steering wheel JEEP COMPASS 2007 1.G Owner's Manual

POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and does not in any
way damage the steering system.WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the
end of the steering wheel travel will increase the
steering fluid temperature and it should be avoided
when possible. Damage to the power steering pump
may occur.
250 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that
specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change suspen-
sion dimensions and performance characteristics,
resulting in changes to steering, handling, and brak-
ing of your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable
handling and stress to steering and suspension com-
ponents. You could lose control and have an accident
resulting in serious injury or death. Use only the tire
and wheel sizes with load ratings approved for your
vehicle.
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity,
other than what was originally equipped on your
vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index could
result in tire overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have an accident.
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
•Fast tire wear.
•Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
•Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
268 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
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 an accident.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis 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 automatic transmission in
P for Park. Always, block orchockthe 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
STARTING AND OPERATING 291
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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.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Con-
trol, turn the system OFF before attempting to “rock” the
vehicle.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverseand First gear. Usually the least accelerator pedal pres-
sure to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause axle, tire
damage or failure. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster
than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30 seconds
continuously without stopping when you are stuck.
And don’t let anyone near a spinning wheel, no
matter what the speed.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 309
6

CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transaxle overheating and failure. It can
also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above
30 mph (48 km/h). Do not spin the wheels continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
With Ignition Key
Automatic And Manual Transaxle
Front-wheel-drive vehicles must have the front wheels
elevated; Four-wheel-drive vehicles must be hauled on a
flatbed truck.
All Transaxles
CAUTION!
If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the ACCESSORY posi-
tion, not in the LOCK position.
Do not attempt to use sling type equipment when
towing. When securing vehicle to flat bed truck, do
not attach to front or rear suspension components.
Damage to your vehicle may result from improper
towing.
If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON
position, not the ACCESSORY position. Make certain the
transaxle remains in NEUTRAL.
310 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Seat Belt Reminder..................... 168
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm).............. 32
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).............. 170
Traction Control....................... 142
Turn Signal.................. 119,122,167,358
Voltage............................. 166
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 166
Loading Vehicle......................... 284
Tires ............................... 255
Locks
Child Protection........................ 23
Door................................ 18
Power Door........................... 19
Steering Wheel......................... 17
Lubrication, Body....................... 331
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack)................. 159
Lumbar Support........................ 110
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 327Maintenance, General..................... 320
Maintenance Procedures................... 320
Maintenance Schedule.................... 366
Schedule “A”......................... 378
Schedule “B”......................... 369
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 174,318
Manual, Service......................... 388
Manual Transaxle..................233,241,343
Downshifting......................... 242
Fluid Level Check...................343,344
Frequency of Fluid Change............343,344
Lubricant Selection..................343,344
Map/Reading Lights..................... 118
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 340
Mirrors ................................ 79
Electric Powered....................... 81
Outside.............................. 80
Rearview............................. 79
Vanity ............................... 82
400 INDEX

Starting Procedures...................... 232
Steering
Power...........................250,330
TiltColumn .......................... 128
Wheel Lock........................... 17
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System
Controls.............................. 218
Storage............................... 354
Stuck, Freeing.......................... 309
Sun Roof.............................. 146
Sun Visor Extension....................... 83
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag........ 48
Synthetic Engine Oil...................... 323
System, Navigation...................... 209
Tachometer............................ 168
Taillights.............................. 358
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......170,299
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint............... 68Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)................ 30
Theft System (Security Alarm)............... 30
Tie Down Hooks, Cargo................... 155
Tilt Steering Column..................... 128
Tire and Loading Information Placard......... 255
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 254
Tire Markings.......................... 251
Tire Safety Information.................... 251
Tires ............................ 74,259,389
Aging(LifeofTires) .................... 266
Air Pressure.......................... 259
Alignment........................... 268
Chains.............................. 275
Changing............................ 301
Compact Spare........................ 263
Flat Changing........................ 305
General Information.................... 259
High Speed.......................... 262
Inflation Pressures..................... 260
INDEX 405
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