2019 JEEP COMPASS towing

WARNING!
is in the OFF mode), the transmission is
locked in PARK, securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
• When leaving the vehicle, always make
sure the ignition is in the OFF mode,
remove the key fob from the vehicle, and
lock the vehicle.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle,
or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle un-
attended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Children should
be warned not to touch the park brake,
brake pedal or the transmission gear
selector.
• Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to
children), and do not leave the ignition
(in a vehicle equipped with push button
start) in the ON/RUN mode. A child
could operate power windows, other
controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
• Before moving the transmission gear se-
lector out of PARK, you must turn the
ignition to the ON/RUN mode, and also
press the brake pedal. Otherwise, dam-
age to the gear selector could result.
• DO NOT race the engine when shifting
from PARK or NEUTRAL into another
gear range, as this can damage the drive-
train.
The following indicators should be used to
ensure that you have properly engaged the
transmission into the PARK position:
• When shifting into PARK, push the lock
button on the gear selector, and firmly
move the selector all the way forward until
it stops and is fully seated.
• Look at the transmission gear position dis-
play and verify that it indicates the PARK
position (P).
• With brake pedal released, verify that the
gear selector will not move out of PARK.REVERSE (R)
This range is for moving the vehicle back-
ward. Shift into REVERSE only after the ve-
hicle has come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing
for prolonged periods with the engine run-
ning. The engine may be started in this range.
Apply the park brake and shift the transmis-
sion into PARK if you must exit the vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn
off the ignition to coast down a hill. These
are unsafe practices that limit your re-
sponse to changing traffic or road condi-
tions. You might lose control of the vehicle
and have a collision.
CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for
any other reason with the transmission in
NEUTRAL can cause severe transmission
damage.
155

CAUTION!
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Start-
ing And Operating” and “Towing A Dis-
abled Vehicle” in “In Case Of Emergency”
for further information.
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and
highway driving. It provides the smoothest
upshifts and downshifts, and the best fuel
economy. The transmission automatically up-
shifts through all forward gears. The DRIVE
position provides optimum driving character-
istics under all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs
(such as when operating the vehicle under
heavy loading conditions, in hilly terrain,
traveling into strong head winds, or while
towing a heavy trailer), use the AutoStick
shift control to select a lower gear (refer to
"AutoStick" in this section for further infor-
mation). Under these conditions, using a
lower gear will improve performance and ex-
tend transmission life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat buildup.If the transmission temperature exceeds nor-
mal operating limits, the transmission con-
troller may modify the transmission shift
schedule, reduce engine torque, and/or ex-
pand the range of torque converter clutch
engagement. This is done to prevent trans-
mission damage due to overheating.
If the transmission becomes extremely hot,
the "Transmission Temperature Warning
Light" may illuminate, and the transmission
may operate differently until the transmis-
sion cools down.
During cold temperatures, transmission op-
eration may be modified depending on en-
gine and/or transmission temperature as well
as vehicle speed. This feature improves warm
up time of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum efficiency. Engagement of
the torque converter clutch (and, for the
nine-speed, shifts into 8th or 9th gear), are
inhibited until the engine and/or transmis-
sion is warm (refer to the “Note” under
“Torque Converter Clutch” in this section).
Normal operation will resume once the tem-
perature(s) have risen to a suitable level.AUTOSTICK
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission
feature providing manual shift control, giving
you more control of the vehicle. AutoStick
allows you to maximize engine braking, elimi-
nate undesirable upshifts and downshifts,
and improve overall vehicle performance.
This system can also provide you with more
control during passing, city driving, cold slip-
pery conditions, mountain driving, trailer
towing, and many other situations.
Operation
When the gear selector is in the AutoStick
position (beside the DRIVE position), it can
be moved forward and rearward. This allows
the driver to manually select the transmission
gear being used. Moving the gear selector
forward (-) triggers a downshift and rearward
(+) an upshift. The current gear is displayed
in the instrument cluster.
In AutoStick mode, the transmission will
shift up or down when the driver moves the
gear selector rearward (+) or forward (-), un-
less an engine lugging or overspeed condition
STARTING AND OPERATING
156

ParkSense System Usage Precautions
• Ensure that the rear bumper is free of snow,
ice, mud, dirt and debris to keep the
ParkSense system operating properly.
• Jackhammers, large trucks, and other vi-
brations could affect the performance of
ParkSense.
• When you turn ParkSense OFF, the instru-
ment cluster display will read
“PARKSENSE OFF.” Furthermore, once
you turn ParkSense OFF, it remains off until
you turn it on again, even if you cycle the
ignition.
• ParkSense, when on, will reduce the vol-
ume of the radio when it is sounding a tone.
• Clean the ParkSense sensors regularly, tak-
ing care not to scratch or damage them. The
sensors must not be covered with ice, snow,
slush, mud, dirt or debris. Failure to do so
can result in the system not working prop-
erly. The ParkSense system might not de-
tect an obstacle behind the fascia/bumper,
or it could provide a false indication that an
obstacle is behind the fascia/bumper.• Use the ParkSense switch to turn the
ParkSense system OFF if objects such as
bicycle carriers, etc. are attached to the
rear fascia/bumper. Failure to do so can
result in the system misinterpreting a close
object as a sensor problem, causing the
“PARKSENSE UNAVAILABLE SERVICE
REQUIRED” message to be displayed in
the instrument cluster display.
NOTE:
If any objects are attached to the bumper
within a 6.5ft (2 m) field of view, they will
interfere and cause false alerts and possibly
blockage.
• The operation of the rear sensors is auto-
matically deactivated when the trailer's
electric plug is inserted in the vehicle's tow
hook socket. The rear sensors are automati-
cally reactivated when the trailer's cable
plug is removed.
WARNING!
• Drivers must be careful when backing up
even when using ParkSense. Always
check carefully behind your vehicle, look
WARNING!
behind you, and be sure to check for
pedestrians, animals, other vehicles, ob-
structions, and blind spots before back-
ing up. You are responsible for safety
and must continue to pay attention to
your surroundings. Failure to do so can
result in serious injury or death.
• Before using ParkSense, it is strongly
recommended that the ball mount and
hitch ball assembly is disconnected
from the vehicle when the vehicle is not
used for towing. Failure to do so can
result in injury or damage to vehicles or
obstacles because the hitch ball will be
much closer to the obstacle than the rear
fascia when the loudspeaker sounds the
continuous tone. Also, the sensors could
detect the ball mount and hitch ball
assembly, depending on its size and
shape, giving a false indication that an
obstacle is behind the vehicle.
169

Operation With A Trailer
The system is automatically deactivated
when the trailer's electric plug is inserted in
the vehicle's tow hook socket. The rear sen-
sors are automatically reactivated when the
trailer's cable plug is removed.
ParkSense Usage Precautions
Some conditions may influence the perfor-
mance of the Side Distance Warning System:
NOTE:
• Ensure that the front and rear bumper are
free of snow, ice, mud, dirt and debris to
keep the ParkSense system operating prop-
erly.
• Construction equipment, large trucks, and
other vibrations could affect the perfor-
mance of ParkSense.
• When you turn ParkSense off, the message
to appear in the instrument cluster display
will read “PARKSENSE OFF.” Furthermore,
once you turn ParkSense off, it remains off
until you turn it on again, even if you cycle
the ignition key.• ParkSense, when on, will reduce the vol-
ume of the radio when it is sounding a tone.
• Clean the ParkSense sensors regularly, tak-
ing care not to scratch or damage them.
The sensors must not be covered with ice,
snow, slush, mud, dirt or debris. Failure to
do so can result in the system not working
properly. The ParkSense system might not
detect an obstacle behind or in front of the
fascia/bumper, or it could provide a false
indication that an obstacle is behind or in
front of the fascia/bumper.
• The presence of a tow hook without a trailer
may interfere with the correct operation of
the parking sensors. Before using the
ParkSense system, it is recommended to
remove the removable tow hook ball assem-
bly and any attachments from the vehicle
when it is not used for towing operations. If
you wish to leave the tow hook fitted with-
out towing a trailer, it is advisable to con-
tact your authorized dealer for the
ParkSense system update operations be-
cause the tow hook could be detected as an
obstacle by the central sensors.
WARNING!
• Drivers must be careful when backing up
even when using ParkSense. Always
check carefully behind your vehicle,
look behind you, and be sure to check
for pedestrians, animals, other vehicles,
obstructions, and blind spots before
backing up. You are responsible for
safety and must continue to pay atten-
tion to your surroundings. Failure to do
so can result in serious injury or death.
• Before using ParkSense, it is strongly
recommended that the ball mount and
hitch ball assembly is disconnected
from the vehicle when the vehicle is not
used for towing. Failure to do so can
result in injury or damage to vehicles or
obstacles because the hitch ball will be
much closer to the obstacle than the
rear fascia when the loudspeaker sounds
the continuous tone. Also, the sensors
could detect the ball mount and hitch
ball assembly, depending on its size and
shape, giving a false indication that an
obstacle is behind the vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING
172

• The use of non-conforming or degraded
AdBlue (UREA) may lead to indications
appearing on the instrument panel display
refer to “Warning Lights And Messages" in
the “Getting To Know Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
• Never pour AdBlue (UREA) into another
container: it could be contaminated.
• If the AdBlue (UREA) runs out, see refer to
“Warning Lights And Messages" in the
“Getting To Know Your Instrument Panel”
for further information to continue using
the car normally.
TRAILER TOWING
Common Towing Definitions
The following trailer towing related defini-
tions will assist you in understanding the
following information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of
your vehicle. This includes driver, passen-
gers, cargo and tongue weight.
The total load must be limited so that you do
not exceed the GVWR. Refer to “Vehicle
Loading/Vehicle Certification Label” in “Start-
ing And Operating” for further information.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the
weight of all cargo, consumables and equip-
ment (permanent or temporary) loaded in or
on the trailer in its "loaded and ready for
operation" condition.
The recommended way to measure GTW is to
put your fully loaded trailer on a vehicle
scale. The entire weight of the trailer must be
supported by the scale.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the
front and rear axles. Distribute the load over
the front and rear axles evenly. Make sure
that you do not exceed either front or rear
GAWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle
Certification Label” in “Starting And Operat-
ing” for further information.
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the
maximum front or rear GAWR. A dangerous
driving condition can result if either rating
is exceeded. You could lose control of the
vehicle and have a collision.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force
exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer. You
must consider this as part of the load on your
vehicle.
Trailer Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum height mul-
tiplied by the maximum width of the front of
a trailer.
187

Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control can be a mechanical
telescoping link that can be installed be-
tween the hitch receiver and the trailer
tongue that typically provides adjustable fric-
tion associated with the telescoping motion
to dampen any unwanted trailer swaying mo-
tions while traveling.
If equipped, the electronic Trailer Sway Con-
trol (TSC) recognizes a swaying trailer and
automatically applies individual wheel
brakes and/or reduces engine power to at-
tempt to eliminate the trailer sway.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer
tongue weight, just as if it were luggage
located at a hitch ball or some other connect-
ing point of the vehicle. These kinds of
hitches are the most popular on the market
today and they are commonly used to tow
small and medium sized trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works by apply-
ing leverage through spring (load) bars. They
are typically used for heavier loads to distrib-
ute trailer tongue weight to the tow vehicle's
front axle and the trailer axle(s). When used
in accordance with the manufacturer's direc-
tions, it provides for a more level ride, offer-
ing more consistent steering and brake con-
trol thereby enhancing towing safety. The
addition of a friction/hydraulic sway control
also dampens sway caused by traffic and
crosswinds and contributes positively to tow
vehicle and trailer stability. Trailer sway con-
trol and a weight distributing (load equaliz-
ing) hitch are recommended for heavier
Tongue Weights (TW) and may be required
depending on vehicle and trailer
configuration/loading to comply with Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) requirements.WARNING!
• An improperly adjusted Weight Distrib-
uting Hitch system may reduce han-
dling, stability, braking performance,
and could result in a collision.
• Weight Distributing Systems may not be
compatible with Surge Brake Couplers.
Consult with your hitch and trailer
manufacturer or a reputable Recre-
ational Vehicle dealer for additional in-
formation.
STARTING AND OPERATING
188

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
Engine/Transmission ModelMaximum Braked Trailer Weight GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt.)*Maximum Tongue Wt. (See Note)
1.4L Gasoline Engine FWD or 4WD 2,205 lbs (1,000 kg) 110 lbs (50 kg)
2.0L Diesel Engine / Automatic 4WD 3,307 lbs (1,500 kg) 165 lbs (75 kg)
2.0L Diesel Engine / Manual 4WD 4,188 lbs (1,900 kg) 209 lbs (95 kg)
1.6L Diesel Engine FWD 2,205 lbs (1,000 kg) 110 lbs (50 kg)
When towing a trailer the technically permissible laden weight may be exceeded by not more than 10% or 220 lbs (100 kg),
whichever is lower provided that the operating speed is restricted to 62 mph (100 km/h) or less.
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds and loads.
Towing limits quoted represent the maximum towing ability of the vehicle at its Gross Combined Mass
to restart on a 12 percent gradient at sea level.
The performance and economy of all models will be reduced when used for towing.
* Trailer towing without trailer brakes is limited to 992 lbs (450 kg).
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new ve-
hicle drivetrain components, the following
guidelines are recommended.
CAUTION!
• Do not tow a trailer at all during the first
500 miles (805 km) the new vehicle is
driven. The engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.
CAUTION!
• Then, during the first 500 miles
(805 km) that a trailer is towed, do not
drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and do not
make starts at full throttle. This helps
the engine and other parts of the vehicle
wear in at the heavier loads.
189

Perform the maintenance listed in the
“Scheduled Servicing”. Refer to “Scheduled
Servicing” in “Servicing And Maintenance”
for the proper maintenance intervals. When
towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR or
GCWR ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a collision.
Follow these guidelines to make your
trailer towing as safe as possible:
• Make certain that the load is secured in
the trailer and will not shift during
travel. When trailering cargo that is not
fully secured, dynamic load shifts can
occur that may be difficult for the driver
to control. You could lose control of your
vehicle and have a collision.
• When hauling cargo or towing a trailer,
do not overload your vehicle or trailer.
Overloading can cause a loss of control,
poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering,
suspension, chassis structure or tires.
WARNING!
• Safety chains must always be used be-
tween your vehicle and trailer. Always
connect the chains to the hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. Cross the chains
under the trailer tongue and allow
enough slack for turning corners.
• Vehicles with trailers should not be
parked on a grade. When parking, apply
the parking brake on the tow vehicle. Put
the tow vehicle transmission in PARK.
For four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure
the transfer case is not in NEUTRAL.
Always, block or "chock" the trailer
wheels.
• GCWR must not be exceeded.
•
Total weight must be distributed between
the tow vehicle and the trailer such that
the following four ratings are not ex-
ceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer
hitch utilized.
STARTING AND OPERATING
190