towing JEEP COMPASS 2012 1.G Owners Manual

WARNING!
To use your Uconnect™ Phone System in an emer-
gency, your mobile phone must be:
•turned on,
•paired to the Uconnect™ System,
•and have network coverage.
Towing Assistance
If you need towing assistance:
•Press thebutton to begin.
•After the “Ready” prompt and the following beep, say
“Towing Assistance”.
NOTE:
•The towing assistance number dialed is based on the
country where the vehicle is purchased (1-800-528-
2069 for the U.S., 1-877-213-4525 for Canada, 55-14-
3454 for Mexico City and 1-800-712-3040 for outside Mexico City in Mexico). Please refer to the 24-Hour
“Towing Assistance” coverage details on the DVD in
the Warranty Information Booklet and the 24-Hour
Towing Assistance references.
•If supported, this number may be programmable on
some systems. To do this, press the
button and say
“Setup”, followed by “Towing Assistance”.
Paging
To learn how to page, refer to “Working with Automated
Systems”. Paging works properly except for pagers of
certain companies, which time out a little too soon to
work properly with the Uconnect™ Phone.
Voice Mail Calling
To learn how to access your voice mail, refer to “Working
with Automated Systems”.
112 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Voice Commands
Primary Alternate(s)
language
list names
list phones
mobile
mute
mute off
new entry
no
other
pair a phone
phone pairing pairing
phonebook phone book
previous
record again
redialVoice Commands
Primary Alternate(s)
return to main menu return or main menu
select phone select
send
set up phone settings or phone set up
towing assistance
transfer call
Uconnect™ Tutorial
try again
voice training
work
yes
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 127

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Fuel Gauge / Fuel Door ReminderWhen the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN
position, the pointer will show the level of fuel
remaining in the fuel tank. The fuel pump
symbol points to the side of the vehicle where
the fuel door is located.
2. Charging System Light This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should come on when the
ignition switch is first turned to ON/RUN and remain on
briefly as a bulb check. If the light stays on or comes on
while driving, turn off some of the vehicle’s non-essential
electrical devices or increase engine speed (if at idle). If
the charging system light remains on, it means that the
vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging
system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See an autho-
rized dealer. If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump Starting
Procedures” in “What To Do In Emergencies”.
3. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a
problem is detected, the light will come on
while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition
key when the vehicle has completely stopped and the
shift lever is placed in the PARK position. The light
should turn off. If the light remains lit with the engine
running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however,
see an authorized dealer for service as soon as possible. If
the light is flashing when the engine is running, imme-
diate service is required and you may experience reduced
performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and
your vehicle may require towing. The light will come on
when the ignition is first turned to ON/RUN and remain
196 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON/RUN posi-
tion.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
15. Transmission Temperature Warning Light This light indicates that the transmission fluid
temperature is running hot. This may occur
with severe usage, such as trailer towing. If this
light turns on, safely pull over and stop them
vehicle. Then, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and
run the engine at idle or faster until the light turns off.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Tempera-
ture Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause
severe transmission damage or transmission failure.
WARNING!
If the Transmission Temperature Warning Light is
illuminated and you continue operating the vehicle,
in some circumstances you could cause the fluid to
boil over, come in contact with hot engine or exhaust
components and cause a fire.
16. Vehicle Security Light — If Equipped This light will flash at a fast rate for approxi-
mately 16 seconds, when the vehicle security
alarm is arming, and then will flash slowly
until the vehicle is disarmed.
17. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 201

The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads
“H” pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer
drops back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on the “H” and you hear continuous chimes,
turn the engine off immediately and call an autho-
rized dealership for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer-
ship for service if your vehicle overheats. If you
decide to look under the hood yourself, see “Main-
taining Your Vehicle”. Follow the warnings under the
Cooling System Pressure Cap paragraph.
18. Cruise Indicator — If Equipped This indicator shows that the Electronic Speed
Control System is ON.
19. 4WD Indicator — If Equipped
This light indicates the vehicle is in the 4-Wheel Drive
mode.
202 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal, slowly, three
times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
NOTE: If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the engine, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure.
24. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an Onboard Diagnostic system called OBD II that
monitors emissions, engine, and automatic trans-
mission control systems. The light will illuminate when
the key is in the ON/RUN position before engine start. If
the bulb does not come on when turning the key from
OFF to ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly. Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and drivability. If the MIL is
flashing, severe catalytic converter damage and
power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 207

▫MMT In Gasoline .................... 359
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 359
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 359
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 360
 Adding Fuel ......................... 361
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 361
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 363
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 363
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 363
Trailer Towing ........................ 365
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 365
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 368
▫ Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) ........ 369
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 370
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 371
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 376
 Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 377
292 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can result
in severe transmission damage. Refer to “Recre-
ational Towing” in “Starting And Operating” and
“Towing A Disabled Vehicle” in What To Do In
Emergencies” for further information.
DRIVE
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 condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or
while towing heavy trailers), use the AutoStickmode (if
equipped) to select a lower gear. Under these conditions, using a lower gear will improve performance 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 automatic 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 maintained, the overheating may reoccur,
as before, in a cyclic fashion.
LOW – IF EQUIPPED
This range should be used for engine braking when
descending very steep grades. In this range, the trans-
mission will downshift for maximum engine braking,
and upshifts will occur only to prevent engine overspeed.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 305

AUTOSTICK
AutoStickis a driver-interactive transmission that offers
six manual ratio changes to provide you with more
control. AutoStick allows you to maximize engine brak-
ing, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and
improve overall vehicle performance. This system can
also provide you with more control during passing, city
driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving,
trailer towing, and many other situations. Automatic ratio
changes upward will only occur to protect the Continu-
ously Variable Automatic Transmission (CVT) and/or the
engine from overspeed. Changes down will only happen
at minimum engine speed to prevent stalling.
Operation
NOTE: AutoStick is not available until the CVT warms
up in cold weather.
AutoStick operation is activated in the DRIVE position
by moving the shift lever side-to-side. Moving the shift lever to the (+) side will activate AutoStick
and shift up
to the next higher manual ratio, unless you are already
operating in or near Overdrive, in which case sixth gear
ratio will be selected. In like manner, moving the shift
lever to (-) will activate AutoStick and shift to the next
lower manual ratio. After AutoStick is activated, the
manual ratio selected is displayed in the transmission
ratio display and tipping the shift lever to the (+) or (-)
direction will cause an upshift or downshift by one ratio.
AutoStick Is Deactivated:
•By holding the shift lever to (+) momentarily
•When the shift lever is shifted out of DRIVE
•When in sixth position, by touching the shift lever to
the right
•When heavy Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) applica-
tion is detected
306 STARTING AND OPERATING

This placard tells you important information about
the:
1) number of people that can be carried in the vehicle
2) total weight your vehicle can carry
3) tire size designed for your vehicle
4) cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear, and
spare tires.
Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed
the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you
adhere to the loading conditions, tire size, and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information placard and in the “Vehicle Loading” section
of this manual.
NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear axles must not be exceeded. For further information on
GAWRs, vehicle loading, and trailer towing, refer to
“Vehicle Loading” in this section.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs or
XXX kg” on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
The combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed
the weight referenced here.
Steps For Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs or XXX kg”
on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 333