ECU JEEP PATRIOT 2008 1.G Owner's Manual

WARNING!
•Never leave children in a vehicle, with the key in
the ignition switch. Occupants, particularly unat-
tended children, can become entrapped by the
power sunroof while operating the power sunroof
switch. Such entrapment may result in serious
injury or death.
•In an accident, there is a greater risk of being
thrown from a vehicle with an open sunroof. You
could also be seriously injured or killed. Always
fasten your seat belt properly and make sure all
passengers are properly secured too.
•Do not allow small children to operate the sun-
roof. Never allow fingers or other body parts, or
any object to project through the sunroof opening.
Injury may result.
Opening the Sunroof
Manual Mode
To open the sunroof, press and hold the switch rearward to
full open. Any release of the switch will stop the movement
and the sunroof will remain in a partial open condition until
the switch is pushed and held rearward again.
Express Mode
Press the switch rearward and release, and the sunroof
will open automatically from any position. The sunroof
will open fully, and stop automatically. This is called
Express Open. During Express Open operation, any
movement of the sunroof switch will stop the sunroof.
Closing the Sunroof
Manual Mode
To close the sunroof, press and hold the switch in the
forward position. Again, any release of the switch will
stop the movement and the sunroof will remain in a
partial close condition until the switch is pushed and
150 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CONSOLE FEATURES
WARNING!
Do not operate this vehicle with the console compart-
ment lid in the open position. Cell phones, music
players, and other hand-held electronic devices
should be stowed while driving. Use of these devices
while driving can cause an accident due to distrac-
tion, resulting in death or injury.
The floor console’s sliding armrest moves forward 3 in
(76.2 mm) to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest
lid also includes a unique flip pocket for storing a phone
or an MP3 player. The bin inside the console can hold up
to 10 CD jewel cases or other items securely out of sight.NOTE:The flip pocket and console lid features are
intended to be used in the upright or open position only
while the vehicle is parked. While driving, all hand-held
devices should be properly stowed, and the flip pocket
and the console lid should be closed.
Floor Console
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Cargo Tie-Down Loops
There are four D-rings tie-down loops in the lower trim
for securing cargo. The tie-downs located on the cargo
area floor should be used to safely secure loads when
vehicle is moving.
WARNING!
•Cargo tie-down Loops are not safe anchors for a
child seat tether strap. In a sudden stop or collision
a loop could pull loose and allow the child seat to
come loose. A child could be badly injured. Use
only the anchors provided for child seat tethers.
•The weight and position of cargo and passengers
can change the vehicle center of gravity and ve-
hicle handling. To avoid loss of control resulting
in personal injury, follow these guidelines for
loading your vehicle:
•Always place cargo evenly on the cargo floor. Put
heavier objects as low and as far forward as possible.
•Place as much cargo as possible in front of the rear
axle. Too much weight or improperly placed weight
over or behind the rear axle can cause the rear of the
vehicle to sway.
•Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the top of the
seatback. This could impair visibility or become a
dangerous projectile in a sudden stop or collision.
160 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Use care when washing the inside of the rear window
to prevent damage to heating elements. Use a soft
cloth and a mild washing solution, wiping parallel to
the heating elements. Also, keep all objects a safe
distance from the window to prevent damaging the
heating elements.
ROOF LUGGAGE RACK — IF EQUIPPED
External racks do not increase the total load carrying
capacity of the vehicle. Be sure that the total occupant
and luggage load inside the vehicle, plus the load on the
luggage rack, do not exceed the rated vehicle capacity.This vehicle is not equipped with roof rack cross rails as
built, unless ordered as optional equipment. Cross rails
must be installed prior to carrying loads on the roof rack.
If not equipped, your authorized dealer can order and
install Moparcross rails built specifically for this roof
rack system or a number of aftermarket rails that are
tailored to your lifestyle or activities.
NOTE:The optional cross rails have seven specific
locations identified by a feature on both the side rail and
the cross rail. Cross rails must be secured in one of the
seven detent locations on the side rail to prevent move-
ment with a sudden stop. For improved wind noise
performance when cross rails are not in use, place them
in detent positions 2 (second detent from the front of the
vehicle) and 7 (detent closest to the rear of the vehicle) as
indicated with a unique feature on the side rails.
164 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
•To prevent damage to the roof of your vehicle, DO NOT
carry any loads on the roof rack without cross rails installed.
The load should be secured and placed on top of the cross
rails, not directly on the roof. If it is necessary to place the
load on the roof, place a blanket or some other protection
between the load and the roof surface.
•To avoid damage to the roof rack and vehicle, do not exceed
the rated load capacity of your cross rail system or the roof
rack system maximum load capacity of 150 lbs (68 kg).
Always distribute heavy loads as evenly as possible and
secure the load appropriately.
•Long loads which extend over the windshield, such as wood
panels or surfboards, should be secured to both the front
and rear of the vehicle.
•Travel at reduced speeds and turn corners carefully when
carrying large or heavy loads on the roof rack. Wind forces,
due to natural causes or nearby truck traffic, can add sudden
upward loads. This is especially true on large flat loads and
may result in damage to the cargo or your vehicle.
WARNING!
Cargo must be securely tied down before driving
your vehicle. Improperly secured loads can fly off the
vehicle, particularly at high speeds, resulting in per-
sonal injury or property damage. Follow the roof rack
“Cautions” when carrying cargo on your roof rack.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 165
3

Vehicles equipped with Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), are also
equipped with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).
In the event of an EBD failure, the Brake Warning Light
will turn on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair
to the ABS system is required.
The operation of the Brake Warning light can be checked
by turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to
the ON position. The light should illuminate for approxi-
mately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless
the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected.
If the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected
by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.15. Transmission Temperature Warning Light
During sustained high speed driving on hot
days, the automatic transaxle oil may become
too hot. If this happens, the transmission over-
heat indicator light will come on and the
vehicle will slow slightly until the automatic transaxle
cools down enough to allow a return to the requested
speed. If the high speed is maintained, the overheating
will reoccur as before in a cyclic fashion.
16. Security Alarm System Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This light will flash rapidly for several seconds when the
alarm system is arming. The light will begin to flash
slowly indicating that the system is armed.
176 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

MAX A/C
For maximum cooling select the
air direction to either the Panel or
Bi-Level position using the mode
control. Press the A/C button and
the recirculation button so that
both lamps are illuminated and
set the temperature control to its
coolest setting.
NOTE:
•Recirculation Mode will not operate in floor, mix or
defrost modes.
•See “Circulation Control” in this section, for proper or
extended use of this position.
Air Filtration System — If Equipped
An air filter is included in the optional Security Group.
Filter media includes a particle filtration layer and a
charcoal layer. The filter will reduce, but not eliminate,
diesel and agricultural smells. The filter acts only on air
coming from outside the vehicle; it does not filter air
inside the passenger compartment. See the maintenance
schedule for the filter change interval. The air filter
change interval coincides with engine oil and filter
change intervals. As with oil changes, the interval is
shorter for heavy duty service or dusty conditions. See
your authorized dealer for service.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 231
4

PARK
Supplements the parking brake by locking the transmis-
sion. The engine can be started in this range. Never use
PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking
brake when leaving the vehicle in this range. Always
apply the parking brake first, and then place the shift
lever in the PARK position.WARNING!
Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should always
shift the vehicle into PARK, remove the key from the
ignition, and apply the parking brake. Once the key
is removed from the ignition, the transmission shift
lever is locked in the PARK position, securing the
vehicle against unwanted movement. Furthermore,
you should never leave unattended children inside a
vehicle.
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The Basics of Off-Road Driving
You will encounter many types of terrain driving off-
road. You should be familiar with the terrain and area
before proceeding. There are many types of surface
conditions: hard packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand,
mud, snow and ice. Every surface has a different effect on
your vehicle’s steering, handling and traction. Control-
ling your vehicle is one of the keys to successful off-road
driving, so always keep a firm grip on the steering wheel
and maintain a good driving posture. Avoid sudden
accelerations, turns or braking. In most cases there are no
road signs, posted speed limits or signal lights. Therefore
you will need to use your own good judgment on what is
safe and what isn’t. When on a trail you should always be
looking ahead for surface obstacles and changes in
terrain. The key is to plan your future driving route while
remembering what you are currently driving over.CAUTION!
Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other
combustible materials. The heat from your vehicle
exhaust system could cause a fire.
WARNING!
Always wear your seat belt and firmly tie down
cargo. Unsecured cargo can become projectiles in an
off-road situation.
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WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
PARK. Always block orchockthe trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
324 STARTING AND OPERATING