On-Road Driving Tips; Power Steering; Power Steering Fluid Check - Chrysler Patriot Owner's Manual

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.
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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.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power
steering assist could pose a safety risk to
yourself and others. Service should be ob-
tained as soon as possible.
JOB: @ibm2/chry_pdm/CLS_chrysler-intl/GRP_owners/JOB_202720-en-pat-10MK74-126-ENG-AA/DIV_og
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at
the end of the steering wheel travel will in-
crease the steering fluid temperature and it
should be avoided when possible. Damage to
the power steering pump may occur.

Power Steering Fluid Check

Checking the power steering fluid level at a
defined service interval is not required. The
fluid should only be checked if a leak is sus-
pected, abnormal noises are apparent, and/or
the system is not functioning as anticipated.
Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power
steering system as the chemicals can dam-
age your power steering components. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
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