2017 JEEP RENEGADE LATITUDE brake fluid

Red TelltaleLight What It Means
English
Metric
Brake Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions, including brake fluid level and parking brake appli-
cation. If the brake light turns on it may indicate that the parking brake is applied, that the brake
fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with the anti-lock brake system reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been disengaged, and the fluid level is at the
full mark on the master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake hydraulic system malfunc-
tion or that a problem with the Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) / Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. In this case, the light will remain on until the
condition has been corrected. If the problem is related to the brake booster, the ABS pump will
run when applying the brake, and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capacity
in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected. NOTE:
The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level conditions.
The vehicle should have service performed, and the brake
fluid level checked.
136 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:A dedicated message will appear in the instrument
cluster if Brake Service Mode cannot be deactivated.CAUTION!
Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal,
or attempt to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch
pedal partially engaged, as this will cause abnormal
wear on the clutch.
NOTE: During cold weather, you may experience in-
creased effort in shifting until the transmission fluid warms
up. This is normal.
To shift the gears, press the clutch pedal to the floor and
put the gear selector to the desired position (the diagram
for the engagement of the gears is displayed on the handle
of the lever).
260 STARTING AND OPERATING

Standing Water — Trailhawk Only
Avoid driving in standing water deeper than 19 inches (48
cm), and reduce speed appropriately to minimize wave
effects. Maximum speed in 19 inches (48 cm) of water is
less than 5 mph (8 km/h).
Maintenance
After driving through deep water, inspect your vehicle
fluids and lubricants (engine, transmission, Power Transfer
Unit and Rear Drive Module) to assure they have not been
contaminated. Contaminated fluids and lubricants (milky,
foamy in appearance) should be flushed/changed as soon
as possible to prevent component damage.
Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand
In heavy snow, when pulling a load, or for additional
control at slower speeds, shift the transmission to a low
gear and shift the 4WD system to the appropriate terrain
mode, using 4WD LOW if necessary. Refer to “Four-Wheel
Drive Operation” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information. 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.
Avoid abrupt downshifts on icy or slippery roads because
engine braking may cause skidding and loss of control.
Hill Climbing
NOTE:Before attempting to climb a hill, determine the
conditions at the crest and/or on the other side.
Before climbing a steep hill, shift the transmission to a
lower gear and shift the 4WD System to 4WD LOW. Use
first gear and 4WD LOW for very steep hills.
If you stall or begin to lose headway while climbing a
steep hill, allow your vehicle to come to a stop and
immediately apply the brakes. Restart the engine and shift
to REVERSE. Back slowly down the hill allowing the
compression braking of the engine to help regulate your
speed. If the brakes are required to control vehicle speed,
apply them lightly and avoid locking or skidding the tires.

* The oil and oil filter replacement must be carried out
when indicated by a warning light or message on the
instrument panel, or in any case should not exceed 1 year
or 10,000 miles (16,000 km).
** The spark plug change is distance based only, yearly
intervals do not apply. The following are essential to ensure
correct operation and prevent serious damage to the en-
gine:
•Only use spark plugs of the same make and type which
are specially certified for such engines (refer to “Fluids
and Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications” for further
information).
• Strictly comply with the spark plug replacement interval
given in the “Maintenance Schedule” for spark plug
replacement.
• Contact your authorized dealer if you have any ques-
tions.
*** The brake fluid change interval is time based only,
mileage intervals do not apply.

NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with a manual trans-
mission, the brake fluid reservoir supplies fluid to both the
brake system and the clutch release system. The two
systems are separated in the reservoir, and a leak in one
system will not affect the other system. The manual
transmission clutch release system should not require fluid
replacement during the life of the vehicle. If the brake fluid
reservoir is low and the brake system does not indicate any
leaks or other problems, it may be a result of a leak in the
hydraulic clutch release system. See your local authorized
dealer for service.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Refer
to “Fluids And Lubricants” in the “Technical Specifica-
tions” section for further information.
CAUTION!
Use of improper brake fluids will affect overall clutch
system performance. Improper brake fluids may dam-
age the clutch system resulting in loss of clutch func-
tion and the ability to shift the transmission.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 399