2008 JEEP COMPASS brakes

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Ð If Equipped
The Anti-Lock Brake System provides increased vehicle
stability and brake performance under most braking
conditions. The system automatically ªpumpsº the
brakes during severe braking conditions to prevent
wheel lock-up.
WARNING!
Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish their
effectiveness and may lead to an accident. Pumping
makes the stopping distance longer. Just press firmly
on your brake pedal when you need to slow down or
stop.
WARNING!
²Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natural
laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking or steering efficiency beyond
that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
²The 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.
²The 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.
244 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.When the vehicle is driven over 7 mph (11 km/h), you
may also hear a slight clicking sound as well as some
related motor noises. These noises are the system per-
forming its self check cycle to ensure that the ABS system
is working properly. This self check occurs each time the
vehicle is started and accelerated past 7 mph (11 km/h).
ABS is activated during braking under certain road or
stopping conditions. ABS-inducing conditions can in-
clude ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad tracks, loose
debris, or panic stops.
You also may experience the following when the brake
system goes into Anti-lock:
²The ABS motor running (it may continue to run for a
short time after the stop),
²the clicking sound of solenoid valves,
²brake pedal pulsations,
STARTING AND OPERATING 245
5

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.
²When 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.
²Safety 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.
²Vehicles 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 or9chock9the trailer wheels.
²GCWR must not be exceeded.
²Total 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
288 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 Ð Tires
þ
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
þProper 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.
þAlso, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
þCheck 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.
þWhen 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 Ð Trailer Brakes
þ
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.
þAn 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.
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5

þTrailer 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.
290 STARTING AND OPERATING

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
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particu-
lar attention should be made to examining those hose
surfaces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before a hose is replaced
based on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done when-
ever the brake system is serviced and at every engine oil
change.
336 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Ball Joints............................. 327
Battery............................... 324
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 24
Belts, Drive............................ 320
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 327
B-Pillar Location........................ 252
Brake Assist System...................... 128
Brake Control System, Electronic............. 127
Brake Fluid............................ 362
Brake, Parking.......................... 241
Brake System........................243,335
Anti-Lock (ABS).................126,127,244
Hoses.............................. 336
Master Cylinder....................... 337
Parking............................. 241
Warning Light........................ 163
Brakes.............................243,335
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 233
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 65Bulb Replacement.....................350,351
Bulbs, Light............................ 350
Calibration, Compass..................... 180
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 360
Capacities, Fluid........................ 360
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 279
Oil (Engine).......................312,319
Car Washes............................ 342
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 278
Cargo Area Cover....................... 150
Cargo Area Features...................... 148
Cargo Compartment
Light............................... 148
Luggage Carrier....................... 154
Cargo Light............................ 148
Cargo Load Floor........................ 150
Cargo Tie-Downs........................ 151
INDEX 383
10

Maintenance, General..................... 317
Maintenance Procedures................... 317
Maintenance Schedule.................... 365
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 168,314
Manual, Service......................... 376
Manual Transaxle..................227,229,339
Downshifting......................... 231
Fluid Level Check...................340,341
Frequency of Fluid Change............340,341
Lubricant Selection...............339,340,341
Map/Reading Lights..................... 113
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 337
Mirrors................................ 73
Electric Powered....................... 74
Outside.............................. 73
Rearview............................. 73
Vanity............................... 76
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 266Mopar Parts.........................316,375
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 114
Navigation Radio........................ 204
Navigation System....................... 204
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 65
Occupant Restraints....................... 34
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 275
Odometer............................. 167
Trip .............................165,167
Oil Change Indicator..................... 172
Oil Change Indicator, Reset................. 172
Oil, Engine.........................317,360
Capacity............................ 360
Change Interval....................... 318
Checking............................ 317
Disposal............................ 320
Filter............................... 320
INDEX 391
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