check engine light JEEP PATRIOT 2009 1.G User Guide

apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
No chemical flushes should be used in any power
steering system; only the approved lubricant may be
used.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in Section 7 for the correct fluid type.
PARKING BRAKE
When the parking brake is applied with the ignition ON,
the Brake Light in the instrument cluster will come on.
NOTE:This light only shows that the parking brake is
on. It does not show the degree of brake application.
If the parking brake is applied while the vehicle is
moving, a chime will sound to alert the driver. The chime
will sound up to 10 times or until the vehicle has
returned to a stop.
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is set. To set the parking brake, pull up firmly on
the lever. Also, place the shift lever in the PARK position
(automatic transaxle) or REVERSE position (manual
transaxle). To release the parking brake, apply the brake
pedal, pull up slightly on the lever, then depress the
button on the end of the lever and push the lever fully
down toward the floor.
STARTING AND OPERATING 287
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BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with power assisted brakes as
standard equipment. In the event power assist is lost for
any reason (for example, repeated brake applications
with the engine off), the brakes will still function. How-
ever, the effort required to brake the vehicle will be much
greater than that required with the power system oper-
ating.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.If either of the two hydraulic systems lose normal capa-
bility, the remaining system will still function with some
loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident
by increased pedal travel during application and greater
pedal force required to slow or stop. In addition, if the
malfunction is caused by an internal leak, as the brake
fluid in the master cylinder drops, the brake warning
indicator will light.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. A significant decrease in braking performance or
vehicle stability during braking may occur. It will
take you longer to stop the vehicle or will make your
vehicle harder to control. You could have an accident.
Have the vehicle checked immediately.
STARTING AND OPERATING 289
5

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. Refer to the “Main-
tenance Schedule” in Section 8 for transmission fluid
change intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)

Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips — Cooling System
To reduce the potential for engine and transmission
overheating, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in NEUTRAL but do not increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
STARTING AND OPERATING 347
5

persists, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If
the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the MIL
light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) is functioning and is not on
when the engine is running, and that the OBD II system
is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recentlyserviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see the MIL symbol come on as part of a normal bulb
check.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 367
7

Once a Month
•Check the tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
•Check the manual transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
410 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 290
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 380
Adding Fuel........................... 332
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 376
Additives, Fuel......................... 331
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 372
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 374
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 248
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............374,375
Air Conditioning System.................. 374
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 310
Airbag................................ 48
Airbag Deployment.....................53,55
Airbag Light.....................54,57,70,168
Airbag Maintenance....................... 57
Airbag, Side............................ 55
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain).............49,55
Alarm Light........................... 172
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 19Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 236
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........379,404,405
Capacities........................... 404
Disposal............................ 382
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 290
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 169
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 19
Appearance Care........................ 388
Assistance Towing........................ 95
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 76
Automatic Door Locks...................28,29
Automatic Transaxle...........12,256,260,352,386
Fluid Level Check..................... 386
Interlock System....................... 262
Overheating.......................... 352
Selection Of Lubricant................... 386
Shifting............................. 262
Special Additives...................... 386
436 INDEX

Chains, Tire............................ 318
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 352
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 302
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............... 367
Child Restraint.......................... 60
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 64
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts........... 63
Child Safety Locks........................ 31
Child Seat.............................. 66
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 329
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 390
Climate Control......................... 242
Clock.....................189,192,206,209,219
Clutch............................... 384
Clutch Fluid........................... 384
Coin Holder........................... 153
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 241Compact Spare Tire...................... 312
Compass Variance....................... 186
Connector
UCI ................................ 229
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)......... 229
Console.............................. 153
Contract, Service........................ 429
Coolant (Antifreeze)...................404,405
Cooling System......................... 378
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 380
Coolant Level......................379,382
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 382
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 379
Inspection........................... 382
Points to Remember.................381,383
Pressure Cap......................... 381
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)........... 379
Corrosion Protection..................... 388
Cruise Light........................... 173
438 INDEX

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Indicator.........................297,299
Engine Temperature Warning.............. 170
Fog ..........................124,177,400
Headlight Switch...................... 123
Headlights........................... 123
High Beam Indicator.................... 168
Instrument Cluster..................... 123
License............................. 401
Lights On Reminder.................... 124
Low Fuel............................ 168
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 176
Map Reading......................... 129
Off-Road............................ 127
Oil Pressure.......................... 168
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 169
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)............20,172
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).............. 172
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........... 173Traction Control....................... 297
Turn Signal.....................123,126,400
Voltage............................. 167
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 167
Loading Vehicle......................335,336
Capacities........................... 336
Tires ............................... 305
Locks
Child Protection........................ 31
Door................................ 26
Power Door........................... 27
Steering Wheel......................... 15
Lubrication, Body....................... 375
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack)................. 159
Lumbar Support........................ 116
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 373
Maintenance, General..................... 369
Maintenance Procedures................... 369
444 INDEX

Maintenance Schedule.................... 408
Malfunction Indicator Light
(Check Engine).......................176,367
Manual, Service......................... 431
Manual Transaxle..................256,258,386
Downshifting......................... 260
Fluid Level Check...................387,388
Frequency of Fluid Change............387,388
Lubricant Selection...............386,387,388
Map/Reading Lights..................... 129
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 384
Mirrors................................ 75
Automatic Dimming..................... 76
Electric Powered....................... 79
Exterior Folding........................ 78
Outside.............................. 77
Rearview............................. 75
Vanity............................... 80
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 8Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 319
Mopar Parts.........................368,430
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 123
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 68
Occupant Restraints....................... 36
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 328
Odometer............................. 175
Trip .............................173,175
Oil Change Indicator..................... 180
Oil Change Indicator, Reset................. 180
Oil, Engine.........................369,404
Capacity............................ 404
Change Interval....................... 370
Checking............................ 369
Disposal............................ 371
Filter............................... 372
Identification Logo..................... 371
INDEX 445
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