Jeep Patriot (2017 year). Instruction

WARNING! (Continued)

interference with the accelerator, brake, or clutch
pedals then re-install the floor mats.

• It is recommended to only use mild soap and water

to clean your floor mats. After cleaning, always check
your floor mat has been properly installed and is
secured to your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners
by lightly pulling mat.

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle

Tires

Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.

Lights

Have someone observe the operation of brake lights and
exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.

Door Latches

Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.

Fluid Leaks

Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid (if
equipped), or brake fluid leaks are suspected. The cause
should be located and corrected immediately.

192

SAFETY

STARTING PROCEDURES

Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.

WARNING!

• Before exiting a vehicle, always shift the transmis-

sion into PARK, apply the parking brake and remove
the key fob from the ignition. When leaving the
vehicle, always lock your 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 gear selector.

• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in

a location accessible to children. A child could oper-
ate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.

Manual Transmission — If Equipped

Before starting the engine fully apply the parking brake,
press the clutch pedal to the floor, and place the gear
selector in NEUTRAL.

NOTE:

• The engine will not start unless the clutch pedal is

pressed to the floor.

• If the key will not turn and the steering wheel is locked,

rotate the wheel in either direction to relieve pressure on
the locking mechanism and then turn the key.

Automatic Transmission — If Equipped

The gear selector must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the engine. Press the brake
pedal before shifting to any driving gear.

NOTE:

You must press the brake pedal before shifting out

of PARK.

Tip Start

Do not

press the accelerator. Turn the ignition switch to the

START position and release it as soon as the starter
engages. The starter motor will continue to run, and it will
disengage automatically when the engine is running. If the

STARTING AND OPERATING

195

engine fails to start, the starter will disengage automati-
cally in 10 seconds. If this occurs, turn the ignition switch
to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat
the “Normal Starting” procedure.

Normal Starting

Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine does not
require pumping or pressing the accelerator pedal. Simply
turn the ignition switch to the START position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine fails to start within 15
seconds, turn the ignition switch to the OFF position, wait
10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting” proce-
dure.

WARNING!

Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmis-
sion cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could
enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle. If
the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables
may be used to obtain a start from another vehicle.
This type of start can be dangerous if done improperly,

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

so follow the procedure carefully. Refer to “Jump-
Starting” in “In Case Of Emergency” for further infor-
mation.

Extreme Cold Weather (Below –22°F Or −30°C)

To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your authorized dealer) is recommended.

If Engine Fails To Start

If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” and “Extreme Cold Weather” proce-
dures, it may be flooded. Press the accelerator pedal all the
way to the floor and hold it there. Crank the engine for no
more than 15 seconds. This should clear any excess fuel in
case the engine is flooded. Leave the ignition key in the ON
position, release the accelerator pedal and repeat the “Nor-
mal Starting” procedure.

196

STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!

Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start the
vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing serious
personal injury.

CAUTION!

To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to 15
seconds before trying again.

After Starting

The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED

The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a
standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded,
three-wire extension cord.

The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one
hour to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.

WARNING!

Remember to disconnect the engine block heater cord
before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical
cord could cause electrocution.

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS

A long break-in period is not required for the engine and
drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle.

Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After
the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80
or 90 km/h) are desirable.

While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.

The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes
should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions
under which vehicle operations will occur. For the recom-
mended viscosity and quality grades, refer to “Dealer
Service” in “Servicing And Maintenance”.

STARTING AND OPERATING

197

CAUTION!

Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil
in the engine or damage may result.

NOTE:

A new engine may consume some oil during its

first few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This
should be considered a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as a problem.

PARKING BRAKE

Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave an auto-
matic transmission in PARK, or manual transmission in
REVERSE or first gear.

The parking brake lever is located in the center console. To
apply the parking brake, pull the lever up as firmly as
possible. To release the parking brake, pull the lever up
slightly, push the center button, then lower the lever
completely.

When the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the ON position, the “Brake Warning Light” in the
instrument cluster will illuminate.

NOTE:

• When the parking brake is applied and the automatic

transmission is placed in gear, the “Brake Warning
Light” will flash. If vehicle speed is detected, a chime
will sound to alert the driver. Fully release the parking
brake before attempting to move the vehicle.

• This light only shows that the parking brake is applied.

It does not show the degree of brake application.

Parking Brake

198

STARTING AND OPERATING

When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade. For vehicles equipped
with an automatic transmission, apply the parking brake
before placing the gear selector in PARK, otherwise the
load on the transmission locking mechanism may make it
difficult to move the gear selector out of PARK. The
parking brake should always be applied whenever the
driver is not in the vehicle.

WARNING!

• When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key fob

from the ignition and lock your 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 gear selector.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, or in

a location accessible to children. A child could oper-
ate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.

• Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before

driving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and
a collision.

• Always fully apply the parking brake when leaving

your vehicle or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also, be certain to leave an automatic trans-
mission in PARK, a manual transmission in RE-
VERSE or first gear. Failure to do so may cause the
vehicle to roll and cause damage or injury.

CAUTION!

If the Brake System Warning Light remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system malfunction is
indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an au-
thorized dealer immediately.

STARTING AND OPERATING

199

MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Five-Speed Manual Transmission

WARNING!

You or others could be injured if you leave the vehicle
unattended without having the parking brake fully ap-
plied. The parking brake should always be applied when
the driver is not in the vehicle, especially on an incline.

Fully press the clutch pedal before you shift gears. As you
release the clutch pedal, lightly press the accelerator pedal.

Use each gear in numerical order, do not skip a gear. Be
sure the transmission is in first gear, (not third), when
starting from a standing position. Damage to the clutch can
result from starting in a gear higher than first gear.

CAUTION!

• Launching in any gear except 1st gear will result in

excessive slipping of the clutch and potentially lug-
ging or stalling the engine.

• Use each gear in numerical order, do not skip a gear.

Be sure the transmission is in first gear, (not third),
when starting from a standing position. Damage to
the clutch can result from starting in a gear higher
than first gear.

For most city driving, you will find it easier to use only the
lower gears. For steady highway driving with light accel-
erations, fifth gear is recommended.

Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, and
never try to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal
partially engaged. This will cause abnormal wear on the
clutch.

Never shift into REVERSE until the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.

Shift Pattern

200

STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:

During cold weather, until the transmission lubri-

cant is warm, you may experience slightly higher shift
efforts. This is normal and not harmful to the transmission.

Recommended Shift Speeds

To use your manual transmission for optimal fuel economy,
it should be upshifted as listed in the following table.

Manual Transmission Recommended Shift Speeds

Units in mph (km/h)

Engine Size

Acceleration

Rate

1 to 2

2 to 3

3 to 4

4 to 5

All Engines

Accel

14 (23)

23 (37)

29 (47)

45 (72)

Cruise

12 (19)

18 (29)

25 (40)

32 (52)

STARTING AND OPERATING

201

Downshifting

Proper downshifting will improve fuel economy and pro-
long engine life.

CAUTION!

If you skip a gear while downshifting or downshift at
too high of a vehicle speed, these conditions may cause
the engine to overspeed if too low of a gear is selected
and the clutch pedal is released. Damage to the clutch
and the transmission can result from skipping a gear
while downshifting or downshifting at too high of a
vehicle speed even if the clutch pedal is held pressed
(i.e., not released).

To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, shift down
to second or first gear when descending a steep grade.

When turning a corner or driving up a steep grade,
downshift early so that the engine will not be overbur-
dened.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED

CAUTION!

Damage to the transmission may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:

• Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the

vehicle has come to a complete stop.

• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL,

or DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.

• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is

firmly pressing the brake pedal.

NOTE:

You must press and hold the brake pedal while

shifting out of PARK.

WARNING!

• 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

(Continued)

202

STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)

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 locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted 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 trans-
mission gear selector.

• 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.

Key Ignition Park Interlock

This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Interlock
which requires the transmission to be in PARK before the
ignition switch can be turned to the LOCK/OFF (key
removal) position. The key can only be removed from the
ignition when the ignition is in the LOCK/OFF position,
and once removed the transmission is locked in PARK.

NOTE:

If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the

key in the ignition switch to warn you that this safety
feature is inoperable. The engine can be started and
stopped but the key cannot be removed until you obtain
service.

Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System

This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock system (BTSI) that holds the gear selector in
PARK unless the brakes are applied. To shift the transmis-
sion out of PARK, the ignition switch must be turned to the
ON/RUN position (engine running or not) and the brake
pedal must be pressed.

Six-Speed Automatic Transmission — If Equipped

The transmission gear position display (located in the
instrument cluster) indicates the transmission gear range.
You must press the brake pedal to move the gear selector

STARTING AND OPERATING

203

out of PARK (refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
System” in this section). To drive, move the gear selector
from PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE position.

The electronically-controlled transmission provides a pre-
cise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are self-
calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle
may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and
precision shifts will develop within a few hundred miles
(kilometers).

Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped. Be
sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when shifting
between these gears.

The transmission gear selector has only PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, and DRIVE shift positions. Manual shifts can
be made using the AutoStick shift control (refer to
“AutoStick” in this section). Moving the gear selector to the
left or right (-/+) while in the DRIVE position will manu-
ally select the transmission gear, and will display the
current gear in the instrument cluster as 1, 2, 3, etc.

Gear Ranges

DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL into another gear range.

NOTE:

After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to

allow the selected gear to engage before accelerating. This
is especially important when the engine is cold.

PARK (P)

This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in motion.
Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this
range.

When parking on a level surface, you may shift the
transmission into PARK first, and then apply the parking
brake.

When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
shifting the transmission to PARK, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult
to move the gear selector out of PARK. As an added
precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a
downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.

204

STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!

• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the

parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully
when parked to guard against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.

• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if

it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the gear
selector out of PARK with the brake pedal released.
Make sure the transmission is in PARK before leav-
ing the vehicle.

• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if

• 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,

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

turn the engine OFF, and remove the ignition key.
Once the key is removed, the transmission is locked
in PARK, securing the vehicle against unwanted
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

• 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.

CAUTION!

• Before moving the gear selector out of PARK, you

must turn the ignition switch from the LOCK/OFF

(Continued)

STARTING AND OPERATING

205

CAUTION! (Continued)

position to the ON/RUN position, and also press the
brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the gear selector
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 position:

• When shifting into PARK, firmly move the gear selector

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 gear selector

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.

WARNING!

Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe practices
that limit your response to changing traffic or road
conditions. You might lose control of the vehicle and
have a collision.

CAUTION!

Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recreational
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and “Towing A
Disabled Vehicle” in “In Case Of Emergency” for
further information.

206

STARTING AND OPERATING

DRIVE (D)

This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and downshifts,
and the best fuel economy. The transmission automatically
upshifts through underdrive first, second, third, and fourth
gears, direct fifth gear and overdrive sixth gear. The DRIVE
position provides optimum driving characteristics under
all normal operating conditions.

When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as when
operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, in
hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or while
towing heavy trailers), use the AutoStick shift control (refer
to “AutoStick (Six-Speed Automatic Transmission)” in this
section for further information) to select a lower gear.
Under these conditions, using a lower gear will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat buildup.

If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operating
limits, the transmission controller will modify the transmis-
sion shift schedule and expand the range of torque converter
clutch engagement. This is done to prevent transmission
damage due to overheating. If the transmission becomes
extremely hot, the “Transmission Temperature Warning

Light” may illuminate and the transmission may operate
differently until the transmission cools down.

During very cold temperatures (-4°F [-20°C] or below),
transmission operation may be modified depending on
engine and transmission temperature as well as vehicle
speed. Normal operation will resume once the transmis-
sion temperature has risen to a suitable level.

Transmission Limp Home Mode

Transmission function is monitored electronically for ab-
normal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission remains
in fourth gear regardless of which forward gear is selected.
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to operate.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated.
Limp Home Mode allows the vehicle to be driven to an
authorized dealer for service without damaging the trans-
mission.

In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK.

STARTING AND OPERATING

207

Jeep Patriot (2017 year). Instruction - part 13