2008 JEEP COMPASS Owners Manual

WARNING!
To Avoid Serious Injury or Death:
²Donotusea3-Prong Adaptor.
²Do not insert any objects into the receptacles.
²Do not touch with wet hands.
²Close the lid when not in use, and while driving
the vehicle
²If this outlet is mishandled it may cause an electric
shock and failure.
Power Outlet 12 Volts
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 145
3

Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off
CAUTION!
²Many accessories that can be plugged in draw
power from the vehicle's battery, even when not in
use (i.e. cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough, the vehicle's battery will
discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent engine starting.
²Accessories that draw higher power (i.e. coolers,
vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.); will degrade the
battery even more quickly. Only use these inter-
mittently and with greater caution.
²After the use of high power draw accessories, or
long periods of the vehicle not being started (with
accessories still plugged in), the vehicle must be
driven a sufficient length of time to allow the
generator to recharge the vehicle's battery.
Power Outlet 115 Volts (150 Watt)
146 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CONSOLE FEATURES
WARNING!
Do not operate this vehicle with the console compart-
ment lid in the open position. Cell phones, music
players, and other hand held electronic devices
should be stowed while driving. Use of these devices
while driving can cause an accident due to distrac-
tion, resulting in death or injury.
The floor console's sliding armrest moves forward 3
inches to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid
also includes a unique flip pocket for storing a phone or
an MP3 player. The bin inside the console can hold up to
10 CD jewel cases or other items securely out of sight.NOTE:The flip pocket and console lid features are
intended to be used in the upright or open position only
while the vehicle is parked. While driving, all handheld
devices should be properly stowed, and the flip pocket
and the console lid should be closed.
Floor Console
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 147
3

CARGO AREA FEATURES
Cargo Light/Removable Self Recharging
Flashlight ± If Equipped
The dual-function light is mounted in the headliner
above the cargo area to illuminate the cargo area, and
part of it snaps out of the bezel to serve as a flashlight
when needed. The flashlight features two bright LED
light bulbs and is powered by rechargeable lithium
batteries when snapped back into place for convenience.
To operate the flashlight, press the switch once for high,
twice for low, and a third time to return to off.
Press and Release
148 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Removing FlashlightThree Press Switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 149
3

Cargo Cover Ð If Equipped
The cargo area trim panels include two notches for
mounting the available cargo cover that accommodates
the reclining rear seat.
WARNING!
In an accident a cargo cover loose in the vehicle could
cause injury. It could fly around in a sudden stop and
strike someone in the vehicle. Do not store the cargo
cover on the cargo floor or in the passenger compart-
ment. Remove the cover from the vehicle when taken
from its mounting. Do not store in the vehicle.
Removable Load Floor
The cargo area load floor is removable and can be
washed with mild soap and water.
Rear Cargo Area
150 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Cargo Tie-Down Loops
There are four D-rings tie-down loops in the lower trim
for securing cargo.The tie-downs located on cargo area
floor should be used to safely secure loads when vehicle
is moving.
WARNING!
²Cargo tie-down Loops are not safe anchors for a
child seat tether strap. In a sudden stop or collision
a loop could pull loose and allow the child seat to
come loose. A child could be badly injured. Use
only the anchors provided for child seat tethers.
²The weight and position of cargo and passengers
can change the vehicle center of gravity and ve-
hicle handling. To avoid loss of control resulting
in personal injury, follow these guidelines for
loading your vehicle:
²Always place cargo evenly on the cargo floor. Put
heavier objects as low and as far forward as possible.
²Place as much cargo as possible in front of the rear
axle. Too much weight or improperly placed weight
over or behind the rear axle can cause the rear of the
vehicle to sway.
²Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the top of the
seatback. This could impair visibility or become a
dangerous projectile in a sudden stop or collision.
WARNING!
To help protect against personal injury, passengers
should not be seated in the rear cargo area. The rear
cargo space is intended for load carrying purposes
only, not for passengers, who should sit in seats and
use seat belts.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 151
3

Fold Down Speakers ± If Equipped
When the liftgate is open, the speakers can swing down
from the trim panel to face rearward, for tailgating and
other activities.
REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
A switch on the right side of the steering column controls
operation of the rear wiper/washer function. Rotating
the center of the switch forward to the ON position will
activate the wiper. The rear wiper operates in an inter-
mittent mode only. Rotating the center of the switch all
the way forward will turn on the wash function. The
wash pump will continue to operate as long as the button
is pressed. Upon release, the wipers will cycle two times
before returning to the set position.
Fold Down Speakers
152 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE