2011 JEEP COMPASS power steering

WARNING! (Continued)
•Always make sure that objects cannot fall into the
driver footwell while the vehicle is moving. Ob-
jects can become trapped under the brake pedal
and accelerator pedal causing a loss of vehicle
control.
•If required, mounting posts must be properly
installed, if not equipped from the factory.
Failure to properly follow floor mat installation or
mounting can cause interference with the brake
pedal and accelerator pedal operation causing loss
of control of the vehicle.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objectslodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the tires
(including spare) for proper cold inflation 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.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 87

▫Instrument Panel Dimming ............. 150
▫ Map/Reading Lights .................. 150
 Windshield Wipers And Washers .......... 151
▫ Windshield Wiper Operation ............ 152
▫ Intermittent Wiper System .............. 153
▫ Windshield Washers .................. 153
▫ Mist Feature ........................ 154
 Tilt Steering Column ................... 154
 Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped ..... 155
▫ To Activate ......................... 156
▫ To Set A Desired Speed ................ 157
▫ To Deactivate ....................... 157
▫ To Resume Speed .................... 157 ▫
To Vary The Speed Setting .............. 157
▫ To Accelerate For Passing .............. 158
 Garage Door Opener — If Equipped ........ 158
▫ Programming HomeLink .............. 160
▫ Gate Operator/Canadian Programming .... 162
▫ Using HomeLink ................... 163
▫ Reprogramming A
Single HomeLink Button.............. 163
▫ Security ........................... 163
▫ Troubleshooting Tips .................. 164
▫ General Information .................. 164
 Power Sunroof — If Equipped ............ 165
▫ Opening Sunroof — Express ............ 166
▫ Opening Sunroof — Manual Mode ........ 166
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 91

AutoStick — If Equipped ............... 298
▫ Operation ......................... 298
▫ General Information .................. 299
 Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped . . 300
 On-Road Driving Tips .................. 300
 Power Steering ....................... 301
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 302
 Parking Brake ........................ 303
 Brake System ........................ 305
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 306
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 308
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 309
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 309▫
Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 309
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ......... 310
▫ Hill Descent Control (HDC) – If Equipped . . 311
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) – Manual
Transmission Only ................... 312
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ......... 314
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC Off Indicator Light ............ 317
 Tire Safety Information ................. 318
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 318
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 322
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 323
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 324
286 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.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 289

WARNING! (Continued)
•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
seriously or fatally injured. Do not leave the
ignition key in the ignition switch. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.
The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the shift lever into the PARK position:
•When shifting into PARK, firmly move the shift lever
all the way forward until it stops.
•Look at the instrument cluster to ensure it is in the
PARK position.
CAUTION!
Before moving the shift lever out of PARK, you must
turn the ignition from LOCK to ON so the steering
wheel and shift lever are released. Otherwise, dam-
age to the steering column or shift lever could result.
You must also press the brake pedal.
REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle rearward. Use this
range only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL
This range is used when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running. The engine
may be started in this range. Set the parking brake and
shift the transmission into PARK if you must leave the
vehicle.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 297

They are not designed for cornering at the same speeds as
conventional two-wheel drive vehicles any more than
low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfacto-
rily in off-road conditions. If at all possible, avoid sharp
turns or abrupt maneuvers. As with other vehicles of this
type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in
loss of control or vehicle rollover.
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 steer-
ing 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.
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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 301

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 are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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.
302 STARTING AND OPERATING

“pump” the brakes). Do not reduce brake pedal pressure
unless braking is no longer desired. Once the brake pedal
is released, the BAS is deactivated.
WARNING!
•The Brake Assist System (BAS) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle,
nor can it increase the traction afforded by prevail-
ing road conditions.
•The BAS cannot prevent collisions, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
driving on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplan-
ing.
•The capabilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user ’s safety
or the safety of others.
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.
310 STARTING AND OPERATING