2014 JEEP PATRIOT 4WD

18. Cruise Indicator — If EquippedThis indicator shows that the Electronic Speed
Control System is ON.
19. 4WD Indicator Light
This light indicates the vehicle is in 4WD Locked mode.
20. Shift Lever Indicator
The Shift Lever Indicator is self-contained within the
instrument cluster. It displays the gear position of the
automatic transmission.
NOTE: You must apply the brakes before shifting from
PARK.
21. Odometer/Trip Odometer Display Reset Button
Press this button to change the display from odometer to
either of the two trip odometer settings. Trip A or Trip B
will appear when in the trip odometer mode. Push in and hold the button for two seconds to reset the trip odometer
to 0 miles (0 km). The odometer must be in Trip mode to
reset.
If the vehicle is equipped with the optional Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) in the instrument
cluster, refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center —
If Equipped” for further information.
22. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
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.)
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 221

engine oil change indicator system is duty cycle based,
which means the engine oil change interval may fluctuate
dependent upon your personal driving style. Unless
reset, this message will continue to display each time you
turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position. To turn
off the message temporarily, press and release the Trip
Odometer button on the instrument cluster. To reset the
oil change indicator system (after performing the sched-
uled maintenance), refer to the following procedure:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position.Do
not start the engine.
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
NOTE: If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure. 24. OFF ROAD Indicator — If Equipped
The symbol illuminates (is armed) when the 4WD lock
switch is activated and the shift lever is in LOW or
REVERSE position.
25. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an Onboard Diagnostic system called OBD II that
monitors emissions, engine, and automatic trans-
mission control systems. The light will illuminate when
the key is in the ON/RUN position before engine start. If
the light does not come on when turning the key from
OFF to ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor
fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the light after engine start.
The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through
several of your typical driving cycles. In most situations,
the vehicle will drive normally and will not require towing.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 225

CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) on could cause damage to the engine
control system. It also could affect fuel economy and
driveability. If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic
converter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you
drive slowly or park over flammable substances such
as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result
in death or serious injury to the driver, occupants or
others.26. Hill Descent Indicator — If Equipped
The symbol illuminates (is armed) when the
4WD Lock switch is activated and the trans-
mission range indicator is in LOW or REVERSE
position (Off-Road Mode).
27. Front Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped
This indicator will illuminate when the front
fog lights are on.
28. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator
Light — If Equipped This light indicates the Electronic Stability Con-
trol system (ESC) has been turned off by the
driver.
226 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

30. 4WD! Warning LightThis light monitors the 4-Wheel Drive (4WD)
system. The light will come on, for a bulb
check, when the ignition key is turned to the
ON/RUN position and may stay on for as long
as three seconds.
When lit solid: There is an 4WD system fault. 4WD
performance will be at a reduced level . Service the 4WD
system soon.
When blinking: The 4WD system is temporarily dis-
abled due to overload condition.
31. Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
Display — If Equipped
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
messages. For further information, refer to “Electronic Vehicle In-
formation Center (EVIC)”.
MINI-TRIP COMPUTER — IF EQUIPPED
The Mini-Trip Computer is located in the instrument
cluster and features a driver-interactive trip information
and temperature display.
NOTE:
The system will display the last known outside
temperature when starting the vehicle and may need to
be driven several minutes before the updated tempera-
ture is displayed. Engine temperature can also affect the
displayed temperature; therefore, temperature readings
are not updated when the vehicle is not moving.
228 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

AUTOSTICK® (SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION) — IF EQUIPPED ..........341
▫ Operation .......................... .341
▫ AutoStick® (CVT) — If Equipped .........343
▫ Operation .......................... .343
 FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF
EQUIPPED .......................... .345
 ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS ................345
 OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS ...............346
▫ When To Use Low (L Off-Road) With The 4WD
Lock Lever Engaged ...................347
▫ Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand ..........347
▫ Hill Climbing ....................... .349
▫ Driving Through Water .................352 ▫
After Driving Off-Road .................354
 POWER STEERING .....................355
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ..............356
 PARKING BRAKE ..................... .357
 BRAKE SYSTEM ...................... .359
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............360
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . .363
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............363
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ............364
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ...............364
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ..........365
▫ Hill Descent Control (HDC) — If Equipped . . .366
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) .................367
316 STARTING AND OPERATING

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED
This feature provides full time, on-demand, four–wheel
drive (4WD).
Where one or more wheels have wheel spin or if addi-
tional traction is needed in sand, deep snow, or loosetraction surfaces, activate the “4WD LOCK” switch by
pulling up once and releasing. This locks the center
coupling allowing more torque to be sent to the rear
wheels. The “4WD Indicator Light” will come on in the
cluster. This can be done on the fly, at any vehicle speed.
To deactivate, simply pull on the switch one more time.
The “4WD Indicator Light” will then go out.
NOTE:
Refer to “Electronic Brake Control System/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)” in “Starting and Op-
erating” for further information.
ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a
narrower track to make them capable of performing in a
wide variety of off-road applications. Specific design
characteristics give them a higher center of gravity than
ordinary cars.
Four-Wheel Drive Switch
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STARTING AND OPERATING 345

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
(L Off-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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 347

Snow
In heavy snow or for additional control and traction at
slower speeds, activate the 4WD LOCK and shift the
transaxle to low (L Off-Road) if necessary. Do not shift to
a lower gear than necessary to maintain headway. Over-
revving the engine can spin the wheels and traction will
be lost. If you start to slow to a stop, try turning your
steering wheel no more than a 1/4 turn quickly back and
forth, while still applying throttle. This will allow the
tires to get a freshbiteand help maintain your momen-
tum.
CAUTION!
On icy or slippery roads, do not downshift at high
engine RPM’s or vehicle speeds because engine brak-
ing may cause skidding and loss of control.
Mud
Deep mud creates a great deal of suction around the tires
and is very difficult to get through. You should use low
(L Off-Road) with the 4WD LOCK engaged and maintain
your momentum. If you start to slow to a stop, try
turning your steering wheel no more than a 1/4 turn
quickly back and forth for additional traction. Mud holes
pose an increased threat of vehicle damage and getting
stuck. They are normally full of debris from previous
vehicles getting stuck. As a good practice before entering
any mud hole, get out and determine how deep it is, if
there are any hidden obstacles and if the vehicle can be
safely recovered if stuck.
348 STARTING AND OPERATING