2016 JEEP COMPASS tow

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.
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.
444 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 — If Equipped
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.NOTE:
•
Using a lower gear ratio while operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions, will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat buildup. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
• If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45
minutes of continuous operation, then change the
transmission fluid and filter as specified for police,
taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule for the proper maintenance
intervals.
446 STARTING AND OPERATING

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing Condition Wheels OFF the Ground Manual Transmission Automatic TransmissionFlat Tow None
•Transmission in NEU-
TRAL
• Key in ACC PositionNOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow Front FWD Models ONLY FWD Models ONLY Rear NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer AllOK OK
NOTE:
• When recreationally towing your vehicle, always fol-
low applicable state and provincial laws. Contact state
and provincial Highway Safety offices for additional
details. •
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.
448 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 449

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS ...........453
 IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS ............453
 WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS ..................... .454
▫ Torque Specifications ..................454
 JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING ..........456
▫ Jack Location ....................... .457
▫ Spare Tire Stowage ....................457
▫ Preparations For Jacking ................457
▫ Jacking Instructions ...................458 ▫
Road Tire Installation ...................465
 TIRE SERVICE KIT — IF EQUIPPED .........467
▫ Tire Service Kit Storage .................467
▫ Tire Service Kit Components And Operation . .468
▫ Tire Service Kit Usage Precautions .........469
▫ Sealing A Tire With Tire Service Kit ........471
 JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES ...........477
▫ Preparations For Jump-Start ..............478
▫ Jump-Starting Procedure ................480
 FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .............482
6

SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE ................483
 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ...........484▫
With Ignition Key .....................486
452 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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 remove the hold down.
Preparations For Jacking
1. Park the vehicle on a firm level surface, avoiding ice orslippery areas.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to moving traffic, pull far enough off
the road to avoid the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.
2. Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.
Spare Tire And Jack Stowage
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 457

WARNING!(Continued)
•Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a
jack.
• Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack. If
you need to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a
service center where it can be raised on a lift.
• Only use the jack in the positions indicated and for
lifting this vehicle during a tire change.
• If working on or near a roadway, be extremely
careful of motor traffic.
• To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated, are
securely stowed, spares must be stowed with the
valve stem facing the ground.
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to raise the vehicle by jacking on
locations other than those indicated in the Jacking
Instructions for this vehicle.
NOTE: Refer to “Tires — General Information” in “Start-
ing And Operating” for further information about the
spare tire, it’s use, and operation.
Jack Warning Label
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 459