2014 JEEP PATRIOT recreational towing

▫Towing Requirements ..................424
▫ Towing Tips ........................ .429
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) ...................431
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle . .431
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 319

WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting and Operating” and “Towing a
Disabled Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies”
for further information.DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The transmission
automatically upshifts through underdrive first, second,
third, and fourth gears, direct fifth gear and overdrive
sixth gear. The DRIVE position provides optimum driv-
ing characteristics under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or
while towing heavy trailers), use the AutoStick® shift
control (refer to “AutoStick®” in this section for further
information) to select a lower gear. Under these condi-
tions, using a lower gear will improve performance and
extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat buildup.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 333

REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be
started in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift
the transmission into PARK if you must leave the vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting and Operating” and “Towing a
Disabled Vehicle” in “What To Do In Emergencies”
for further information.
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the best fuel economy. The DRIVE
position provides optimum driving characteristics under
all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or
while towing heavy trailers), use the AutoStick® shift
control (refer to AutoStick® (CVT) in this section for
340 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing Hitch
system may reduce handling, stability, braking
performance, and could result in a collision.
•
Weight Distributing Systems may not be compatible
with Surge Brake Couplers. Consult with your hitch
and trailer manufacturer or a reputable Recreational
Vehicle dealer for additional information.
Trailer Hitch Classification
The following chart provides the industry standard for
the maximum trailer weight a given trailer hitch class can
tow and should be used to assist you in selecting the
correct trailer hitch for your intended towing condition.
Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions
Class Max. Trailer Hitch
Industry Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium Duty 3,500 lbs (1 587 kg) Class III - Heavy Duty 5,000 lbs (2 268 kg)
Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty 10,000 lbs (4 540 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum
Trailer Weight Ratings)” chart for the Maximum
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given
drivetrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed
on your vehicle.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 421

Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, shift the trans-
mission into NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing Condition Wheels OFF the Ground Manual Transmission Automatic Transmission
Flat Tow None
•Transmission in
NEUTRAL
• Key in ACC PositionNOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow Front OK (FWD Only) OK (FWD Only) Rear NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer AllOK OK
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 431

NOTE:Vehicles equipped with manual transmissions
may be recreationally towed (flat towed) at any legal
highway speed, for any distance, if the manual transmis-
sion is in NEUTRAL and the ignition key is in the ACC
position.
CAUTION!
• DO NOT flat tow any vehicle equipped with an
automatic transmission. Damage to the drivetrain
will result. If these vehicles require towing, make
sure all drive wheels are OFF the ground.
• DO NOT dolly tow any 4WD vehicle. Internal
damage to the transmission or transfer case will
occur if a dolly is used when recreational towing.
432 STARTING AND OPERATING

Radial Ply Tires......................... .389
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) ...........495
Radio Operation ......................... .243
Radio (Sound Systems) .....................243
Rear Axle (Differential) .....................505
Rear Drive Assembly ...................... .505
Rear Liftgate (Sedan) .......................38
Rear Seat, Folding ........................ .160
Rearview Mirrors ........................ .106
Rear Window Defroster .....................206
Rear Window Features .....................204
Rear Wiper/Washer ....................... .204
Recorder, Event Data .......................75
Recreational Towing ...................... .431
Reformulated Gasoline .....................409
Refrigerant ............................. .485
Reminder, Seat Belt .........................59
Remote Control Door Locks ............................20 Security Alarm
..........................18
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) FCC General Information ..................26
Remote Keyless Entry (Sedan) .................20
Remote Starting System ......................26
Replacement Bulbs ....................... .517
Replacement Keys .........................16
Replacement Parts ........................ .477
Replacement Tires ........................ .395
Reporting Safety Defects ....................539
Restraint, Head .......................... .156
Restraints, Child ...........................76
Retractable Cargo Area Cover ................200
Roll Over Warning ..........................4
Roof Type Carrier ........................ .207
Rotation, Tires .......................... .397
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle ..................98
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle ................100
558 INDEX

Tire and Loading Information Placard...........381
TIREFIT ............................... .449
Tire Markings ........................... .374
Tires ................................. .100
Aging (Life of Tires) .....................394
Air Pressure .......................... .385
Chains .............................. .397
Changing ............................ .438
Compact Spare ........................ .391
General Information .....................385
High Speed .......................... .388
Inflation Pressures ...................... .387
Jacking .............................. .438
Life of Tires .......................... .394
Load Capacity ........................ .381
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ............398
Pressure Warning Light ...................221
Quality Grading ....................... .541
Radial .............................. .389Replacement
.......................... .395
Rotation ............................. .397
Safety .............................. .374
Sizes ............................... .376
Snow Tires ........................... .390
Spare Tire ............................ .439
Spinning ............................ .393
Trailer Towing ........................ .426
Tread Wear Indicators ....................394
Tire Safety Information .....................374
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight ................423
Towing ............................... .418
24-Hour Towing Assistance ................125
Disabled Vehicle ....................... .465
Guide .............................. .422
Recreational .......................... .431
W
eight .............................. .422
Towing Assistance ........................ .125
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motorhome ...........431
10
INDEX 561