2008 JEEP COMPASS warning light

To prevent possible damage, do not slam the hood to
close it. Lower the hood until it is open approximately 20
cm (8 inches) and then drop it. This should secure both
latches. Never drive your vehicle unless the hood is fully
closed, with both latches engaged.
WARNING!
If the hood is not fully latched it could fly up when
the vehicle is moving and block your forward vision.
You could have a collision. Be sure all hood latches
are fully latched before driving.
LIGHTS
Map/Reading Lights
These lights are mounted between the sun visors above
the rear view mirror. Each light is turned ON by pressing
the button. Press the button a second time to turn the
light OFF. The lights also come on when a door is opened
or the dimmer control is turned fully upward, past the
second detent.
Map/Reading Lights
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 113
3

Tapping ªRESUME ACCELº once will result ina1mph
(1.6 km/h) speed increase. Each time the lever is tapped,
speed increases so that tapping the lever three times will
increase speed by 3 mph (4.8 km/h), etc.
To decrease speed while speed control is ON, push down
and hold ªSET DECELº. Release the lever when the
desired speed is reached, and the new speed will be set.
Tapping the ªSET DECELº button once will result in a 1
mph (1.6 km/h) speed decrease. Each time the button is
tapped, speed decreases.
Manual Transaxle
Depressing the clutch pedal will disengage the speed
control. A slight increase in engine RPM before the speed
control disengages is normal.Vehicles equipped with manual transaxles may need to
be shifted into a lower gear to climb hills without speed
loss.
WARNING!
Speed Control can be dangerous where the system
can't maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could
go too fast for the conditions, and you could lose
control. An accident could be the result. Don't use
Speed Control in heavy traffic or on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered, or slippery.
To Accelerate For Passing
Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 125
3

Using Speed Control On Hills
NOTE:The speed control system maintains speed up
and down hills. A slight speed change on moderate hills
is normal.
On steep hills a greater speed loss or gain may occur so
it may be preferable to drive without speed control.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) ± IF
EQUIPPED
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system controls
hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lockup and
help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
NOTE:ABS improves steering control of the vehicle
during hard braking maneuvers.
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.
126 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
²Electronic Stability Program (ESP) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions.
²ESP cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving on
very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. Only a
safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent
accidents.
²The capabilities of an ESP-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.
ESP 2WD Operating Modes
All 2WD vehicles can choose the following ESP operating
modes:
ESP ON
This is the normal operating mode for ESP. Whenever the
vehicle is started the ESP system will be in this mode.
This mode should be used for almost all driving situa-
tions. ESP should only be turned to ªPartial Offº or ªESP
Offº for specific reasons as noted below.
PARTIAL ESP
This mode is entered by momentarily depressing the
ªESP Control Switchº. When in ªPartial Offº mode, the
TCS portion of ESP, except for the ªlimited slipº feature
described in the TCS section, has been disabled and the
ªESP/TCS Indicator Lightº will be illuminated. All other
stability features of ESP function normally, with the
exception of engine power reduction. This mode is
intended to be used if the vehicle is in deep snow, sand or
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 131
3

gravel conditions and more wheel spin than ESP would
normally allow is required to gain traction.
To turn ESP on again, momentarily depress the ªESP
Control Switchº. This will restore the normal ªESP Onº
mode of operation.
WARNING!
In the Partial ESP mode, the engine torque reduction
and stability features are desensitized. Therefore, the
enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is
unavailable.
NOTE:To improve the vehicle's traction when driving
with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the ªPartial Offº
mode by pressing the ESP switch. Once the situation
requiring ESP to be switched to the ªPartial Offº mode isovercome, turn ESP back on by momentarily depressing
the ªESP Control Switchº. This may be done while the
vehicle is in motion.
ESP 4WD Operating Modes
In addition to ESP ON and Partial ESP (described above
in ªESP 2WD Operating Modesº), all 4WD equipped
vehicles can also choose the following ESP operating
mode:
ESP OFF
This mode is intended for off-highway or off-road use
when ESP stability features could inhibit vehicle maneu-
verability due to trail conditions. This mode is entered by
depressing and holding the ªESP Control Switchº for 5
seconds when the vehicle is stopped and the engine is
running. After 5 seconds, the ªESP/TCS Indicator Lightº
will illuminate and the ªESP Offº message will appear in
the odometer. Press and release the trip odometer button
located on the instrument cluster to clear this message.
132 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

In this mode, ESP and TCS, except for the ªlimited slipº
feature described in the TCS section, are turned off until
the vehicle reaches a speed of 35 mph (56 km/h). At 35
mph (56 km/h) the normal ESP stability function returns
with the exception of engine power reduction. TCS
remains off. When the vehicle speed drops below 30 mph
(48 km/h) the ESP system shuts off. ESP is off at low
vehicle speeds so that it will not interfere with off-road
driving but ESP function returns to provide the stability
feature at speeds above 35 mph (56 km/h). The ªESP/
TCS Indicator Lightº will always be illuminated when
ESP is off.
To turn ESP on again, momentarily depress the
ªESP Control Switchº. This will restore the
normal ªESP Onº mode of operation.ESP/BAS Warning Light and ESP/TCS Indicator
Light
The malfunction indicator for the ESP is combined with
the BAS indicator. The yellow ªESP/BAS Warning
Lampº and the yellow ªESP/TCS Indicator Lightº in the
instrument cluster both come on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ªONº position. They should both
go out with the engine running. If the ªESP/BAS Warn-
ing Lampº comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in either the
ESP or BAS system, or both. If this light remains on after
several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven
several miles at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h),
see your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the
problem diagnosed and corrected.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 133
3

WARNING!
With the ESP switched off, the enhanced vehicle
stability offered by ESP is unavailable. In an emer-
gency evasive maneuver, the ESP system will not
engage to assist in maintaining stability. ªESP Offº
mode is intended for off-highway or off-road use,
only.
NOTE:
²The ªESP Indicator Lightº and the ªESP/BAS Warning
Lightº come on momentarily each time the ignition
switch is turned ON.
²Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
²The ESP Control System will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds
will stop when ESP becomes inactive following the
maneuver that caused the ESP activation.
GARAGE DOOR OPENER Ð IF EQUIPPED
HomeLinktreplaces up to three remote controls (hand
held transmitters) that operate devices such as garage
door openers, motorized gates, lighting, or home security
systems. The HomeLinktunit operates off of your vehi-
cle's battery.
NOTE:HomeLinktis disabled when the Vehicle Theft
Alarm is active.
134 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Fuel Gauge/Fuel Door Location
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the pointer will show the level of fuel remain-
ing in the fuel tank. The fuel pump symbol
points to the side of the vehicle where the fuel
door is located.
2. Voltage Warning Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should come on when the
ignition switch is first turned ON and remain on briefly
as a bulb check. If the Charging System light remains on,
or comes on while driving, it means that the vehicle is
experiencing a problem with the charging system. Obtain
SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See your authorized dealer.3. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control system. If a prob-
lem is detected, the light will come on while the
engine is running. If the light remains lit with
the engine running your vehicle will usually be drivable
and not need towing, however see your dealer for service
as soon as possible.
If the light is flashing when the engine is running you
may experience power loss, an elevated/rough idle, and
increased brake pedal effort, and your vehicle may
require towing. Immediate service is required.
The light will come on when the ignition switch is first
turned on and remain on briefly as a bulb check. This is
normal. If the light does not come on during starting,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
160 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL