2012 JEEP COMPASS Owners Manual

Cargo Cover
The cargo area trim panels include two notches for
mounting the available tonneau cover that accommo-
dates the reclining rear seat.To install the Cargo Cover, insert either end of the cover
into one of the two notches located in the rear trim
panels. With one of the cover ends installed, push inward
on the opposite end and install it into the same notch
location of the rear trim panel.
Three-Press Switch
Rear Trim Notches
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 183

Using the handle, pull the cover toward you and guide
the rear cover posts into the guides located on both sides
of the rear trim panel.WARNING!
In a collision a cargo cover loose in the vehicle could
cause injury. It could fly around in a sudden stop and
strike someone in the vehicle. Do not store the cargo
cover on the cargo floor or in the passenger compart-
ment. Remove the cover from the vehicle when taken
from its mounting. Do not store in the vehicle.
Cargo Cover Guides
184 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Removable Load Floor
The cargo area load floor is removable and can be
washed with mild soap and water.
Cargo Tie-Down Loops
There are four D-rings installed in the cargo area for
securing cargo.
Cargo Load FloorD-Rings
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 185

WARNING!
•Cargo 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.
•The 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:
•Always place cargo evenly on the cargo floor. Put
heavier objects as low and as far forward as
possible.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Place 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.
•Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the top of
the seatback. This could impair visibility or be-
come a dangerous projectile in a sudden stop or
collision.
•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.
186 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Fold Down Speakers — If Equipped
When the liftgate is open, the speakers can swing down
off the trim panel to face rearward, for tailgating and
other activities.
REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
The rear wiper/washer is controlled by a rotary switch
located on the center portion of the control lever. The
control lever is located on the right side of the steering
column.
Fold-Down Speakers
Rear Wiper/Washer Control
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 187

Rotate the center portion of the lever upward to the
first detent position for rear wiper operation.
NOTE: The rear wiper operates in an intermittent mode
only.
Rotate the center portion of the lever past the first
detent to activate the rear washer. The washer
pump and the wiper will continue to operate as
long as the switch is held (for a maximum of 10 seconds).
Upon release, the wiper will continue to cycle two times
before returning to the set position.
If the rear wiper is operating when the ignition is turned
OFF, the wiper will automatically return to the “park”
position if power accessory delay is active. Power acces-
sory delay can be cancelled by opening the door, if this
happens the rear wiper will stop at its current position
and will not go to “park”.Rear Window Defroster
The rear window defroster button is located on the
bottom right-side of the blower control knob.
Press this button to turn on the rear window defroster
and the heated outside mirrors (if equipped). An indica-
tor in the button will illuminate when the rear window
defroster is on. The rear window defroster automatically
turns off after approximately 10 minutes. For an addi-
tional five minutes of operation, press the button a
second time.
NOTE: To prevent excessive battery drain, use the rear
window defroster only when the engine is operating.
188 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage to
the heating elements:
•Use care when washing the inside of the rear
window. Do not use abrasive window cleaners on
the interior surface of the window. Use a soft cloth
and a mild washing solution, wiping parallel to
the heating elements. Labels can be peeled off
after soaking with warm water.
•Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abra-
sive window cleaners on the interior surface of the
window.
•Keep all objects a safe distance from the window.
ROOF LUGGAGE RACK — IF EQUIPPED
The side rails and crossbars are designed to carry weight
on vehicles equipped with a luggage rack. The load must
not exceed 150 lbs (68 kg), and it should be uniformly
distributed over the luggage rack crossbars.
NOTE:Crossbars are offered by MOPAR accessories.
Crossbars should always be used whenever cargo is
placed on the roof rack. Load should always be secured
to cross bars first, with tie down loops used as additional
securing points if needed. Tie loops are intended as
supplementary tie down points only. Do not use ratchet-
ing mechanisms with the tie loops. Check the straps
frequently to be sure that the load remains securely
attached.
The roof rack does not increase the total load carrying
capacity of the vehicle. Be sure the total load of cargo
inside the vehicle plus that on the external rack does not
exceed the maximum vehicle load capacity.
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 189

CAUTION!
•To prevent damage to the roof of your vehicle, DO
NOT carry any loads on the roof rack without the
crossbars installed. The load should be secured
and placed on top of the crossbars, not directly on
the roof. If it is necessary to place the load on the
roof, place a blanket or other protective layer
between the load and the roof surface.
•To avoid damage to the roof rack and vehicle, do
not exceed the maximum roof rack load capacity of
150 lbs (68 kg). Always distribute heavy loads as
evenly as possible and secure the load appropri-
ately.
•Long loads, which extend over the windshield,
such as wood panels or surfboards, should be
secured to both the front and rear of the vehicle.(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Travel at reduced speeds and turn corners care-
fully when carrying large or heavy loads on the
roof rack. Wind forces, due to natural causes or
nearby truck traffic, can add sudden upward loads.
This is especially true on large flat loads and may
result in damage to the cargo or your vehicle.
WARNING!
Cargo must be securely tied down before driving
your vehicle. Improperly secured loads can fly off the
vehicle, particularly at high speeds, resulting in per-
sonal injury or property damage. Follow the roof rack
cautions when carrying cargo on your roof rack.
190 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE