towing JEEP COMPASS 2009 1.G Owner's Manual

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 Transaxle
•
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles can be towed with
the front wheels elevated or on a flatbed truck (all four
wheels off the ground).
•All Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles must be towed on a
flatbed truck (all four wheels off the ground).
CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow any vehicle equipped with an
automatic transmission. Damage to the drivetrain
will result.
Manual Transaxle
•
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) or All Wheel Drive (AWD)
vehicles can be flat towed (all four wheels on the
ground) with the transmission in NEUTRAL.
•FWD vehicles can be towed with the front or rear
wheels elevated.
•FWD or AWD vehicles can be towed on a flatbed truck
(all wheels off the ground).
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 341
6

All Transaxles
If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON
position, not the ACC position. Make certain the trans-
mission remains in NEUTRAL.
CAUTION!
•If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the ACC position, not
in the LOCK position.
•Do not attempt to use sling type equipment when
towing. When securing the vehicle to a flat bed
truck, do not attach to front or rear suspension
components. Damage to your vehicle may result
from improper towing.
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 shift lever 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.
342 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated Onboard
Diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transaxle control systems. When these systems are oper-
ating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent per-
formance and fuel economy, as well as engine emissions
well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose or
improperly installed. A “gASCAP” message will be dis-
played in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap until
aclickingsound is heard. This is an indication that the
gas cap is properly tightened. Press the trip odometer
RESET button to turn off the message. If the problem
346 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to manufacturers specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for a prolonged period.
Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at any time the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
(Continued)
358 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

48,000 Miles (80,000 km) or 48 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter; replace if necessary.
❏Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏Inspect the CV joints.
❏Inspect exhaust system.
❏Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals; replace if necessary.
❏Change the manual transmission fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: trailer
towing, snow plowing, heavy loading, taxi, police, delivery service (commercial service),
off-road, desert operation or more than 50% of your driving is at sustained speeds during hot
weather, above 90°F (32°C).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
54,000 Miles (90,000 km) or
54 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏Rotate tires.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
396 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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60,000 Miles (100,000 km) or 60 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏Adjust the parking brake on vehicles equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
❏Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏Replace the spark plugs (except 2.4L PZEV).
❏Replace rear drive assembly (RDA) fluid.
❏Replace power transfer unit (PTU) fluid.
❏Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter if using your vehicle for any of the
following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.
❏Flush and replace the engine coolant at 60 months if not done at 102,000 miles
(170 000 km).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
66,000 Miles (110,000 km) or
66 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏Rotate tires.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 397
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96,000 Miles (160,000 km) or 96 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter; replace if necessary.
❏Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏Inspect the CV joints.
❏Inspect exhaust system.
❏Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals; replace if necessary.
❏Change the manual transmission fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: trailer
towing, snow plowing, heavy loading, taxi, police, delivery service (commercial service),
off-road, desert operation or more than 50% of your driving is at sustained speeds during hot
weather, above 90°F (32°C).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
102,000 Miles (170,000 km) or
102 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏Flush and replace the engine coolant.
❏Replace the spark plugs (2.4L PZEV).
❏Flush and replace the engine coolant if
not done at 60 months.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
400 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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144,000 Miles (240,000 km) or 144 Months Maintenance Service
Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the
engine air cleaner filter; replace if necessary.
❏Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary.
❏Replace the air conditioning filter.
❏Inspect the CV joints.
❏Inspect exhaust system.
❏Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals; replace if necessary.
❏Change the manual transmission fluid if using your vehicle for any of the following: trailer
towing, snow plowing, heavy loading, taxi, police, delivery service (commercial service),
off-road, desert operation or more than 50% of your driving is at sustained speeds during hot
weather, above 90°F (32°C).
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
150,000 Miles (250,000 km) or
150 Months Maintenance
Service Schedule
❏Change the engine oil and engine oil
filter.
❏Rotate tires.
❏Replace the engine air cleaner filter.
❏Replace the spark plugs (except 2.4L
PZEV).
❏Adjust the parking brake on vehicles
equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
Odometer Reading Date
Repair Order # Dealer Code
Signature Authorized Chrysler Dealer
404 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 269
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 360
Adding Fuel........................... 312
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 356
Additives, Fuel......................... 310
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 352
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 354
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 243
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............354,355
Air Conditioning System.................. 354
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 289
Airbag................................ 48
Airbag Deployment.....................53,55
Airbag Light.....................54,57,70,164
Airbag Maintenance....................... 57
Airbag, Side............................ 55
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain).............49,55
Alarm Light........................... 168
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 19Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 231
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........359,386,387
Capacities........................... 386
Disposal............................ 362
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 269
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 165
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 19
Appearance Care........................ 368
Assistance Towing........................ 94
Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 76
Automatic Door Locks...................28,29
Automatic Transaxle...........12,251,256,332,366
Fluid Level Check...................... 366
Interlock System....................... 257
Overheating.......................... 332
Selection Of Lubricant................... 366
Shifting............................. 258
Special Additives...................... 366
418 INDEX

Towing............................. 341
Emission Control System Maintenance......347,390
Engine............................... 345
Break-In Recommendations................ 68
Checking Oil Level..................... 349
Cooling............................. 358
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 311
Fuel Requirements..................... 307
Jump Starting......................... 338
Oil ...........................349,386,387
Oil Change Interval.................... 350
Oil Filler Cap......................345,351
Oil Filter............................ 387
Oil Selection.......................... 350
Oil Synthetic......................... 351
Overheating.......................... 330
Temperature Gauge..................... 168
Enhanced Accident Response Feature.......... 56
Event Data Recorder...................... 58Exhaust Gas Caution............35,69,311,356,357
Exhaust System......................... 356
Fabric Care............................ 371
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 352
Engine Oil........................352,387
Flashers.............................. 330
Hazard Warning....................... 330
Turn Signal........................164,381
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 337
Flooded Engine Starting................... 253
Fluid, Brake........................... 388
Fluid Capacities......................... 386
Fluid Leaks............................. 70
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle.................... 366
Power Steering........................ 266
Fluids................................ 387
422 INDEX