checking oil JEEP PATRIOT 2007 1.G Owners Manual

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off. Do not
check oil level before starting the engine after it has sat
overnight. Checking engine oil level when the engine is
cold will give you an incorrect reading.
Engine Oil Dipstick
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 347
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Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of
the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. The range markings will
consist of a crosshatch zone that says SAFE or a cross-
hatch zone that says MIN at the low end of the range and
MAX at the high end of the range. Adding one quart of
oil when the reading is at the low end of the indicated
range will result in the oil level at the full end of the
indicator range.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill the engine. Overfilling the engine as
indicated by the range markings, as described above,
on the engine oil dipstick will cause oil aeration,
which can lead to loss of oil pressure and an increase
in oil temperature. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Road conditions and your kind of driving affects the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following list to decide if any apply to you.
²Day and night temperatures are below 32ÉF (0ÉC).
²Stop and Go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90ÉF (32ÉC).
²Trailer towing.
²Taxi, Police or delivery service (commercial service).
²Off-Road or desert operation.
348 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
Power Steering Ð Fluid Check
Checking 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 system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers 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
for correct fluid types.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
There are two front suspension lower ball joints that are
permanently lubricated. Inspect these ball joints when-
ever under vehicle service is done. Damaged seals and
their corresponding potentially damaged ball joints must
be replaced.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 357
7

²Off-road or desert operation.
²Heavy Loading
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule ªBº of the
9Maintenance Schedules9section of this manual.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
coolant every 102,000 miles (170 000 km) or 60 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule ªBº of the
9Maintenance Schedules9section of this manual.
Second is ScheduleªAº. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
ule9B9.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 6000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add, if
required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 393
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Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 326
Jump Starting......................... 331
Towing............................. 336
Emission Control System Maintenance......344,392
Engine............................... 342
Break-In Recommendations................ 69
Checking Oil Level..................... 347
Cooling............................. 360
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 306
Fuel Requirements..................... 303
Jump Starting......................... 331
Oil ..............................347,388
Oil Change Interval.................... 348
Oil Filler Cap......................342,349
Oil Filter............................ 388
Oil Selection.......................... 349
Oil Synthetic......................... 350
Overheating.......................... 324Temperature Gauge..................... 173
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 57
Event Data Recorder...................... 58
Exhaust Gas Caution..............33,69,306,359
Exhaust System......................... 359
Fabric Care............................ 373
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 353
Engine Fuel.......................... 353
Engine Oil........................350,388
Flashers.............................. 324
Hazard Warning....................... 324
Turn Signal.......................... 384
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 330
Flooded Engine Starting................... 239
Fluid, Brake........................... 389
Fluid Capacities......................... 388
Fluid Leaks............................. 71
426 INDEX

Fluid Level Check...................370,371
Frequency of Fluid Change............370,371
Lubricant Selection...............369,370,371
Map/Reading Lights..................... 118
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 367
Mirrors................................ 78
Electric Powered....................... 80
Exterior Folding........................ 80
Outside.............................. 78
Rearview............................. 78
Vanity............................... 82
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 294
Mopar Parts.........................346,415
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 119
Navigation Radio........................ 213
Navigation System....................... 213
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 69Occupant Restraints....................... 36
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 303
Odometer............................. 176
Trip .............................174,176
Off-Pavement Driving (Off-Road)............ 247
Off-Road Driving (Off-Pavement)............ 247
Oil, Engine.........................347,388
Capacity............................ 388
Change Interval....................... 348
Checking............................ 347
Disposal............................ 350
Filter............................... 350
Identification Logo..................... 349
Materials Added to..................... 350
Recommendation...................349,388
Synthetic............................ 350
Viscosity............................ 349
Oil Pressure Light....................... 170
Onboard Diagnostic System..............343,344
INDEX 431
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