4WD JEEP COMPASS 2016 1.G Owners Manual

Low Fuel Warning Indicator Light
Yellow TelltaleLight What It Means
Low Fuel Warning Indicator Light
When the fuel level reaches approximately 2.8 gal (10.6 L), this light will turn on and a
single chime will sound.
4WD! Warning Light — If Equipped
Yellow Tell-
tale Light What It Means
4WD! Warning Light — If Equipped
This light monitors the 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) system. The light will come on, for a bulb check,
when the ignition key is turned to the ON/RUN position and may stay on for as long as three
seconds.
When lit solid:
There is a 4WD system fault. 4WD performance will be at a reduced level. Ser-
vice the 4WD system soon.
When blinking: The 4WD system is temporarily disabled due to overload condition.
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Hill Descent Indicator Light — If Equipped
White Tell-tale Light What It Means
Hill Descent Indicator Light
This indicator shows when the Hill Descent Control (HDC) feature is turned on. The lamp will
be on solid when HDC is armed. HDC can only be armed when the transfer case is in the “4WD
LOW” position and the vehicle speed is less then 30 mph (48 km/h). If these conditions are not
met while attempting to use the HDC feature, the HDC indicator light will flash on/off.
MINI-TRIP COMPUTER — IF EQUIPPED
The Mini-Trip Computer is located in the instrument
cluster and features a driver-interactive trip information
and temperature display. NOTE:
The system will display the last known outside
temperature when starting the vehicle and may need to
be driven several minutes before the updated tempera-
ture is displayed. Engine temperature can also affect the
displayed temperature; therefore, temperature readings
are not updated when the vehicle is not moving.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 247

AUTOSTICK ......................... .357
▫ AutoStick
(Six-Speed Automatic Transmission) ........357
▫ AutoStick (CVT) — If Equipped ...........359
 FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF
EQUIPPED .......................... .361
 ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS ................361
 OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS ...............362
▫ When To Use Low (L Off-Road) With The 4WD
Lock Lever Engaged — If Equipped ........363
▫ Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand ..........363
▫ Hill Climbing ....................... .365
▫ Driving Through Water .................368
▫ After Driving Off-Road .................370 
POWER STEERING .....................371
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ..............372
 PARKING BRAKE ..................... .373
 BRAKE SYSTEM ...................... .375
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . .376
▫ Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) . . . .376
▫ Brake System Warning Light ..............377
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............377
▫ Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light ............379
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ...............379
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) .................380
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ............383
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..........383
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FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF
EQUIPPED
This feature provides full time, on-demand, four–wheel
drive (4WD).
Where one or more wheels have wheel spin or if addi-
tional traction is needed in sand, deep snow, or loosetraction surfaces, activate the “4WD LOCK” switch by
pulling up once and releasing. This locks the center
coupling allowing more torque to be sent to the rear
wheels. The “4WD Indicator Light” will come on in the
cluster. This can be done on the fly, at any vehicle speed.
To deactivate, simply pull on the switch one more time.
The “4WD Indicator Light” will then go out.
NOTE:
Refer to “Electronic Brake Control System/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)” in “Starting And Op-
erating” for further information.
ON-ROAD DRIVING TIPS
Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a
narrower track to make them capable of performing in a
wide variety of off-road applications. Specific design
characteristics give them a higher center of gravity than
ordinary cars.
Four-Wheel Drive Switch
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WARNING!
Always wear your seat belt and firmly tie down
cargo. Unsecured cargo can become projectiles in an
off-road situation.
When To Use Low (L Off-Road) With The 4WD
Lock Lever Engaged — If Equipped
When driving off-road, shift into low (L Off-Road [if
equipped] ) and activate the 4WD LOCK. This will
provide additional traction and activates the numerous
off-road features to improve handling and control on
slippery or difficult terrain. Due to the sustained lower
gearing, low (L Off-Road [if equipped] ) with 4WD LOCK
engaged will allow the engine to operate in a higher
power range. This will allow you to cross over obstacles
and descend hills, with improved control and less effort.NOTE:
For maximum off-road performance, premium
fuel is recommended. While the vehicle will operate on
regular fuel when in L Off-Road mode (if equipped), the
engine has been calibrated for maximum performance
using premium fuel.
Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand
There is a drastic reduction in traction when driving in
snow, mud or sand. The vehicle will be less responsive to
steering, acceleration and braking inputs. Therefore, you
should accelerate slowly, leave greater stopping distances
and avoid abrupt vehicle maneuvers. You want to keep a
slow constant steady pace. The key is to maintain the
vehicle’s momentum.
Snow
In heavy snow or for additional control and traction at
slower speeds, activate the 4WD LOCK and shift the
transaxle to low (L Off-Road [if equipped] ) if necessary.
Do not shift to a lower gear than necessary to maintain
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headway. Over-revving the engine can spin the wheels
and traction will be lost. If you start to slow to a stop, try
turning your steering wheel no more than a 1/4 turn
quickly back and forth, while still applying throttle. This
will allow the tires to get a freshbiteand help maintain
your momentum.
CAUTION!
On icy or slippery roads, do not downshift at high
engine RPM’s or vehicle speeds because engine brak-
ing may cause skidding and loss of control.
Mud
Deep mud creates a great deal of suction around the tires
and is very difficult to get through. You should use low (L
Off-Road [if equipped] ) with the 4WD LOCK engaged
and maintain your momentum. If you start to slow to a
stop, try turning your steering wheel no more than a 1/4 turn quickly back and forth for additional traction. Mud
holes pose an increased threat of vehicle damage and
getting stuck. They are normally full of debris from
previous vehicles getting stuck. As a good practice before
entering any mud hole, get out and determine how deep
it is, if there are any hidden obstacles and if the vehicle
can be safely recovered if stuck.
Sand
Soft sand is very difficult to travel through with full tire
pressure. When crossing soft sandy spots in a trail
maintain your vehicle’s momentum and do not stop. The
key to driving in soft sand is using the appropriate tire
pressure, accelerating slowly, avoiding abrupt maneu-
vers and maintaining the vehicle’s momentum. If you are
going to be driving on large soft sandy areas or dunes,
reduce your tire pressure to a minimum of 15 psi
(103 kPa) to allow for a greater tire surface area. You
should use low (L Off-Road [if equipped] ) with the 4WD
364 STARTING AND OPERATING

LOCK engaged and ESC turned off. Reduced tire pres-
sure will drastically improve your traction and handling,
while driving on the soft sand, but you must return the
tires to normal air pressure before driving on pavement
or other hard surfaces. Be sure you have a way to
reinflate the tires prior to reducing the pressure.
CAUTION!
Reduced tire pressures may cause tire unseating and
total loss of air pressure. To reduce the risk of tire
unseating, while at a reduced tire pressure, reduce
your speed and avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneu-
vers.
Hill Climbing
Hill climbing requires good judgment and a good under-
standing of your abilities and your vehicle’s limitations.
Hills can cause serious problems. Some are just too steepto climb and should not be attempted. You should always
feel confident with the vehicle and your abilities. You
should always climb hills straight up and down. Never
attempt to climb a hill on an angle.
Before Climbing A Steep Hill
As you approach a hill consider its grade or steepness.
Determine if it is too steep. Look to see what the traction
is on the hill side trail. Is the trail straight up and down?
What is on top and the other side? Are there ruts, rocks,
branches or other obstacles on the path? Can you safely
recover the vehicle if something goes wrong? If every-
thing looks good and you feel confident, then you should
use low (L Off-Road [if equipped]) with the 4WD LOCK
engaged and proceed with caution maintaining your
momentum as you climb the hill.
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Driving Up Hill
Once you have determined your ability to proceed and
have shifted into the appropriate gear, line your vehicle
up for the straightest possible run. Accelerate with an
easy constant throttle and apply more power as you start
up the hill. Do not race forward into a steep grade; the
abrupt change of grade could cause you to lose control. If
the front end begins to bounce, ease off the throttle
slightly to bring all four tires back on the ground. As you
approach the crest of the hill, ease off the throttle and
slowly proceed over the top. If the wheels start to slip as
you approach the crest of a hill, ease off the accelerator
and maintain headway by turning the steering wheel no
more than a 1/4 turn quickly back and forth. This will
provide a freshbiteinto the surface and will usually
provide enough traction to complete the climb. If you do
not make it to the top, place the vehicle in REVERSE and
back straight down the grade using engine resistance
along with the vehicle brakes.
WARNING!
Never attempt to climb a hill at an angle or turn
around on a steep grade. Driving across an incline
increases the risk of a rollover, which may result in
severe injury.
Driving Down Hill
Before driving down a steep hill you need to determine if
it is too steep for a safe descent. What is the surface
traction? Is the grade too steep to maintain a slow
controlled descent? Are there obstacles? Is it a straight
descent? Is there plenty of distance at the base of the hill
to regain control if the vehicle descends to fast? If you feel
confident in your ability to proceed then make sure you
are in low (L Off-Road [if equipped] ) with the 4WD
366 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
If the engine stalls or you lose headway or cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill or grade, never
attempt to turn around. To do so may result in
tipping and rolling the vehicle, which may result in
severe injury. Always back carefully straight down a
hill in REVERSE gear. Never back down a hill in
NEUTRAL using only the vehicle brakes. Never
drive diagonally across a hill, always drive straight
up or down.
Driving Through Water
Extreme care should be taken crossing any type of water.
Water crossings should be avoided if possible, and only
be attempted when necessary in a safe responsible man-
ner. You should only drive through areas which are
designated and approved. You should tread lightly and
avoid damage to the environment. You should knowyour vehicles abilities and be able to recover it if some-
thing goes wrong. You should never stop or shut a
vehicle off when crossing deep water unless you ingested
water into the engine air intake. If the engine stalls, do
not attempt to restart it. Determine if it has ingested
water first. The key to any crossing is low and slow. You
want to use low (L Off-Road [if equipped] ) with the 4WD
LOCK engaged and proceed very slowly with a constant
slow speed (3-5 mph [5–8 km/h] maximum) and light
throttle. Keep the vehicle moving; do not try to accelerate
through the crossing. After crossing any water higher
than the bottom of the axle differentials, you should
inspect all of the vehicle fluids for signs of water inges-
tion.
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CAUTION!
•DO NOT flat tow any vehicle equipped with an
automatic transmission. Damage to the drivetrain
will result. If these vehicles require towing, make
sure all drive wheels are OFF the ground.
• DO NOT dolly tow any 4WD vehicle. Internal
damage to the transmission or transfer case will
occur if a dolly is used when recreational towing.
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