2012 JEEP COMPASS brake light

20. Shift Lever Indicator
The Shift Lever Indicator is self-contained within the
instrument cluster. It displays the gear position of the
automatic transmission.
NOTE:You must apply the brakes before shifting from
PARK.
21. Odometer/Trip Odometer Reset Button
Press this button to change the display from odometer to
either of the two trip odometer settings. Trip A or Trip B
will appear when in the trip odometer mode. Push in and
hold the button for two seconds to reset the trip odometer
to 0 miles or kilometers. The odometer must be in Trip
mode to reset.
22. Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire
inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should deter-
mine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illumi-
nates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 203

Lock feature. Press and hold the SELECT button when in
this display until “ON” or “OFF” appears to make your
selection.
Headlamp Off Delay
When this feature is selected the driver can choose to
have the headlights remain on for 0, 30, 60, or 90 seconds
when exiting the vehicle. Press and hold the SELECT
button when in this display until 0, 30, 60, or 90 appears
to make your selection.
Key Off Power Delay
When this feature is selected the power window
switches, radio, Uconnect™ phone, power sunroof, and
power outlets will remain active for up to 10 minutes
after the ignition switch has been turned OFF. Opening
either front vehicle door will cancel this feature. Press
and hold the SELECT button when in this display until
“OFF”, “45 sec.”, “5 min.”, or “10 min.” appears to make
your selection.
Illuminated Approach
When this feature is selected the headlights will activate
and remain on for up to 90 seconds when the doors are
unlocked using the RKE transmitter. Press and hold the
SELECT button when in this display until “OFF”,
“30 sec.”, “60 sec.”, or “90 sec.” appears to make your
selection.
Hill Start Assist (HSA) — If Equipped
When on is selected, the HSA system is active. Refer to
“Electronic Brake Control System” in “Starting And
Operating” for system function and operating informa-
tion. To make your selection, press and release the
SELECT button until “On” or “Off” appears.
Display Units In
The EVIC, odometer, and Uconnect™ gps system units
can be changed between English and Metric.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 219

AutoStick .......................... 306
▫ Operation ......................... 306
▫ General Information .................. 307
 Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped . . 307
 On-Road Driving Tips .................. 308
 Power Steering ....................... 308
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 309
 Parking Brake ........................ 310
 Brake System ........................ 313
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 314
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 316
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 316
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 316▫
Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 317
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ......... 318
▫ Hill Descent Control (HDC) – If Equipped . . 319
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) – Manual
Transmission Only ................... 320
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ......... 322
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC Off Indicator Light ............ 325
 Tire Safety Information ................. 326
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 326
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 330
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 331
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 332
290 STARTING AND OPERATING

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a
standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three-wire extension cord.
The engine block heater must be plugged in at least one
hour to have an adequate warming effect on the engine.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block heater
cord before driving. Damage to the 110-115 Volt
electrical cord could cause electrocution.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED
Five–Speed Manual Transmission
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended without having the parking
brake fully applied. The parking brake should al-
ways be applied when the driver is not in the vehicle,
especially on an incline.
Fully press the clutch pedal before you shift gears. As you
release the clutch pedal, lightly press the accelerator
pedal.
296 STARTING AND OPERATING

traction surfaces, activate the “4WD LOCK” switch by
pulling up once and releasing. This locks the center
coupling allowing more torque to be sent to the rear
wheels. The “4WD Indicator Light” will come on in the
cluster. This can be done on the fly, at any vehicle speed.
To deactivate, simply pull on the switch one more time.
The “4WD Indicator Light” will then go out.
NOTE:Refer to “Electronic Brake Control System/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)” in “Starting and Op-
erating” for further information.
ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a
narrower track to make them capable of performing in a
wide variety of off-road applications. Specific design
characteristics give them a higher center of gravity than
ordinary cars.
An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better
view of the road, allowing you to anticipate problems. 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.
308 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.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 “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave an
automatic transmission in PARK, or manual transmission
in REVERSE or first gear.
The parking brake lever is located in the center console.
To apply the parking brake, pull the lever up as firmly as
possible. To release the parking brake, pull the lever up
slightly, press the center button, then lower the lever
completely.
310 STARTING AND OPERATING

When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch in the ON position, the “Brake Warning Light” in
the instrument cluster will illuminate.NOTE:
•When the parking brake is applied and the automatic
transmission is placed in gear, the “Brake Warning
Light” will flash. If vehicle speed is detected, a chime
will sound to alert the driver. Fully release the parking
brake before attempting to move the vehicle.
•This light only shows that the parking brake is ap-
plied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade. For vehicles equipped
with an automatic transmission, apply the parking brake
before placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise the load
on the transmission locking mechanism may make it
difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK. The parking
brake should always be applied whenever the driver is
not in the vehicle.
Parking Brake
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STARTING AND OPERATING 311

WARNING!
•When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key
fob from the ignition and lock your vehicle.
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
•Allowing children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child or
others could be seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to touch the parking
brake, brake pedal or the shift lever.
•Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle. A
child could operate power windows, other con-
trols, or move the vehicle.
•Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and a collision.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-
ing your vehicle or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also, be certain to leave an automatic
transmission in PARK, a manual transmission in
REVERSE or first gear. Failure to do so may cause
the vehicle to roll and cause damage or injury.
CAUTION!
If the Brake System Warning Light remains on with
the parking brake released, a brake system malfunc-
tion is indicated. Have the brake system serviced by
an authorized dealer immediately.
312 STARTING AND OPERATING