checking oil JEEP PATRIOT 2011 1.G Owners Manual

If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate open,
make sure that all windows are closed and the climate
control BLOWER switch is set at high speed. DO NOT
use the recirculation mode.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 85

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
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 five minutes after afully 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.
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 1 qt (1L) 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 405

Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
At Each Stop For Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once A Month
•Check the tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 443

Electronic Brake Control System............. 319
Anti-Lock Brake System ................ 319
Brake Assist System ................... 319
Electronic Roll Mitigation ............... 321
Traction Control System ................ 320
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 157
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............. 325
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 209
Emergency, In Case of Jacking ............................ 382
Jump Starting ....................... 388
Towing ............................ 395
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 402
Engine ............................ 399,400
Block Heater ........................ 293
Break-In Recommendations .............. 83
Checking Oil Level ................... 405
Cooling ........................... 415 Exhaust Gas Caution
................84,361
Fuel Requirements .................... 358
Jump Starting ....................... 388
Oil ......................... 405,438,439
Oil Change Interval ................... 406
Oil Filler Cap .................. 399,400,407
Oil Filter ........................... 439
Oil Selection ........................ 406
Oil Synthetic ........................ 407
Overheating ........................ 380
Temperature Gauge ................... 200
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 70
Ethanol ............................... 359
Event Data Recorder ...................... 73
Exhaust Gas Caution ................. 36,84,361
Exhaust System ....................... 84,413
Exterior Lights .......................... 87
472 INDEX

Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 349
Mopar Parts ......................... 403,462
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 359
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 148
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 83
Occupant Restraints ................... 37,66,70
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ...........63,64,66,69
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 358
Odometer ............................. 203
Trip ........................... 201,203
Oil Change Indicator ..................... 212
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ................. 212
Oil, Engine ......................... 405,438
Capacity ........................... 438
Change Interval ..................... 406
Checking .......................... 405 Disposal
........................... 407
Filter ............................. 408
Identification Logo ................... 406
Materials Added to ................... 407
Recommendation .................. 406,438
Synthetic .......................... 407
Viscosity ........................... 407
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............401,402
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®) ........... 160
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 5
Overdrive ............................. 300
Overheating, Engine ................... 200,380
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........5,463
Paint Care ............................. 426
Panic Alarm ............................ 22
Parking Brake .......................... 313
Passing Light ........................... 150
Personal Settings ........................ 214
478 INDEX