towing JEEP COMPASS 2016 1.G Owner's Guide

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 wheels OFFthe 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.
• 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.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 487

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.
488 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
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. Push the trip odometer
RESET button to turn off the message. If the problem
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 493

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant 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 dam-
age:
•
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.
508 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.
518 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Mileage or time passed (whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Additional Maintenance
Replace engine air cleaner filter. XX X X X
Replace air conditioning/cabin air filter. X X X X X X X
Replace spark plugs** XX X X X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 10 years
or 150,000 miles (240,000 km) whichever comes
first. XX
Replace rear drive assembly (RDA) fluid. XX
Replace power transfer unit (PTU) fluid. XX
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if
using your vehicle for any of the following: police,
taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing. (CVT only) XX
548 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Mileage or time passed (whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter.
(CVT only) X
Change the automatic transmission fluid (six-speed
only) if you frequently drive: on rough or unpaved
roads, on mountain roads, on short trips, in heavy
city traffic during hot weather, or if you use the ve-
hicle for police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing. XX
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 549

Mileage or time passed (whichever comes first)
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
Or Years: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Or Kilometers:
32,000
48,000
64,000
80,000
96,000
112,000
128,000
144,000
160,000
176,000
192,000
208,000
224,000
240,000
Change the manual transmission fluid if using your
vehicle for any of the following: trailer towing,
heavy loading, taxi, police, delivery service (com-
mercial service), off-road, desert operation or more
than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, 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.
550 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Capacities........................... .538
Disposal ............................. .513
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................377
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................240
Appearance Care ........................ .522
Assistance Towing ........................ .126
Assist, Hill Start ......................... .380
Automatic Dimming Mirror ..................108
Automatic Door Locks ....................32, 33
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ..........323
Automatic Transaxle ........................12
Fluid Level Check ...................... .520
Automatic Transmission ...........343, 345, 517, 519
Autostick ............................ .357
Fluid And Filter Changes ..............518, 520
Fluid Level Check ...................... .518
Fluid Type .....................517, 519, 541
Gear Ranges ...................... .346, 353
Special Additives ....................517, 519 Autostick
........................... .357, 359
Axle Fluid ............................. .541
Battery ............................ .231, 501
Charging System Light ...................231
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........25
Belts, Seat ...............................99
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................504
B-Pillar Location ......................... .397
Brake Assist System ...................... .379
Brake Fluid ............................ .541
Brake, Parking .......................... .373
Brakes ................................ .375
Brake System ........................ .375, 514
Master Cylinder ....................... .515
Parking ............................. .373
Warning Light ........................ .226
Brake/T

ransmission Interlock .................345
Bulb Replacement ..................... .535, 53610
INDEX 567

Emergency, In Case OfJacking .............................. .456
Jump Starting ......................... .477
Towing ............................. .484
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........494
Engine ............................. .491, 492
Air Cleaner .......................... .500
Block Heater ......................... .340
Break-In Recommendations .................96
Checking Oil Level ..................... .497
Coolant (Antifreeze) ..................509, 539
Cooling ............................. .509
Exhaust Gas Caution ..................98, 430
Fuel Requirements ..................... .426
Jump Starting ......................... .477
Oil .......................... .497, 538, 539
Oil Filler Cap ...................491, 492, 499
Oil Filter ............................ .500
Oil Selection .......................... .498Oil Synthetic
......................... .499
Overheating .......................... .453
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............71
Ethanol ............................... .427
Event Data Recorder ........................74
Exhaust Gas Caution ....................98, 430
Exhaust System ....................... .98, 506
Exterior Lights .......................... .101
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .500
Air Conditioning ....................330, 503
Engine Oil ........................ .500, 539
Engine Oil Disposal .....................500
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... .453
Turn Signal .....................101, 244, 537
Flooded Engine Starting ....................339
Fluid, Brake ............................ .541
10
INDEX 571