traction control JEEP COMPASS 2016 1.G User Guide

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
This vehicle has two full time, on-demand, four-wheel-drive (4WD) systems avail-
able, Freedom Drive I and Freedom-Drive II. They provide for all-weather, all-terrain
capability for added driving security in less-than-ideal road conditions.
Freedom-Drive I Four Wheel Drive System
• The vehicle will constantly monitor wheel slippage and transfer power to the axlethat can use it the most.
• For additional traction in sand, deep snow or loose traction surfaces, the “4WD Lock” sends equal amounts of the torque to the front and rear axles at low speeds.
• To activate, pull the T-handle, located in between the front driver and passenger seats, up once and release. The “4WD Indicator Light” will come on in the cluster.
Freedom-Drive I Components
1 — Rear Differential
2 — Electronically Controlled Coupling
3 — Driveshaft
4 — Power Transfer Unit
OFF-ROAD CAPABILITIES
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• This can be done on the fly, at any vehicle speed. To deactivate, simply pull on theT-handle one more time. The “4WD Indicator Light” will then turn off.
Trail Rated Freedom-Drive II Four Wheel
Drive System (If Equipped)
This system offers all
the benefits of Freedom
Drive I plus the rugged
capability of true Trail-
Rated off road perfor-
mance with three addi-
tional features:
Off-Road Mode
Pulling up on the T-handle while the gear
shift lever is in the Low position activates
the Off-Road mode.
This feature allows power to be sent to all
four wheels when additional traction is required while also delivering enhanced
off-road capability for water fording, moving on steep grades and rock crawling.
Brake Lock Differential
This feature helps keep the vehicle moving forward when one wheel loses traction by
directing power from the wheel that slips to the wheel with more grip on the same axle
providing more traction in off-road situations.
Hill Descent Control/Hill Start Assist
The Hill Descent Control System maintains vehicle speed while descending hills
during off-road driving situations and is available in both low and reverse gears.
This allows a smooth and controlled hill descent on rough or slippery terrain without
the driver needing to touch the brake pedal.
The Hill Start Assist system assists the driver when starting a vehicle from a stop on
a hill.
4WD T-Handle
OFF-ROAD CAPABILITIES
84

– Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned to the ON/RUN position, this light will turn on
for four to eight seconds as a bulb check. During the bulb check, if the driver's seat
belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb check or when driving, if the
driver or front passenger seat belt remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Indicator Light
will flash or remain on continuously. Refer to “Seat Belt Systems” in “Things To
Know Before Starting” in your Owner’s Manual on the DVD for further information.
– Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc., may
illuminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays
on through several typical driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive
normally and not require towing.
If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could
lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. We recommend
you do not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
–Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” comes on continuously with the
engine running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC system. If this light
remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles
(kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), we recommend you do not
operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” starts to flash as soon as the tires
lose traction and the ESC system becomes active. If the light begins to flash during
acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be
sure to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions. The light also
flashes when Traction Control System (TCS) is active. To improve the vehicle's
traction when starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel, it may be desirable to switch
the ESC system to Partial Off mode by momentarily pushing the ESC Off
switch.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INDICATOR LIGHTS
– Turn Signal Indicator
The arrows will flash with the exterior turn signals when the turn signal lever is
operated. A tone will chime, and a EVIC message will appear if either turn signal is
left on for more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
NOTE:
If either indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check for a defective outside light bulb.
– High Beam Indicator
Indicates that headlights are on high beam.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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