four wheel drive JEEP COMPASS 2017 2.G Owners Manual

INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on selecting your new FCA US LLC ve-
hicle. Be assured that it represents precision workmanship,
distinctive styling, and high quality.
This is a specialized utility vehicle. It can go places and
perform tasks that conventional passenger cars are not
intended. It handles and maneuvers differently from many
passenger cars both on-road and off-road, so take time to
become familiar with your vehicle.
The two-wheel drive version of this vehicle was designed
for on-road use only. It is not intended for off-road driving
or use in other severe conditions suited for a four-wheel
drive vehicle.
Before you start to drive this vehicle, read the Owner’s
Manual. Be sure you are familiar with all vehicle controls,
particularly those used for braking, steering, transmission,
and transfer case shifting. Learn how your vehicle handles
on different road surfaces. Your driving skills will improve
with experience. When driving off-road or working the
vehicle, don’t overload the vehicle or expect the vehicle to
overcome the natural laws of physics. Always observe
federal, state, provincial and local laws wherever you
drive.As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this
vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or a collision.
Refer to “Driving Tips” in “Starting And Operating” for
further information.
This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint you
with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle. It is
supplemented by Warranty Information, and various
customer-oriented documents. Please take the time to read
these publications carefully. Following the instructions and
recommendations in this manual will help assure safe and
enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After reviewing the owner information, it should
be stored in the vehicle for convenient referencing and
remain with the vehicle when sold.
When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your Jeep® vehicle best, has factory-trained
technicians and genuine MOPAR® parts, and cares about
your satisfaction.
ROLLOVER WARNING
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate
than other types of vehicles. This vehicle has a higher
ground clearance and a higher center of gravity than many
4 INTRODUCTION

Low Fuel Warning Light
Yellow TelltaleLight What It Means
Low Fuel Indicator Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately 2.4 gal (9.1 L) this light will turn on, and remain on
until fuel is added.
4WD Low Indicator Light — If Equipped
Yellow Telltale
Light What It Means
4WD Low Indicator Light
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in the four-wheel drive LOW mode. The front and
rear driveshafts are mechanically locked together forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at
the same speed. Low range provides a greater gear reduction ratio to provide increased torque at
the wheels.
Refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information on four-wheel drive operation and proper use.
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in the
four-wheel drive LOW mode. The front and rear drive-
shafts are mechanically locked together forcing the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. Low range
provides a greater gear reduction ratio to provide increased
torque at the wheels. Refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped” in
“Starting And Operating” for further information on four-
wheel drive operation and proper use.
4
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 121

For vehicles not equipped with an instrument cluster
display, perform the following steps:
1. Center the steering wheel (front wheels pointingstraight forward).
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Start the engine.
5. Rotate the steering wheel slightly more than one-half turn to the left.
6. Push the “ESC Off” button located in the lower switch bank below the climate control four times within twenty
seconds. The “ESC Off Indicator Light” should turn on
and turn off two times.
7. Rotate the steering wheel back to center and then an additional slighty more than one-half turn to the right.
8. Turn the ignition to the OFF mode and then back to ON. If the sequence was completed properly, the “ESC Off
Indicator Light” will blink several times to confirm HSA
is disabled.
9. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to its previous setting.Traction Control System (TCS)
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, the TCS may
apply brake pressure to the spinning wheel(s) and/or
reduce engine power to provide enhanced acceleration and
stability. A feature of the TCS, Brake Limited Differential
(BLD), 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. BLD may remain enabled even if TCS
and ESC are in a reduced mode.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESC corrects
for oversteering or understeering of the vehicle by apply-
ing the brake of the appropriate wheel(s) to assist in
counteracting the oversteer or understeer condition. En-
gine power may also be reduced to help the vehicle
maintain the desired path.
ESC 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
134 SAFETY

ESC Operating Modes
The ESC system has three available operating modes for
four–wheel drive equipped vehicles and two available
operating modes for two–wheel drive equipped vehicles.
Full On (Four-Wheel Drive Models) Or On (Two-Wheel
Drive Models)
This is the normal operating mode for ESC. Whenever the
vehicle is started, the ESC system will be in this “On”
mode. This mode should be used for most driving situa-
tions. ESC should only be turned to “Partial Off” or “ESC
Off” for specific reasons as noted below.
Partial Off (Four-Wheel Drive Models) Or On (Two-
Wheel Drive Models)
This mode is entered by momentarily pushing the “ESC
Off” switch. When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS portion
of ESC, except for the “limited slip” feature described in
the TCS section, has been disabled, and theESC OFF
Indicator Light will be illuminated. All other stability
features of ESC function normally. This mode is intended
to be used if the vehicle is in deep snow, sand or gravel
conditions, and more wheel spin than ESC would normally
allow is required to gain traction. To turn ESC on again, momentarily push the “ESC Off”
switch. This will restore the normal “ESC On” mode of
operation.
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 “Partial Off”
mode by pushing the “ESC Off” switch. Once the situation
requiring ESC to be switched to the “Partial Off” mode is
overcome, turn ESC back on by momentarily pushing the
“ESC Off” switch. This may be done while the vehicle is in
motion.
WARNING!
When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS functionality 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 of TCS is
disabled, and the enhanced vehicle stability offered by
the ESC system is reduced. Trailer Sway control (TSC)
(if equipped) is disabled when the ESC system is in the
Partial Off mode.
136 SAFETY

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 maneu-
verability due to trail conditions. This mode is entered by
pushing and holding the “ESC Off” switch for five seconds
when the vehicle is stopped and the engine is running.
After five seconds, theESC OFF Indicator Light will
illuminate and the “ESC OFF” message will appear in the
odometer. Push and release the Trip Odometer button
located on the instrument cluster to clear this message.
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 35 mph (56 km/h). At 35 mph
(56 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
35 mph (56 km/h). The ESC OFF Indicator Light will
always be illuminated when ESC is off.
To turn ESC on again, momentarily push the “ESC Off”
switch. This will restore the “ESC On” mode of operation. NOTE:
The “ESC OFF” message will display and an
audible chime will sound when the gear selector is placed
into the PARK position from any other position, and then
moved out of the PARK position. This will occur even if the
message was previously cleared.
WARNING!
In the Full Off mode, the engine torque reduction and
stability features are disabled. In an emergency evasive
maneuver, the ESC system will not engage to assist in
maintaining stability. “ESC Off” mode is intended for
off-highway or off-road use only.
ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light and ESC
OFF Indicator Light
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” in the instrument cluster will come on
when the ignition is turned to the ON mode. It
should go out with the engine running. If the
“ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” comes on
continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has
been detected in the ESC system. If this light remains on
after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been
driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than
5
SAFETY 137

•Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-
inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.
• The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure using an accurate tire gauge, even if
under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale
Light.
• Seasonal temperature changes will affect tire pressure,
and the TPMS will monitor the actual tire pressure in the
tire.
Base System
This is the TPMS warning indicator located in the
instrument cluster.
The 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 regularly and to
maintain the proper pressure.
The TPMS consists of the following components:
• Receiver Module.
• Four Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light.
Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure Warnings
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will illuminate
in the instrument cluster, a LOW TIRE message will be
displayed for a minimum of five seconds, and an audible
chime will be activated when one or more of the four active
road tire pressures are low. Should this occur, you should
stop as soon as possible, check the inflation pressure of
each tire on your vehicle, and inflate each tire to the
vehicle’s recommended cold placard pressure value. The
system will automatically update and the Tire Pressure
Monitoring Light will extinguish and the LOW TIRE
message will turn off once the updated tire pressures have
been received.
142 SAFETY

tire, the TPMS will update automatically and the Tire
Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will turn OFF, 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 10 minutes above 15 mph
(24 km/h) in order for the TPMS to receive this infor-
mation.
Premium System — If Equipped
The 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 your tires regularly and to maintain the
proper pressure.
The TPMS consists of the following components:
• Receiver Module
• Four Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors
• Three Trigger Modules (mounted in three of the four
wheel wells)
• Various Tire Pressure Monitoring System Messages,
which display in the instrument cluster •
Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure Warnings
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will illuminate
in the instrument cluster and an audible chime will be
activated when one or more of the four active road tire
pressures are low. The audible chime will sound once every
ignition cycle for the first condition that it detects. In
addition, the instrument cluster will display a “LOW
TIRE” text message for a minimum of five seconds and a
graphic of the pressure value(s) with the low tire(s) flash-
ing.
Tire Pressure Monitoring Display
144 SAFETY

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES .................197
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped ........197
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped ......197
▫ Normal Starting ........................198
▫ Extreme Cold Weather (Below –22°F Or 30°C) .198
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ..................198
▫ After Starting ..........................199
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . . .199
 ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS . . . .199
 PARKING BRAKE .......................200
 MANUAL TRANSMISSION .................202
▫ Five-Speed Manual Transmission ............202
▫ Recommended Shift Speeds ...............203
▫ Downshifting ........................ .204
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED .204
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ................205
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . .205
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission — If
Equipped ............................205
▫ Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission
(CVT) — If Equipped ....................211
 FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF
EQUIPPED ............................214
 POWER STEERING ..................... .215
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ...............215
 ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL — IF
EQUIPPED ............................216
▫ To Activate .......................... .217
▫ To Set A Desired Speed ...................217
6

CAUTION!(Continued)
Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and “Towing A
Disabled Vehicle” in “In Case Of Emergency” for
further information.
DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the best fuel economy. The DRIVE
position provides optimum driving characteristics under
all normal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as when
operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, in
hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or while
towing a heavy trailer), use the AutoStick shift control
(refer to “AutoStick (CVT)” in this section for further
information) to select a lower gear ratio. Under these
conditions, using a lower gear ratio will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat buildup. During sustained high speed driving or trailer
towing up long grades on hot days, the auto-
matic transmission oil may become too hot. If
this happens, the transmission overheat indicator light will come on, and the vehicle will slow slightly until
the transmission cools down enough to allow a return to
the requested speed. This is done to prevent transmission
damage due to overheating. If the high speed is main-
tained, the overheating may reoccur, as before, in a cyclic
fashion.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED
This feature provides full time, on-demand, four–wheel
drive (4WD).
Where one or more wheels have wheel spin or if additional
traction is needed in sand, deep snow, or loose traction
Four-Wheel Drive Switch
214 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
•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, transmission, steering, sus-
pension, chassis structure, or tires.
• Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross
the chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
• 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. Always, block or chockthe 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:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized.
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.
Towing Requirements — Tires
• Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
• Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to
“Tires” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for proper tire
inflation procedures.
• 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. Refer to “Tires” in “Servicing And
Maintenance” for the proper inspection procedure.
230 STARTING AND OPERATING