2023 JEEP COMPASS brake

156STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
TRAILER AND TONGUE WEIGHT
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight
stamped on your trailer hitch.
Weight Distribution

Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the front/rear axles of the vehicle:
The trailer tongue weight of the trailer.
The weight of any other type of cargo or equip -
ment put in or on your vehicle.
The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE:Remember that everything put into or on the trailer
adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options, or authorized
dealer-installed options, must be considered as
part of the total load on your vehicle. Refer to the
tire loading information placard located on the
driver’s door pillar for the maximum combined
weight of occupants and cargo for your vehicle.
TOWING REQUIREMENTS
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle
drivetrain components, the following guidelines
are recommended. Perform the maintenance listed in Scheduled
Servicing and the proper maintenance intervals
Ú
page 267. When towing a trailer, never exceed
the GAWR or GCWR ratings.
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.
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.
WARNING!
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, transmis -
sion, steering, suspension, chassis structure
or tires.
Safety chains must always be used between
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.

22_MP_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 156

STARTING AND OPERATING157
Towing Requirements — Tires
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire.
Do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h) when
towing while using a full size spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to
the safe and satisfactory operation of your
vehicle.
Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire
damage before towing a trailer.
Replacing tires with a higher load carrying
capacity will not increase the vehicle's GVWR
and GAWR limits.
For further information Úpage 298.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system
or vacuum system of your vehicle with that of
the trailer. This could cause inadequate braking
and possible personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake
controller is required when towing a trailer with
electronically actuated brakes. When towing a
trailer equipped with a hydraulic surge actuated
brake system, an electronic brake controller is
not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers
over 1,000 lb (453 kg) and required for trailers
in excess of 2,000 lb (907 kg).
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 exceeded :
GVWR
GTW
GAWR
Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch
utilized.
WARNING!
4

22_MP_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 157

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

160STARTING AND OPERATING
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE
NOTE:
When towing your vehicle, always follow appli -
cable state and provincial laws. Contact state
and provincial Highway Safety offices for addi -
tional details.
You must ensure that the Auto Park Brake
feature is disabled before towing this vehicle, to
avoid inadvertent Electric Park Brake engage -
ment. The Auto Park Brake feature is enabled or
disabled via the Customer Programmable
Features in the Uconnect Settings.
RECREATIONAL TOWING —
F
RONT-WHEEL DRIVE (FWD) MODELS
Recreational towing is allowed ONLY if the front
wheels are OFF the ground. This may be
accomplished using a tow dolly (front wheels off
the ground) or vehicle trailer (all four wheels off the
ground). If using a tow dolly, follow this procedure:

1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer's
instructions.

2. Drive the front wheels onto the tow dolly. 3. Apply the Electric Park Brake (EPB). Place the
transmission in PARK (P). Turn the engine off.
4. Properly secure the front wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer's instructions.
5. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position, but do not start the engine.
6. Press and hold the brake pedal.
7. Release the EPB.
8. Turn the ignition OFF, remove the key fob, and release the brake pedal.
TOWING CONDITION WHEELS OFF THE GROUND FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE (FWD) FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD)
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWEDNOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow REAR
NOT ALLOWEDNOT ALLOWED
FRONT OKNOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLBEST METHODOK

22_MP_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 160

STARTING AND OPERATING161
RECREATIONAL TOWING — 4X4
M
ODELS
Recreational towing (with all four wheels on the
ground, or using a towing dolly) is NOT ALLOWED.
This vehicle may be towed on flatbed or vehicle
trailer provided all four wheels are OFF the ground.
DRIVING TIPS
ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a
narrower track to make them capable of
performing in a wide variety of off-road
applications. Specific design characteristics give
them a higher center of gravity than conventional
passenger cars.
An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a
better view of the road, allowing you to anticipate
problems. They are not designed for cornering at
the same speeds as conventional passenger cars
any more than low-slung sports cars are designed
to perform satisfactorily in off-road conditions.
Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers. As with
other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this
vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or
vehicle rollover.
OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
When To Use 4WD LOW Range
When off-road driving, shift to 4WD LOW for
additional traction and control on slippery or
difficult terrain, ascending or descending steep
hills, and to increase low-speed pulling power
Ú page 112. This range should be limited to extreme situations such as deep snow, mud, or
sand where additional low speed pulling power is
needed. Vehicle speeds in excess of 25 mph
(40 km/h) should be avoided when in 4WD LOW
range.
Driving Through Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
water, there are a number of precautions that
must be considered before entering the water:
Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to
ensure safety and prevent damage to your vehicle.
If you must drive through water, try to determine
the depth and the bottom condition (and location
of any obstacles) prior to entering. Proceed with
caution and maintain a steady controlled speed
less than 5 mph (8 km/h) in deep water to
minimize wave effects.
CAUTION!
Towing with the front wheels on the ground
will cause severe transmission damage.
Damage from improper towing is not covered
under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Ensure that the Electric Park Brake is
released, and remains released, while being
towed.
Do not use a bumper mounted clamp-on tow
bar on your vehicle. The fascia/bumper face
will be damaged.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle with ANY of its wheels on the
ground can cause severe transmission and/or
power transfer unit damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
When driving through water, do not exceed
5 mph (8 km/h). Always check water depth
before entering as a precaution, and check all
fluids afterward. Driving through water may
cause damage that may not be covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
4

22_MP_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 161

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

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.
4

22_MP_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 163