engine JEEP PATRIOT 2015 1.G Repair Manual

WARNING!(Continued)
•It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL
if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when
the engine is idling normally and your foot is
firmly pressing the brake pedal.
•Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the
parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
turn the engine OFF, and remove the ignition key.
Once the key is removed, the transmission is
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WARNING!(Continued)
locked in PARK, securing the vehicle against un-
wanted movement.
•When leaving the vehicle, always remove the igni-
tion key from the vehicle and lock the vehicle.
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Children should be
warned not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal
or the shift lever.
•Do not leave the ignition key in or near the vehicle
(or in a location accessible to children). A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 339

CAUTION!
•Before moving the shift lever out of PARK, you
must turn the ignition switch from the LOCK/OFF
position to the ON/RUN position, and also press
the brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the shift
lever could result.
•DO NOT race the engine when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this
can damage the drivetrain.
The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the transmission into the PARK posi-
tion:
•When shifting into PARK, firmly move the shift lever
all the way forward and to the left until it stops and is
fully seated.
•Look at the transmission gear position display and
verify that it indicates the PARK position (P).
•With brake pedal released, verify that the shift lever
will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be
started in this range. Apply the parking brake and shift
the transmission into PARK if you must leave the vehicle.
340 STARTING AND OPERATING

this happens, the transmission overheat indicator light
will come on, and the vehicle will slow slightly until the
transmission cools down enough to allow a return to the
requested speed. This is done to prevent transmission
damage due to overheating. If the high speed is main-
tained, the overheating may reoccur, as before, in a cyclic
fashion.
LOW (L) — If Equipped
Use this range for engine braking when descending very
steep grades. In this range, the transmission will down-
shift for maximum engine braking, and upshifts will
occur only to prevent engine overspeed.
AUTOSTICK
Autostick (Six-Speed Automatic Transmission)
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission feature
providing manual shift control, giving you more control
of the vehicle. AutoStick allows you to maximize engine
braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts,
and improve overall vehicle performance. This system
can also provide you with more control during passing,
city driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving,
trailer towing, and many other situations.
Operation
When the shift lever is in the DRIVE position, the
transmission will operate automatically, shifting between
the six available gears. To engage AutoStick, simply tap
the shift lever to the right or left (+/-) while in the DRIVE
position. Tapping (-) to enter AutoStick mode will down-
shift the transmission to the next lower gear, while using
(+) to enter AutoStick mode will retain the current gear.
When AutoStick is active, the current transmission gear is
displayed in the instrument cluster.
In AutoStick mode, the transmission will shift up or
down when the driver moves the shift lever to the right
(+) or left (-), unless an engine lugging or overspeed
342 STARTING AND OPERATING

condition would result. It will remain in the selected gear
until another upshift or downshift is chosen, except as
described below:
•The transmission will automatically upshift when nec-
essary to prevent engine over-speed.
•The transmission will automatically downshift as the
vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging) and will
display the current gear.
•The transmission will automatically downshift to first
gear when coming to a stop. After a stop, the driver
should manually upshift (+) the transmission as the
vehicle is accelerated.
•You can start out, from a stop, in first or second gear.
Tapping (+) (at a stop) will allow starting in second
gear. Starting out in second gear can be helpful in
snowy or icy conditions.
•If a requested downshift would cause the engine to
overspeed, that shift will not occur.
•Avoid using speed control when AutoStick is engaged.
•Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when
AutoStick is engaged.
•The system may revert to automatic shift mode if a
fault or overheat condition is detected.
To disengage AutoStick mode, hold the shift lever to the
right (+) until “D” is once again displayed in the instru-
ment cluster. You can shift in or out of the AutoStick
mode at any time without taking your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
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WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
Autostick (CVT)
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission feature
providing six manually selectable gear ratios, giving you
more control of the vehicle. AutoStick allows you to
maximize engine braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts
and downshifts, and improve overall vehicle perfor-
mance. This system can also provide you with more
control during passing, city driving, cold slippery condi-
tions, mountain driving, trailer towing, and many other
situations.
Operation
NOTE:AutoStick is not available until the CVT warms
up in cold weather.
When the shift lever is in the DRIVE position, AutoStick
is activated by moving the shift lever side-to-side. Mov-
ing the shift lever to the right (+) will activate AutoStick
and shift up to the next higher manual ratio, unless you
are already operating in or near Overdrive, in which case
sixth gear ratio will be selected. In like manner, moving
the shift lever to the left (-) will activate AutoStick and
shift to the next lower manual ratio. The manually-
selected gear will be displayed in the instrument cluster.
344 STARTING AND OPERATING

In AutoStick mode, the transmission will shift up or
down when (+/-) is manually selected by the driver,
unless an engine lugging or overspeed condition would
result. It will remain in the selected gear until another
upshift or downshift is chosen, except as described
below:
•The transmission will automatically upshift when nec-
essary to prevent engine over-speed.
•The transmission will automatically downshift as the
vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging) and will
display the current gear.
•The transmission will automatically downshift to first
gear when coming to a stop. After a stop, the driver
should manually upshift (+) the transmission as the
vehicle is accelerated.
•If a requested downshift would cause the engine to
overspeed, that shift will not occur.
•Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when
AutoStick is engaged.
•Heavy Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) application will
disengage AutoStick mode.
•The system may revert to automatic shift mode if a
fault or overheat condition is detected.
To disengage AutoStick mode, hold the shift lever to the
right (+) until “D” is once again displayed in the instru-
ment cluster. You can shift in or out of the AutoStick
mode at any time without taking your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.
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WARNING!
Always wear your seat belt and firmly tie down
cargo. Unsecured cargo can become projectiles in an
off-road situation.
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.
NOTE:For maximum off-road performance, premium
fuel is recommended. While the vehicle will operate on
regular fuel when in L Off-Road mode, the engine has
been calibrated for maximum performance using pre-
mium fuel.
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
transaxle to low (L Off-Road) if necessary. Do not shift to
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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 fresh#bite#and help maintain your momen-
tum.
CAUTION!
On icy or slippery roads, do not downshift at high
engine RPM’s or vehicle speeds because engine brak-
ing may cause skidding and loss of control.
Mud
Deep mud creates a great deal of suction around the tires
and is very difficult to get through. You should use low (L
Off-Road) with the 4WD LOCK engaged and maintain
your momentum. If you start to slow to a stop, try
turning your steering wheel no more than a 1/4 turn
quickly back and forth for additional traction. Mud holes
pose an increased threat of vehicle damage and getting
stuck. They are normally full of debris from previous
vehicles getting stuck. As a good practice before entering
any mud hole, get out and determine how deep it is, if
there are any hidden obstacles and if the vehicle can be
safely recovered if stuck.
Sand
Soft sand is very difficult to travel through with full tire
pressure. When crossing soft sandy spots in a trail
maintain your vehicle’s momentum and do not stop. The
key to driving in soft sand is using the appropriate tire
pressure, accelerating slowly, avoiding abrupt maneu-
vers and maintaining the vehicle’s momentum. If you are
going to be driving on large soft sandy areas or dunes,
reduce your tire pressure to a minimum of 15 psi (103
kPa) to allow for a greater tire surface area. You should
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Driving Up Hill
Once you have determined your ability to proceed and
have shifted into the appropriate gear, line your vehicle
up for the straightest possible run. Accelerate with an
easy constant throttle and apply more power as you start
up the hill. Do not race forward into a steep grade; the
abrupt change of grade could cause you to lose control. If
the front end begins to bounce, ease off the throttle
slightly to bring all four tires back on the ground. As you
approach the crest of the hill, ease off the throttle and
slowly proceed over the top. If the wheels start to slip as
you approach the crest of a hill, ease off the accelerator
and maintain headway by turning the steering wheel no
more than a 1/4 turn quickly back and forth. This will
provide a fresh#bite#into the surface and will usually
provide enough traction to complete the climb. If you do
not make it to the top, place the vehicle in REVERSE and
back straight down the grade using engine resistance
along with the vehicle brakes.
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
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STARTING AND OPERATING 351

and proceed with 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 or killed.
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.
WARNING!
Driving across an incline increases the risk of a
rollover, which may result in severe injury.
If You Stall Or Begin To Lose Headway
If you stall or begin to lose headway while climbing a
steep hill, allow your vehicle to come to a stop and
immediately apply the brake. Restart the engine and shift
to REVERSE. Back slowly down the hill allowing engine
and hill descent braking to control the descent and apply
your brakes if necessary, but do not allow the tires to lock.
WARNING!
If the engine stalls or you lose headway or cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill or grade, never
attempt to turn around. To do so may result in
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352 STARTING AND OPERATING