2009 Jeep Patriot Owner's Manual - Page 298

296 STARTING AND OPERATING normal. When either the brake or the accelerator is released, HDC will control the vehicle back to the original set speed. HDC is only intended for low speed off-road driving. At vehicle speeds above 31 mph (50 km/h) HDC will no longer function. If the HDC indicator light begins to flash this indicates that the brakes are getting too hot and the vehicle should be stopped to allow the brakes to cool. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) This system enhances directional control and stability of the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESP corrects for over-steering or under-steering of the vehicle by applying the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the over-steering or under-steering condition. Engine power may also be reduced to help the vehicle maintain the desired path. ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the vehicle path intended by the driver and compares it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual path does not match the intended path, ESP applies the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the over-steer or under-steer condition • Over-steer - when the vehicle is turning more than appropriate for the steering wheel position. • Under-steer - when the vehicle is turning less than appropriate for the steering wheel position. WARNING! HDC is only intended to assist the driver in controlling vehicle speed when descending hills. The driver must remain attentive to the driving conditions and is responsible for maintaining a safe vehicle speed.