[Dkellems]

I have a 2016 jeep patriot latitude, it's supposed to be 4wd but I can't find a switch or lever, I used the Vin num to check and it says 4wd. I saw where it's supposed to be by the e brake but it's not

 

[Sandstone]

Hi, welcome to the forums.

If you have 4x4, then you should have a silver 4x4 switch in the console, if no switch then you have front wheel drive.

You can also check under the vehicle and look for a drive shaft that goes from the back of the engine to the rear differential. If you don't have this then it's FWD.

 

[Sandstone]

Also, I'm not sure which VIN check system you used, but you can get a factory build sheet using your VIN here:

Jeep VIN to Build Sheet Service

Want a build sheet for your MK? Trying to figure out which options you have, like FDI or FDII? Looking to buy and need to confirm options, like which transmission? All you need is the VIN! Copy and paste the link below (minus quotes) into your browser , then replace the xxxx.... with your 17...

www.jeeppatriot.com

 

[RossoRacer]

If you even have it, it's an AWD/4x4 hybrid. The switch locks it in 50-50 below 35mph, otherwise it's gonna be FWD unless it detects slipping or hard acceleration.

 

[Dkellems]

Thank you guys!! I was able to look it up and it is fwd. I bought it from a dealer online and they said it was 4wd, I've been trying to figure out why I couldn't find a lever now I know, thank you

 

[Sandstone]

You're welcome.

 

[Ignatz]

Welcome to the site @Dkellems! Not to worry, FWD is quite capable under most circumstances. I could tell you stories! I and others have posted them in the 4x2 forum. Just give your Patriot good tires and don't fall for the pitch about all-season tires.

That said, if your Bill of Sale says it was 4wd you might have some recourse against the dealer. At least get some adjustment.

 

[Flamewave]

That said, if your Bill of Sale says it was 4wd you might have some recourse against the dealer. At least get some adjustment.

Exactly this. If you paid for 4WD and didn't get 4WD, they need to make it right in some way.

 

[Ignatz]

Many people think all Jeeps are 4wd and so they took advantage of you selling you something you assumed it had.

On the bright side, FWD gets better fuel economy! If you aren't doing severe off-roading or driving on unplowed roads, you're better off w/out 4wd.

 

[[email protected]]

No differents in drive feeling just the lever and 4x4 idiot light

 

[Flamewave]

No differents in drive feeling just the lever and 4x4 idiot light

I disagree, they corner differently without the AWD. They want to understeer/plow if you give them throttle in the turn, as FWD vehicles tend to.

 

[DeepCherry2015]

I disagree, they corner differently without the AWD. They want to understeer/plow if you give them throttle in the turn, as FWD vehicles tend to.

Plus, nothing like the feeling on pulling it into 4WD mode on a day with a fresh foot of snowfall and punching the gas in an empty parking lot. Just watch out for light poles and parking bumpers... 🤣 Just something about doing donuts with all 4 wheels spinning.

 

[Ignatz]

. . . empty parking lot. Just watch out for light poles and parking bumpers... 🤣

I took out a shopping cart once, but it was white-out conditions and some shopper had just abandoned it in the middle of the lot. I wasn't horsing around, I was going to work as a vendor in that store.

 

[DeepCherry2015]

I took out a shopping cart once, but it was white-out conditions and some shopper had just abandoned it in the middle of the lot. I wasn't horsing around, I was going to work as a vendor in that store.

Ouch! At least if you were horsing around and doing donuts, you'd at least had some fun doing it.