2018 JEEP PATRIOT check engine

Oil Pressure Warning Light
Red Telltale Light What It Means
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as
soon as possible. A chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected. This light does not indicate how much oil is in the engine. The en-
gine oil level must be checked under the hood.
Engine Temperature Warning Light
Red Warning Light What It Means
Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condition. As engine coolant temperatures rise and the gauge approachesH, this
indicator will illuminate and a single chime will sound after reaching a set threshold. Further overheating will cause a con-
tinuous chime sound for 4 minutes, or until the engine is allowed to cool, whichever comes first.
If the light turns on 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 and call for service. Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for further informa-
tion.
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Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
Red Telltale Light What It Means
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a problem is detected while the
engine is running, the light will either stay on or flash depending on the nature of the problem. Cycle the ignition key when
the vehicle is safely and completely stopped and the transmission is placed in the PARK position. The light should turn off.
If the light remains on with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized dealer for
service as soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash 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. The light will come on when the
ignition is first turned to ON/RUN and remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not come on during starting, have
the system checked by an authorized dealer.
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Yellow Telltale Indicator Lights
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Yellow Telltale Light What It Means
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)The Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic System called OBD II that monitors en-
gine and automatic transmission control systems. The light will illuminate when the ignition is in the ON position before engine
start. If the bulb 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 quality fuel, etc., may illuminate the light after engine start.
The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through several 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 serviced 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 ref-
erenced above, can reach higher tempera-
tures than in normal operating conditions.
This can cause a fire if you drive slowly or
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
park over flammable substances such as dry
plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could re-
sult in death or serious injury to the driver,
occupants or others.
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Blower Control
Rotate this control to
regulate the amount of
air forced through the
ventilation system in
any mode. The blower
speed increases as you
move the control to the
right from the “O” (OFF)
position. There are
seven blower speeds.
Temperature Control
Rotate this control to
regulate the tempera-
ture of the air inside the
passenger compart-
ment. Rotating the dial
left into the blue area of
the scale indicates
cooler temperatures,
while rotating right into
the red area indicates warmer temperatures.NOTE:
If your air conditioning performance seems
lower than expected, check the front of the
A/C condenser located in front of the radia-
tor for an accumulation of dirt or insects.
Clean with a gentle water spray from behind
the radiator and through the condenser.
Fabric front fascia protectors may reduce
airflow to the condenser, reducing air con-
ditioning performance.
Air Conditioning Control
Push this button to en-
gage the Air Condition-
ing. A light will illuminate
when the Air Condition-
ing system is engaged.
Rotating the dial left into
the blue area of the
scale indicates cooler
temperatures, while ro-
tating right into the red
area indicates warmer temperatures.NOTE:
The air conditioning compressor will not
engage until the engine has been running
for about 10 seconds.
•MAX A/C
For maximum cooling use the A/C and recircu-
lation buttons at the same time.
•ECONOMY MODE
If economy mode is desired, push the A/C
button to turn OFF the indicator light and the
A/C compressor. Then, select Panel, Bi-Level or
Floor mode and move the temperature control
to the desired temperature.
Mode Control (Air Direction)
Rotate this control to
choose from several
patterns of air distribu-
tion. You can select ei-
ther a primary mode as
identified by the sym-
bols on the control, or a
blend of two of these
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manually select the transmission gear, and will
display the current gear in the instrument clus-
ter as 1, 2, 3, etc.
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range.
NOTE:
After selecting any gear range, wait a mo-
ment to allow the selected gear to engage
before accelerating. This is especially im-
portant when the engine is cold.
PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by
locking the transmission. The engine can be
started in this range. Never attempt to use
PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the
parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this
range.
When parking on a level surface, you may shift
the transmission into PARK first, and then apply
the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
before shifting the transmission to PARK, oth-
erwise the load on the transmission lockingmechanism may make it difficult to move the
gear selector out of PARK. As an added precau-
tion, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a
downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.
WARNING!
•Never use the PARK position as a substi-
tute for the parking brake. Always apply
the parking brake fully when parked to
guard against vehicle movement and pos-
sible injury or damage.
•Your vehicle could move and injure you
and others if it is not in PARK. Check by
trying to move the gear selector out of
PARK with the brake pedal released. Make
sure the transmission is in PARK before
leaving the vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
hit someone or something. Only shift into
gear when the engine is idling normally
and your foot is firmly pressing the brake
pedal.
•Unintended movement of a vehicle could
injure those in or near the vehicle. As with
all vehicles, you should never exit a ve-
hicle while the engine is running. Before
exiting a vehicle, always shift the transmis-
sion into PARK, apply the parking brake,
turn the engine OFF, and remove the igni-
tion key. Once the key is removed, the
transmission is locked in PARK, securing
the vehicle against unwanted movement.
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Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range.
NOTE:
After selecting any gear range, wait a mo-
ment to allow the selected gear to engage
before accelerating. This is especially im-
portant when the engine is cold.
PARK (P)
This range supplements the parking brake by
locking the transmission. The engine can be
started in this range. Never attempt to use
PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the
parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this
range.
When parking on a level surface, you may shift
the transmission into PARK first, and then apply
the parking brake.When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
before shifting the transmission to PARK, oth-
erwise the load on the transmission locking
mechanism may make it difficult to move the
gear selector out of PARK. As an added precau-
tion, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a
downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.
WARNING!
•Never use the PARK position as a substi-
tute for the parking brake. Always apply
the parking brake fully when parked to
guard against vehicle movement and pos-
sible injury or damage.
•Your vehicle could move and injure you
and others if it is not in PARK. Check by
trying to move the gear selector out of
PARK with the brake pedal released. Make
sure the transmission is in PARK before
leaving the vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
•It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
hit someone or something. Only shift into
gear when the engine is idling normally
and your foot is firmly pressing the brake
pedal.
•Unintended movement of a vehicle could
injure those in or near the vehicle. As with
all vehicles, you should never exit a ve-
hicle while the engine is running. Before
exiting a vehicle, always shift the transmis-
sion into PARK, apply the parking brake,
turn the engine OFF, and remove the igni-
tion key. Once the key is removed, the
transmission is locked in PARK, securing
the vehicle against unwanted movement.
(Continued)
174

CAUTION!(Continued)
water. Water can cause permanent damage
to engine, driveline or other vehicle compo-
nents and your brakes will be less effective
once wet and/or muddy.
Before You Cross Any Type Of Water
As you approach any type of water, you need to
determine if you can cross it safely and respon-
sibly. If necessary, get out and walk through the
water or probe it with a stick. You need to be
sure of its depth, approach angle, current and
bottom condition. Be careful of murky or muddy
waters; check for hidden obstacles. Make sure
you will not be intruding on any wildlife, and you
can recover the vehicle if necessary. The key to
a safe crossing is the water depth, current and
bottom conditions. On soft bottoms, the vehicle
will sink in, effectively increasing the water level
on the vehicle. Be sure to consider this when
determining the depth and the ability to safely
cross.Crossing Puddles, Pools, Flooded Areas
Or Other Standing Water
Puddles, pools, flooded or other standing water
areas normally contain murky or muddy waters.
These water types normally contain hidden
obstacles and make it difficult to determine an
accurate water depth, approach angle, and
bottom condition. Murky or muddy water holes
are where you want to hook up tow straps prior
to entering. This makes for a faster, cleaner and
easier vehicle recovery. If you are able to deter-
mine you can safely cross, than proceed using
the low and slow method.
CAUTION!
Muddy waters can reduce the cooling sys-
tem effectiveness by depositing debris onto
the radiator.
After Driving Off-RoadOff-road operation puts more stress on your
vehicle than does most on-road driving. After
going off-road, it is always a good idea to check
for damage. That way you can get any problemstaken care of right away and have your vehicle
ready when you need it.
•Completely inspect the underbody of your
vehicle. Check tires, body structure, steering,
suspension, and exhaust system for dam-
age.
•Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and
clean as required.
•Check threaded fasteners for looseness, par-
ticularly on the chassis, drivetrain compo-
nents, steering, and suspension. Retighten
them, if required, and torque to the values
specified in the Service Manual.
•Check for accumulations of plants or brush.
These things could be a fire hazard. They
might hide damage to fuel lines, brake hoses,
axle pinion seals, and propeller shafts.
•After extended operation in mud, sand, wa-
ter, or similar dirty conditions, have the radia-
tor, fan, brake rotors, wheels, brake linings,
and axle yokes inspected and cleaned as
soon as possible.
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WARNING!
Abrasive material in any part of the brakes
may cause excessive wear or unpredictable
braking. You might not have full braking
power when you need it to prevent a colli-
sion. If you have been operating your vehicle
in dirty conditions, get your brakes checked
and cleaned as necessary.
•If you experience unusual vibration after driv-
ing in mud, slush or similar conditions, check
the wheels for impacted material. Impacted
material can cause a wheel imbalance and
freeing the wheels of it will correct the
situation.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give
you good vehicle response and increased ease
of maneuverability in tight spaces. The system
will provide mechanical steering capability if
power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is inter-
rupted, it will still be possible to steer yourvehicle. Under these conditions, you will ob-
serve a substantial increase in steering effort,
especially at very low vehicle speeds and dur-
ing parking maneuvers.
NOTE:
•Increased noise levels at the end of the
steering wheel travel are considered nor-
mal and do not indicate that there is a
problem with the power steering system.
•Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the
power steering pump may make noise for
a short amount of time. This is due to the
cold, thick fluid in the steering system.
This noise should be considered normal,
and it does not in any way damage the
steering system.CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system
at the end of the steering wheel travel will
increase the steering fluid temperature and it
should be avoided when possible. Damage
to the power steering pump may occur.
Power Steering Fluid CheckChecking the power steering fluid level at a
defined service interval is not required. The fluid
should only be checked if a leak is suspected,
abnormal noises are apparent, and/or the sys-
tem is not functioning as anticipated. Coordi-
nate inspection efforts through an authorized
dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power
steering system as the chemicals can dam-
age your power steering components. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level
surface and with the engine off to prevent
injury from moving parts and to ensure ac-
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