traction control JEEP PATRIOT 2012 1.G User Guide

• To activate, pull the T-handle, located in between the front driver and
passenger seats, up once and release. The “4WD Indicator Light” will
come on in the cluster.
• This can be done on the fly, at any
vehicle speed. To deactivate,
simply pull on the T-handle one
more time. The “4WD Indicator
Light” will then turn off.
Trail Rated® Freedom-Drive II™Four Wheel Drive System (IF
EQUIPPED)
• This system offers all the benefits of Freedom Drive I™ plus the
rugged capability of true Trail-Rated off road performance
with three additional features:
•Off-Road Mode
• Pulling up on the T-handle while the gear shift lever is in the
Low position activates the Off-Road mode.
• This feature allows power to be sent to all four wheels when additional
traction is required while also delivering enhanced off-road capability
for water fording, moving on steep grades and rock crawling.
•Brake Lock Differential
• This feature helps keep the vehicle moving forward when one wheel
loses traction by directing power from the wheel that slips to the wheel
with more grip on the same axle providing more traction in off-road
situations.
•Hill Descent Control/Hill Start Assist
• The Hill Descent Control System maintains vehicle speed while
descending hills during off-road driving situations and is available in
both low and reverse gears.
• This allows a smooth and controlled hill descent on rough or slippery
terrain without the driver needing to touch the brake pedal.
• The Hill Start Assist system assists the driver when starting a vehicle
from a stop on a hill.
OFF-ROAD CAPABILITIES
63

24-HOUR TOWING ASSISTANCE
• Dial toll-free 1-800-521-2779 or 1-800-363-4869 for Canadian residents.
• Provide your name, vehicle identification number and license plate
number.
• Provide your location, including telephone number, from which you are
calling.
• Briefly describe the nature of the problem and answer a few simple
questions.
• You will be given the name of the service provider and an estimated time
of arrival. If you feel you are in an “unsafe situation”, please let us know.
With your consent, we will contact local police or safety authorities.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/Malfunction
Indicator Light
• If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” comes on
continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected
in the ESC system. If this light remains on after several ignition cycles,
and the vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds
greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), we recommend you do not operate the
vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
• The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” starts to flash as soon
as the tires lose traction and the ESC system becomes active. If the light
begins to flash during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply
as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to
the prevailing road conditions. The light also flashes when TCS is active.
To improve the vehicle's traction when starting off in deep snow, sand or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch the ESC system to Partial Off mode
by momentarily pressing the ESC Off
switch.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
• Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly,
when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the
vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
• As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the
proper 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.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
66

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
• If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it can often be
moved by a rocking motion. Turn your steering wheel right and left to
clear the area around the front wheels. Then move the shift lever back
and forth between REVERSE and DRIVE. Using minimal accelerator
pedal pressure to maintain the rocking motion, without spinning the
wheels, is most effective.
NOTE:To improve the vehicle's traction when starting off in deep snow,
sand or gravel, it may be desirable to switch the Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) to “Partial Off” mode by momentarily pressing the ESC Off
switch.
For further information on ESC, refer to the Owner's Manual on the DVD.
CAUTION!
• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving between REVERSE and
DRIVE, do not spin the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or
drivetrain damage may result.
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. It can also damage the tires.
Do not spin the wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no
transmission shifting occurring).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated by excessive
wheel speeds may cause tire damage or failure. A tire could explode
and injure someone. Do not spin your vehicle's wheels faster than
30 mph (48 km/h) when you are stuck. Do not let anyone near a
spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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