2008 JEEP COMPASS belt

WARNING!
²Adjusting a seat while the vehicle is moving is
dangerous. The sudden movement of the seat
could cause you to lose control. The seat belt might
not be properly adjusted and you could be injured.
Adjust the seat only while the vehicle is parked.
²Do not ride with the seatback reclined so that the
shoulder belt is no longer resting against your
chest. In a collision you could slide under the seat
belt and be seriously or even fatally injured. Use
the recliner only when the vehicle is parked.
Manual Seat Height Adjustment Ð If Equipped
The driver's seat height can be raised or lowered by using
the ratcheting handle on the outboard side of the seat to
adjust the driving position.
Seat Height Adjustment
104 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

For additional comfort, pull the strap forward just
enough to release the seatback latch. Then push the
seatback to a reclined position, approximately 35 degrees
maximum, and release the strap.
WARNING!
²It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people
riding in these areas are more likely to be seri-
ously injured or killed.
²Do not allow people to ride in any area of your
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat
belts
²Be sure that everyone in your vehicle is in a seat
and using a seat belt properly.
Reclining The Rear Seat
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 111
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POWER SUNROOF Ð IF EQUIPPED
The power sunroof switch is located in the reading lamp.WARNING!
²Never leave children in a vehicle, with the keys in
the ignition switch. Occupants, particularly unat-
tended children, can become entrapped by the
power sunroof while operating the power sunroof
switch. Such entrapment may result in serious
injury or death.
²In an accident, there is a greater risk of being
thrown from a vehicle with an open sunroof. You
could also be seriously injured or killed. Always
fasten your seat belt properly and make sure all
passengers are properly secured too.
²Do not allow small children to operate the sun-
roof. Never allow fingers or other body parts, or
any object to project through the sunroof opening.
Injury may result.Power Sunroof Switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 141
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Cargo Tie-Down Loops
There are four D-rings tie-down loops in the lower trim
for securing cargo.The tie-downs located on cargo area
floor should be used to safely secure loads when vehicle
is moving.
WARNING!
²Cargo tie-down Loops are not safe anchors for a
child seat tether strap. In a sudden stop or collision
a loop could pull loose and allow the child seat to
come loose. A child could be badly injured. Use
only the anchors provided for child seat tethers.
²The weight and position of cargo and passengers
can change the vehicle center of gravity and ve-
hicle handling. To avoid loss of control resulting
in personal injury, follow these guidelines for
loading your vehicle:
²Always place cargo evenly on the cargo floor. Put
heavier objects as low and as far forward as possible.
²Place as much cargo as possible in front of the rear
axle. Too much weight or improperly placed weight
over or behind the rear axle can cause the rear of the
vehicle to sway.
²Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the top of the
seatback. This could impair visibility or become a
dangerous projectile in a sudden stop or collision.
WARNING!
To help protect against personal injury, passengers
should not be seated in the rear cargo area. The rear
cargo space is intended for load carrying purposes
only, not for passengers, who should sit in seats and
use seat belts.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 151
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10. Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light Ð If Equipped
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) described elsewhere in this manual. This
light will come on when the ignition key 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 during 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 provided that 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 benefit of Anti-Lock
Brakes.The warning light should be checked frequently to assure
that it is operating properly. Turn the ignition key to the
on position, but do not start the vehicle. The light should
come on. If the light does not come on, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
11. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will come on for about six seconds. A chime
will sound if you have not pulled the shoulder belt
out of the retractor. This is a reminder to ªbuckle upº. If
you do not buckle up, the light will remain on.
12. Tachometer
The white area of the scale shows the permissible engine
revolutions-per-minute (rpm x 1000) for each gear range.
Before reaching the red area, ease up on the accelerator to
prevent engine damage.
162 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don't leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
Manual Transaxle
Before starting the engine fully apply the parking brake,
press the clutch pedal to the floor, and place the gear
selector in N (Neutral).NOTE:The engine will not start unless the clutch pedal
is pressed to the floor.
NOTE:If key won't turn and steering wheel is locked,
rotate the wheel in either direction to relieve pressure on
the locking mechanism and then turn the key.
Automatic Transaxle
The gear selector must be in the P (Park) or N (Neutral)
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting to any driving gear.
NOTE:You must press the brake pedal before shifting
out of P (Park).
Normal Starting
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine does
not require pumping or depressing the accelerator pedal.
Simply turn the ignition switch to the ªSTART'º position
and release when the engine starts. If the engine fails to
STARTING AND OPERATING 227
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WARNING!
Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not allow
battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or clothing. Don't
lean over battery when attaching clamps or allow the
clamps to touch each other. If acid splashes in eyes or
on skin, flush the contaminated area immediately
with large quantities of water.
A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away from
the vent holes. Do not use a booster battery or any
other booster source with an output that exceeds 12
volts.
6. Connect the other cable, first to the negative terminal
of the booster battery and then to the negative terminal of
the discharged battery. Make sure you have a good
contact.7. If the vehicle is equipped with Sentry Key Immobi-
lizer, turn the ignition switch to the ON position for 3
seconds before moving the ignition switch to the START
position.
8. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
9. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the se-
quence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Con-
trol or ESP, turn the system OFF before attempting to
ªrockº the vehicle.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 305
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mEngine Compartment Ð Gasoline...........312
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II........313
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message............314
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................314
mReplacement Parts......................316
mDealer Service.........................316
mMaintenance Procedures..................317
NEngine Oil..........................317NDrive Belt ± Check Condition.............320
NSpark Plugs.........................320
NCatalytic Converter....................321
NCrankcase Emission Control System........322
NFuel Filter..........................323
NAir Cleaner Element (Filter)..............323
NMaintenance-Free Battery................324
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............325
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............326
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