traction control JEEP PATRIOT 2014 1.G User Guide

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
This vehicle has two full time, on-demand, four-wheel-drive (4WD) systems avail-
able, Freedom Drive I™ and Freedom-Drive II™. They provide for all-weather,
all-terrain capability for added driving security in less-than-ideal road conditions.
Freedom-Drive I™ Four Wheel Drive System
• The vehicle will constantly monitor wheel slippage and transfer power to the axlethat can use it the most.
• For additional traction in sand, deep snow or loose traction surfaces, the “4WD Lock” sends equal amounts of the torque to the front and rear axles at low speeds.
• To activate, pull the T-handle, located in between the front driver and passenger seats, up once and release. The “4WD Indicator Light” will come on in the cluster.
Freedom-Drive I™ Components
1 — Rear Differential
2 — Electronically Controlled Coupling
3 — Driveshaft
4 — Power Transfer Unit
OFF-ROAD CAPABILITIES
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• This can be done on the fly, at any vehicle speed. To deactivate, simply pull on theT-handle one more time. The “4WD Indicator Light” will then turn off.
Trail Rated® Freedom-Drive II™ Four Wheel Drive System (IF EQUIPPED) This system offers all the benefits of Freedom Drive I™ plus the
rugged capability of true Trail-Rated off road performance with
three additional features:
Off-Road Mode
Pulling up on the T-handle while the gear shift lever is in the Low
position activates the Off-Road mode.
This feature allows power to be sent to all four wheels when additional traction is
required while also delivering enhanced off-road capability for water fording, moving
on steep grades and rock crawling.
Brake Lock Differential
This feature helps keep the vehicle moving forward when one wheel loses traction by
directing power from the wheel that slips to the wheel with more grip on the same axle
providing more traction in off-road situations.
Hill Descent Control/Hill Start Assist
The Hill Descent Control System maintains vehicle speed while descending hills
during off-road driving situations and is available in both low and reverse gears.
This allows a smooth and controlled hill descent on rough or slippery terrain without
the driver needing to touch the brake pedal.
The Hill Start Assist system assists the driver when starting a vehicle from a stop on
a hill.
4WD T-Handle
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ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Dial toll-free 1-800-521-2779 for U.S. Residents or 1-800-363-4869 for Canadian
Residents.
• Provide your name, vehicle identification number, license plate number, and yourlocation, including the telephone number from which you are calling.
• Briefly describe the nature of the problem and answer a few simple questions.
• You will be given the name of the service provider and an estimated time of arrival. If you feel you are in an “unsafe situation”, please let us know. With your consent,
we will contact local police or safety authorities.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” comes on continuously with the
engine running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC 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), we recommend you do not
operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” starts to flash as soon as the tires
lose traction and the ESC system becomes active. If the light begins to flash during
acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be
sure to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions. The light also
flashes when TCS is active. To improve the vehicle's traction when starting off in deep
snow, sand or gravel, it may be desirable to switch the ESC system to Partial Off mode
by momentarily pressing the ESC Off
switch.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light
This light indicates the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is off.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold
and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it can often be moved by a
rocking motion. Turn your steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then move the shift lever back and forth between REVERSE and
DRIVE. Using minimal accelerator pedal pressure to maintain the rocking motion,
without spinning the wheels, is most effective.
NOTE:
To improve the vehicle's traction when starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel, it
may be desirable to switch the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to “Partial Off”
mode by momentarily pressing the ESC Off
switch. For further information on
ESC, refer to the Owner's Manual on the DVD.
CAUTION!
• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting between REVERSE and DRIVE, do not spin the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may
result.
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast may lead to transmission
overheating and failure. It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no transmission shifting occurring).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated by excessive wheel speeds
may cause tire damage or failure. A tire could explode and injure someone. Do not
spin your vehicle's wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) when you are stuck. Do
not let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
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