engine JEEP COMPASS 2008 1.G Owner's Manual

Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
This system anticipates the potential for wheel lift by
monitoring the driver 's steering wheel input and the
speed of the vehicle. When ERM determines that the rate
of change of the steering wheel angle and vehicles speed
are sufficient to potentially cause wheel lift, it applies the
appropriate brake and may reduce engine power to
lessen the chance that wheel lift will occur. ERM will only
intervene during very severe or evasive driving maneu-
vers.
ERM can only reduce the chance of wheel lift occurring
during severe or evasive driving maneuvers. It can not
prevent wheel lift due to other factors such as road
conditions, leaving the roadway or striking objects or
other vehicles.WARNING!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road condi-
tions and driving conditions, influence the chance
that wheel lift or rollover may occur. ERM can not
prevent all wheel lift or rollovers, especially those
that involve leaving the roadway or striking objects
or other vehicles. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an
ERM equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopar-
dize the user's safety or the safety of others.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 129
3

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
3

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

In this mode, ESP and TCS, except for the ªlimited slipº
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 normal ESP stability function returns
with the exception of engine power reduction. TCS
remains off. When the vehicle speed drops below 30 mph
(48 km/h) the ESP system shuts off. ESP is off at low
vehicle speeds so that it will not interfere with off-road
driving but ESP function returns to provide the stability
feature at speeds above 35 mph (56 km/h). The ªESP/
TCS Indicator Lightº will always be illuminated when
ESP is off.
To turn ESP on again, momentarily depress the
ªESP Control Switchº. This will restore the
normal ªESP Onº mode of operation.ESP/BAS Warning Light and ESP/TCS Indicator
Light
The malfunction indicator for the ESP is combined with
the BAS indicator. The yellow ªESP/BAS Warning
Lampº and the yellow ªESP/TCS Indicator Lightº in the
instrument cluster both come on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ªONº position. They should both
go out with the engine running. If the ªESP/BAS Warn-
ing Lampº comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in either the
ESP or BAS system, or both. If this light remains on after
several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven
several miles at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h),
see your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the
problem diagnosed and corrected.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 133
3

Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off
CAUTION!
²Many accessories that can be plugged in draw
power from the vehicle's battery, even when not in
use (i.e. cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough, the vehicle's battery will
discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life
and/or prevent engine starting.
²Accessories that draw higher power (i.e. coolers,
vacuum cleaners, lights, etc.); will degrade the
battery even more quickly. Only use these inter-
mittently and with greater caution.
²After the use of high power draw accessories, or
long periods of the vehicle not being started (with
accessories still plugged in), the vehicle must be
driven a sufficient length of time to allow the
generator to recharge the vehicle's battery.
Power Outlet 115 Volts (150 Watt)
146 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

If the rear wiper is operating when the ignition is turned
OFF, the wiper will automatically return to the ªParkº
position if power accessory delay is active. Power acces-
sory delay can be cancelled by opening the door, if this
happens the rear wiper will stop at its current position
and will not go to park.
Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers and the
rear window washer (If Equipped) is shared. It is located
in the front of the engine compartment on the passenger
side and should be checked for fluid level at regular
intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield washer sol-
vent (not radiator antifreeze) and operate the system for
a few seconds to flush out the residual water.
Rear Window Defroster
The push-button is located on
the bottom right side of the
blower control knob. Press
this button to turn on the rear
window defroster. An amber
light shows that the defroster
is on.
Rear Washer Wiper Control
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 153
3

The defroster will automatically turn off after about ten
minutes. For five more minutes of operation, press the
switch again. To prevent excessive battery drain, use the
defroster only when the engine is operating.CAUTION!
Use care when washing the inside of the rear window
to prevent damage to heating elements. Use a soft
cloth and a mild washing solution, wiping parallel to
the heating elements. Also, keep all objects a safe
distance from the window to prevent damaging the
heating elements.
ROOF LUGGAGE RACK Ð IF EQUIPPED
An optional dealer installed-roof rack with cross rails is
available through MOPAR for added cargo versatility.
Rear Wiper Heater Grid
154 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
CONTENTS
mInstrument Panel Features.................158
mInstrument ClusterÐPremium..............159
mInstrument Cluster Descriptions............160
mElectronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ±
If Equipped...........................171
NEngine Oil Change Indicator System........172
NEVIC Functions.......................173
NCompass/Temperature/Audio............174
NAverage Fuel Economy.................174NDistance To Empty (DTE)...............175
NElapsed Time........................175
NTire Pressure Monitor (TPM).............175
NPersonal Settings (Customer Programmable
Features)...........................175
mRadio General Information................181
NRadio Broadcast Signals.................181
NTwo Types Of Signals..................181
NElectrical Disturbances..................1814

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Fuel Gauge/Fuel Door Location
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the pointer will show the level of fuel remain-
ing in the fuel tank. The fuel pump symbol
points to the side of the vehicle where the fuel
door is located.
2. Voltage Warning Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should come on when the
ignition switch is first turned ON and remain on briefly
as a bulb check. If the Charging System light remains on,
or comes on while driving, it means that the vehicle is
experiencing a problem with the charging system. Obtain
SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See your authorized dealer.3. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control system. If a prob-
lem is detected, the light will come on while the
engine is running. If the light remains lit with
the engine running your vehicle will usually be drivable
and not need towing, however see your dealer for service
as soon as possible.
If the light is flashing when the engine is running you
may experience power loss, an elevated/rough idle, and
increased brake pedal effort, and your vehicle may
require towing. Immediate service is required.
The light will come on when the ignition switch is first
turned on and remain on briefly as a bulb check. This is
normal. If the light does not come on during starting,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
160 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL