2023 JEEP COMPASS four wheel drive

STARTING AND OPERATING163
Traction Downhill
Shift the transmission into a low gear and the 4WD
System to 4WD LOW range or select Hill Descent
Control (if equipped) Úpage 191. Let the vehicle
go slowly down the hill with all four wheels turning
against engine compression drag. This will permit
you to control the vehicle speed and direction.
When descending mountains or hills, repeated
braking can cause brake fade with loss of braking
control. Avoid repeated heavy braking by
downshifting the transmission whenever possible.
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 always a good idea to check for
damage.
Completely inspect the underbody of your
vehicle. Check tires, body structure, steering,
suspension, and exhaust system for damage.
Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and
clean as required.
Check threaded fasteners for looseness, partic -
ularly on the chassis, drivetrain components,
steering, and suspension. Retighten them, if
required, and torque to the values specified in
the Service Manual.
Check for accumulations of plants or brush.
These things could be a fire hazard. They might
hide damage to fuel lines, brake hoses, axle
pinion seals, and propeller shafts.
After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or
similar dirty conditions, have the radiator, fan,
brake rotors, wheels, brake linings, and axle
yokes inspected and cleaned as soon as
possible.
Impacted material can cause wheel imbalance.
Freeing the wheels of impacted material will
likely rectify imbalance condition.
WARNING!
Abrasive material in any part of the braking
system may cause excessive wear or
unpredictable braking performance. Full braking
power may not be available to prevent a
collision. If you have been operating your vehicle
in dirty conditions, inspect and clean the braking
components as soon as possible.
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187
(Continued)
SAFETY
SAFETY FEATURES
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
The ABS provides increased vehicle stability and
brake performance under most braking conditions.
The system automatically prevents wheel lock and
enhances vehicle control during braking.
The ABS performs a self-check cycle to ensure that
the ABS is working properly each time the vehicle
is started and driven. During this self-check, you
may hear a slight clicking sound as well as some
related motor noises.
The ABS is activated during braking when the
system detects one or more wheels are beginning
to lock. Road conditions such as ice, snow, gravel,
bumps, railroad tracks, loose debris, or panic stops
may increase the likelihood of ABS activation(s).
You also may experience the following normal
characteristics when the ABS activates:
ABS motor noise or clicking sounds (you may
continue to hear for a short time after the stop)
Brake pedal pulsations
A slight drop of the brake pedal at the end of
the stopThe ABS is designed to function with the Original
Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) tires. Modification
may result in degraded ABS performance.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning
Light
The yellow ABS Warning Light will turn on when the
ignition is placed in the ON/RUN mode and may
stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS Warning Light remains on or comes on
while driving, it indicates that the anti-lock portion
of the brake system is not functioning and that
service is required. However, the conventional
brake system will continue to operate normally if
the ABS Warning Light is on.
If the ABS Warning Light is on, the brake system
should be serviced as soon as possible to restore
the benefits of Anti-lock Brakes. If the ABS Warning
WARNING!
The ABS contains sophisticated electronic
equipment that may be susceptible to interfer
-
ence caused by improperly installed or high
output radio transmitting equipment. This
interference can cause possible loss of
anti-lock braking capability. Installation of
such equipment should be performed by
qualified professionals.
Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish
their effectiveness and may lead to a collision.
Pumping makes the stopping distance longer.
Just press firmly on your brake pedal when you
need to slow down or stop.
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it
increase braking or steering efficiency beyond
that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
The ABS cannot prevent collisions, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro -
planing.
The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner that could jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of others.
WARNING!
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188SAFETY
Light does not come on when the ignition is placed
in the ON/RUN mode, have the light repaired as
soon as possible.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (EBC)
S
YSTEM

Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced
Electronic Brake Control (EBC) system. This system
includes Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Brake Assist
System (BAS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution
(EBD), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), and
Traction Control System (TCS). These systems work
together to enhance both vehicle stability and
control in various driving conditions.

Your vehicle may also be equipped with Dynamic
Steering Torque (DST), Hill Descent Control (HDC),
Rain Brake Support (RBS), Ready Alert Braking
(RAB), and Trailer Sway Control (TSC).
Brake Assist System (BAS)
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s
braking capability during emergency braking
maneuvers. The system detects an emergency
braking situation by sensing the rate and amount
of brake application and then applies optimum
pressure to the brakes. This can help reduce
braking distances. The BAS complements the
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). Applying the brakes
very quickly results in the best BAS assistance. To receive the benefit of the system, you must
apply continuous braking pressure during the
stopping sequence (do not “pump” the brakes). Do
not reduce brake pedal pressure unless braking is
no longer desired. Once the brake pedal is
released, the BAS is deactivated.
Brake System Warning Light
The red Brake System Warning Light will turn on
when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN mode
and may stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the Brake System Warning Light remains on or
comes on while driving, it indicates that the brake
system is not functioning properly and that
immediate service is required. If the Brake System
Warning Light does not come on when the ignition
is placed in the ON/RUN mode, have the light
repaired as soon as possible.
Dynamic Steering Torque (DST)
DST is a feature of the Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) and Electric Power Steering (EPS) modules
that provides torque at the steering wheel for
certain driving conditions in which the ESC module
is detecting vehicle instability. The torque that the
steering wheel receives is only meant to help the
driver realize optimal steering behavior in order to
reach/maintain vehicle stability. The only
notification the driver receives that the feature is
active is the torque applied to the steering wheel.
NOTE:The DST feature is only meant to help the driver
realize the correct course of action through small
torques on the steering wheel, which means the
effectiveness of the DST feature is highly
dependent on the driver’s sensitivity and overall
reaction to the applied torque. It is very important
to realize that this feature will not steer the vehicle,
meaning the driver is still responsible for steering
the vehicle.
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
EBD manages the distribution of the braking
torque between the front and rear axles by limiting
braking pressure to the rear axle. This is done to
prevent overslip of the rear wheels to avoid vehicle
instability, and to prevent the rear axle from
entering ABS before the front axle.
WARNING!

The Brake Assist System (BAS) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle,
nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions. BAS cannot prevent
collisions, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or
hydroplaning. The capabilities of a BAS-equipped
vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner, which could jeopardize the
user's safety or the safety of others.

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190SAFETY
(Continued)
ESC Operating Modes
Depending upon model and mode of operation, the
ESC system may have multiple operating modes.
ESC On
This is the normal operating mode for the ESC.
Whenever the vehicle is started, the ESC system
will be in this mode. This mode should be used for
most driving conditions. Alternate ESC modes
should only be used for specific reasons as noted
in the following paragraphs.Partial Off
This mode may be useful if the vehicle becomes
stuck. This mode may modify TCS and ESC
thresholds for activation, which allows for more
wheel spin than normally allowed.
To enter the “Partial Off” mode, momentarily push
the ESC OFF button, located below the radio. The
ESC OFF Indicator Light will illuminate. To turn the
ESC on again, momentarily push the ESC OFF
button and the ESC OFF Indicator Light will turn off.
NOTE:
When driving with snow chains, or when starting off
in deep snow, sand, or gravel, it may be desirable to
allow more wheel spin. This can be accomplished by
momentarily pushing the ESC OFF button to enter
“Partial Off” mode. Once the situation requiring
“Partial Off” mode is overcome, turn ESC back on by
momentarily pushing the ESC OFF button. This may
be done while the vehicle is in motion.

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 maneuverability due to trail conditions.
This mode is entered by pushing and holding the
ESC OFF button for five seconds when the vehicle
is stopped and the engine is running. After five
seconds, the ESC OFF Indicator Light will illuminate
and the “ESC OFF” message will appear in the
instrument cluster display.
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
40 mph (64 km/h). At 40 mph (64 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 40 mph
(64 km/h). The ESC OFF Indicator Light will always
be illuminated when ESC is off.
Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly
maintain your vehicle, may change the
handling characteristics 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 perfor
-
mance. Improperly inflated and unevenly worn
tires may also degrade ESC performance. Any
vehicle modification or poor vehicle mainte -
nance that reduces the effectiveness of the
ESC system can increase the risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
WARNING!
WARNING!
When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS function -
ality 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 “Partial Off” mode,
the engine power reduction feature of TCS is
disabled, and the enhanced vehicle stability
offered by the ESC system is reduced.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is disabled when
the ESC system is in the “Partial Off” mode.
WARNING!

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202SAFETY
(Continued)
be on. In this situation, the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System Warning Light will turn off only
after the tires are inflated to the vehicle’s
recommended cold placard pressure value
Ú
page 328.
NOTE:When filling warm tires, the tire pressure may need
to be increased up to an additional 4 psi (28 kPa)
above the recommended cold placard pressure in
order to turn the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Warning Light off.
NOTE:
The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire
care and maintenance, or to provide warning of
a tire failure or condition.
The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure
gauge while adjusting your tire pressure.
Driving on a significantly underinflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire
failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel effi -
ciency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility
to maintain correct tire pressure using an accu -
rate tire pressure gauge, even if underinflation
has not reached the level to trigger illumination
of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning
Light.
Seasonal temperature changes will affect tire
pressure, and the TPMS will monitor the actual
tire pressure in the tire.
Premium System
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) uses
wireless technology with wheel rim mounted
electronic sensors to monitor tire pressure levels.
Sensors, mounted to each wheel as part of the
valve stem, transmit tire pressure readings to the
receiver module.
NOTE:It is particularly important for you to check the tire
pressure in all of the tires on your vehicle monthly
and to maintain the proper pressure.
The TPMS consists of the following components:
Receiver module
Four Tire Pressure Monitoring System sensors
Various Tire Pressure Monitoring System
messages, which will display in the instrument
cluster display
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures
and warning have been established for the tire
size equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable
system operation or sensor damage may
result when using replacement equipment
that is not of the same size, type, and/or style.
The TPMS sensor is not designed for use on
aftermarket wheels and may contribute to a
poor overall system performance or sensor
damage. Customers are encouraged to use
OEM wheels to ensure proper TPMS feature
operation.
Using aftermarket tire sealants may cause the
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
sensor to become inoperable. After using an
aftermarket tire sealant it is recommended
that you take your vehicle to an authorized
dealer to have your sensor function checked.
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure
always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will
prevent moisture and dirt from entering the
valve stem, which could damage the TPMS
sensor.
CAUTION!

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SAFETY203
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Low
Pressure Warnings

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Warning Light will illuminate in the
instrument cluster and a chime will sound
when tire pressure is low in one or more of
the four active road tires. In addition, the instrument
cluster will display a "Tire Low" message, an “Inflate
to XX” message, and a graphic showing the
pressure values of each tire with the low tire
pressure values highlighted or in a different color.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Low Pressure Warning

Should this occur, you should stop as soon as
possible and inflate the tires with low pressure
(those highlighted or in a different color in the
instrument cluster display graphic) to the vehicle’s
recommended cold placard pressure value, as
shown in the “Inflate to XX” message. Once the
system receives the updated tire pressures, the system will automatically update, the pressure
values in the graphic display in the instrument
cluster will stop being highlighted or return to their
original color, and the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System Warning Light will turn off.
NOTE:When filling warm tires, the tire pressure may need
to be increased up to an additional 4 psi (28 kPa)
above the recommended cold placard pressure in
order to turn the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Warning Light off.
The vehicle may need to be driven for up to
20 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h) in order for
the TPMS to receive this information.
Service TPMS Warning

When a system fault is detected, the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System Warning Light will flash on and
off for 75 seconds and then remain on solid. The
system fault will also sound a chime. In addition, the
instrument cluster will display a "SERVICE TPM
SYSTEM" message for a minimum of five seconds
and then display dashes (--) in place of the pressure
value to indicate which sensor is not being received.

If the ignition key is cycled, this sequence will
repeat, providing the system fault still exists. If the
system fault no longer exists, the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System Warning Light will no longer
flash, and the “SERVICE TPM SYSTEM” message
will no longer display, and a pressure value will
display in place of the dashes. A system fault can
occur due to any of the following:
Jamming due to electronic devices or driving
next to facilities emitting the same radio
frequencies as the TPMS sensors
Installing some form of aftermarket window
tinting that affects radio wave signals
Lots of snow or ice around the wheels or wheel
housings
Using tire chains on the vehicle
Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPMS
sensors
Vehicles With Compact Spare Or Non-Matching
Full Size Spare

1. The compact spare tire or non-matching full size does not have a Tire Pressure Monitoring
System sensor. Therefore, the TPMS will not
monitor the pressure in the compact or
non-matching full size spare tire.

2. If you install the compact or non-matching full size spare tire in place of a road tire that has a
pressure below the low-pressure warning limit,
upon the next ignition key cycle, the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light will
remain on and a chime will sound. In addition,
the graphic in the instrument cluster will still
display a different color or highlighted pressure
value and the “Inflate to XX” message.

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204SAFETY
3. After driving the vehicle for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h), the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System Warning Light will flash on
and off for 75 seconds and then remain on
solid. In addition, the instrument cluster will
display a “SERVICE TPM SYSTEM” message for
five seconds and then display dashes (--) in
place of the pressure value.
4. For each subsequent ignition key cycle, a chime will sound, the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System Warning Light will flash on and off for
75 seconds and then remain on solid, and the
instrument cluster will display a “SERVICE TPM
SYSTEM” message for five seconds and then
display dashes (--) in place of the pressure
value.
5. Once you repair or replace the original road tire and reinstall it on the vehicle in place of the
compact spare or non-matching full size, the
TPMS will update automatically. In addition,
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning
Light will turn off and the graphic in the
instrument cluster will display a new pressure
value instead of dashes (--), as long as no tire
pressure is below the low-pressure warning
limit in any of the four active road tires.
The vehicle may need to be driven for up to
20 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h) in order
for the TPMS to receive this information.
TPMS Deactivation — If Equipped
The TPMS can be deactivated if replacing all four
wheel and tire assemblies (road tires) with wheel
and tire assemblies that do not have TPMS
sensors, such as when installing winter wheel and
tire assemblies on your vehicle.
To deactivate the TPMS, first replace all four wheel
and tire assemblies (road tires) with tires not
equipped with Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) sensors. Then, drive the vehicle for
20 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h). The TPMS
will chime, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Warning Light will flash on and off for 75 seconds
and then remain on. The instrument cluster will
display the “SERVICE TPM SYSTEM” message and
then display dashes (--) in place of the pressure
values.
Beginning with the next ignition cycle, the TPMS
will no longer chime or display the “SERVICE TPM
SYSTEM” message in the instrument cluster but
dashes (--) will remain in place of the pressure
values.
To reactivate the TPMS, replace all four wheel and
tire assemblies (road tires) with tires equipped with
TPMS sensors. Then, drive the vehicle for up to
20 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h). The TPMS
will chime, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Warning Light will flash on and off for 75 seconds and then turn off. The instrument cluster will
display the “SERVICE TPM SYSTEM” message and
then display pressure values in place of the
dashes. On the next ignition cycle the "SERVICE
TPM SYSTEM" message will no longer be displayed
as long as no system fault exists.
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
Some of the most important safety features in your
vehicle are the restraint systems:
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
F
EATURES
Seat Belt Systems
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Air Bags
Child Restraints
Some of the safety features described in this
section may be standard equipment on some
models, or may be optional equipment on others.
If you are not sure, ask an authorized dealer.
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Please pay close attention to the information in
this section. It tells you how to use your restraint
system properly, to keep you and your passengers
as safe as possible.

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SAFETY213
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
(SRS)
Some of the safety features described in this
section may be standard equipment on some
models, or may be optional equipment on others.
If you are not sure, ask an authorized dealer.
The air bag system must be ready to protect you in
a collision. The Occupant Restraint Controller
(ORC) monitors the internal circuits and
interconnecting wiring associated with the
electrical Air Bag System Components. Your vehicle may be equipped with the following Air
Bag System Components:
Air Bag System Components
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
Air Bag Warning Light
Steering Wheel and Column
Instrument Panel
Knee Impact Bolsters
Driver and Front Passenger Air Bags
Seat Belt Buckle Switch
Supplemental Side Air Bags
Supplemental Knee Air Bags
Front and Side Impact Sensors
Seat Belt Pretensioners
Seat Track Position Sensors
Occupant Classification System
Air Bag Warning Light
The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
monitors the readiness of the electronic
parts of the air bag system whenever the
ignition switch is in the START or ON/RUN
position. If the ignition switch is in the OFF position,
the air bag system is not on and the air bags will
not inflate. The ORC contains a backup power supply system
that may deploy the air bag system even if the
battery loses power or it becomes disconnected
prior to deployment.
The ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning Light in the
instrument panel for approximately four to eight
seconds for a self-check when the ignition switch is
first in the ON/RUN position. After the self-check,
the Air Bag Warning Light will turn off. If the ORC
detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it
turns on the Air Bag Warning Light, either
momentarily or continuously. A single chime will
sound to alert you if the light comes on again after
initial startup.
The ORC also includes diagnostics that will
illuminate the instrument panel Air Bag Warning
Light if a malfunction is detected that could affect
the air bag system. The diagnostics also record the
nature of the malfunction. While the air bag system
is designed to be maintenance free, if any of the
following occurs, have an authorized dealer
service the air bag system immediately.The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on
during the four to eight seconds when the igni
-
tion switch is first in the ON/RUN position.
The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after the
four to eight-second interval.
The Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermit -
tently or remains on while driving.
WARNING!
The seat belt assembly must be replaced if the
switchable Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)
feature or any other seat belt function is not
working properly when checked according to
the procedures in the Service Manual.
Failure to replace the seat belt assembly
could increase the risk of injury in collisions.
Do not use the Automatic Locking Mode to
restrain occupants who are wearing the seat
belt or children who are using booster seats.
The locked mode is only used to install
rear-facing or forward-facing child restraints
that have a harness for restraining the child.
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