Four-Wheel Drive Operation - If Equipped; On-Road Driving Tips; Power Steering - Jeep Patriot 2011 Operating Information Manual

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
— IF EQUIPPED
This feature provides full time, on-demand,
four–wheel drive (4WD).
Four-Wheel Drive Switch
Where one or more wheels have wheel spin or
if additional traction is needed in sand, deep
snow, or loose traction surfaces, activate the
"4WD LOCK" switch by pulling up once and
releasing. This locks the center coupling allow-
ing more torque to be sent to the rear wheels.
The "4WD Indicator Light" will come on in the
cluster. This can be done on the fly, at any
vehicle speed. To deactivate, simply pull on the
switch one more time. The "4WD Indicator
Light" will then go out.
NOTE:
Refer to "Electronic Brake Control System/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)" in "Start-
ing and Operating" for further information.

ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS

Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance
and a narrower track to make them capable of
performing in a wide variety of off-road appli-
cations. Specific design characteristics give
them a higher center of gravity than ordinary
cars.
An advantage of the higher ground clearance
is a better view of the road, allowing you to
anticipate problems. They are not designed for
cornering at the same speeds as conventional
two-wheel drive vehicles any more than low-
slung sports cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily in off-road conditions. If at all
possible, avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneu-
vers. As with other vehicles of this type, failure
to operate this vehicle correctly may result in
loss of control or vehicle rollover.

POWER STEERING

The standard power steering system will give
you good vehicle response and increased ease
of maneuverability in tight spaces. The system
will provide mechanical steering capability if
power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is inter-
rupted, it will still be possible to steer your
vehicle. Under these conditions, you will ob-
serve a substantial increase in steering effort,
especially at very low vehicle speeds and
during parking maneuvers.
NOTE:
• Increased noise levels at the end of the
steering wheel travel are considered nor-
mal and do not indicate that there is a
problem with the power steering system.
• Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the
power steering pump may make noise for
a short amount of time. This is due to the
cold, thick fluid in the steering system.
This noise should be considered normal,
and it does not in any way damage the
steering system.
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