towing JEEP PATRIOT 2021 Owner handbook (in English)

CAUTION!
•
The tow eye must be used exclusively for
roadside assistance operations. Only use
the tow eye with an appropriate device in
accordance with the highway code (a rigid
bar or rope) to flat tow the vehicle for a short
distance to the nearest service location.
•Tow eyes MUST NOT be used to tow
vehicles off the road or where there are
obstacles.
•In compliance with the above conditions,
towing with a tow eye must take place with
two vehicles (one towing, the other towed)
aligned as much as possible along the
same center line. Damage to your vehicle
may occur if these guidelines are not fol-
lowed.
Front Tow Eye InstallationThe front tow eye receptacle is located on the
lower right side of the front fascia.
To install the tow eye, remove the rubber plug
and thread the tow eye into the receptacle.
Insert the flat end of the jack handle through the
eye and tighten, refer to “Jacking and Tire
Changing in Section 6 for information”. The tow
hook must be fully seated to the attaching
bracket through the lower front fascia as shown.
If the tow hook is not fully seated to the attach-
ing bracket, the vehicle should not be towed.Rear Tow Eye InstallationThe rear tow eye receptacle is located behind a
door, located on the left rear bumper fascia.
To install the tow eye, open the door using the
vehicle key or a small screwdriver, and thread
the tow eye into the receptacle.
Insert the flat end of the jack handle through the
eye and tighten, refer to “Jacking and Tire
Changing in Section 6 for information”. The tow
hook must be fully seated to the attaching
bracket through the lower front fascia as shown.
If the tow hook is not fully seated to the attach-
ing bracket, the vehicle should not be towed.
Front Tow EyeRear Tow Eye
246

TOWING A DISABLED
VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a
disabled vehicle using a commercial towing
service.
Towing ConditionWheels OFF the
GroundManual
Transmission6-Speed Automatic
(FWD Only)6-Speed Automatic
4WDCVT Automatic
Transmission
Flat Tow NONE
•Transmission in
NEUTRAL
•Key in ACC or
ON/RUN position
If transmission is
operable:
•Transmission in
NEUTRAL
•Key in ACC or
ON/RUN position
•25 mph (40 km/h)
maxspeed
•15 miles (24 km)
maxdistance
If transmission is
operable:
•Transmission in
NEUTRAL
•Key in ACC or
ON/RUN position
•25 mph (40 km/h)
maxspeed
•15 miles (24 km)
maxdistance
NOT ALLOWED
Wheel Lift or Dolly
To wRearNOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Front FWD ModelsONLY OK NOT ALLOWEDFWD ModelsONLY
FlatbedALL BEST METHOD BEST METHOD BEST METHOD BEST METHOD
247

With Ignition Key
Automatic Transmission
•Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles can be
towed with the front wheels elevated, or on a
flatbed truck (all four wheelsOFFthe
ground).
•Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) vehicles can be
towed on a flatbed truck (all four wheelsOFF
the ground).
If the transmission is operable, Front Wheel
Drive (FWD) and Four Wheel Drive (4WD)
vehicles, with the 6-speed automatic transmis-
sion only (NOTthe Continuously Variable auto-
matic transmission [CVT]), may be flat towed
(with all four wheels on the ground) under the
following conditions:
•The transmission must be in NEUTRAL.
•The key must be in the ACC or ON/RUN
position.
•The towing speed must not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h).
•The towing distance must not exceed 15
miles (24 km).Front Wheel Drive (FWD) models (with 6-speed
automaticonly) may also be towed (under the
same limitations shown above) with the rear
wheels elevated.
CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow any vehicle equipped with a
CVT automatic transmission. Damage to the
drivetrain will result. If these vehicles require
towing, make sure all drive wheels are OFF
the ground.
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe transmission
and/or transfer case damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty..
If the vehicle’s battery is discharged, refer to
“Gear Selector Override” in this section for
instructions on shifting the automatic transmis-
sion out of PARK for towing.Manual Transmission
•Front Wheel Drive (FWD) or Four-Wheel
Drive (4WD) vehicles can be flat towed (all
four wheels on the ground) with the transmis-
sion in NEUTRAL and the key in the ACC or
ON/RUN position.
•FWD vehicles can be towed with the front
wheels elevated.
•FWD or 4WD vehicles can be towed on a
flatbed truck (all wheelsOFFthe ground).
CAUTION!
•DO NOTflat tow any disabled vehicle if
condition is related to the clutch, transmis-
sion or driveline. Additional damage to the
drivetrain could result.
•
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above
requirements can cause severe engine,
transmission, or drivetrain damage. Damage
from improper towing is not covered under
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
248

All Transmissions
If you must use the accessories (wipers, de-
froster, etc.) while being towed, the key must be
in the ON/RUN position, not the ACC position.
Make certain the transmission remains in
NEUTRAL.
CAUTION!
•Do not use sling-type equipment when
towing. Vehicle damage may occur.
•When securing the vehicle to a flatbed
truck, do not attach to front or rear suspen-
sion components. Damage to your vehicle
may result from improper towing.Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is
towed with the ignition in the LOCK/OFF posi-
tion. The only approved method of towing with-
out the ignition key is with a flatbed truck.
Proper towing equipment is necessary to pre-
vent damage to the vehicle.
249

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC
SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated
onboard diagnostic system called OBD II. This
system monitors the performance of the emis-
sions, engine, and automatic transmission con-
trol systems. When these systems are operat-
ing properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as
engine emissions well within current govern-
ment regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the
OBD II system will turn on the “Malfunction
Indicator Light” (MIL). It will also store diagnos-
tic codes and other information to assist your
service technician in making repairs. Although
your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for
service as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could
cause further damage to the emission con-
trol system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle
must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is
running, severe catalytic converter dam-
age and power loss will soon occur. Imme-
diate service is required.
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity
Your vehicle is required to have an Onboard
Diagnostic system (OBD II) and a connection
port to allow access to information related to the
performance of your emissions controls. Autho-
rized service technicians may need to access
this information to assist with the diagnosis and
service of your vehicle and emissions system.
WARNING!
•ONLY an authorized service technician
should connect equipment to the OBD II
connection port in order to diagnose or
service your vehicle.
•If unauthorized equipment is connected to
the OBD II connection port, such as a
driver-behavior tracking device, it may:
•Be possible that vehicle systems, in-
cluding safety related systems, could be
impaired or a loss of vehicle control
could occur that may result in an acci-
dent involving serious injury or death.
•Access, or allow others to access, infor-
mation stored in your vehicle systems,
including personal information.
For further information, refer to “Cybersecurity”
in the “Understanding Your Instrument Panel”
section.
255

NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions con-
trol systems can result in civil penalties
being assessed against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunc-
tioning engine operation, a scorching odor may
suggest severe and abnormal catalyst over-
heating. If this occurs, stop the vehicle, turn off
the engine and allow it to cool. Service, includ-
ing a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifications,
should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter
damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the
ignition, when the transmission is in gear and
the vehicle is in motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or
towing the vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug
wires disconnected or removed, such as
when diagnostic testing, or for prolonged
periods during very rough idle or malfunction-
ing operating conditions.Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling
fan, disconnect the fan motor lead or turn
the ignition switch to the OFF position. The
fan is temperature controlled and can start
at any time the ignition switch is in the ON
position.
•You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to
cool. Never try to open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection
every 12 months (before the onset of freezing
weather, where applicable). If the engine cool-
ant (antifreeze) is dirty or rusty in appearance,
the system should be drained, flushed, and
refilled with fresh engine coolant (antifreeze).Check the front of the A/C condenser for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean
by gently spraying water from a garden hose
vertically down the face of the condenser.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, and tight-
ness of the connection at the bottle and radiator.
Inspect the entire system for leaks.
Cooling System – Drain, Flush, And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the
proper maintenance intervals.
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
contains a considerable amount of sediment,
clean and flush with a reliable cooling system
cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to re-
move all deposits and chemicals. Properly dis-
pose of old engine coolant (antifreeze).
Selection Of Coolant
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
263

Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends
against using any special additives in the trans-
mission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engi-
neered product and its performance may be
impaired by supplemental additives. Therefore,
do not add any fluid additives to the transmis-
sion. The only exception to this policy is the use
of special dyes for diagnosing fluid leaks. Avoid
using transmission sealers as they may ad-
versely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your trans-
mission as the chemicals can damage your
transmission components. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does
not require adjustment under normal operating
conditions.Routine fluid level checks are not required,
therefore the transmission filler tube is capped
and no dipstick is provided. Your authorized
dealer can check your transmission fluid level
using special service tools. If you notice fluid
leakage or transmission malfunction, visit your
authorized dealer immediately to have the
transmission fluid level checked. Operating the
vehicle with an improper fluid level can cause
severe transmission damage.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your
authorized dealer immediately. Severe trans-
mission damage may occur. Your authorized
dealer has the proper tools to adjust the fluid
level accurately.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid
installed at the factory will provide satisfactory
lubrication for the life of the vehicle. However, if
the vehicle is frequently driven on rough or
unpaved roads, on mountain roads, on short
trips, or in heavy city traffic during hot weather,or is used for frequent trailer towing, police,
fleet, taxi, etc., change the fluid as indicated in
the Maintenance Schedule. In addition, change
the fluid and filter if the fluid becomes contami-
nated (with water, etc.), or if the transmission is
disassembled for any reason.
Automatic Transmission (CVT) — If
Equipped
Selection Of Lubricant (CVT)
It is important to use the proper transmission
fluid to ensure optimum transmission perfor-
mance and life. Use only the manufacturer’s
specified transmission fluid which has the spe-
cial friction coefficient additives necessary for
proper steel belt traction on the drive and driven
pulleys. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genu-
ine Parts” in this section for fluid specifications.
It is important to maintain the transmission fluid
at the correct level using the recommended
fluid.
No chemical flushes should be used in any
transmission; only the approved lubricant
should be used.
268

Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
7,500
15,000
22,500
30,000
37,500
45,000
52,500
60,000
67,500
75,000
82,500
90,000
97,500
105,000
112,500
120,000
127,500
135,000
142,500
150,000
Or Months: 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 132 144 156 168 180 192 204 216 228 240
Or Kilometers:
12,000
24,000
36,000
48,000
60,000
72,000
84,000
96,000
108,000
120,000
132,000
144,000
156,000
168,000
180,000
192,000
204,000
216,000
228,000
240,000
Flush and replace the en-
gine coolant at 10 years or
150,000 miles (240,000 km)
whichever comes first.XX
Inspect rear drive assembly
(RDA) fluid, add as needed.
Drain and replace fluid if ve-
hicle is used for any of the
following: frequent trailer
towing, heavy loading, taxi,
police, delivery service (com-
mercial service), off-road,
desert operation or more
than 50% of your driving is
at sustained speeds during
hot weather, above 90°F
(32°C).XX
288

Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
7,500
15,000
22,500
30,000
37,500
45,000
52,500
60,000
67,500
75,000
82,500
90,000
97,500
105,000
112,500
120,000
127,500
135,000
142,500
150,000
Or Months: 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 132 144 156 168 180 192 204 216 228 240
Or Kilometers:
12,000
24,000
36,000
48,000
60,000
72,000
84,000
96,000
108,000
120,000
132,000
144,000
156,000
168,000
180,000
192,000
204,000
216,000
228,000
240,000
Inspect power transfer unit
(PTU) fluid, add as needed.
Drain and replace fluid if ve-
hicle is used for any of the
following: frequent trailer
towing, heavy loading, taxi,
police, delivery service (com-
mercial service), off-road,
desert operation or more
than 50% of your driving is
at sustained speeds during
hot weather, above 90°F
(32°C).XX
Change the automatic trans-
mission fluid and filter (CVT
only).X
289

Mileage or time passed
(whichever comes first)
7,500
15,000
22,500
30,000
37,500
45,000
52,500
60,000
67,500
75,000
82,500
90,000
97,500
105,000
112,500
120,000
127,500
135,000
142,500
150,000
Or Months: 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 132 144 156 168 180 192 204 216 228 240
Or Kilometers:
12,000
24,000
36,000
48,000
60,000
72,000
84,000
96,000
108,000
120,000
132,000
144,000
156,000
168,000
180,000
192,000
204,000
216,000
228,000
240,000
Change the automatic trans-
mission fluid (6-speed only)
if you frequently drive: on
rough or unpaved roads, on
mountain roads, on short
trips, in heavy city traffic dur-
ing hot weather, or while
towing a trailer, or if you use
the vehicle for police, taxi, or
in a commercial fleet.XX
Change the automatic trans-
mission fluid and filter if us-
ing your vehicle for any of
the following: police, taxi,
fleet, or frequent trailer tow-
ing (CVT only).XX
290