My engine warning light just went on today. It's 4 months old with 7200mi. The manual says "the vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through several of your typical driving cycles". Has anyone experienced this? and what was the outcome. Thanks.

Yes i checked the gas cap.

I don't know if the Chrysler cars still do this but try:

Sitting in your car, turn the ignition to the on position, then back to off. Do that 3 times in succession and then stop in the off positon and it will show the trouble code. However, Chrysler might have stopped incorporating this feature to encourage an extra trip to the dealership.

My guess is a bum Oxygen sensor

Some vehicles have a separate light for the gas cap off... I don't think the Patriot is one of them.

If it was your gas cap that was loose, it will take a number of start cycles and miles for the fault code to clear. I would expect 10-12 starts and 100+ miles.

I recommend that you have the dealer check the fault code. If it's just the cap, it will save you from looking at that nagging light. If not, you can get your vehicle fixed before causing a more serious problem.

If your Patriot seems to be running OK (not stalling, not running rough) you're most likely not causing any damage.

Update. After several times of starting and turning off the car (running errands) the light went off. Turned key to ON without starting and light came on as it should and when started in goes off. All should be good. Will keep you posted.