traction control JEEP PATRIOT 2008 1.G Owners Manual

•Cruise control status
•Traction/stability control status
•Tire pressure monitoring system status
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up at all
times — babies and children, too. Every state in the
United States and all Canadian provinces require that
small children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the
law, and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
Children 12 years and younger should ride properly
buckled up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash
statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seats, rather than in the front seat.
WARNING!
In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny baby,
can become a missile inside the vehicle. The force
required to hold even an infant on your lap could
become so great that you could not hold the child, no
matter how strong you are. The child and others
could be badly injured. Any child riding in your
vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the child’s
size.
60 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Windshield Wipers And Washers...........127
▫Windshield Wiper Operation.............127
▫Intermittent Wiper System...............128
▫Windshield Washers...................128
▫Mist Feature.........................129

Tilt Steering Column....................130

Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped......130
▫To Activate..........................131
▫To Set At A Desired Speed...............131
▫To Deactivate........................132
▫To Resume Speed.....................132
▫To Vary The Speed Setting...............132
▫Manual Transaxle.....................132▫To Accelerate For Passing...............133

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) —
If Equipped...........................133

Electronic Brake Control System............134
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............134
▫Brake Assist System (BAS)...............135
▫Traction Control System (TCS)............136
▫Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)..........136
▫Hill Descent Control (HDC) — If Equipped . . . 137
▫Electronic Stability Program (ESP).........138

Garage Door Opener — If Equipped.........142
▫Programming HomeLink...............144
▫Gate Operator/Canadian Programming.....147
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 75
3

WARNING!
•The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
driving on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplan-
ing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
•The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle may be equipped with an optional ad-
vanced electronic brake control system that includes
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Brake Assist System
(BAS), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Roll
Mitigation (ERM), Hill Decent Control (HDC) and Elec-
tronic Stability Program (ESP). All systems work together
to enhance vehicle stability and control in various driving
conditions and are commonly referred to as ESP.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system controls
hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lockup and
help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
Refer to “Anti-Lock Brake System” in this Section of the
manual for more information about ABS.
134 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Traction Control System (TCS)
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake
pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and engine
power is reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and
stability. A feature of the TCS system functions similar to
a limited slip differential and controls the wheel spin
across a driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is
spinning faster than the other, the system will apply the
brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more engine
torque to be applied to the wheel that is not spinning.
This feature remains active even if TCS and ESP are in
either the “Partial Off” or “Full Off” modes. Refer to
“Electronic Stability Program (ESP)” in this Section of this
manual.
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
This system anticipates the potential for wheel lift by
monitoring the driver ’s steering wheel input and the
speed of the vehicle. When ERM determines that the rate
of change of the steering wheel angle and vehicles speed
are sufficient to potentially cause wheel lift, it applies the
brake of the appropriate wheel and may also reduce
engine power to lessen the chance that wheel lift will
occur. ERM will only intervene during very severe or
evasive driving maneuvers.
ERM can only reduce the chance of wheel lift occurring
during severe or evasive driving maneuvers. It can not
prevent wheel lift due to other factors such as road
conditions, leaving the roadway or striking objects or
other vehicles.
136 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

26. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
This light is part of an Onboard Diagnostic
system called OBD II that monitors emissions,
engine, and automatic transmission control sys-
tems. The light will illuminate when the key is in the
ON/RUN position before engine start. If the light does
not come on when turning the key from OFF to ON/
RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious
conditions may exist that could lead to immediate loss of
power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced as soon as possible if this occurs.27. Hill Descent Indicator Light — If Equipped
The symbol illuminates (is armed) when the
4WD Lock switch is activated and the trans-
mission range indicator is in LOW or REVERSE
position (Off-Road Mode).
28. Front Fog Light Indicator Light — If Equipped
This light shows when the front fog lights are on.
29. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator
Light/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light —
If Equipped
If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, apply as little throttle as possible. While
driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road con-
ditions, and do not switch off the ESP, or TCS — if
equipped.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 181
4

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF
EQUIPPED
This feature provides full time, on-demand, 4–Wheel
Drive (4WD).Where one or more wheels have wheel spin or if addi-
tional traction is needed in sand, deep snow, or loose
traction surfaces, activate the 4WD Lock switch by pull-
ing up once and releasing. This locks the center coupling
allowing more torque to be sent to the rear wheels. The
amber 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 switch one more time. The
4WD Indicator Light will then go out.
NOTE:Refer to Electronic Stability Program (ESP) in the
“Electronic Brake Control System” section of this manual
for additional information.
Four-Wheel Drive Switch
STARTING AND OPERATING 251
5

•Unique springs fora1in(2.5cm)ofincreased ride
height
•Fog lamps
•Seat height adjust
•Three-mode Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
•Hilldescent control
•Unique off-road engine calibration for optimum off-
road performance with premium fuel
•Off-road Brake Traction Control
•Unique off-road Anti-lock brake calibration
•Heavy duty cooling package (Eng/larger CVT oil
cooler, High capacity cooling fans)
•Heavy duty alternator
•Improved body sealing and high located drivetrain
component vents
•Reinforced rear lateral links
Freedom Drive II 4WD System Operation
Under normal driving conditions, the vehicle operates in
the active 4–wheel drive mode. Pulling up on the 4WD
lock lever activates the 4WD system and lights the amber
4WD cluster light. This commands a higher torque to the
rear wheels, for improved traction capability on slippery
roads. The active 4–wheel drive mode has the same
functionality with the Freedom Drive I system. Shifting
the transaxle gear select lever into Low Off-Road mode
with the 4WD lock lever active, lights the amber off-road
and 4WD cluster lights. This off-road mode gives the
combined benefits of a 19:1 crawl ratio, hill descent
braking, optimum off-road performance with premium
fuel, and off-road brake traction control for improved
traction capability off-road. In low, the transaxle (CVT2L)
initially maintains the 19:1 crawl ratio before changing
ratio. This low ratio is ideal for crawling over obstacles.
STARTING AND OPERATING 253
5

Freedom Drive II – Off-Road Features
The following are key off-road features which are active
when the system has the 4WD lock lever engaged and is
in the Low Off-Road mode.
•Hill Descent Braking– Hill descent braking uses the
vehicle braking system to provide a controlled descent
down varying grades. This feature is only active when
the system has the 4WD lock lever engaged and is in
the Low Off-Road mode or reverse. Hill descent
braking can be turned off by turning off ESP. The hill
decent control speed varies between 4-6 mph (6-10
km/h) forward, 3 mph (5 km/h) reverse.
•Off-Road Brake Traction Control– When conditions
warrant, the vehicle braking system transfers torquefrom side to side. It does not control throttle input
unlike normal traction control which is active in
Normal Drive mode.
•19.1 Crawl Ratio– When the system has the 4WD lock
lever engaged and is in the Low Off-Road mode, the
CVT2L initially maintains the 19:1 crawl ratio before
changing ratio. This low ratio is ideal for crawling over
obstacles.
•4WD Lock Mode– 4–wheel drive lock mode com-
mands a higher torque to the rear wheels, for im-
proved traction capability off-road. It also, turns on
other system features in conjunction with Low Off-
Road mode.
254 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

When To Use Low (L Off-Road) with the 4WD
Lock Lever Engaged
When driving off-road, shift into low (L Off-Road) and
activate the 4WD LOCK. This will provide additional
traction and activates the numerous off-road features to
improve handling and control on slippery or difficult
terrain. Due to the sustained lower gearing, low (L
Off-Road) with 4WD Lock engaged will allow the engine
to operate in a higher power range. This will allow you to
cross over obstacles and descend hills, with improved
control and less effort.
Simultaneous Brake And Throttle Operation
Many off-road driving conditions require the simulta-
neous use of the brake and throttle (two-footed driving).
When climbing rocks, logs, or other stepped objects,
using light brake pressure with light throttle will keep the
vehicle from jerking or lurching. This technique is also
used when you need to stop and restart a vehicle on a
steep incline.
Driving in Snow, Mud and Sand
There is a drastic reduction in traction when driving in
snow, mud or sand. The vehicle will be less responsive to
steering, acceleration and braking inputs. Therefore you
should accelerate slowly, leave greater stopping distances
and avoid abrupt vehicle maneuvers. You want to keep a
slow constant steady pace. The key is to maintain the
vehicle’s momentum.
•Snow– In heavy snow or for additional control and
traction at slower speeds, activate the 4WD LOCK and
shift the transmission to low (L Off-Road) if necessary.
Don’t shift to a lower gear than necessary to maintain
headway. Over-revving the engine can spin the wheels
and traction will be lost. If you start to slow to a stop,
try turning your steering wheel no more than a 1/4
turn quickly back and forth, while still applying
throttle. This will allow the tires to get a freshbite
and help maintain your momentum.
260 STARTING AND OPERATING