towing JEEP COMPASS 2015 1.G Owner's Guide

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for towing a disabled
vehicle using a commercial towing service.
To w i n gConditionWheels OFFthe GroundManualTransmission6-Speed Automatic(FWD Only)6-Speed Automatic4WDCVT AutomaticTransmission
Flat Tow NONE
•Transmission inNEUTRAL•Key in ACC orON/RUN position
If transmission isoperable:•Transmission inNEUTRAL•25 mph (40 km/h)maxspeed•15 miles (24 km)maxdistance
If transmission isoperable:•Transmission inNEUTRAL•25 mph (40 km/h)maxspeed•15 miles (24 km)maxdistance
NOT ALLOWED
Wheel Lift orDolly TowRearNOT ALLOWEDNOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Front FWD ModelsONLYOKNOT ALLOWEDFWD ModelsONLY
FlatbedALL BEST METHOD BEST METHOD BEST METHOD BEST METHOD
460 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

With Ignition Key
Automatic Transmission
•Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles can be towed with
the front wheels elevated, or on a flatbed truck (all four
wheelsOFFthe ground).
•Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) vehicles can be towed on a
flatbed truck (all four wheelsOFFthe ground).
If the transmission is operable, Front Wheel Drive (FWD)
and Four Wheel Drive (4WD) vehicles, with the 6-speed
automatic transmission only (NOTthe Continuously
Variable automatic transmission [CVT]), may be flat
towed (with all four wheels on the ground) under the
following conditions:
•The transmission must be in NEUTRAL.
•The towing speed must not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
•The towing distance must not exceed 15 miles (24 km).
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) models (with 6-speed auto-
maticonly) may also be towed (under the same limita-
tions shown above) with the rear wheels elevated.
CAUTION!
•DO NOT flat tow any vehicle equipped with a
CVT automatic transmission. Damage to the drive-
train will result. If these vehicles require towing,
make sure all drive wheels are OFF the ground.
•Towing this vehicle in violation of the above re-
quirements can cause severe transmission and/or
transfer case damage. Damage from improper tow-
ing is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty..
If the vehicle’s battery is discharged, refer to “Shift Lever
Override” in this section for instructions on shifting the
automatic transmission out of PARK for towing.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 461

Manual Transmission
•Front Wheel Drive (FWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
vehicles can be flat towed (all four wheels on the
ground) with the transmission in NEUTRAL.
•FWD vehicles can be towed with the front wheels
elevated.
•FWD or 4WD vehicles can be towed on a flatbed truck
(all wheelsOFFthe ground).
CAUTION!
•DO NOT flat tow any disabled vehicle if condition
is related to the clutch, transmission or driveline.
Additional damage to the drivetrain could result.
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
•Towing this vehicle in violation of the above re-
quirements can cause severe engine, transmission,
or drivetrain damage. Damage from improper tow-
ing is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
All Transmissions
If you must use the accessories (wipers, defroster, etc.)
while being towed, the key must be in the ON/RUN
position, not the ACC position. Make certain the trans-
mission remains in NEUTRAL.
462 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
•Do not use sling-type equipment when towing.
Vehicle damage may occur.
•When securing the vehicle to a flatbed 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/OFF position. The only
approved method of towing without the ignition key is
with a flatbed truck. Proper towing equipment is neces-
sary to prevent damage to the vehicle.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 463

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
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions 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 driveability.
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
a#clicking#sound is heard. This is an indication that the
gas cap is properly tightened. Press the trip odometer
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 469

CAUTION!(Continued)
•Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition.
In the event of engine malfunction, particularly
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic converter
will not require maintenance. However, it is important to
keep the engine properly tuned to assure proper catalyst
operation and prevent possible catalyst damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
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 manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission 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 or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
484 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating conditions.
Routine fluid level checks are not required, therefore the
transmission filler tube is capped and no dipstick is
provided. Your authorized dealer can check your trans-
mission fluid level using special service tools. If you
notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, visit
you authorized dealer immediately to have the fluid level
checked. Operating the vehicle with an improper fluid
level can cause severe transmission damage.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your autho-
rized dealer immediately. Severe transmission dam-
age may occur. Your authorized dealer has the proper
tools to adjust the fluid level accurately.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for the
life of the vehicle. However, if the vehicle is frequently
driven on rough or unpaved roads, on mountain roads,
on short trips, or in heavy city traffic during hot weather,
or is used for frequent trailer towing, police, fleet, taxi,
etc., change the fluid as indicated in the Maintenance
Schedule. In addition, change the fluid and filter if the
fluid becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the
transmission is disassembled for any reason.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 495

Mileage or time passed (whichever comes first)
20,00030,00040,00050,00060,00070,00080,00090,000100,000110,000120,000130,000140,000150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,00048,00064,00080,00096,000112,000128,000144,000160,000176,000192,000208,000224,000240,000
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if usingyour vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet,or frequent trailer towing. (CVT only)X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter.(CVT only)X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter(six-speed only) if you frequently drive: on rough orunpaved roads, on mountain roads, on short trips, inheavy city traffic during hot weather, or if you use thevehicle for police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing.
X
8
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
524 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Mileage or time passed (whichever comes first)
20,00030,00040,00050,00060,00070,00080,00090,000100,000110,000120,000130,000140,000150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,00048,00064,00080,00096,000112,000128,000144,000160,000176,000192,000208,000224,000240,000
Change the manual transmission fluid if using yourvehicle for any of the following: trailer towing, heavyloading, taxi, police, delivery service (commercial ser-vice), off-road, desert operation or more than 50% ofyour driving is at sustained high speeds during hotweather, above 90°F (32°C).
XX X
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary.X
** The spark plug change interval is mileage based only,
yearly intervals do not apply.8
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 525

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)................356
Anti-Lock Warning Light....................216
Appearance Care.........................499
Assistance Towing.........................125
Automatic Dimming Mirror..................108
Automatic Door Locks......................32
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)..........301
Automatic Transaxle........................12
Fluid Level Check.......................497
Automatic Transmission....................322
Fluid and Filter Changes..................495
Fluid Level Check.......................495
Fluid Type............................494
Gear Ranges...........................325
Special Additives.......................494
Autostick...............................337
Axle Fluid..............................517
Battery.................................477
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)........25
Belts, Seat...............................100
Body Mechanism Lubrication.................481
B-Pillar Location..........................375
Brake Assist System.......................359
Brake Fluid.............................517
Brake, Parking...........................353
Brakes.................................355
Brake System............................355
Anti-Lock (ABS)........................356
Master Cylinder........................491
Parking..............................353
Warning Light.........................217
Brake/Transmission Interlock.................324
Bulb Replacement.........................511
Bulbs, Light.............................102
10
INDEX 539