Jeep Patriot 2011 Operating Information Manual page 155

Shift Lever
PARK
This range supplements the parking brake by
locking the transmission. The engine can be
started in this range. Never use PARK while the
vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking brake
when leaving the vehicle in this range. Always
apply the parking brake first, and then place
the shift lever in the PARK position.
WARNING!
• Unintended movement of a vehicle could
injure those in and near the vehicle. As with
all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle
while the engine is running. Before exiting a
vehicle, you should always shift the vehicle
into PARK, remove the key from the igni-
tion, and apply the parking brake. Once the
key is removed from the ignition, the shift
lever is locked in the PARK position, secur-
ing the vehicle against unwanted move-
ment. Furthermore, you should never leave
unattended children inside a vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle.
Leaving unattended children in a vehicle is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child
or others could be seriously or fatally in-
jured. Do not leave the ignition key in the
ignition switch. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the ve-
hicle.
The following indicators should be used to
ensure that you have engaged the shift lever
into the PARK position:
• When shifting into PARK, firmly move the
shift lever all the way forward until it stops.
• Look at the instrument cluster to ensure it is
in the PARK position.
CAUTION!
Before moving the shift lever out of PARK, you
must turn the ignition from LOCK to ON so the
steering wheel and shift lever are released.
Otherwise, damage to the steering column or
shift lever could result. You must also press
the brake pedal.
REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle rearward.
Use this range only after the vehicle has come
to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL
This range is used when the vehicle is standing
for prolonged periods with the engine running.
The engine may be started in this range. Set
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