2013 Jeep Patriot Owner's Manual - Page 321

STARTING AND OPERATING 319 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - IF EQUIPPED WARNING! • Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is running. • Before exiting a vehicle, always apply the parking brake, shift the transmission into PARK, and remove the ignition key. Once the key is removed, the shift lever is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle against unwanted movement When leaving the vehicle, always remove the ignition key and lock your vehicle. • Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. (Continued) CAUTION! Damage to the transmission may occur if the following precautions are not observed: • Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. • Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine is at idle speed. • Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed. • Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal. NOTE: You must press and hold the brake pedal while shifting out of PARK. 5