2007 JEEP COMPASS brakes

WARNING!
•Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
•The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
The ABS light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake
System. The light will come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position
and may stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or comes on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not come on when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
bulb repaired as soon as possible.
If both the Brake Warning Light and the ABS Light
remain on, the Anti-Lock brakes (ABS) and Electronic
Brake Force Distribution (EBD) systems are not function-
ing. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.
248 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
P for Park. Always, block orchockthe trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
STARTING AND OPERATING 291
5

4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight).
Towing Requirements — Tires

Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to the
Tires–General Information section of this manual on
Tire Pressures for proper tire inflation procedures.
Also, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to the Tires–General
Information section of this manual on Tread Wear
Indicators for the proper inspection procedure.
When replacing tires refer to the Tires–General Infor-
mation section of this manual on Replacement Tires for
proper tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires
with a higher load carrying capacity will not increase
the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes

Donotinterconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
292 STARTING AND OPERATING

Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000
lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may includea4and7pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.
STARTING AND OPERATING 293
5

Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure the are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of degradation that could cause failure.
Fuel System Connections
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with tubes and special connects, connections
and clamps which have unique material characteristics to
provide adequate sealing and resist attack by deterio-
rated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufactures-specified
tubes, connections and clamps, or their equivalent in
material and specification, in any fuel system servicing.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Section.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake And Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect the surface of the hoses and nylon tubing for
evidence of heat and mechanical damage. Hard and
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 339
7

Battery............................... 327
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 29
Belts,Drive ............................ 324
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 331
B-Pillar Location........................ 255
Brake Assist System...................... 140
Brake Fluid............................ 364
Brake, Parking.......................... 244
Brake System........................246,339
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................138,247
Hoses.............................. 339
Master Cylinder....................... 340
Parking............................. 244
Warning Light........................ 169
Brakes.............................246,339
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 236
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 72
Bulb Replacement.....................354,355
Bulbs,Light ............................ 354Calibration, Compass..................... 184
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 362
Capacities, Fluid........................ 362
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 281
Oil (Engine).......................316,323
Car Washes............................ 345
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 280
Cargo Area Cover....................... 154
Cargo Area Features...................... 152
Cargo Compartment
Light ............................... 152
Luggage Carrier....................... 159
CargoLight ............................ 152
Cargo Load Floor........................ 155
Cargo Tie-Downs........................ 155
Carrier, Luggage........................ 159
Catalytic Converter...................... 325
Caution, Exhaust Gas...................... 73
INDEX 393
10

Seat Belt Reminder..................... 168
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm).............. 32
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).............. 170
Traction Control....................... 142
Turn Signal.................. 119,122,167,358
Voltage............................. 166
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 166
Loading Vehicle......................... 284
Tires ............................... 255
Locks
Child Protection........................ 23
Door................................ 18
Power Door........................... 19
Steering Wheel......................... 17
Lubrication, Body....................... 331
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack)................. 159
Lumbar Support........................ 110
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 327Maintenance, General..................... 320
Maintenance Procedures................... 320
Maintenance Schedule.................... 366
Schedule “A”......................... 378
Schedule “B”......................... 369
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 174,318
Manual, Service......................... 388
Manual Transaxle..................233,241,343
Downshifting......................... 242
Fluid Level Check...................343,344
Frequency of Fluid Change............343,344
Lubricant Selection..................343,344
Map/Reading Lights..................... 118
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 340
Mirrors ................................ 79
Electric Powered....................... 81
Outside.............................. 80
Rearview............................. 79
Vanity ............................... 82
400 INDEX