2016 JEEP PATRIOT fuel cap

Message Display Area
When the appropriate conditions exist, the following
odometer messages will display:
door............................. Door Ajar
gATE .......................... Liftgate Ajar
LoW tirE ....................LowTirePr essure
gASCAP ...................... Fuel Cap Fault
noFUSE .......................... Fuse Fault
CHAngE OIL ..............Oil Change Required
LoCOOL .......................Low Coolant
NOTE: Some of the above warnings will be displayed in
the Electronic Vehicle Information Center Display Area
located in the instrument cluster.
Refer to ”Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) —
If Equipped” in this section for further information. LoW tirE
When the appropriate condition exists, the odometer
display will toggle between LoW and tirE for three
cycles.
gASCAP
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“gASCAP” message will display in the odometer display
area. Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and push the
STEP button on the steering wheel to turn off the
message. If the problem continues, the message will
appear the next time the vehicle is started.
noFUSE
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the
Ignition Off Draw (IOD) fuse is improperly installed, or
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 221

Yellow TelltaleLight What It Means
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate
the light after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through sev-
eral typical driving styles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not
require towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to alert serious conditions that could lead to
immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be ser-
viced as soon as possible if this occurs.
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.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 233

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Indicator Light — If Equipped
Yellow TelltaleLight What It Means
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Indicator Light
This light will illuminate when fuel filler cap is loose. Properly close the filler cap to disen-
gage the light. If the light does not turn off, please see your authorized dealer.
Low Washer Fluid Indicator Light — If Equipped
Yellow Telltale
Light What It Means
Low Washer Fluid Indicator Light
This indicator will illuminate when the windshield washer fluid is low.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 241

FUEL REQUIREMENTS ..................424
▫ 2.0L And 2.4L Engine ...................424
▫ Reformulated Gasoline .................424
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ..............425
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles .......425
▫ MMT In Gasoline .....................426
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ................426
▫ Fuel System Cautions ...................427
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings .............428
 ADDING FUEL ....................... .428
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............428
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............430
 VEHICLE LOADING ....................431 ▫
Vehicle Certification Label ...............431
 TRAILER TOWING .....................433
▫ Common Towing Definitions .............433
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification ...............436
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight
Ratings) ........................... .437
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ..............438
▫ Towing Requirements ..................439
▫ Towing Tips ........................ .445
 RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) ...................447
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle . .447
334 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!(Continued)
•Using aftermarket tire sealants may cause the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor to be-
come inoperable. After using an aftermarket tire
sealant it is recommended that you take your
vehicle to an authorized dealership to have your
sensor function checked.
• After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure al-
ways reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent
moisture and dirt from entering the valve stem,
which could damage the TPMS sensor.
NOTE:
• The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care
and maintenance or to provide warning of a tire failure
or condition. •
The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure gauge
while adjusting your tire 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.
• The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure using an accurate tire gauge, even
if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale
Light.
• Seasonal temperature changes will affect tire pressure,
and the TPMS will monitor the actual tire pressure in
the tire.
416 STARTING AND OPERATING

Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, which can
kill. Never run the engine in a closed area, such as
a garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the
vehicle is stopped in an open area with the engine
running for more than a short period, adjust the
ventilation system to force fresh, outside air into
the vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Guard against carbon monoxide with proper main-
tenance. Have the exhaust system inspected every
time the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal
conditions repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive
with all side windows fully open.
ADDING FUEL
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door, on the left side
of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged, be sure
the replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.
428 STARTING AND OPERATING

After removing the gas cap, place the gas cap tether cable
over a hook on the inside of the fuel door. This keeps the
gas cap suspended away from and protects the vehicle’s
surface.CAUTION!
•Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler cap. A poorly fitting cap could let
impurities into the fuel system.
• A poorly fitting fuel filler cap may cause the
“Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)” to turn on.
• To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
Fuel Filler Cap
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STARTING AND OPERATING 429

WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the
vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the tank is
being filled.
• Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is
in violation of most state and federal fire regula-
tions and may cause the MIL to turn on.
• A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
NOTE:
• When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank
is full.
•
Tighten the gas cap about ¼ turn until you hear one click.
This is an indication that cap is properly tightened.
• If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the MIL will
come on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time
the vehicle is refueled.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose or improperly installed, a “gASCAP”
message will be displayed in the Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter in the instrument cluster. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Description” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information. Tighten the fuel filler cap
properly and push the odometer/trip odometer RESET
button to turn the message off. If the problem continues,
the message will appear the next time the vehicle is
started. Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic System” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
430 STARTING AND OPERATING