warning light JEEP PATRIOT 2008 1.G Owner's Manual

10. Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light — If Equipped
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) described elsewhere in this manual. This
light will come on when the ignition key is
turned to the ON position and may stay on for
as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or comes on during driving,
it indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally provided that the BRAKE warning light is not
on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefit of Anti-Lock
Brakes.The warning light should be checked frequently to assure
that it is operating properly. Turn the ignition key to the
ON position, but do not start the vehicle. The light
should come on. If the light does not come on, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer.
11. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will come on for about six seconds. A chime
will sound if you have not pulled the shoulder belt
out of the retractor. This is a reminder to “buckle up”. If
you do not buckle up, the light will remain on.
12. Tachometer
The white area of the scale shows the permissible engine
revolutions-per-minute (RPM x 1000) for each gear range.
Before reaching the red area, ease up on the accelerator to
prevent engine damage.
174 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

13. Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. If the engine is critically hot, a warning chime
will sound 10 times. After the chime turns off, the
engine will still be critically hot until the light goes out.
14. Brake System Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions, in-
cluding brake fluid level and parking brake appli-
cation. If the brake light turns on, it may indicate that the
parking brake is applied, there is a low brake fluid level
or there is a problem with the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS).
The dual-brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. Failure of either half of the dual-brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It will
take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have an
accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 175
4

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

TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replace-
ment or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use aftermarket tire sealants
or balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.23. 4WD Indicator Light
This light indicates the vehicle is in 4WD Locked mode.
24. Odometer/Trip Odometer
A vacuum fluorescent display indicates the total distance
the vehicle has been driven. Also, the cluster will display,
replacing the odometer/trip odometer, vehicle warning
messages such as: door/gate ajar and loose gas cap.
Loose gas cap will be displayed from the Odometer/Trip
Odometer on all models.
NOTE:If vehicle is equipped with the optional Elec-
tronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) in the instru-
ment cluster, all warnings including “door”, and “gATE”
will only be displayed in the EVIC display. For additional
information, refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter — If Equipped” in Section 3.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 179
4

30. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator Light
The malfunction light for the ESP is combined
with BAS. The yellow “ESP/BAS Warning
Light” comes on when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position. They should go out
with the engine running. If the “ESP/BAS Warning
Light” comes on continuously with the engine running, a
malfunction has been detected in either the ESP or the
BAS 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), see
your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
31. 4WD! Warning Light
This light monitors the 4-Wheel Drive (4WD)
system. The light will come on, for a bulb
check, when the ignition key is turned to the
ON position and may stay on for as long as
three seconds.When lit solid:There is an 4WD system fault. 4WD
performance will be at a reduced level. Service the 4WD
system soon.
When blinking:The 4WD system is temporarily dis-
abled due to overload condition.
32. Electronic Vehicle Information Center Display — If
Equipped
When the appropriate conditions exist, this display
shows the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
messages.
33. Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
Button — If Equipped
Pushing this button, will change the display to the
choices available for EVIC.
182 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER
(EVIC) — IF EQUIPPED
The Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) fea-
tures a driver-interactive display. It is located below the
speedometer. The EVIC consists of the following:
•System status
•Vehicle information warning message displays
•Personal settings (customer-programmable features)
•Compass heading
•Outside temperature display
•Trip computer functions
•UConnecthands-free communication system dis-
plays (if equipped)
•Audio mode display
•Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)
When the appropriate conditions exist, the EVIC displays
the following messages:
•Turn Signal On (with a continuous warning chime)
•Left Front Turn Signal Light Out (with a single chime)
•Left Rear Turn Signal Light Out (with a single chime)
EVIC Location
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 183
4

MANUAL TRANSAXLE — IF EQUIPPED
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended without having the parking
brake fully applied. The parking brake should al-
ways be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle,
especially on an incline.
Fully depress the clutch pedal before you shift gears. As
you release the clutch pedal, lightly depress the accelera-
tor pedal.
Use each gear in numerical order, do not skip a gear. Be
sure the transaxle is in 1st gear, (not 3rd), when starting
from a standing position. Damage to the clutch can result
from starting in 3rd gear.
5-Speed Shift Pattern
242 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 259
5

CAUTION!
Reduced tire pressures may cause tire unseating and
total loss of air pressure. To reduce the risk of tire
unseating, while at a reduced tire pressure, reduce
your speed and avoid sharp turns or abrupt
maneuvers.
Crossing Obstacles (Rocks And Other High
Points)
While driving off-road, you will encounter many types of
terrain. These varying types of terrain bring different
types of obstacles. Before proceeding review the path
ahead to determine the correct approach and your ability
to safely recover the vehicle if something goes wrong.
Keeping a firm grip on the steering wheel, bring the
vehicle to a complete stop and then inch the vehicleforward until it makes contact with the object. Apply the
throttle lightly while holding a light brake pressure and
ease the vehicle up and over the object.
WARNING!
Crossing obstacles can cause abrupt steering system
loading which could cause you to loose control of
your vehicle.
Using A Spotter
There are many times where it is hard to see the obstacle
or determine the correct path. Determining the correct
path can be extremely difficult when you are confronting
many obstacles. In these cases have someone guide you
over, through, or around the obstacle. Have the person
stand a safe distance in front of you where they can see
the obstacle, watch your tires and undercarriage, and
guide you through.
262 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Never attempt to climb a hill at an angle or turn
around on a steep grade. Driving across an incline
increases the risk of a rollover, which may result in
severe injury.
•Driving Down Hill– Before driving down a steep hill
you need to determine if it is too steep for a safe
descent. What is the surface traction? Is the grade too
steep to maintain a slow controlled descent? Are there
obstacles? Is it a straight descent? Is there plenty of
distance at the base of the hill to regain control if the
vehicle descends to fast? If you feel confident in your
ability to proceed then make sure you are in low (L
Off-Road) with the 4WD LOCK engaged and proceedwith caution. Allow engine and hill descent braking to
control the descent and apply your brakes if necessary,
but do not allow the tires to lock.
WARNING!
Do not descend a steep grade in NEUTRAL. Use
vehicle brakes in conjunction with engine braking.
Descending a grade too fast could cause you to lose
control and be seriously injured.
•Driving Across An Incline– If at all possible avoid
driving across an incline. If it is necessary, know your
vehicle’s abilities. Driving across an incline places
more weight on the down-hill wheels, which increases
the possibilities of a down-hill slide or rollover. Make
sure the surface has good traction with firm and stable
soils. If possible transverse the incline at an angle
heading slightly up or down.
266 STARTING AND OPERATING