suspension JEEP COMPASS 2008 1.G Owners Manual

WARNING!
²Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that
specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of un-
approved tires and wheels may change suspension
dimensions and performance characteristics, resulting
in changes to steering, handling, and braking of your
vehicle. This can cause unpredictable handling and
stress to steering and suspension components. 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.
²Never 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.
²Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having ad-
equate speed capability can result in sudden tire fail-
ure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer
readings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
²Fast tire wear.
²Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
²Vehicle 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.
264 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.
²When 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.
²Safety 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.
²Vehicles 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 or9chock9the trailer wheels.
²GCWR must not be exceeded.
²Total 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
288 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. A dolly should be
used under the front wheels if the rear wheels are raised.
Proper towing equipment is necessary to prevent dam-
age to the vehicle.
Battery power is required to release the brake/
transmission interlock system. There is a removable plug
in the right side of the shifter housing that allows you to
insert your finger to override the system. The ignition
key must be in the on position to use the override lever.
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat
Towing With All Four Wheels On The Ground)
CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the driv-
etrain will result.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 307
6

NFront Suspension Ball Joints..............327
NBody Lubrication.....................327
NWindshield Wiper Blades................328
NWindshield Washer Reservoir.............328
NExhaust System......................328
NCooling System.......................329
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......335
NFuel System Connections................335
NBrake System........................335
NAutomatic Transaxle (CVT)..............339
NManual Transaxle.....................339
NRear Drive Assembly (RDA) ± AWD/4WD
Models Only........................340NPower Transfer Unit (PTU) ± AWD/4WD
Models Only........................341
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................341
mFuses/Integrated Power Module (IPM).......347
mVehicle Storage........................350
mReplacement Bulbs......................350
mBulb Replacement......................351
NHeadlamps..........................351
NFog Lights..........................353
NTail Lights, Rear Turn Signals And Backup
Lights Ð Replacement..................354
NLicense Lights........................356
NCenter High-Mounted Stoplight...........358
310 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Partsº for correct fluid types.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
There are two front suspension lower ball joints that are
permanently lubricated. Inspect these ball joints when-
ever under vehicle service is done. Damaged seals and
their corresponding potentially damaged ball joints must
be replaced.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors, liftgate and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as MopartLock
Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 327
7

Required Maintenance Intervals
Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items Miles Kilometers or Months
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. 6,000 10 000 6
Rotate Tires. 6,000 10 000 6
If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty
or off-road conditions. Inspect the engine air cleaner
filter, replace if necessary.12,000 20 000 12
Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary. 12,000 20 000 12
Replace the air conditioning filter. 12,000 20 000 12
Inspect the CV Joints. Perform the first inspection at
12,000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months.24,000 40 000 24
Inspect Exhaust System. Perform the first inspection at
12,000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months.24,000 40 000 24
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot
seals, replace if necessary.24,000 40 000 24
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. 30,000 50 000 30
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 367
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INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION ROLLOVER WARNING HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE A WORD
ABOUT YOUR KEYS Ignition Key RemovalLocking Doors With The KeyKey-In-Ignition ReminderSTEERING WHEEL LOCK - MANUAL TRANSMISSION ONLY To Manually Lock the Steering WheelTo Release the Steering Wheel LockSENTRY KEY Replacement Keys
Customer Key ProgrammingGeneral InformationSECURITY ALARM SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED To Set the AlarmTo Disarm the SystemSecurity System Manual OverrideREMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY - IF EQUIPPED To Unlock the Doors and LiftgateTo Lock the Doors and
LiftgateUsing The Panic AlarmTo Turn Off Flash Lights With LockProgramming Additional TransmittersGeneral InformationBattery ReplacementDOORLOCKS Manual Door LocksPower Door LocksChild-Protection Door Lock System (Rear Doors) - If EquippedPOWER
WINDOWS- IF EQUIPPED Power Window Switches Auto DownWindow Lockout SwitchLIFTGATE OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS Lap/Shoulder BeltsAdjustable Upper Shoulder Belt AnchorageSecond Row Center Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating InstructionsSeat Belt Pretensioners
Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert) Seat Belt ExtenderSeat Belts And Pregnant WomenDriver and Front Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - AirbagEvent Data Recorder (EDR)Child RestraintENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
SAFETY TIPS Exhaust GasSafety Checks You Should Make Inside The VehiclePeriodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The VehicleUNDERSTANDING THEFEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE MIRRORS Inside Day/Night Mirror - If EquippedOutside Mirror-Drivers
SideOutside Mirror-Passengers SidePower Remote Control Mirrors - If EquippedVanity Mirrors - If EquippedSun Visor Sliding FeatureHANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect) - IF EQUIPPED OperationPhone Call FeaturesUConnect System FeaturesAdvanced Phone
ConnectivityThings You Should Know About Your UConnect SystemGeneral InformationSEATS Front Seat AdjustmentManual Seat Height Adjustment - If EquippedManual Lumbar- If EquippedDrivers Seat Back ReclineAdjustable Head RestraintsHeated Seats - If Equipped
Fold Flat Front Passenger Seat Folding Rear SeatReclining Rear Seat - If Equipped TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD LIGHTS Map/Reading LightsMulti-FunctionControl LeverHeadlights, Parking Lights, Instrument Panel LightsDaytime Running Lights (DRL) - If Equipped
Lights-On ReminderFog Lights - If Equipped Turn Signals Highbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch Passing LightOff-Road lights - If equippedWINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS Windshield WashersMist FeatureWindshield Wiper OperationIntermittent Wiper SystemAdding
Washer FluidTILT STEERING COLUMN ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL - IF EQUIPPED To ActivateTo Set At A Desired SpeedTo DeactivateTo Resume SpeedTo Vary The Speed SettingManual TransaxleTo Accelerate For PassingANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
- IF EQUIPPED ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM - ABS/TCS/BAS/ERM/ESP Anti-Lock Brake System - (ABS)Traction Control System (TCS)Brake Assist System (BAS)Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)ESP (Electronic Stability Program)GARAGE DOOR OPENER
- IF EQUIPPED Programming HomeLinkGate Operator/Canadian ProgrammingUsing HomeLinkReprogramming a Single HomeLink ButtonSecurityTroubleshooting TipsGeneral InformationPOWER SUNROOF - IF EQUIPPED Opening the SunroofClosing the SunroofPinch
Protect FeaturePinch Protect OverrideVenting Sunroof - ExpressSunshade OperationWind BuffetingSunroof MaintenanceIgnition Off OperationELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS - IF EQUIPPED Electrical Outlet Use With Engine OffCONSOLE FEATURES CARGO AREA
FEATURES Cargo Light/Removable Self Recharging Flashlight - If EquippedCargo Cover - If EquippedRemovable Load FloorCargo Tie-Down LoopsFold Down Speakers - If EquippedREAR WINDOW FEATURES Rear Window Wiper/WasherRear Window DefrosterROOF
LUGGAGE RACK - IF EQUIPPED UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL INSTRUMENT PANEL FEATURES INSTRUMENT CLUSTER-PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER (EVIC) - IF
EQUIPPED Engine Oil Change Indicator SystemEVIC Functions Compass/Temperature/AudioAverage Fuel EconomyDistance To Empty (DTE)Elapsed TimeTire Pressure Monitor (TPM)Personal Settings (Customer Programmable Features)RADIO GENERAL
INFORMATION Radio Broadcast SignalsTwo Types of SignalsElectrical DisturbancesAM ReceptionFM ReceptionELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK Clock SettingProcedureSALES CODE REF - AM/FM/CD (SINGLE DISC) RADIO WITH OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO AND
HANDS FREE PHONE CAPABILITY Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - CD ModeOperation Instructions - Auxiliary ModeOperatingInstructions - Hands Free Phone - If EquippedOperating Instructions - Satellite Radio - If EquippedSALES CODE
RAQ - AM/FM/CD (6-DISC) RADIO WITH OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO, HANDS FREE PHONE, AND VEHICLE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS (VES) CAPABILITIES Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperation Instructions - (CD MODE for CD Audio Play)LOAD/EJECT
Button (CD Mode for CD Audio Play)Notes On Playing MP3 FilesOperation Instructions - (CD Mode for MP3 Audio Play)LOAD/EJECT Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)SALES CODE REC - AM/FM/CD (6-DISC) RADIO WITH NAVIGATION SYSTEM Operating Instructions
- Satellite Radio (If Equipped)REC Setting the ClockAudio Clock DisplaySATELLITE RADIO - IF EQUIPPED System ActivationElectronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification Number (ESN/SID)Selecting Satellite Mode in REF, and RAQ, RadiosSelecting a ChannelStoring
and Selecting Pre-Set ChannelsUsing the PTY (Program Type) Button (if equipped)PTY Button SCANPTY Button SEEKSatellite AntennaReception QualityREMOTE SOUND SYSTEM CONTROLS - IF EQUIPPED Radio OperationCD PlayerCD/DVD DISC MAINTENANCE
RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES CLIMATE CONTROLS Climate ControlsAir ConditioningAir Filtration System - If EquippedOperating Tips STARTINGAND OPERATING STARTING PROCEDURES Manual TransaxleAutomatic TransaxleNormal Starting
Extremely Cold Weather (below -20 degrees F or -29 degrees C)If Engine Fails to StartAfter StartingMANUAL TRANSAXLE - IF EQUIPPED Recommended Shift SpeedsDownshiftingAUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE - IF EQUIPPED Brake/Transmission Interlock SystemAutomatic
Transaxle Ignition Interlock SystemGear Ranges For Continuously Variable Automatic Transaxle (CVT)AUTOSTICK - IF EQUIPPED Autostick Operation Autostick General InformationFOUR WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION - IF EQUIPPED DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
AccelerationTractionDRIVING THROUGH WATER Flowing/Rising WaterShallow Standing WaterPARKING BRAKE BRAKE SYSTEM Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) -If EquippedPOWER STEERING TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION Tire Markings Tire Identification Number
(TIN)Tire Loading and Tire PressureTIRES - GENERAL INFORMATION Tire PressureTire Inflation PressuresRadial-Ply TiresCompact Spare Tire - If EquippedLimited Use Spare - If EquippedTire SpinningTread Wear IndicatorsLife of TireReplacement TiresAlignment And
BalanceTIRE CHAINS TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) - IF EQUIPPED Base System - If EquippedPremium System - If EquippedGeneral InformationSNOW TIRES FUEL REQUIREMENTS GASOLINE ENGINES
Reformulated GasolineGasoline/Oxygenate BlendsMMT In GasolineMaterials Added to FuelFuel System CautionsCarbon Monoxide WarningsADDING FUELFuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageVEHICLE LOADING Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
TRAILER TOWING Common Towing DefinitionsTrailer Hitch ClassificationTrailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)Trailer and TongueWeightTowing RequirementsTowing TipsRECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) Towing This Vehicle
Behind Another Vehicle (Flat towing with all four wheels on the ground)WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES HAZARD WARNING FLASHER IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OVERHEATING JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING Jack LocationSpare
Tire StowagePreparations For JackingJacking InstructionsJUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES DUE TO A LOW BATTERY FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE With Ignition KeyWithout The Ignition KeyMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ENGINE
COMPARTMENT - GASOLINE ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM - OBD II Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageEMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS REPLACEMENT PARTS DEALER SERVICE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES Engine OilDrive Belt
- Check ConditionSpark PlugsCatalytic ConverterCrankcase Emission Control SystemFuel FilterAir Cleaner Element (Filter)Maintenance-Free BatteryAir Conditioner MaintenancePower Steering - Fluid CheckFront Suspension Ball JointsBody LubricationWindshield Wiper
BladesWindshield Washer ReservoirExhaust SystemCooling SystemHoses And Vacuum/Vapor HarnessesFuel System ConnectionsBrake SystemAutomaticTransaxle (CVT)Manual TransaxleRear Drive Assembly (RDA) - AWD/4WD Models OnlyPower Transfer Unit (PTU)
- AWD/4WD Models OnlyAppearance Care And Protection From CorrosionFUSES/INTEGRATED POWER MODULE (IPM) VEHICLE STORAGE REPLACEMENT BULBS BULB REPLACEMENT Headlamps Fog Lights Tail Lights, Rear Turn Signals And Backup Lights -
ReplacementLicense LightsCenter High-Mounted StoplightOff-Road LightFLUIDS AND CAPACITIES FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS EngineChassisMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULE Required Maintenance IntervalsIF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FOR YOUR VEHICLE Prepare For The AppointmentPrepare A ListBe Reasonable With RequestsIF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WARRANTY
INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only) MOPAR PARTS REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS In CanadaPUBLICATION ORDER FORMS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIREQUALITY GRADES TreadwearTraction GradesTemperature GradesINDEX