2008 JEEP COMPASS towing

All Transaxles
CAUTION!
If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the ACCESSORY posi-
tion, not in the LOCK position.
Do not attempt to use sling type equipment when
towing. When securing vehicle to flat bed truck, do
not attach to front or rear suspension components.
Damage to your vehicle may result from improper
towing.
If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON
position, not the ACCESSORY position. Make certain the
transaxle remains in NEUTRAL.
Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. A dolly should be
used under the front wheels if the rear wheels are raised.
Proper towing equipment is necessary to prevent dam-
age to the vehicle.
Battery power is required to release the brake/
transmission interlock system. There is a removable plug
in the right side of the shifter housing that allows you to
insert your finger to override the system. The ignition
key must be in the on position to use the override lever.
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat
Towing With All Four Wheels On The Ground)
CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the driv-
etrain will result.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 307
6

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM Ð OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transaxle control systems. When these systems are oper-
ating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent per-
formance and fuel economy, as well as engine emissions
well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the ªMalfunction Indicator Light.º It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
²Prolonged driving with the ªMalfunction Indica-
tor Lightº on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
²If the ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 313
7

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to manufacturers specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for prolonged period.
Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from sticking or plugging due to deposits. As vehicle
mileage builds up, the PCV valve and passages may
accumulate deposits. If a valve is not working properly,
replace it with a new valve. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
CLEAN THE OLD PCV VALVE!
Check ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
322 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Replace the spark plugs (2.0L/2.4L Engines).30,000 50 000 30
Change the manual transmission fluid if using your
vehicle for any of the following: trailer towing, snow
plowing, heavy loading, taxi, police, delivery service
(commercial service), off-road, desert operation or
more then 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90ÉF (32ÉC).48,000 80 000 48
Change Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) fluid. 60,000 100 000 60
Change Power Transfer Unit (PTU) fluid. 60,000 100 000 60
Change the automatic transmission fluid & filter if
using your vehicle for any of the following: police,
taxi, fleet or frequent trailer towing.60,000 100 000 60
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary.90,000 150 000 90
Flush and replace the engine coolant. 102,000 170 000 60
Replace the timing belt (2.4L engines).102,000 170 000 102
368 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 123
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)............ 130
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 171
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 298
Jump Starting......................... 303
Towing............................. 306
Emission Control System Maintenance......314,364
Engine.............................65,312
Break-In Recommendations................ 65
Checking Oil Level..................... 317
Cooling............................. 329
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 278
Fuel Requirements..................... 275
Jump Starting......................... 303
Oil ...........................317,360,361
Oil Change Interval.................... 318
Oil Filler Cap......................312,319
Oil Filter............................ 361Oil Selection.......................... 318
Oil Synthetic......................... 319
Operation............................ 65
Overheating.......................... 296
Temperature Gauge..................... 164
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 53
Event Data Recorder...................... 55
Exhaust Gas Caution............33,66,278,328,329
Exhaust System......................... 328
Fabric Care............................ 344
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 323
Engine Fuel.......................... 323
Engine Oil........................320,361
Flashers.............................. 296
Hazard Warning....................... 296
Turn Signal.......................... 354
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 302
386 INDEX

Gasoline (Fuel).......................275,360
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 276
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................... 164
Fuel................................ 160
Odometer........................... 167
Tachometer.......................... 162
Gearshift.............................. 234
General Information.................18,103,274
General Maintenance..................... 317
Glass Cleaning.......................... 345
Gross Axle Weight Rating.................. 282
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating................ 281
Hands-Free Phone (UConnectŸ).............. 76
Hazard
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow Standing
Water................................ 239
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 296Head Restraints......................... 106
Headlights............................ 351
Cleaning............................ 345
High Beam........................ 117,161
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch........ 117
Passing............................. 118
Replacing............................ 351
Switch.............................. 114
Heated Seats........................... 107
Hitches
Trailer Towing........................ 284
HomeLinkt(Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 134
Hood Release.......................... 112
Hoses................................ 335
Ignition............................... 12
Key ................................. 12
Ignition Key Removal..................... 12
Immobilizer (Sentry Key).................15,19
388 INDEX

Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 43
Programmable Electronic Features............ 175
Programming Transmitters (Remote Keyless
Entry)................................. 22
Radial Ply Tires......................... 259
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 181
Radio, Navigation....................... 204
Radio Operation...................183,190,214
Radio, Satellite.......................205,208
Radio (Sound Systems).................183,190
Rear Axle (Differential).................... 340
Rear Drive Assembly..................... 340
Rear Liftgate (Sedan)...................... 32
Rear Seat, Folding....................... 109
Rear Window Defroster................... 153
Rear Window Features.................... 152
Rear Wiper/Washer...................... 152Recorder, Event Data...................... 55
Recreational Towing...................... 293
Refrigerant............................ 326
Reminder, Seat Belt....................... 44
Remote Control
Door Locks........................... 19
Security Alarm......................... 18
Remote Keyless Entry (Sedan)............... 19
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls........ 212
Replacement Bulbs....................... 350
Replacement Keys........................ 16
Replacement Parts....................... 316
Replacement Tires....................... 263
Reporting Safety Defects................... 375
Restraints, Child.......................57,63
Restraints, Infant......................... 57
Restraints, Occupant...................... 34
Retractable Cargo Area Cover............... 150
Roll Over Warning........................ 4
INDEX 393
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Towing............................... 281
Disabled Vehicle....................... 306
Guide.............................. 285
Recreational.......................... 293
Weight.............................. 285
Traction.............................. 239
Trailer Towing.......................... 281
Cooling System Tips.................... 293
Hitches............................. 284
Minimum Requirements................. 287
Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 286
Wiring.............................. 291
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 285
Trailer Weight.......................... 285
Transaxle............................. 232
Automatic....................12,227,232,339
Autostick............................ 236
Manual........................12,227,229
Operation........................... 232Overdrive........................... 235
Selection of Lubricant................... 339
Transmission
Range Indicator....................... 165
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless
Entry)................................. 24
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLinkt) . . 134
Transmitter Programming (Remote Keyless
Entry)................................. 22
Transporting Pets........................ 65
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 262
Trip Odometer.......................... 167
Trip Odometer Reset Button................ 165
Turn Signals...................... 117,161,354
UConnectŸ (Hands-Free Phone).............. 76
Understanding Your Instrument Panel......... 158
Uniform Tire Quality Grades................ 378
Universal Transmitter..................... 134
INDEX 397
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