2016 JEEP COMPASS Owners Manual

The operator can override the AUTO mode setting to
change airflow distribution by rotating the Mode Control
knob (on the right) to one of the following positions.
•Panel
Air is directed through the outlets in the instru-
ment panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct
airflow.
NOTE: The center instrument panel outlets can be aimed
so that they are directed toward the rear seat passengers
for maximum airflow to the rear.
• Bi-Level
Air is directed through the panel and floor
outlets.
NOTE: For all settings, except full cold or full hot, there
is a difference in temperature between the upper and
lower outlets. The warmer air flows to the floor outlets. This feature gives improved comfort during sunny but
cool conditions.
•
Floor
Air is directed through the floor outlets with a
small amount flowing through the defrost and
side window demist outlets.
• Mix
Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and side
window demist outlets. This setting works best in
cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat to the
windshield. This setting is good for maintaining comfort
while reducing moisture on the windshield.
• Defrost
Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use this mode with maxi-
mum blower and temperature settings for best wind-
shield and side window defrosting.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 327

•Air Conditioner Control
Push this button to turn on the air
conditioning during manual operation
only. When the air conditioning is
turned on, cool dehumidified air will
flow through the outlets selected with
the Mode control dial. Push this but-
ton a second time to turn OFF the air
conditioning. An LED in the button illuminates when
manual compressor operation is selected.
• Recirculation Control
The system will automatically control recircu-
lation. However, pushing the Recirculation
Control button will put the system in recircu-
lation mode. This can be used when outside
conditions such as smoke, odors, dust, or high humidity
are present. Activating recirculation will cause the LED in
the control button to illuminate. NOTE:
•
When the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK
position, the recirculation feature will be cancelled.
• In cold weather, use of the Recirculation mode may
lead to excessive window fogging. The Recirculation
mode is not allowed in the defrost mode in order to
improve window clearing. Recirculation will be dis-
abled automatically if these modes are selected.
• Extended use of recirculation may cause the windows
to fog. If the interior of the windows begins to fog,
push the Recirculation button to return to outside air.
Some temp/humidity conditions will cause captured
interior air to condense on windows and hamper
visibility. For this reason, the system will not allow
Recirculation to be selected while in defrost mode.
Attempting to use the recirculation while in these
modes will cause the LED in the control button to blink
and then turn off.
328 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•Most of the time, when in Automatic Operation, you
can temporarily put the system into Recirculation
Mode by pushing the Recirculation button. However,
under certain conditions, while in Automatic Mode,
the system is blowing air out the defrost vents. When
these conditions are present, and the Recirculation
button is pushed, the indicator will flash and then turn
off. This tells you that you are unable to go into
Recirculation Mode at this time. If you would like the
system to go into Recirculation Mode, you must first
move the Mode knob to Panel, Bi-Level, Mix, or Floor
and then push the Recirculation button. This feature
reduces the possibility of window fogging.
Operating Tips
NOTE: Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected with a
high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corro-
sion protection and to protect against engine overheating.
A solution of 50% OAT (Organic Additive Technology)
coolant that meets the requirements of FCA Material
Standard MS.90032 and 50% water is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation Mode during winter months is
not recommended because it may cause window fogging.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower settings. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 329

Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem, increase blower speed.
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.
NOTE:Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods as fogging may occur.
Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is located at each end of
the instrument panel. These non-adjustable outlets direct
air toward the side windows when the system is in the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter — If Equipped
The A/C Filter prevents most dust and pollen from
entering the cabin. The filter acts on air coming from
outside the vehicle and recirculated air within the pas-
senger compartment. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for A/C Air Filter service
information or see your authorized dealer for service.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedules” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for filter service intervals.
330 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Control Setting Suggestions For Various Weather Conditions
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 331

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES ................337
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped .......337
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped .....338
▫ Normal Starting ...................... .338
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –22°F Or 30°C) ................339
▫ If Engine Fails To Start .................339
▫ After Starting ....................... .339
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . .340
 MANUAL TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED . .340 ▫
Five-Speed Manual Transmission ...........340
▫ Recommended Shift Speeds ..............342
▫ Downshifting ....................... .343
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION —
IF EQUIPPED ........................ .343
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ...............345
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . .345
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission —
If Equipped ........................ .345
▫ Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission
(CVT) — If Equipped ...................352
5

AUTOSTICK ......................... .357
▫ AutoStick
(Six-Speed Automatic Transmission) ........357
▫ AutoStick (CVT) — If Equipped ...........359
 FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF
EQUIPPED .......................... .361
 ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS ................361
 OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS ...............362
▫ When To Use Low (L Off-Road) With The 4WD
Lock Lever Engaged — If Equipped ........363
▫ Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand ..........363
▫ Hill Climbing ....................... .365
▫ Driving Through Water .................368
▫ After Driving Off-Road .................370 
POWER STEERING .....................371
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ..............372
 PARKING BRAKE ..................... .373
 BRAKE SYSTEM ...................... .375
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . .376
▫ Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) . . . .376
▫ Brake System Warning Light ..............377
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............377
▫ Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light ............379
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ...............379
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) .................380
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ............383
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..........383
334 STARTING AND OPERATING