2015 JEEP COMPASS traction control

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
This vehicle has two full time, on-demand, four-wheel-drive (4WD) systems avail-
able, Freedom Drive I™ and Freedom-Drive II™. They provide for all-weather,
all-terrain capability for added driving security in less-than-ideal road conditions.
Freedom-Drive I™ Four Wheel Drive System
• The vehicle will constantly monitor wheel slippage and transfer power to the axle
that can use it the most.
• For additional traction in sand, deep snow or loose traction surfaces, the “4WD
Lock” sends equal amounts of the torque to the front and rear axles at low speeds.
Freedom-Drive I™ Components
1 — Rear Differential2 — Electronically Controlled Coupling3 — Driveshaft4 — Power Transfer Unit
OFF-ROAD CAPABILITIES
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• To activate, pull the T-handle, located in between the front driver and passenger
seats, up once and release. 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
T-handle one more time. The “4WD Indicator Light” will then turn off.
Trail Rated® Freedom-Drive II™ Four Wheel Drive System (IF EQUIPPED)
This system offers all the benefits of Freedom Drive I™ plus the
rugged capability of true Trail-Rated off road performance with
three additional features:
Off-Road Mode
Pulling up on the T-handle while the gear shift lever is in the Low
position activates the Off-Road mode.
This feature allows power to be sent to all four wheels when additional traction is
required while also delivering enhanced off-road capability for water fording, moving
on steep grades and rock crawling.
Brake Lock Differential
This feature helps keep the vehicle moving forward when one wheel loses traction by
directing power from the wheel that slips to the wheel with more grip on the same axle
providing more traction in off-road situations.
Hill Descent Control/Hill Start Assist
The Hill Descent Control System maintains vehicle speed while descending hills
during off-road driving situations and is available in both low and reverse gears.
This allows a smooth and controlled hill descent on rough or slippery terrain without
the driver needing to touch the brake pedal.
The Hill Start Assist system assists the driver when starting a vehicle from a stop on
a hill.
4WD T-Handle
OFF-ROAD CAPABILITIES
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- 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.
-ElectronicStabilityControl(ESC)Activation/MalfunctionIndicatorLight
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 Offswitch.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INDICATOR LIGHTS
- Turn Signal Indicator
The arrows will flash with the exterior turn signals when the turn signal lever is
operated. A tone will chime, and a EVIC message will appear if either turn signal is
left on for more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
NOTE:
If either indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check for a defective outside light bulb.
- High Beam Indicator
Indicates that headlights are on high beam.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it can often be moved by a
rocking motion. Turn your steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then move the shift lever back and forth between REVERSE and
DRIVE. Using minimal accelerator pedal pressure to maintain the rocking motion,
without spinning the wheels, is most effective.
NOTE:
To improve the vehicle's traction when starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel, it
may be desirable to switch the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to “Partial Off”
mode by momentarily pressing the ESC Offswitch. For further information on
ESC, refer to the Owner's Manual on the DVD.
CAUTION!
• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting between REVERSE and DRIVE, do
not spin the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain damage may
result.
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast may lead to transmission
overheating and failure. It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no transmission shifting occurring).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated by excessive wheel speeds
may cause tire damage or failure. A tire could explode and injure someone. Do not
spin your vehicle's wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) when you are stuck. Do
not let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
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