2008 JEEP COMPASS tow

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

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

Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
If the Malfunction Indicator Light flashes when the
engine is running, serious conditions may exist that
could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic
converter damage. The vehicle should be serviced as
soon as possible if this occurs.
NOTE:If this indicator comes on, it will brighten to
FULL DAYTIME INTENSITY and will not be dimmable.
26. Front Fog Light Indicator Light Ð If Equipped
This light shows when the front fog lights are ON.27. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator
Light/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light Ð
If Equipped
If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, apply as little throttle as possible. While
driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road con-
ditions, and do not switch off the ESP, or TCS Ð if
equipped.
28. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator Light
The malfunction lamp for the ESP is combined
with BAS. The yellow ªESP/BAS Warning
Lampº comes on when the ignition switch is
turned to the ªONº position. They should go
out with the engine running. If the ªESP/BAS Warning
Lampº comes on continuously with the engine running,
a malfunction has been detected in either the ESP or the
BAS system. If this light remains on after several ignition
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 169
4

Defrost
Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use this mode with maxi-
mum fan and temperature settings for best windshield
and side window defrosting.
NOTE:
The air conditioning compressor operates in both
Mix and Defrost or a blend of these modes even if the Air
Conditioning Snowflake button is not pressed. This dehu-
midifies the air to help dry the windshield. To improve
fuel economy, use these modes only when necessary.
Air Outlets
The airflow from each of the instrument panel outlets can
be adjusted for direction and turned on or off to control
air flow.
NOTE:For maximum airflow to the rear seat passen-
gers, the center instrument panel outlets can be aimed, so
that the left center outlet is directed toward the right rear
passenger and the right center outlet is directed toward
the left rear passenger.
Temperature Control
Use this control to regulate
the temperature of the air in-
side the passenger compart-
ment. The blue area of the
scale indicates cooler tem-
peratures while the red area
indicates warmer tempera-
tures.
NOTE:If your air conditioning performance seems
lower than expected, check the front of the A/C con-
denser: located in front of the radiator, for an accumula-
tion of dirt or insects. Clean with a gentle water spray
from behind the radiator and through the condenser.
Fabric front fascia protectors may reduce air flow to the
condenser, reducing air conditioning performance.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 217
4

Window Fogging
Vehicle side windows tend to fog on the inside in mild
rainy or humid weather. To clear the windows, set mode
to the mix or defrost position. Direct the panel outlets
toward the side windows. Do not use recirculate without
A/C for long periods as fogging may occur.
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by using the defrost position.
If the fogging problem persists, clean the inside window
surfaces. The cause of undue fogging may be dirt collect-
ing on the inside surface of the glass.
NOTE:In cold weather, the use of the recircu-
late position will cause windows to fog on the
inside because of moisture build up inside the
vehicle. For maximum defogging, press the
recirculation button until recirculate is off.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high-
quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corrosion
protection and to raise the boiling point of the coolant for
protection against overheating. A 50% concentration is
recommended.
Outside Air Intake
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, directly in front of the wind-
shield, is free of ice, slush, snow or other obstructions
such as leaves. Leaves collected in the air-intake plenum
may reduce air flow and plug the plenum water drains.
The blower air will heat faster in cold weather if you use
only a low blower speed for the first few minutes of
vehicle operation.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 221
4

Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is at each end of the
instrument panel. These nonadjustable outlets direct air
toward the side windows when the system is in either the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.
222 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NReplacement Tires.....................263
NAlignment And Balance.................264
mTire Chains...........................265
mTire Rotation Recommendations............265
mTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Ð
If Equipped...........................266
NBase System ± If Equipped...............269
NPremium System ± If Equipped...........271
NGeneral Information...................274
mSnow Tires...........................275
mFuel Requirements......................275
NGasoline Engines.....................275
NReformulated Gasoline.................276NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............276
NMMT In Gasoline.....................277
NMaterials Added To Fuel................277
NFuel System Cautions..................277
NCarbon Monoxide Warnings..............278
mAdding Fuel..........................279
NFuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............279
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message............280
mVehicle Loading........................281
NGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).......281
mTrailer Towing.........................281
NCommon Towing Definitions.............281
NTrailer Hitch Classification...............284
STARTING AND OPERATING 225
5

NTrailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)......................285
NTrailer And Tongue Weight..............286
NTowing Requirements..................287
NTowing Tips.........................292mRecreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 293
NTowing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................293
226 STARTING AND OPERATING