2011 Jeep Patriot Owner Manual - Page 300

298 STARTING AND OPERATING Never use PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply Gear Ranges DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this range. Always apply the parking brake first, and then place the NEUTRAL positions into another gear range. 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 ignition, and apply the parking brake. Once the key is removed from the ignition, the shift lever is locked in the PARK position, securing the vehicle against unwanted movement. Furthermore, you should never leave unattended children inside a vehicle. (Continued) Shift Lever PARK This range supplements the parking brake by locking the transmission. The engine can be started in this range.