JEEP COMPASS 2010 1.G Owners Manual

•Most of the time, when in Automatic Operation, you
can temporarily put the system into Recirculation
Mode by pressing the Recirculation button. However,
under certain conditions, while in Automatic Mode,
the system is blowing air out the defrost vents. When
these conditions are present, and the Recirculation
button is pressed, the indicator will flash and then turn
off. This tells you that you are unable to go into
Recirculation Mode at this time. If you would like the
system to go into Recirculation Mode, you must first
move the Mode knob to Panel, Panel/Floor and then
press the Recirculation button. This feature reduces the
possibility of window fogging.
Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A solution of 50% ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant and 50% water is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation Mode during winter months is
not recommended because it may cause window fogging.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower settings. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
270 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem, increase blower speed.
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.
NOTE:Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods as fogging may occur.
Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is located at each end of
the instrument panel. These non-adjustable outlets direct
air toward the side windows when the system is in the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter — If Equipped
The A/C Filter prevents most dust and pollen from
entering the cabin. The filter acts on air coming from
outside the vehicle and recirculated air within the pas-
senger compartment. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for A/C Air Filter service
information or see your authorized dealer for service.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedules” for filter service
intervals.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 271

Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
272 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 277
▫ Manual Transaxle – If Equipped .......... 277
▫ Automatic Transaxle – If Equipped ........ 277
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 278
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below 20°F Or 29°C)............... 278
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 279
▫ After Starting ....................... 279
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 279
Manual Transaxle — If Equipped .......... 280
▫ Five–Speed Manual Transaxle ........... 280
▫ Recommended Shift Speeds ............. 281
▫ Downshifting ....................... 281
 Automatic Transaxle — If Equipped ........ 282
▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock System ...... 283
▫ Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock
System ............................ 283
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 284
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AutoStick — If Equipped ............... 285
▫ Operation ......................... 286
▫ General Information .................. 286
 Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped . . 287
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 288
▫ Acceleration ........................ 288
▫ Traction ........................... 288
 Driving Through Water ................. 289
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 289
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 289
 On-Road Driving Tips .................. 291
 Power Steering ....................... 291
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 293
Parking Brake ........................ 293
 Brake System ........................ 296
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 297
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 299
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 299
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 299
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 300
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ......... 301
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) – Manual Transaxle
Only ............................. 302
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ......... 303
 Tire Safety Information ................. 308
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 308
274 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 311
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 312
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 313
 Tires — General Information ............. 317
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 317
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 318
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 319
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... 320
▫ Compact Spare Tire – If Equipped ........ 320
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 321
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 322
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 323
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 323 
Tire Chains .......................... 324
 Snow Tires .......................... 325
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 325
 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ..... 326
▫ Base System ........................ 329
▫ Premium System – If Equipped .......... 331
▫ General Information .................. 334
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 335
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 335
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 336
▫ E85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 336
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 337
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 337
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STARTING AND OPERATING 275

▫Fuel System Cautions ................. 338
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 339
 Adding Fuel ......................... 339
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 339
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 341
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 341
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 342
 Trailer Towing ........................ 344
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 344
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 346 ▫
Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) ........ 347
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 347
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 348
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 353
 Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 355
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground) ........................... 355
276 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
Manual Transaxle – If Equipped
Before starting the engine fully apply the parking brake,
press the clutch pedal to the floor, and place the shift
lever in NEUTRAL.NOTE:
•The engine will not start unless the clutch pedal is
pressed to the floor.
•If the key will not turn and the steering wheel is
locked, rotate the wheel in either direction to relieve
pressure on the locking mechanism and then turn the
key.
Automatic Transaxle – If Equipped
The shift lever must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting to any driving gear.
NOTE:
You must press the brake pedal before shifting
out of PARK.
Tip Start
NOTE: Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 277

Do notpress the accelerator. Turn the ignition switch to
the START position and release it as soon as the starter
engages. The starter motor will continue to run, and it
will disengage automatically when the engine is running.
If the engine fails to start, the starter will disengage
automatically in 10 seconds. If this occurs, turn the
ignition switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 sec-
onds, then repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
Normal Starting
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine does
not require pumping or pressing the accelerator pedal.
Simply turn the ignition switch to the START position
and release when the engine starts. If the engine fails to
start within 15 seconds, turn the ignition switch to the
OFF position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the
“Normal Starting” procedure.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
axle cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could
enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables
may be used to obtain a start from another vehicle.
This type of start can be dangerous if done improp-
erly, so follow the procedure carefully. Refer to
“Jump Starting” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for
further information.
Extreme Cold Weather (Below 20°F Or29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
278 STARTING AND OPERATING

If Engine Fails to Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” and “Extreme Cold Weather” proce-
dures, it may be flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all
the way to the floor and hold it there. Crank the engine
for no more than 15 seconds. This should clear any excess
fuel in case the engine is flooded. Leave the ignition key
in the ON position, release the accelerator pedal and
repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord
to a standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three-wire extension cord.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 279