2008 JEEP COMPASS traction control

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION Ð IF
EQUIPPED
This feature provides full time, on-demand, Four Wheel
Drive (4WD).
Where one or more wheels have wheel spin or if addi-
tional traction is needed in sand, deep snow, or loosetraction surfaces, activate the 4WD LOCK switch by
pulling up once and releasing. This locks the center
coupling allowing more torque to be sent to the rear
wheels. The amber94WD Indicator Lightº will come on
in the cluster. This can be done on the fly, at any vehicle
speed. To deactivate, simply pull on the switch one more
time. The94WD Indicator Lightº will then go out.
NOTE:Refer to ºESP (Electronic Stability Program) in
the ªElectronic Brake Control Systemº section of this
manual for additional information.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the front wheels to pull errati-
cally to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when
there is a difference in the surface traction under the front
(driving) wheels.
Four Wheel Drive Switch
238 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the
front wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle
and possibly have an accident. Accelerate slowly and
carefully whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should
be observed:1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a sudden
stop.DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Driving through water more than a few inches deep will
require extra caution to ensure safety and prevent dam-
age to your vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 239
5

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following describes the tire grading categories estab-
lished by the National highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration. The specific grade rating assigned by the tire's
manufacturer in each category is shown on the sidewall
of the tires on your car.
All Passenger Car Tires Must Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in Addition to These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1
1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, andmay depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop on
wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
378 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

Points to Remember.................332,333
Pressure Cap......................... 332
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)........... 330
Corrosion Protection..................... 341
Crankcase Emission Control System.......... 322
Cruise Light........................... 165
Cup Holder............................ 147
Customer Assistance..................... 372
Data Recorder, Event...................... 55
Dealer Service.......................... 316
Defroster, Rear Window................... 153
Defroster, Windshield................67,216,217
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 122
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 313
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 117
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 333
Engine Oil........................... 320Door Locks............................. 26
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 27
Door Opener, Garage..................... 134
Downshifting.......................... 231
Drive Belts............................ 320
Driver's Seat Back Tilt.................... 105
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 238
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water................................ 239
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 74
Electrical Power Outlets................... 144
Electronic Brake Control System............. 127
Anti-Lock Brake System................. 127
Brake Assist System.................... 128
Electronic Roll Mitigation................ 129
Electronic Stability Program............... 130
Traction Control System................. 127
INDEX 385
10

Bulb Replacement...................... 351
Cargo .............................. 148
Center Mounted Stop................... 358
Daytime Running...................... 115
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................ 114
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator . . . 130
Engine Temperature Warning.............. 163
Fog .......................... 116,169,353
Headlight Switch...................... 114
Headlights........................... 114
High Beam Indicator.................... 161
Instrument Cluster..................... 114
License............................. 356
Lights On Reminder.................... 115
Low Fuel............................ 161
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 168
Map Reading......................... 113
Off-Road............................ 118
Oil Pressure.......................... 161Seat Belt Reminder..................... 162
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm).............. 18
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).............. 164
Traction Control....................... 130
Turn Signal.................. 114,117,161,354
Voltage............................. 160
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 160
Loading Vehicle......................... 281
Tires ............................... 252
Locks
Child Protection........................ 30
Door................................ 26
Power Door........................... 27
Steering Wheel......................... 14
Lubrication, Body....................... 327
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack)................. 154
Lumbar Support........................ 105
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 324
390 INDEX

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION ROLLOVER WARNING HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE A WORD
ABOUT YOUR KEYS Ignition Key RemovalLocking Doors With The KeyKey-In-Ignition ReminderSTEERING WHEEL LOCK - MANUAL TRANSMISSION ONLY To Manually Lock the Steering WheelTo Release the Steering Wheel LockSENTRY KEY Replacement Keys
Customer Key ProgrammingGeneral InformationSECURITY ALARM SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED To Set the AlarmTo Disarm the SystemSecurity System Manual OverrideREMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY - IF EQUIPPED To Unlock the Doors and LiftgateTo Lock the Doors and
LiftgateUsing The Panic AlarmTo Turn Off Flash Lights With LockProgramming Additional TransmittersGeneral InformationBattery ReplacementDOORLOCKS Manual Door LocksPower Door LocksChild-Protection Door Lock System (Rear Doors) - If EquippedPOWER
WINDOWS- IF EQUIPPED Power Window Switches Auto DownWindow Lockout SwitchLIFTGATE OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS Lap/Shoulder BeltsAdjustable Upper Shoulder Belt AnchorageSecond Row Center Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating InstructionsSeat Belt Pretensioners
Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert) Seat Belt ExtenderSeat Belts And Pregnant WomenDriver and Front Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - AirbagEvent Data Recorder (EDR)Child RestraintENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
SAFETY TIPS Exhaust GasSafety Checks You Should Make Inside The VehiclePeriodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The VehicleUNDERSTANDING THEFEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE MIRRORS Inside Day/Night Mirror - If EquippedOutside Mirror-Drivers
SideOutside Mirror-Passengers SidePower Remote Control Mirrors - If EquippedVanity Mirrors - If EquippedSun Visor Sliding FeatureHANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect) - IF EQUIPPED OperationPhone Call FeaturesUConnect System FeaturesAdvanced Phone
ConnectivityThings You Should Know About Your UConnect SystemGeneral InformationSEATS Front Seat AdjustmentManual Seat Height Adjustment - If EquippedManual Lumbar- If EquippedDrivers Seat Back ReclineAdjustable Head RestraintsHeated Seats - If Equipped
Fold Flat Front Passenger Seat Folding Rear SeatReclining Rear Seat - If Equipped TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD LIGHTS Map/Reading LightsMulti-FunctionControl LeverHeadlights, Parking Lights, Instrument Panel LightsDaytime Running Lights (DRL) - If Equipped
Lights-On ReminderFog Lights - If Equipped Turn Signals Highbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch Passing LightOff-Road lights - If equippedWINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS Windshield WashersMist FeatureWindshield Wiper OperationIntermittent Wiper SystemAdding
Washer FluidTILT STEERING COLUMN ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL - IF EQUIPPED To ActivateTo Set At A Desired SpeedTo DeactivateTo Resume SpeedTo Vary The Speed SettingManual TransaxleTo Accelerate For PassingANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
- IF EQUIPPED ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM - ABS/TCS/BAS/ERM/ESP Anti-Lock Brake System - (ABS)Traction Control System (TCS)Brake Assist System (BAS)Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)ESP (Electronic Stability Program)GARAGE DOOR OPENER
- IF EQUIPPED Programming HomeLinkGate Operator/Canadian ProgrammingUsing HomeLinkReprogramming a Single HomeLink ButtonSecurityTroubleshooting TipsGeneral InformationPOWER SUNROOF - IF EQUIPPED Opening the SunroofClosing the SunroofPinch
Protect FeaturePinch Protect OverrideVenting Sunroof - ExpressSunshade OperationWind BuffetingSunroof MaintenanceIgnition Off OperationELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS - IF EQUIPPED Electrical Outlet Use With Engine OffCONSOLE FEATURES CARGO AREA
FEATURES Cargo Light/Removable Self Recharging Flashlight - If EquippedCargo Cover - If EquippedRemovable Load FloorCargo Tie-Down LoopsFold Down Speakers - If EquippedREAR WINDOW FEATURES Rear Window Wiper/WasherRear Window DefrosterROOF
LUGGAGE RACK - IF EQUIPPED UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL INSTRUMENT PANEL FEATURES INSTRUMENT CLUSTER-PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER (EVIC) - IF
EQUIPPED Engine Oil Change Indicator SystemEVIC Functions Compass/Temperature/AudioAverage Fuel EconomyDistance To Empty (DTE)Elapsed TimeTire Pressure Monitor (TPM)Personal Settings (Customer Programmable Features)RADIO GENERAL
INFORMATION Radio Broadcast SignalsTwo Types of SignalsElectrical DisturbancesAM ReceptionFM ReceptionELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK Clock SettingProcedureSALES CODE REF - AM/FM/CD (SINGLE DISC) RADIO WITH OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO AND
HANDS FREE PHONE CAPABILITY Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - CD ModeOperation Instructions - Auxiliary ModeOperatingInstructions - Hands Free Phone - If EquippedOperating Instructions - Satellite Radio - If EquippedSALES CODE
RAQ - AM/FM/CD (6-DISC) RADIO WITH OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO, HANDS FREE PHONE, AND VEHICLE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS (VES) CAPABILITIES Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - (CD MODE for CD Audio Play)LOAD/EJECT
Button (CD Mode for CD Audio Play)Notes On Playing MP3 FilesOperation Instructions - (CD Mode for MP3 Audio Play)LOAD/EJECT Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)SALES CODE REC - AM/FM/CD (6-DISC) RADIO WITH NAVIGATION SYSTEM Operating Instructions
- Satellite Radio (If Equipped)REC Setting the ClockAudio Clock DisplaySATELLITE RADIO - IF EQUIPPED System ActivationElectronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification Number (ESN/SID)Selecting Satellite Mode in REF, and RAQ, RadiosSelecting a ChannelStoring
and Selecting Pre-Set ChannelsUsing the PTY (Program Type) Button (if equipped)PTY Button SCANPTY Button SEEKSatellite AntennaReception QualityREMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS - IF EQUIPPED Radio OperationCD PlayerCD/DVD DISC MAINTENANCE
RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES CLIMATE CONTROLS Climate ControlsAir ConditioningAir Filtration System - If EquippedOperating Tips STARTINGAND OPERATING STARTING PROCEDURES Manual TransaxleAutomatic TransaxleNormal Starting
Extremely Cold Weather (below -20 degrees F or -29 degrees C)If Engine Fails to StartAfter StartingMANUAL TRANSAXLE - IF EQUIPPED Recommended Shift SpeedsDownshiftingAUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE - IF EQUIPPED Brake/Transmission Interlock SystemAutomatic
Transaxle Ignition Interlock SystemGear Ranges For Continuously Variable Automatic Transaxle (CVT)AUTOSTICK - IF EQUIPPED Autostick Operation Autostick General InformationFOUR WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION - IF EQUIPPED DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
AccelerationTractionDRIVING THROUGH WATER Flowing/Rising WaterShallow Standing WaterPARKING BRAKE BRAKE SYSTEM Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) -If EquippedPOWER STEERING TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION Tire Markings Tire Identification Number
(TIN)Tire Loading and Tire PressureTIRES - GENERAL INFORMATION Tire PressureTire Inflation PressuresRadial-Ply TiresCompact Spare Tire - If EquippedLimited Use Spare - If EquippedTire SpinningTread Wear IndicatorsLife of TireReplacement TiresAlignment And
BalanceTIRE CHAINS TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) - IF EQUIPPED Base System - If EquippedPremium System - If EquippedGeneral InformationSNOW TIRES FUEL REQUIREMENTS GASOLINE ENGINES
Reformulated GasolineGasoline/Oxygenate BlendsMMT In GasolineMaterials Added to FuelFuel System CautionsCarbon Monoxide WarningsADDING FUELFuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageVEHICLE LOADING Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
TRAILER TOWING Common Towing DefinitionsTrailer Hitch ClassificationTrailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)Trailer and TongueWeightTowing RequirementsTowing TipsRECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) Towing This Vehicle
Behind Another Vehicle (Flat towing with all four wheels on the ground)WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES HAZARD WARNING FLASHER IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OVERHEATING JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING Jack LocationSpare
Tire StowagePreparations For JackingJacking InstructionsJUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES DUE TO A LOW BATTERY FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE With Ignition KeyWithout The Ignition KeyMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ENGINE
COMPARTMENT - GASOLINE ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM - OBD II Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageEMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS REPLACEMENT PARTS DEALER SERVICE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES Engine OilDrive Belt
- Check ConditionSpark PlugsCatalytic ConverterCrankcase Emission Control SystemFuel FilterAir Cleaner Element (Filter)Maintenance-Free BatteryAir Conditioner MaintenancePower Steering - Fluid CheckFront Suspension Ball JointsBody LubricationWindshield Wiper
BladesWindshield Washer ReservoirExhaust SystemCooling SystemHoses And Vacuum/Vapor HarnessesFuel System ConnectionsBrake SystemAutomaticTransaxle (CVT)Manual TransaxleRear Drive Assembly (RDA) - AWD/4WD Models OnlyPower Transfer Unit (PTU)
- AWD/4WD Models OnlyAppearance Care And Protection From CorrosionFUSES/INTEGRATED POWER MODULE (IPM) VEHICLE STORAGE REPLACEMENT BULBS BULB REPLACEMENT Headlamps Fog Lights Tail Lights, Rear Turn Signals And Backup Lights -
ReplacementLicense LightsCenter High-Mounted StoplightOff-Road LightFLUIDS AND CAPACITIES FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS EngineChassisMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULE Required Maintenance IntervalsIF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FOR YOUR VEHICLE Prepare For The AppointmentPrepare A ListBe Reasonable With RequestsIF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WARRANTY
INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only) MOPAR PARTS REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS In CanadaPUBLICATION ORDER FORMS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIREQUALITY GRADES TreadwearTraction GradesTemperature GradesINDEX