2009 JEEP COMPASS power steering

Locking Doors With The Key
You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the
door, turn the key to the right. To unlock the door, turn
the key to the left. Refer to “Body Lubrication” under
“Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition
sounds a signal to remind you to remove the key.
NOTE:With the driver’s door open and the key in the
ignition, the power door locks and Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter will not function.
STEERING WHEEL LOCK — IF EQUIPPED
Your manual transmission vehicle is equipped with a
passive steering wheel lock. This lock prevents steering
the vehicle without the ignition key. If the steering wheel
is moved approximately a half turn in either direction
and the key is not in the ignition switch, the steering
wheel will lock.
To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel
With the engine running, turn the steering wheel upside
down, turn off the engine and remove the key. Turn the
steering wheel slightly in either direction until the lock
engages.
To Release The Steering Wheel Lock
Insert the key in the ignition switch and start the engine.
If the key is difficult to turn, move the wheel slightly to
the right or left to disengage the lock.
NOTE:If you turned the wheel to the right to engage
the lock, you must turn the wheel slightly to the right to
disengage it. If you turned the wheel to the left to engage
the lock, turn the wheel slightly to the left to disengage it.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for six to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes on while
driving, have the system checked by an authorized
dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the
tires (including spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check the area under the vehicle after overnight parking
for fuel, engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if
gasoline fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid,
transmission fluid or brake fluid leaks are suspected, the
cause should be located and corrected immediately.
70 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Map/Reading Lights.................. 126
Windshield Wipers And Washers.......... 127
▫Windshield Wiper Operation............ 127
▫Intermittent Wiper System.............. 128
▫Windshield Washers................... 128
▫Mist Feature........................ 129
Tilt Steering Column................... 130
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped...... 131
▫To Activate......................... 131
▫To Set At A Desired Speed.............. 131
▫To Deactivate....................... 132
▫To Resume Speed.................... 132
▫To Vary The Speed Setting.............. 132▫Manual Transaxle.................... 133
▫To Accelerate For Passing............... 133
Garage Door Opener — If Equipped........ 134
▫Programming HomeLink.............. 135
▫Gate Operator/Canadian Programming..... 138
▫Using HomeLink.................... 138
▫Reprogramming A Single HomeLink
Button............................ 139
▫Security........................... 139
▫Troubleshooting Tips.................. 139
▫General Information................... 140
Power Sunroof — If Equipped............. 140
▫Opening The Sunroof.................. 141
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 73
3

AutoStick— If Equipped............... 260
▫Operation.......................... 260
▫General Information................... 261
Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped . . . 261
Driving On Slippery Surfaces............. 262
▫Acceleration........................ 262
▫Traction........................... 263
Driving Through Water.................. 263
▫Flowing/Rising Water................. 263
▫Shallow Standing Water................ 264
Power Steering........................ 265
▫Power Steering Fluid Check............. 266
Parking Brake........................ 267Brake System......................... 268
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) —
If Equipped......................... 269
Electronic Brake Control System........... 272
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........... 272
▫Traction Control System (TCS)........... 272
▫Brake Assist System (BAS).............. 273
▫Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM).......... 274
▫Electronic Stability Program (ESP)......... 275
Tire Safety Information.................. 279
▫Tire Markings....................... 279
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN).......... 283
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure........... 284
248 STARTING AND OPERATING

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
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Before starting the engine fully apply the parking brake,
press the clutch pedal to the floor, and place the shift
lever in NEUTRAL.NOTE:
•The engine will not start unless the clutch pedal is
pressed to the floor.
•If the key will not turn and the steering wheel is
locked, rotate the wheel in either direction to relieve
pressure on the locking mechanism and then turn the
key.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
The shift lever must be in the PARK or 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 PARK.
STARTING AND OPERATING 251
5

WARNING!
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph
(8 km/h) when driving through standing water.
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s braking capabilities, which increases stop-
ping distances. Therefore, after driving through
standing water, drive slowly and lightly press on
the brake pedal several times to dry the brakes.
•Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and leave you
stranded.
•Failure to follow these warnings may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.
STARTING AND OPERATING 265
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WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises areapparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
No chemical flushes should be used in any power
steering system; only the approved lubricant may be
used.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in Section 7 for the correct fluid type.
266 STARTING AND OPERATING

Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
This system anticipates the potential for wheel lift by
monitoring the driver ’s steering wheel input and the
speed of the vehicle. When ERM determines that the rate
of change of the steering wheel angle and vehicles speed
are sufficient to potentially cause wheel lift, it applies the
brake of the appropriate wheel and may also reduce
engine power to lessen the chance that wheel lift will
occur. ERM will only intervene during very severe or
evasive driving maneuvers.
ERM can only reduce the chance of wheel lift occurring
during severe or evasive driving maneuvers. It can not
prevent wheel lift due to other factors such as road
conditions, leaving the roadway or striking objects or
other vehicles.NOTE:Anytime the ESP system is in the “Full Off”
mode, ERM is disabled. Refer to “Electronic Stability
Program (ESP)” for a complete explanation of the avail-
able ESP modes.
WARNING!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road condi-
tions and driving conditions, influence the chance
that wheel lift or rollover may occur. ERM cannot
prevent all wheel lift or rollovers, especially those
that involve leaving the roadway or striking objects
or other vehicles. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an
ERM-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopar-
dize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
274 STARTING AND OPERATING