
Driving Across An Incline
If at all possible avoid driving across an incline. If it is
necessary, know your vehicle’s abilities. Driving across an
incline places more weight on the down-hill wheels, which
increases the possibilities of a down-hill slide or rollover.
Make sure the surface has good traction with firm and
stable soils. If possible transverse the incline at an angle
heading slightly up or down.
WARNING!
Driving across an incline increases the risk of a roll-
over, which may result in severe injury.
If You Stall Or Begin To Lose Headway
If you stall or begin to lose headway while climbing a steep
hill, allow your vehicle to come to a stop and immediately
apply the brake. Restart the engine and shift to REVERSE.
Back slowly down the hill allowing engine and hill descent
braking to control the descent and apply your brakes if
necessary, but do not allow the tires to lock.
WARNING!
If the engine stalls or you lose headway or cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill or grade, never attempt
to turn around. To do so may result in tipping and
rolling the vehicle, which may result in severe injury.
Always back carefully straight down a hill in RE-
VERSE gear. Never back down a hill in NEUTRAL
using only the vehicle brakes. Never drive diagonally
across a hill, always drive straight up or down.
Driving Through Water
Extreme care should be taken crossing any type of water.
Water crossings should be avoided if possible, and only be
attempted when necessary in a safe responsible manner.
You should only drive through areas which are designated
and approved. You should tread lightly and avoid damage
to the environment. You should know your vehicles abili-
ties and be able to recover it if something goes wrong. You
should never stop or shut a vehicle off when crossing deep
water unless you ingested water into the engine air intake.
If the engine stalls, do not attempt to restart it. Determine
if it has ingested water first. The key to any crossing is low
and slow. You want to use low (L Off-Road [if equipped] )
with the 4WD LOCK engaged and proceed very slowly
240 STARTING AND OPERATING
![JEEP COMPASS 2017 2.G Owners Manual with a constant slow speed (3-5 mph [5–8 km/h] maxi-
mum) and light throttle. Keep the vehicle moving; do not
try to accelerate through the crossing. After crossing any
water higher than the bottom JEEP COMPASS 2017 2.G Owners Manual with a constant slow speed (3-5 mph [5–8 km/h] maxi-
mum) and light throttle. Keep the vehicle moving; do not
try to accelerate through the crossing. After crossing any
water higher than the bottom](/manual-img/16/7084/w960_7084-242.png)
with a constant slow speed (3-5 mph [5–8 km/h] maxi-
mum) and light throttle. Keep the vehicle moving; do not
try to accelerate through the crossing. After crossing any
water higher than the bottom of the axle differentials, you
should inspect all of the vehicle fluids for signs of water
ingestion.
CAUTION!
Water ingestion into the transaxle, transfer case, engine
or vehicle interior can occur if you drive too fast or
through too deep of water. Water can cause permanent
damage to engine, driveline or other vehicle compo-
nents and your brakes will be less effective once wet
and/or muddy.
Before You Cross Any Type Of Water
As you approach any type of water, you need to determine
if you can cross it safely and responsibly. If necessary, get
out and walk through the water or probe it with a stick.
You need to be sure of its depth, approach angle, current
and bottom condition. Be careful of murky or muddy
waters; check for hidden obstacles. Make sure you will not
be intruding on any wildlife, and you can recover the
vehicle if necessary. The key to a safe crossing is the water
depth, current and bottom conditions. On soft bottoms, the vehicle will sink in, effectively increasing the water level on
the vehicle. Be sure to consider this when determining the
depth and the ability to safely cross.
Crossing Puddles, Pools, Flooded Areas Or Other
Standing Water
Puddles, pools, flooded or other standing water areas
normally contain murky or muddy waters. These water
types normally contain hidden obstacles and make it
difficult to determine an accurate water depth, approach
angle, and bottom condition. Murky or muddy water holes
are where you want to hook up tow straps prior to
entering. This makes for a faster, cleaner and easier vehicle
recovery. If you are able to determine you can safely cross,
than proceed using the low and slow method.
CAUTION!
Muddy waters can reduce the cooling system effective-
ness by depositing debris onto the radiator.
After Driving Off-Road
Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than
does most on-road driving. After going off-road, it is
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 241

WARNING!(Continued)
•Before replacing a fuse, make sure that the ignition is
off and that all the other services are switched off
and/or disengaged.
• If the replaced fuse blows again, contact an autho-
rized dealer.
• If a general protection fuse for safety systems (air
bag system, braking system), power unit systems
(engine system, gearbox system) or steering system
blows, contact an authorized dealer.
Integrated Power Module (IPM)
The Integrated Power Module is located in the engine
compartment near the air cleaner assembly. This center
contains cartridge fuses and mini-fuses. A label that iden-
tifies each component may be printed on the inside of the cover. Refer to “Engine Compartment” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information.
Cavity
Cartridge Fuse Mini-FuseDescription
1 20 Amp Blue –Trailer Tow – If Equipped
2 – 15 Amp Lt Blue AWD/4WD Control Module –
If Equipped
3 – 10 Amp RedRear Center Brake Light Switch
4 – 10 Amp RedIgnition Switch/Clock Spring
5 – 15 Amp Lt Blue Battery Feed For Power Tech
Integrated Power Module
248 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•Check engine oil level
• Check windshield washer fluid level
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for unusual
wear or damage
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and fill as needed
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights
Maintenance Plan
Required Maintenance Intervals.
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” on the following pages for
the required maintenance intervals.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil
Change Indicator System:
•Change oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregular
wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and
park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions.
280 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

MS.90032) and distilled water for proper corrosion pro-
tection of your engine which contains aluminum com-
ponents.
• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
• Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install ONLY
the correct type thermostat. Other designs may result in
unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze) performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically. Refer
to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper maintenance
intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possi-
bly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or riding
on the brake pedal can result in abnormally high brake
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
temperatures, excessive lining wear, and possible
brake damage. You would not have your full braking
capacity in an emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning light is on.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the fluid
level up to the requirements described on the brake fluid
reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. The brake fluid level should be checked when
the pads are replaced. However, low fluid level may be
caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with a manual trans-
mission, the brake fluid reservoir supplies fluid to both the
brake system and the clutch release system. The two
systems are separated in the reservoir, and a leak in one
system will not affect the other system. The manual
transmission clutch release system should not require fluid
replacement during the life of the vehicle. If the brake fluid
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 299

WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possi-
bly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or riding
on the brake pedal can result in abnormally high brake
temperatures, excessive lining wear, and possible
brake damage. You would not have your full braking
capacity in an emergency.
If either of the two hydraulic systems lose normal capability,
the remaining system will still function with some loss of
overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident by increased
pedal travel during application and greater pedal force re-
quired to slow or stop. In addition, if the malfunction is caused
by an internal leak, as the brake fluid in the master cylinder
drops, the “Brake Warning Light” will light.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the “Brake Warning Light” on is
dangerous. A significant decrease in braking perfor-
mance or vehicle stability during braking may occur. It
will take you longer to stop the vehicle or will make
your vehicle harder to control. You could have a
collision. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Proper lug nut/bolt torque is very important to ensure that
the wheel is properly mounted to the vehicle. Any time a
wheel has been removed and reinstalled on the vehicle the
lug nuts/bolts should be torqued using a properly cali-
brated torque wrench.
Torque Specifications
Lug Nut/Bolt Torque **Lug Nut/Bolt SizeLug Nut/
Bolt
Socket Size
100 Ft-Lbs (135 N·m) M12 x 1.5 19 mm
**Use only your authorized dealer recommended lug nuts/
bolts and clean or remove any dirt or oil before tightening.
9
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 333

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).............296
Adding Fuel ............................. .221
Adding Washer Fluid ........................287
Additives, Fuel ............................337
Adjust Down .................................37
Forward ................................37
Rearward ...............................37
Up....................................37
AirBag ................................ .165
Air Bag Operation ........................167
Air Bag Warning Light .....................164
Enhanced Accident Response .............173, 276
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................276
If A Deployment Occurs ....................172
Knee Impact Bolsters ..................... .167
Maintaining Your Air Bag System .............173
Side Air Bags .......................... .168
Transporting Pets ........................191
Air Bag Light .......................111, 164, 192
Air Bag Maintenance ........................173
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......291
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..................289
Air Conditioning ............................55
Air Conditioning Controls .....................55 Air Conditioning Filter
....................66, 290
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips .............65, 67
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ...............289, 290
Air Conditioning System ................55, 64, 289
Air Pressure, Tires ..........................314
Alarm (Security Alarm) ......................113
Alarm System (Security Alarm) .................25
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ..................... .361
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................295, 339
Capacities ............................. .339
Disposal ...............................298
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .................130
Anti-Lock Warning Light .....................120
Assistance T owing.........................
.382
Assist, Hill Start .......................... .132
Automatic Dimming Mirror ....................44
Automatic Door Locks .....................30, 31
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ............64
Automatic Transaxle .........................21
Fluid Level Check ........................303
Automatic Transmission ............204, 205, 301, 302
Fluid And Filter Changes ...................303
Fluid Level Check ........................302
Fluid Type .......................301, 302, 342
412 INDEX

Gear Ranges........................ .206, 211
Special Additives .....................301, 303
Axle Fluid ...............................342
Battery ..................................114
Charging System Light .....................114
Belts, Seat ............................... .192
Body Mechanism Lubrication ..................292
B-Pillar Location .......................... .309
Brake Assist System ........................ .132
Brake Fluid ...............................342
Brake, Parking ............................ .200
Brakes ................................. .332
Brake System ..........................299, 332
Master Cylinder ........................ .299
Parking ...............................200
Warning Light ...........................112
Brake/Transmission Interlock ..................205
Bulb Replacement ..........................245
Bulbs, Light .......................... .194, 245
Calibration, Compass ........................108
Camera, Rear ............................ .219
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........339
Capacities, Fluid .......................... .339Caps, Filler
Fuel ................................. .221
Oil (Engine) ..................... .284, 285, 288
Power Steering ..........................215
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) .................297
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................191, 338
Cargo Area Cover ...........................75
Cargo Area Features .........................75
Cargo Compartment .........................75
Light ..................................75
Luggage Carrier ..........................92
Cargo Light ...............................75
Cargo Load Floor ...........................76
Cargo Tie-Downs ...........................77
Car Washes ...............................326
Cellular Phone ........................ .371, 401
Center High
Mounted Stop Light ...............247
Certification Label ..........................222
Chains, Tire ............................. .323
Changing A Flat Tire .....................251, 305
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light). . . .127
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ...............191
Checks, Safety ............................ .191
Child Restraint ............................174
12
INDEX 413