2014 JEEP COMPASS brakes

Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle for
all loading conditions up to full GAWR.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Overloading
The load carrying components (springs, tires, wheels,
etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory service as
long as you do not exceed the GVWR.The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to ensure that
it is not over the GVWR.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier suspension compo-
nents do not necessarily increase the vehicle’s GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight. Store heavier items down low and be sure you
distribute their weight as evenly as possible. Stow all
loose items securely before driving. Improper weight
distribution can have an adverse effect on the way your
vehicle steers and handles, and the way the brakes
operate.
422 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow these
guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as
possible:
•Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have a collision.
• When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance or dam-
age to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering,
suspension, chassis structure or tires.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to
the frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch.
Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow
enough slack for turning corners.
• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on
the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic
transmission in PARK. Always block or chockthe
trailer wheels.
• GCWR must not be exceeded.
(Continued)
430 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
•Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
• An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
• Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
WARNING!
• Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You might not have
brakes when you need them and could have a
collision.
• Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing you should allow for addi-
tional space between your vehicle and the vehicle
in front of you. Failure to do so could result in a
collision.
432 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights And Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stoplights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four- and seven-
pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer har-
ness and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness. The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.
Four-Pin Connector1 — Female Pins
4 — Park
2 — Male Pin 5 — Left Stop/Turn
3 — Ground 6 — Right Stop/Turn
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 433

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in first gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting or changes in engine speed occur
while in this range, use the AutoStick® shift control (if
equipped) to select a lower gear ratio.Seven-Pin Connector
1 — Battery5 — Ground
2 — Backup Lamps 6 — Left Stop/Turn
3 — Right Stop/Turn 7 — Running Lamps
4 — Electric Brakes 434 STARTING AND OPERATING

•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased emis-
sions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning light is on.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. The brake fluid level should be checked
when the pads are replaced. However, low fluid level
may be caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 503

Fluid and Filter Changes..................507
Fluid Level Check ...................... .507
Fluid Type ........................... .506
Gear Ranges .......................... .335
Special Additives ...................... .506
Autostick .............................. .347
Battery ................................ .489
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........25
Belts, Seat .............................. .101
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................492
B-Pillar Location ......................... .387
Brake Assist System ...................... .370
Brake Fluid ............................ .529
Brake, Parking .......................... .363
Brakes ................................ .365
Brake System ........................... .365
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... .366
Master Cylinder ....................... .503Parking
............................. .363
Warning Light ........................ .225
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................334
Bulb Replacement ........................ .524
Bulbs, Light ............................ .104
Calibration, Compass ..................... .247
Camera, Rear ........................... .181
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..........527
Capacities, Fluid ......................... .527
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................ .418
Oil (Engine) .......................... .479
Power Steering ........................ .362
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................500
Carbon Monoxide Warning ..................100
Cargo Area Cover ........................ .206
Cargo Area Features ...................... .205
Car

go Compartment ...................... .205
10
INDEX 551

Manual TransaxleFluid Level Check ...................... .510
Lubricant Selection ......................511
Manual Transmission ..................... .329
Fluid Level Check ...................... .510
Frequency of Fluid Change ................510
Lubricant Selection ..................... .510
Map/Reading Lights ...................... .171
Master Cylinder (Brakes) ....................503
Methanol .............................. .415
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... .236
Mirrors ............................... .109
Automatic Dimming .....................110
Electric Powered ........................111
Exterior Folding ........................111
Heated ...............................112
Outside ..............................111
Rearview ............................ .109
Vanity ...............................112 Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle
...............8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ................404
Mopar Parts ............................ .483
MTBE/ETBE ........................... .415
Multi-Function Control Lever .................166
New Vehicle Break-In Period ..................99
Occupant Restraints ........................69
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ..................40
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................414
Odometer .............................. .230
Trip ................................ .229
Oil Change Indicator ...................... .241
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..................241
Oil, Engine ............................. .485
Capacity ............................ .527
Change Interval ....................... .486
Checking ............................ .485
560 INDEX