2023 JEEP COMPASS brake light

114STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:
ROCK mode is only available on the vehicles
equipped with the Off-Road package.
Activate the Hill Descent Control for steep down -
hill control Ú page 188.
POWER STEERING
The electric power steering system will provide
increased vehicle response and ease of
maneuverability. The electric power steering
system adapts to different driving conditions.
If the “SERVICE POWER STEERING” or “POWER
STEERING ASSIST OFF - SERVICE SYSTEM”
message and a steering wheel icon are displayed
on the instrument cluster display, it indicates that
the vehicle needs to be taken to an authorized
dealer for service. It is likely the vehicle has lost
power steering assistance Ú page 77.If the “POWER STEERING SYSTEM HOT -
PERFORMANCE MAY BE LIMITED” message and an
icon are displayed on the instrument cluster
display, it indicates that extreme steering
maneuvers may have occurred, which caused an
over temperature condition in the electric power
steering system. You will lose power steering
assistance momentarily until the over temperature
condition no longer exists. Once driving conditions
are safe, pull over and let the vehicle idle for a few
moments until the light turns off Ú
page 77.
NOTE:
Even if the power steering system is no longer
operational, it is still possible to steer the
vehicle. Under these conditions there will be a
substantial increase in steering effort, espe -
cially at low speeds and during parking maneu -
vers.
If the condition persists, see an authorized
dealer for service.
STOP/START SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Stop/Start function is developed to reduce
fuel consumption. The system will stop the engine
automatically during a vehicle stop if the required
conditions are met. Releasing the brake pedal or
pressing the accelerator pedal will automatically
restart the engine. This vehicle has been upgraded with a heavy-duty
starter, enhanced battery, and other upgraded
engine parts, to handle the additional engine
starts.
AUTOSTOP MODE
The Stop/Start feature is enabled after every
normal customer engine start. At that time, the
system will go into STOP/START READY.
To Activate The Autostop Mode, The Following
Must Occur:
The system must be in STOP/START READY
state. A “STOP/START READY” message will be
displayed in the instrument cluster display
within the Stop/Start section Ú
page 77.
The vehicle must be completely stopped.
The gear selector must be in a forward gear and
the brake pedal pressed.
The engine will shut down, the tachometer will
move to the zero position, and the Stop/Start
telltale will illuminate indicating you are in
Autostop. Customer settings will be maintained
upon return to an engine-running condition.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could
pose a safety risk to yourself and others. Service
should be obtained as soon as possible.

22_MP_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 114

118STARTING AND OPERATING
Metric Speed (km/h)
Pushing the SET (+) , or SET (-) button once will
result in a 1 km/h speed adjustment. Each
subsequent tap of the button results in an
adjustment of 1 km/h.
If the button is continually pushed, the set
speed will continue to adjust until the button is
released, then the new set speed will be estab -
lished.
To Accelerate For Passing
While the Cruise Control is set, press the
accelerator to pass as you would normally. When
the pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the
set speed.
USING CRUISE CONTROL ON HILLS
The transmission may downshift on hills to
maintain the vehicle set speed.
The Cruise Control system maintains speed up and
down hills. A slight speed change on moderate hills
is normal. On steep hills, a greater speed loss or
gain may occur so it may be preferable to drive
without Cruise Control.
To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, push the RES
button and release. Resume can be used at any
speed above 20 mph (32 km/h).
To Deactivate
A tap on the brake pedal, or pushing the CANC
button, or normal brake pressure will deactivate
the Cruise Control system without erasing the set
speed from memory.
The following conditions will also deactivate the
Cruise Control without erasing the set speed from
memory:
Vehicle parking brake is applied
Stability event occurs
Gear selector is moved out of DRIVE
Engine overspeed occurs
Pushing the on/off button or placing the ignition in
the OFF position, will erase the set speed from
memory.
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) increases the driving
convenience provided by Cruise Control while
traveling on highways and major roadways.
However, it is not a safety system and not designed
to prevent collisions. The Cruise Control function
performs differently if your vehicle is not equipped
with ACC Ú page 117.
ACC will allow you to keep Cruise Control engaged
in light to moderate traffic conditions without the
constant need to reset your speed. ACC utilizes a
radar sensor and a forward facing camera
designed to detect a vehicle directly ahead of you
to maintain a set speed.
NOTE:
If the ACC sensor detects a vehicle ahead, ACC
will apply limited braking or accelerate (not to
exceed the original set speed) automatically to
maintain a preset following distance, while
matching the speed of the vehicle ahead.
Any chassis/suspension or tire size modifica -
tions to the vehicle will affect the performance
of the Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Colli -
sion Warning system.
Fixed Speed Cruise Control (ACC not enabled)
will not detect vehicles directly ahead of you.
Always be aware of the feature selected
Ú page 328.
WARNING!

Cruise Control can be dangerous where the
system cannot maintain a constant speed. Your
vehicle could go too fast for the conditions, and
you could lose control and have an accident. Do
not use Cruise Control in heavy traffic or on roads
that are winding, icy, snow-covered or slippery.

22_MP_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 118

122STARTING AND OPERATING
To Resume
If there is a set speed in memory, push the RES
(resume) button and remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. The instrument cluster display
will show the last set speed.
Resume can be used at any speed above 20 mph
(32 km/h) when only Fixed Speed Cruise Control is
being used.
Resume can be used at any speed above 0 mph
(0 km/h) when ACC is active.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is at standstill longer than two
seconds, the driver will either have to push the
RES (resume) button, or apply the accelerator
pedal to reengage the Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) to the existing set speed
ACC cannot be resumed if there is a stationary
vehicle in front of your vehicle in close proximity.
To Vary The Speed Setting
To Increase Or Decrease The Set Speed
After setting a speed, you can increase the set
speed by pushing the SET (+) button, or decrease
speed by pushing the SET (-) button.
U.S. Speed (mph)
Pushing the SET (+) , or SET (-) button once will
result in a 1 mph speed adjustment. Each
subsequent tap of the button results in an
adjustment of 1 mph.
If the button is continually pushed, the set
speed will continue to adjust in 5 mph incre -
ments until the button is released. The new set
speed is reflected in the instrument cluster
display.
Metric Speed (km/h)
Pushing the SET (+) , or SET (-) button once will
result in a 1 km/h speed adjustment. Each
subsequent tap of the button results in an
adjustment of 1 km/h.
If the button is continually pushed, the set
speed will continue to adjust in 10 km/h incre -
ments until the button is released. The new set
speed is reflected in the instrument cluster
display.
NOTE:When you override and push the SET (+) button or
SET (-) button, the new set speed will be the current
speed of the vehicle.
When ACC Is Active
When you use the SET (-) button to decelerate, if
the engine’s braking power does not slow the
vehicle sufficiently to reach the set speed, the
brake system will automatically slow the
vehicle.
The ACC system decelerates the vehicle to a full
stop when following the vehicle in front. If your
vehicle follows the vehicle in front to a standstill,
after two seconds the driver will either have to
push the RES (resume) button, or apply the
accelerator pedal to reengage the ACC to the
existing set speed.
The ACC system maintains set speed when
driving uphill and downhill. However, a slight
speed change on moderate hills is normal. In
addition, downshifting may occur while climbing
uphill or descending downhill. This is normal
operation and necessary to maintain set speed.
When driving uphill and downhill, the ACC
system will cancel if the braking temperature
exceeds normal range (overheated).
WARNING!
The Resume function should only be used if
traffic and road conditions permit. Resuming a
set speed that is too high or too low for
prevailing traffic and road conditions could
cause the vehicle to accelerate or decelerate too
sharply for safe operation. Failure to follow these
warnings can result in a collision and death or
serious personal injury.

22_MP_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 122

STARTING AND OPERATING123
Setting The Following Distance In ACC
The specified following distance for ACC can be set
by varying the distance setting between four bars
(longest), three bars (long), two bars (medium) and
one bar (short). Using this distance setting and the
vehicle speed, ACC calculates and sets the
distance to the vehicle ahead. This distance
setting will show in the instrument cluster display.

Distance Settings

To increase the distance setting, push the
Distance Increase button and release. Each time
the button is pushed, the distance setting
increases by one bar (longer). To decrease the distance setting, push the
Distance Decrease button and release. Each time
the button is pushed, the distance setting
decreases by one bar (shorter).
If a slower moving vehicle is detected in the same
lane, the instrument cluster display will show the
ACC Set With Target Detected Light. The system
will then adjust vehicle speed automatically to
maintain the distance setting, regardless of the set
speed.
The vehicle will then maintain the set distance
until:
The vehicle ahead accelerates to a speed above
the set speed.
The vehicle ahead moves out of your lane or
view of the sensor.
The distance setting is changed.
The system disengages Ú
page 120.
The maximum braking applied by ACC is limited;
however, the driver can always apply the brakes
manually, if necessary.
NOTE:The brake lights will illuminate whenever the ACC
system applies the brakes.
A Proximity Warning will alert the driver if ACC
predicts that its maximum braking level is not
sufficient to maintain the set distance. If this
occurs, a visual alert “BRAKE!” will flash in the instrument cluster display and a chime will sound
while ACC continues to apply its maximum braking
force.
NOTE:The “BRAKE!” screen in the instrument cluster
display is a warning for the driver to take action
and does not necessarily mean that the Forward
Collision Warning system is applying the brakes
autonomously.
Overtake Aid
When driving with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
engaged and following a vehicle, the system will
provide an additional acceleration up to the ACC
set speed to assist in passing the vehicle. This
additional acceleration is triggered when the driver
utilizes the left turn signal and will only be active
when passing on the left hand side.
ACC Operation At Stop
In the event that the ACC system brings your
vehicle to a standstill while following a vehicle in
front, if the vehicle in front starts moving within two
seconds of your vehicle coming to a standstill, your
vehicle will resume motion without the need for
any driver action.
If the vehicle in front does not start moving within
two seconds of your vehicle coming to a standstill,
the driver will either have to push the RES (resume)
button, or apply the accelerator pedal to reengage
the ACC to the existing set speed.
1 — Longest Distance Setting (Four Bars)
2 — Medium Distance Setting (Two Bars)
3 — Long Distance Setting (Three Bars)
4 — Short Distance Setting (One Bar)
4

22_MP_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 123

STARTING AND OPERATING131
NOTE:For the system to detect the driver’s hands on the
steering wheel, the wheel must be gripped on the
outside. Gripping the inside areas of the steering
wheel will not satisfy the hands-on condition to
engage the system.

Do Not Grip Inside Of Steering Wheel

System Deactivation
The system will be deactivated in any of the
following situations:
If the system has detected driver inattentive -
ness, and has gone through all escalation warn -
ings after hands are no longer detected on the
steering wheel
If lane markings are no longer detected
If the brake pedal is pressed or ACC system is
deactivated
If a turn signal is used (unless a target is in the
blind spot zone on the same side the turn signal
is being applied)
If the driver applies enough input to the steering
wheel
If the driver’s seat belt is released

If the vehicle speed exceeds 90 mph (145 km/h)

If the Highway Assist on/off button is pushed
again (HAS will turn off)
If the Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system
becomes active and is providing warnings/
braking
NOTE:
HAS will not enable if the system detects a
trailer is connected to the vehicle.
Pushing the Highway Assist on/off button will
turn the system off. All other deactivation condi -
tions will place the system back into the enabled
state with the steering wheel indicator displayed
in white until all engagement conditions are met
again.
When the system is deactivated, the system
status indicator lights will turn off, Active Lane
Management will return to its previous state,
and ACC will disable.
INDICATIONS ON THE DISPLAY
The Highway Assist system status can always be
viewed in the instrument cluster display, and
status changes are shown by changes in color of
the system’s indicator lights.
As the system detects driver inattentiveness as
previously described Ú page 129, the system
status indicator lights will change from green, to
yellow, to red, while the steering wheel icon on the
display moves up the screen to the center. The
following indicators will change in color as
warnings to the driver escalate:
Highway Assist Indicator (steering wheel icon in
the instrument cluster display)
Glow effect of the instrument cluster display
If driver attention is not returned, the system will
deactivate.
Highway Assist Indicators Are Off
HAS is not turned on/enabled by the driver.
Highway Assist Indicators Are White
HAS is turned on/enabled by the driver, but the
system is not actively steering to the vehicle.
Highway Assist Indicators Are Green
System is actively steering the vehicle and the
system detects driver is attentive.
4

22_MP_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 131

158STARTING AND OPERATING
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 harness and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s wiring
harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the
vehicle but you must mate the harness to a trailer
connector. Refer to the following illustrations.
NOTE:
Disconnect trailer wiring connector from the
vehicle before launching a boat (or any other
device plugged into vehicle’s electrical connect)
into water.
Be sure to reconnect once clear from water
area.
Four-Pin Connector

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 an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing, you should allow for
additional space between your vehicle and the
vehicle in front of you. Failure to do so could
result in an accident.
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lb (453 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.
1 — Ground
2 — Park
3 — Left Stop/Turn
4 — Right Stop/Turn

22_MP_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 158

STARTING AND OPERATING159

Seven-Pin Connector

TOWING TIPS
Before towing, practice turning, stopping, and
backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
Select the DRIVE (D) range when towing. The
transmission controls include a drive strategy to
avoid frequent shifting when towing. For increased
engine braking on steep downhill grades, select
the LOW range.
Cruise Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the Cruise Control, if you experience
speed drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h),
disengage until you can get back to cruising
speed.
Use Cruise Control in flat terrain and with light
loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
1 — Backup Lamps
2 — Running Lamps
3 — Left Stop/Turn
4 — Ground
5 — Battery
6 — Right Stop/Turn
7 — Electric Brakes
4

22_MP_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 159

162STARTING AND OPERATING
Flowing Water
If the water is swift flowing and rising (as in storm
run-off) avoid crossing until the water level recedes
and/or the flow rate is reduced. If you must cross
flowing-water, avoid depths in excess of 9 inches
(22 cm). The flowing water can erode the
streambed causing your vehicle to sink into deeper
water. Determine exit point(s) that are downstream
of your entry point to allow for drifting.
Standing Water
Avoid driving in standing water deeper than
16 inches (40.5 cm), and reduce speed
appropriately to minimize wave effects. Maximum
speed in 16 inches (40.5 cm) of water is less than
5 mph (8 km/h).
(Trailhawk only): Avoid driving in standing water
deeper than 19 inches (48 cm), and reduce speed
appropriately to minimize wave effects. Maximum
speed in 19 inches (48 cm) of water is less than
5 mph (8 km/h).
Maintenance
After driving through deep water, inspect your
vehicle fluids and lubricants (engine, transmission,
Power Transfer Unit, and Rear Drive Module) to
ensure they have not been contaminated.
Contaminated fluids and lubricants (milky, foamy
in appearance) should be flushed/changed as
soon as possible to prevent component damage.
Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand
In heavy snow, when pulling a load, or for
additional control at slower speeds, shift the
transmission to a low gear and shift the 4WD
system to the appropriate terrain mode, using
4WD LOW if necessary Úpage 112. Do not shift to
a lower gear than necessary to maintain headway.
Over-revving the engine can spin the wheels and
traction will be lost.
Avoid abrupt downshifts on icy or slippery roads
because engine braking may cause skidding and
loss of control.
Hill Climbing
NOTE:Before attempting to climb a hill, determine the
conditions at the crest and/or on the other side.
Before climbing a steep hill, shift the transmission
to a lower gear and shift the 4WD System to 4WD
LOW. Use FIRST gear and 4WD LOW for very steep
hills.
NOTE:Brakes should be applied at increased slippage,
but before coming to a stop to avoid digging into
the loose surface and rendering the operator of the
vehicle stuck/immobile. 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 brakes. Once stopped,
shift to REVERSE. Back slowly down the hill
allowing the compression braking of the engine to
help regulate your speed. If the brakes are
required to control vehicle speed, apply them
lightly and avoid locking or skidding the tires.
NOTE:Remember, never drive diagonally across a hill -
drive straight up or down.
If the wheels start to slip as you approach the crest
of a hill, ease off the accelerator and maintain
headway by turning the front wheels slowly left and
right. This may provide a fresh “bite” into the
surface and may provide traction to complete the
climb.
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. Always
back straight down a hill in REVERSE gear
carefully. Never back down a hill in NEUTRAL
using only the brake.

22_MP_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 162