My wife and I tried a Patriot with an automatic, but we drive stick and the dealer doesn't have any to try out.

I'd like to know if anyone who is around five foot in height has been able to find a seat adjustment setting that is satisfactory to reach the clutch pedal without hitting your knees on the trim under the steering column, and without lowering the seat so much that you can hardly see over the dashboard.

We found this to be impossible if you want your left foot to be able to press all the way to the floor board where the clutch would be.

If Jeep is listening, could you do something about that huge piece of plastic below the steering column?

I'm 5'3" drive the manual transmission, have the seat forward pretty far and raised fairly high. I can get the clutch to the floor with the ball of my foot and my toes and not hit the horrible bump under the steering wheel. I did test drive the stick, noticed that issue on the test drive, and fiddled with the seat adjustments until I was sure I could see and reach and sit comfortably without hitting it. Had I not found my "sweet spot" I wouldn't have bought the car. Was really glad I noticed it on the test drive though.

I'm 5-6. I have no problems. However I will say, there is nothing up above the plastic thing if you wanted to move it. It only blocks your view of the firewall. I had it out to install my scangauge wire.

Not sure I would remove it as it would likely serve as some protection in the unlikely event of a head on collision.


I'm 5-6. I have no problems. However I will say, there is nothing up above the plastic thing if you wanted to move it. It only blocks your view of the firewall. I had it out to install my scangauge wire.

Update. We finally actually found a manual trans Compass in this area and gave it a test. We found that my wife simply will never be able to use the clutch without hitting that bulge under the steering column. We cannot get this truck.

Unless. Someone above mentioned removing the plastic below the steering column. Is there really nothing behind it? We could replace it with some kind of material which doesn't come down as far, I guess.

If there is really nothing behind it, then I sure hope that Jeep fixes this one piece of plastic for 2009!!! And I hope that 2007 and 2008 owners can buy that part.

I just did a search for another vehicle of comparable features and came up with nothing American made. 4 doors, manual trans, AWD, good mileage, reasonable cargo flexibility.

I'll agree that lump is annoying. I like to put the seat high. But when I do this I can't get my right leg out of the seat when I leave the vehicle. I have to lower the seat to do so. Bad design for sure.

I'm experiencing thta with my Patriot. I'd also like to know how to go about removing that bump.

this guy can help.

http://www.gregorypage.net/dec01/sawsall.jpg

The clunky plastic knee blocker is attached with a couple of screws at the bottom edge, & tabs/clips near the top edge.

I had to remove it to find the OBD2 port tucked in behind the knee blocker, in order to connect my Scangauge, and facilitate routing the cable upward thru the steering column.

I re-installed this knee-blocker since it is part of the safety system together with the air bags. Initially, the clunky blocker was annoyance. Now, I don't even notice it.:zzz: