Cooling System - Jeep Patriot 2011 Operating Information Manual

CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if
your vehicle is not kept in proper operating
condition. In the event of engine malfunction,
particularly involving engine misfire or other
apparent loss of performance, have your ve-
hicle serviced promptly. Continued operation
of your vehicle with a severe malfunction
could cause the converter to overheat, result-
ing in possible damage to the converter and
the vehicle.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you
park over materials that can burn. Such ma-
terials might be grass or leaves coming into
contact with your exhaust system. Do not park
or operate your vehicle in areas where your
exhaust system can contact anything that can
burn.
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 manufacturers specifications,
should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst 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 for a prolonged period.

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.
WARNING! (Continued)
• You or others can be badly burned by hot
coolant or steam from your radiator. If you
see or hear steam coming from under the
hood, do not open the hood until the radia-
tor 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 radia-
(Continued) tor. Inspect the entire system for leaks.
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