and
Loading Information placard.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME,
ETC.)
Towing
Condition Wheels OFF the
Ground Manual Transmission Automatic
Transmission
Flat Tow None• Transmission in
NEUTRAL
• Key in ACC Position NOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow Front
OK (FWD Only) OK (FWD Only)
Rear NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer All
OK OK
NOTE:
Vehicles equipped withmanual transmissionsmay be recreationally towed (flat towed)
at any legal highway speed, for any distance, if the manual transmissionis in
NEUTRAL and the ignition key is in the ACC position.
CAUTION!
• Do not flat tow any vehicle equipped with a automatic transmission. Damage to the drivetrain will result. If these vehicles require towing, make sure all drive
wheels are off the ground.
• Front or rear wheel lifts should not be used. Internal damage to the transmis-
sion or transfer case will occur if a front or rear wheel lift is used when
recreational towing.
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ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
•Dial toll-free 1-800-521-2779 for U.S. Residents or 1-800-363-4869 for Canadian
Residents.
• Provide your name, vehicle identification number, license plate number, and your location, including the telephone number from which you are calling.
• Briefly describe the nature of the problem and answer a few simple questions.
• You will be given the name of the service provider and an estimated time of arrival. If you feel you are in an “unsafe situation”, please let us know. With your consent,
we will contact local police or safety authorities.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
• If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” comes on continuously withthe engine running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC system. If this
light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven
several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), we recom-
mend you do not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
• The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and the ESC system becomes active. If the light begins to flash
during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as
possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions.
The light also flashes when TCS is active. To improve the vehicle's traction when
starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel, it may be desirable to switch the ESC
system to Partial Off mode by momentarily pressing the ESC Off
switch.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
• Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly, when coldand inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of
a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)
• As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
• IF THE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING INDICATING A LOW TIRE PRESSURE, ADJUST THE AIR
PRESSURE IN THE LOW TIRE TO THE AIR PRESSURE SHOWN ON THE VEHICLE PLACARD
OR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE LABEL LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR.
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NOTE:
AFTER INFLATION, THE VEHICLE MAY NEED TO BE DRIVEN FOR 20 MINUTES
BEFORE THE FLASHING LIGHT WILL TURN OFF.
• Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and itis the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-
inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
• Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction
indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects
a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue each time the vehicle is
restarted as long as the malfunction exists.
• When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle, to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
NOTE:
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per 12° F (7° C) of air
temperature change. Keep this in mind when checking tire pressure inside a garage,
especially in the Winter. Example: If garage temperature is 68°F (20°C) and the
outside temperature is 32°F (0°C), then the cold tire inflation pressure should be
increased by 3 psi (21 kPa), which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this
outside temperature condition.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels. TPMS
pressures and warning have been established for the tire size equipped on your
vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor damage may result when using
replacement equipment that is not of the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermar-
ket wheels can cause sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors
may result.
- Engine Temperature Warning Light
• This light warns of an overheated engine condition.
• If the light turns on and a warning chime sounds 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 vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately.
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• We recommend that you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur.Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others could be badly burned by
steam or boiling coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer for service if
your vehicle overheats.
BRAKE- Brake Warning Light
• The Brake Warning light illuminates when there is either a system malfunction orthe parking brake is applied. If the light is on and the parking brake is not applied,
it indicates a possible brake hydraulic malfunction, brake booster problem or an
Anti-Lock Brake System problem.
• Please have your vehicle serviced immediately.
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.
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
• Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several typical driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will
drive normally and not require towing.
• If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. We
recommend you do not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Charging System Light
• This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the chargingsystem light remains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with
the charging system.
• We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light
• This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stopthe vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound when
this light turns on.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
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- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
• This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, werecommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced
immediately.
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Indicator Light
• This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)system.
• If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is placed
in the PARK position; the light should turn off.
• If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized service center immediately. If the light is
flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is required and you may
experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing.
- Air Bag Warning Light
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have thevehicle serviced by an authorized service center immediately.
- 4WD System Fault Indicator Light
• When lit solid: There is a 4WD system fault. The 4WD performance will be at areduced level. We recommend you do not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle
serviced immediately.
• When blinking: The 4WD system is temporarily disabled due to overload condition.
- Transmission Temperature Warning Light
• This light indicates that there is excessive transmission fluid temperature thatmight occur with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, you will
experience reduced vehicle performance until the automatic transmission cools
down. If the overheating continues, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle,
with the transmission in NEUTRAL, until the light turns off. Once the light turns
off, you may continue to drive normally.
Fuel Cap/Loose Gas Cap Message
• If a “gas cap” message (shown as gASCAP) appears, tighten the gas cap until a“clicking” sound is heard.
• Press the odometer reset button, located below the tachometer, to turn the message off.
• If the message continues to appear for more than three days after tightening the gas cap, see your authorized service center.
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Oil Change Indicator
Message
• If an “oil change” message (shown as CHANgE OIL) appears and a single chimesounds, it is time for your next required oil change.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start engine).
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds.
• Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
• In any of the following situations, you can reduce the potential for overheating by taking the appropriate action.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:
There are steps that you can take to slow down an impending overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C system adds heat to the engine cooling system and turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
• You can also turn the temperature control to maximum heat, the mode control to floor and the blower control to high. This allows the heater core to act as a
supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat from the engine cooling
system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage your vehicle. If the temperature
gauge reads HOT (H), pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into the normal range. If the
pointer remains on HOT (H), and you hear continuous chimes, turn the engine off
immediately, and call for service.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to cool. Never try to open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
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