traction control JEEP COMPASS 2008 1.G Owners Manual

²Cruise control status
²Traction/stability control status
²Tire pressure monitoring system status
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up at all
times Ð babies and children, too. Every state in the
United States and all Canadian provinces require that
small children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the
law, and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
Children 12 years and under should ride properly buck-
led up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash
statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seats, rather than in the front.
WARNING!
In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny baby,
can become a missile inside the vehicle. The force
required to hold even an infant on your lap could
become so great that you could not hold the child, no
matter how strong you are. The child and others
could be badly injured. Any child riding in your
vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the child's
size.
Infants And Small Children
There are different sizes and types of restraints for
children from newborn size to the child almost large
enough for an adult safety belt. Always check the child
seat owner's manual to ensure you have the correct seat
for your child. Use the restraint that is correct for your
child:
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 57
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NIntermittent Wiper System...............122
NAdding Washer Fluid..................122
mTilt Steering Column....................122
mElectronic Speed Control Ð If Equipped......123
NTo Activate..........................123
NTo Set At A Desired Speed...............124
NTo Deactivate........................124
NTo Resume Speed.....................124
NTo Vary The Speed Setting...............124
NManual Transaxle.....................125
NTo Accelerate For Passing...............125
mAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ± If Equipped . . . 126mElectronic Brake Control System ±
ABS/TCS/BAS/ERM/ESP................127
NAnti-Lock Brake System ± (ABS)...........127
NTraction Control System (TCS)............127
NBrake Assist System (BAS)...............128
NElectronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)..........129
NESP (Electronic Stability Program).........130
mGarage Door Opener Ð If Equipped.........134
NProgramming HomeLinkt...............135
NGate Operator/Canadian Programming.....138
NUsing HomeLinkt.....................139
NReprogramming a Single HomeLinktButton . . 139
NSecurity............................139
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 71
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Using Speed Control On Hills
NOTE:The speed 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 speed control.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) ± IF
EQUIPPED
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system controls
hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lockup and
help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
NOTE:ABS improves steering control of the vehicle
during hard braking maneuvers.
WARNING!
²Anti-lock system (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.
²The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
²The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.
126 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM ±
ABS/TCS/BAS/ERM/ESP
Your vehicle may be equipped with an optional ad-
vanced electronic brake control system that includes
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Traction Control System
(TCS), Brake Assist System ( BAS), Electronic Roll Miti-
gation (ERM) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). All
systems work together to enhance vehicle stability and
control in various driving conditions and are commonly
referred to as ESP.
Anti-Lock Brake System ± (ABS)
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system controls
hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lock-up and
help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
Refer to ªAnti-Lock Brake Systemº in this Section of the
manual for more information about ABS.
Traction Control System (TCS)
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake
pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and engine
power is reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and
stability. A feature of the TCS system functions similar to
a limited slip differential and controls the wheel spin
across a driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is
spinning faster than the other, the system will apply the
brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more engine
torque to be applied to the wheel that is not spinning.
This feature remains active even if TCS and ESP are in
either the ªPartial Offº or ªESP Offº modes. Refer to
ªElectronic Stability Program (ESP)º in this Section of this
manual.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 127
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ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESP cor-
rects for over/under steering of the vehicle by applying
the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counter-
acting the over/under steer condition. Engine power
may also be reduced to help the vehicle maintain the
desired path. ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine
the vehicle path intended by the driver and compares it
to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual path
does not match the intended path, ESP applies the brake
of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting the
oversteer or understeer condition
²Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
²Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
ESP/TCS Indicator Light
The ªESP/TCS Indicator Lightº located in the instrument
cluster, starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and
the ESP system becomes active. The ªESP/TCS Indicator
Lightº also flashes when TCS is active. If the ªESP/TCS
Indicator Lightº begins to flash during acceleration, ease
up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as
possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions.
130 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
²Electronic Stability Program (ESP) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions.
²ESP cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, driving on
very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning. Only a
safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent
accidents.
²The capabilities of an ESP-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.
ESP 2WD Operating Modes
All 2WD vehicles can choose the following ESP operating
modes:
ESP ON
This is the normal operating mode for ESP. Whenever the
vehicle is started the ESP system will be in this mode.
This mode should be used for almost all driving situa-
tions. ESP should only be turned to ªPartial Offº or ªESP
Offº for specific reasons as noted below.
PARTIAL ESP
This mode is entered by momentarily depressing the
ªESP Control Switchº. When in ªPartial Offº mode, the
TCS portion of ESP, except for the ªlimited slipº feature
described in the TCS section, has been disabled and the
ªESP/TCS Indicator Lightº will be illuminated. All other
stability features of ESP function normally, with the
exception of engine power reduction. This mode is
intended to be used if the vehicle is in deep snow, sand or
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 131
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gravel conditions and more wheel spin than ESP would
normally allow is required to gain traction.
To turn ESP on again, momentarily depress the ªESP
Control Switchº. This will restore the normal ªESP Onº
mode of operation.
WARNING!
In the Partial ESP mode, the engine torque reduction
and stability features are desensitized. Therefore, the
enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is
unavailable.
NOTE:To improve the vehicle's traction when driving
with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the ªPartial Offº
mode by pressing the ESP switch. Once the situation
requiring ESP to be switched to the ªPartial Offº mode isovercome, turn ESP back on by momentarily depressing
the ªESP Control Switchº. This may be done while the
vehicle is in motion.
ESP 4WD Operating Modes
In addition to ESP ON and Partial ESP (described above
in ªESP 2WD Operating Modesº), all 4WD equipped
vehicles can also choose the following ESP operating
mode:
ESP OFF
This mode is intended for off-highway or off-road use
when ESP stability features could inhibit vehicle maneu-
verability due to trail conditions. This mode is entered by
depressing and holding the ªESP Control Switchº for 5
seconds when the vehicle is stopped and the engine is
running. After 5 seconds, the ªESP/TCS Indicator Lightº
will illuminate and the ªESP Offº message will appear in
the odometer. Press and release the trip odometer button
located on the instrument cluster to clear this message.
132 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
If the Malfunction Indicator Light flashes when the
engine is running, serious conditions may exist that
could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic
converter damage. The vehicle should be serviced as
soon as possible if this occurs.
NOTE:If this indicator comes on, it will brighten to
FULL DAYTIME INTENSITY and will not be dimmable.
26. Front Fog Light Indicator Light Ð If Equipped
This light shows when the front fog lights are ON.27. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator
Light/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light Ð
If Equipped
If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, apply as little throttle as possible. While
driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road con-
ditions, and do not switch off the ESP, or TCS Ð if
equipped.
28. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator Light
The malfunction lamp for the ESP is combined
with BAS. The yellow ªESP/BAS Warning
Lampº comes on when the ignition switch is
turned to the ªONº position. They should go
out with the engine running. If the ªESP/BAS Warning
Lampº comes on continuously with the engine running,
a malfunction has been detected in either the ESP or the
BAS system. If this light remains on after several ignition
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 169
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FOUR WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION Ð IF
EQUIPPED
This feature provides full time, on-demand, Four Wheel
Drive (4WD).
Where one or more wheels have wheel spin or if addi-
tional traction is needed in sand, deep snow, or loosetraction surfaces, activate the 4WD LOCK switch by
pulling up once and releasing. This locks the center
coupling allowing more torque to be sent to the rear
wheels. The amber94WD Indicator Lightº will come on
in the cluster. This can be done on the fly, at any vehicle
speed. To deactivate, simply pull on the switch one more
time. The94WD Indicator Lightº will then go out.
NOTE:Refer to ºESP (Electronic Stability Program) in
the ªElectronic Brake Control Systemº section of this
manual for additional information.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the front wheels to pull errati-
cally to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when
there is a difference in the surface traction under the front
(driving) wheels.
Four Wheel Drive Switch
238 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the
front wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle
and possibly have an accident. Accelerate slowly and
carefully whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should
be observed:1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a sudden
stop.DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Driving through water more than a few inches deep will
require extra caution to ensure safety and prevent dam-
age to your vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 239
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