2014 JEEP COMPASS User Guide

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing ConditionWheels OFF the
Ground Manual Transmission Automatic
Transmission
Flat Tow None• Transmission in
NEUTRAL
• Key in ACC
Position NOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow Front
OK (FWD Only) OK (FWD Only)
Rear NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer AllOK OK
NOTE:
Vehicles equipped with manual transmissionsmay be recreationally towed (flat towed)
at any legal highway speed, for any distance, if the manual transmissionis in
NEUTRAL and the ignition key is in the ACC position.
CAUTION!
• DO NOT flat tow any vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission. Damage to the drivetrain will result. If these vehicles require towing, make sure
all drive wheels are OFF the ground.
• DO NOT dolly tow any 4WD vehicle. Internal damage to the transmission or
transfer case will occur if a dolly is used when recreational towing.
UTILITY
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ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Dial toll-free 1-800-521-2779 for U.S. Residents or 1-800-363-4869 for Canadian
Residents.
• Provide your name, vehicle identification number, license plate number, and yourlocation, including the telephone number from which you are calling.
• Briefly describe the nature of the problem and answer a few simple questions.
• You will be given the name of the service provider and an estimated time of arrival. If you feel you are in an “unsafe situation”, please let us know. With your consent,
we will contact local police or safety authorities.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” comes on continuously with the
engine running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC system. If this light
remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles
(kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), we recommend you do not
operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” starts to flash as soon as the tires
lose traction and the ESC system becomes active. If the light begins to flash during
acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be
sure to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions. The light also
flashes when TCS is active. To improve the vehicle's traction when starting off in deep
snow, sand or gravel, it may be desirable to switch the ESC system to Partial Off mode
by momentarily pressing the ESC Off
switch.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light
This light indicates the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is off.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 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
determine 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 illuminates,
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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IF THE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING INDICATING A LOW TIRE PRESSURE, ADJUST THE AIR
PRESSURE IN THE LOW TIRE TO THE AIR PRESSURE SHOWN ON THE VEHICLE PLACARD OR
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE LABEL LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR.
NOTE:
AFTER INFLATION, THE VEHICLE MAY NEED TO BE DRIVEN FOR 20 MINUTES
BEFORE THE FLASHING LIGHT WILL TURN OFF.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is
the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation
has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate
when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one
minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunc-
tion indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle
that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunc-
tion telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that
the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
NOTE:
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per 12° F (7° C) of air
temperature change. Keep this in mind when checking tire pressure inside a garage,
especially in the Winter. Example: If garage temperature is 68°F (20°C) and the
outside temperature is 32°F (0°C), then the cold tire inflation pressure should be
increased by 3 psi (21 kPa), which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this
outside temperature condition.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels. TPMS
pressures and warning have been established for the tire size equipped on your
vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor damage may result when using
replacement equipment that is not of the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermar-
ket wheels can cause sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or
balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors
may result.
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- Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condition.
If the light turns on and a warning chime sounds while driving, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return to normal,
turn the engine off immediately.
We recommend that you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have
the vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others could be badly burned by
steam or boiling coolant.
BRAKE- Brake Warning Light
The Brake Warning light illuminates when there is either a system malfunction or the
parking brake is applied. If the light is on and the parking brake is not applied, it
indicates a possible brake hydraulic malfunction, brake booster problem or an
Anti-Lock Brake System problem.
Please have your vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the brake system
may have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a collision.
Have the vehicle checked immediately.
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc., may
illuminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays
on through several typical driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive
normally and not require towing.
If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could
lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. We recommend
you do not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the charging system
light remains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with the
charging system.
We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have
the vehicle serviced immediately.
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- Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop
the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound when this
light turns on.
We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the
vehicle serviced immediately.
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, we
recommend you contact the nearest authorized dealer and have the vehicle serviced
immediately.
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Indicator Light
This light informs you of a problem with the system.
If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle the
ignition when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is placed in the
PARK position; the light should turn off.
If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable;
however, see an authorized dealer immediately. If the light is flashing when the
engine is running, immediate service is required and you may experience reduced
performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may require
towing.
- Air Bag Warning Light
If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the
vehicle serviced by an authorized dealer immediately.
4WD!- 4WD System Fault Indicator Light
When lit solid:There is a 4WD system fault. The 4WD performance will be at a
reduced level. We recommend you do not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle
serviced immediately.
When blinking: The 4WD system is temporarily disabled due to overload condition.
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- Transmission Temperature Warning Light
This light indicates that there is excessive transmission fluid temperature that might
occur with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, you will
experience reduced vehicle performance until the automatic transmission cools
down. If the overheating continues, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle, with
the transmission in NEUTRAL, until the light turns off. Once the light turns off, you
may continue to drive normally.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Temperature Warning Light illuminated
will eventually cause severe transmission damage or transmission failure.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the Transmission Temperature Warning
Light is illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in contact with hot
engine or exhaust components and cause a fire.
Fuel Cap/Loose Gas Cap Message
If a “gas cap” message (shown as gASCAP) appears, tighten the gas cap until a
“clicking” sound is heard.
If the message continues to appear for more than three days after tightening the gas
cap, see your authorized service center.
Oil Change Indicator
Message
If an “oil change” message (shown as CHANgE OIL) appears and a single chime
sounds, it is time for your next required oil change.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
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IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the potential for overheating by
taking the appropriate action:
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, shift the transmission to NEUTRAL, but do notincrease engine idle speed.
NOTE:
There are steps that you can take to slow down an impending overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C system adds heat to the engine cooling system and turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
• You can also turn the temperature control to maximum heat, the mode control to floor and the blower control to high. This allows the heater core to act as a
supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat from the engine cooling
system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage your vehicle. If the temperature
gauge reads HOT (H), pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into the normal range. If the
pointer remains on HOT (H), and you hear continuous chimes, turn the engine off
immediately, and call for service.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to cool. Never try to open a cooling system
pressure cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING
During sustained high speed driving or trailer towing up long grades on hot days, the
automatic transmission oil may become too hot.
When the transmission overheat warning light
turns on, you will experience
reduced performance until the automatic transmission cools down. Once the trans-
mission has cooled down and the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
If the high speed is maintained, the overheating will continue to occur.
If the overheating continues, it may become necessary to stop the vehicle and run the
engine at idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL until the light turns off.
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JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
Jack Location
The jack and jack-handle are stowed under the load floor in the cargo area.
Spare Tire Stowage
The compact spare tire is stowed under
the rear load floor in the cargo area.
Spare Tire Removal
• Lift up the load floor cover and removethe hold down.
Preparations For Jacking
1. Park the vehicle on a firm level sur-
face, avoiding ice or slippery areas.
2. Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Place the shift lever in PARK (auto- matic transmission) or REVERSE
(manual transmission).
5. Turn OFF the ignition.
6. Block both the front and rear of the wheel diagonally opposite the jacking position. For example, if changing the right front tire, block the left rear wheel.
NOTE:
Passengers should not remain in the ve-
hicle while the vehicle is being jacked.
Spare/Jack/Tools
1 — Spare Tire
2 — Jack And Tools
Wheel Blocked
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