2016 JEEP COMPASS Owners Manual

8. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and thenback to the ON position. If the sequence was com-
pleted properly, the “ESC Off Indicator Light” will
blink several times to confirm HSA is disabled.
9. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to its previous setting.
Traction Control System (TCS)
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, the TCS may
apply brake pressure to the spinning wheel(s) and/or
reduce engine power to provide enhanced acceleration
and stability. A feature of the TCS, Brake Limited Differ-
ential (BLD), functions similar to a limited slip differen-
tial and controls the wheel spin across a driven axle. If
one wheel on a driven axle is spinning faster than the
other, the system will apply the brake of the spinning
wheel. This will allow more engine torque to be applied
to the wheel that is not spinning. BLD may remain
enabled even if TCS and ESC are in a reduced mode.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESC cor-
rects for over-steering or under-steering of the vehicle by
applying the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in
counteracting the over-steering or under-steering condi-
tion. Engine power may also be reduced to help the
vehicle maintain the desired path. ESC uses sensors in
the vehicle to determine the vehicle path intended by the
driver and compares it to the actual path of the vehicle.
When the actual path does not match the intended path,
ESC applies the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist
in counteracting the over-steer or under-steer condition
•Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
• Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 383

WARNING!
•The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot pre-
vent the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions.
• ESC cannot prevent accidents, including those re-
sulting from excessive speed in turns, driving on
very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. ESC also
cannot prevent collisions resulting from loss of
vehicle control due to inappropriate driver input
for the conditions. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent collisions.
• The capabilities of an ESC-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner, which could jeopardize the user ’s safety or
the safety of others
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly main-
tain your vehicle, may change the handling charac-
teristics of your vehicle, and may negatively affect
the performance of the ESC system. Changes to the
steering system, suspension, braking system, tire
type and size or wheel size may adversely affect ESC
performance. Improperly inflated and unevenly
worn tires may also degrade ESC performance. Any
vehicle modification or poor vehicle maintenance
that reduces the effectiveness of the ESC system can
increase the risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death.
ESC Operating Modes
The ESC system has three available operating modes for
four–wheel drive equipped vehicles and two available
operating modes for two–wheel drive equipped vehicles.
384 STARTING AND OPERATING

Full On (Four-Wheel Drive Models) Or On (Two-Wheel
Drive Models)
This is the normal operating mode for ESC. Whenever
the vehicle is started the ESC system will be in this “On”
mode. This mode should be used for most driving
situations. ESC should only be turned to “Partial Off” or
“ESC Off” for specific reasons as noted below.
Partial Off (Four-Wheel Drive Models) Or On (Two-
Wheel Drive Models)
This mode is entered by momentarily pushing the “ESC
Off” switch. When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS portion
of ESC, except for the “limited slip” feature described in
the TCS section, has been disabled and theESC OFF
Indicator Light will be illuminated. All other stability
features of ESC function normally. This mode is intended
to be used if the vehicle is in deep snow, sand or gravel
conditions and more wheel spin than ESC would nor-
mally allow is required to gain traction. To turn ESC on again, momentarily push the “ESC Off”
switch. This will restore the normal “ESC On” mode of
operation.
NOTE:
To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving
with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the “Partial Off”
mode by pushing the “ESC Off” switch. Once the situa-
tion requiring ESC to be switched to the “Partial Off”
mode is overcome, turn ESC back on by momentarily
pushing the “ESC Off” switch. This may be done while
the vehicle is in motion.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 385

WARNING!
When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS functionality of
ESC (except for the limited slip feature described in
the TCS section) has been disabled and the “ESC Off
Indicator Light” will be illuminated. When in “Par-
tial Off” mode, the engine power reduction of TCS is
disabled, and the enhanced vehicle stability offered
by the ESC system is reduced. Trailer Sway control
(TSC) (if equipped) is disabled when the ESC system
is in thePartial Off mode.
Full Off (Four-Wheel Drive Models Only)
This mode is intended for off-highway or off-road use
when ESC stability features could inhibit vehicle maneu-
verability due to trail conditions. This mode is entered by
pushing and holding the “ESC Off” switch for five
seconds when the vehicle is stopped and the engine is
running. After five seconds, the ESC OFF IndicatorLight
will illuminate and the “ESC OFF” message will
appear in the odometer. Push and release the Trip Odom-
eter button located on the instrument cluster to clear this
message.
In this mode, ESC and TCS, except for the “limited slip”
feature described in the TCS section, are turned off until
the vehicle reaches a speed of 35 mph (56 km/h). At
35 mph (56 km/h) the system returns to “Partial Off”
mode, as described above. TCS remains off. When the
vehicle speed drops below 30 mph (48 km/h) the ESC
system shuts off. ESC is deactivated at low vehicle speeds
so that it will not interfere with off-road driving however,
ESC function returns to provide the stability feature at
speeds above 35 mph (56 km/h). The ESC OFF Indicator
Light will always be illuminated when ESC is off.
To turn ESC on again, momentarily push the “ESC Off”
switch. This will restore the “ESC On” mode of operation.
386 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:The “ESC OFF” message will display and an
audible chime will sound when the shift lever is placed
into the PARK position from any other position, and then
moved out of the PARK position. This will occur even if
the message was previously cleared.
WARNING!
With the ESC in the Full Offmode, the engine
torque reduction and stability features are disabled.
In an emergency evasive maneuver, the ESC system
will not engage to assist in maintaining stability.
“ESC Off” mode is intended for off-highway or
off-road use only.
ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESC OFF Indicator Light
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” in the instrument cluster will come on
when the ignition switch is cycled to the ON/
RUN position. It should go out with the engine
running. 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), see your autho-
rized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem
diagnosed and corrected.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” (lo-
cated in the instrument cluster) starts to flash as soon as
the tires lose traction and the ESC system becomes active.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 387

The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” also
flashes when TCS is active. If the “ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light” begins to flash during ac-
celeration, 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.
NOTE:
•The “ESC Off Indicator Light” and the “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” come on mo-
mentarily each time the ignition switch is placed in the
ON/RUN position.
• Each time the ignition is cycled to the ON/RUN
position, the ESC system will be ON even if it was
cycled off previously, except for when the vehicle is
started while in 4L Range.
• The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds
when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop when ESC becomes inactive following the maneuver
that caused the ESC activation.
The “ESC OFF Indicator Light” indicates the
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is partially
off or full off.
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
This system anticipates the potential for wheel lift by
monitoring the driver ’s steering wheel input and the
speed of the vehicle. When ERM determines that the rate
of change of the steering wheel angle and vehicle’s speed
are sufficient to potentially cause wheel lift, it then
applies the appropriate brake and may also reduce
engine power to lessen the chance that wheel lift will
occur. ERM can only reduce the chance of wheel lift
occurring during severe or evasive driving maneuvers; it
388 STARTING AND OPERATING

cannot prevent wheel lift due to other factors, such as
road conditions, leaving the roadway, or striking objects
or other vehicles.
NOTE:ERM is disabled anytime the ESC is in “Full Off”
mode (if equipped). Refer to “Electronic Stability Control
(ESC)” in this section for a complete explanation of the
available ESC modes.
WARNING!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road condi-
tions and driving conditions, influence the chance
that wheel lift or rollover may occur. ERM cannot
prevent all wheel lift or roll overs, especially those
that involve leaving the roadway or striking objects
or other vehicles. The capabilities of an ERM-
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reck-
less or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of others.
Hill Descent Control (HDC) — If Equipped
This system maintains vehicle speed while descending
hills during off-road driving situations. HDC will auto-
matically apply the brakes to control downhill speed to
between 4 mph (7 km/h) and 6 mph (9 km/h) depending
on terrain. The system is activated by placing the vehicle
in “Off-Road” mode and placing the shift lever in LOW
or REVERSE. Refer to “Safe Off-Road Driving” in “Start-
ing And Operating” for further information.
When HDC is properly enabled, the “Hill
Decent Control Light” in the instrument cluster
will be illuminated.
HDC has the capability to sense terrain and will only
activate when the vehicle is descending a hill. It will not
activate on level ground. If desired, HDC can be fully
deactivated by putting the vehicle into ESC “Full Off”
mode. This is done by pushing and holding the “ESC
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 389

Off” button for five seconds. Refer to “Electronic Stability
Control (ESC)” in this section of the manual.
HDC operation can be overridden with brake application
to slow the vehicle down below the HDC control speed.
Conversely, if more speed is desired during HDC control,
the accelerator pedal will increase vehicle speed like
normal. When either the brake or the accelerator is
released, HDC will control the vehicle back to the origi-
nal set speed.
HDC is only intended for low speed off-road driving. At
vehicle speeds above 31 mph (50 km/h) HDC will no
longer function. If the “HDC Indicator Light” begins to
flash this indicates that the brakes are getting too hot and
the vehicle should be stopped to allow the brakes to cool.WARNING!
HDC is only intended to assist the driver in control-
ling vehicle speed when descending hills. The driver
must remain attentive to the driving conditions and
is responsible for maintaining a safe vehicle speed.
390 STARTING AND OPERATING