Jeep Compass (2019 year). Manual

CAUTION! (Continued)

• When descending a hill, be very careful to downshift

one gear at a time to prevent overspeeding the engine
which can cause engine damage, and/or clutch dam-
age, even if the clutch pedal is pressed. If transfer
case is in low range the vehicle speeds to cause
engine and clutch damage are significantly lower.

• Failure to follow the maximum recommended down-

shifting speeds may cause the engine damage and/or
damage the clutch, even if the clutch pedal is
pressed.

• Descending a hill in low range with clutch pedal

depressed could result in clutch damage.

Maximum Recommended Downshift Speeds

CAUTION!

Failure to follow the maximum recommended down-
shifting speeds may cause the engine to overspeed
and/or damage the clutch disc, even if the clutch pedal
is pressed.

Manual Transmission Shift Speeds in MPH (KM/H)

Gear Selection

6 to 5

5 to 4

4 to 3

3 to 2

2 to 1

Maximum Speed

80 (129)

70 (113)

50 (81)

30 (48)

15 (24)

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STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!

If you skip a gear while downshifting or downshift at
too high of a vehicle speed, these conditions may cause
the engine to overspeed if too low of a gear is selected
and the clutch pedal is released. Damage to the clutch
and the transmission can result from skipping a gear
while downshifting or downshifting at too high of a
vehicle speed even if the clutch pedal is held pressed
(i.e., not released).

Parking

When parking and leaving the vehicle, proceed as follows:
• Engage a gear (first gear if facing uphill or reverse if

facing downhill) and leave the wheels turned.

• Stop the engine and engage the park brake.
• Always remove the key fob.
• Block the wheels with a wedge or a stone if the vehicle

is parked on a steep slope.

NOTE:

NEVER leave the car with the gearbox in neutral

(or, if equipped with automatic transmission, before plac-
ing the gear lever in PARK).

WARNING!

Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. Al-
ways remove the key fob when exiting the vehicle and
take it with you.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED

WARNING!

• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the

park brake. Always apply the park brake fully when
exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle move-
ment and possible injury or damage.

• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if

it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the gear
selector out of PARK with the brake pedal released.
Make sure the transmission is in PARK before exit-
ing the vehicle.

(Continued)

STARTING AND OPERATING

245

WARNING! (Continued)

• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if

the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your
foot is not firmly pressing the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.

• The vehicle may not engage a newly selected gear

when shifting between PARK, REVERSE, or DRIVE
if the vehicle is moving while shifting.

• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure those

in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you should
never exit a vehicle while the engine is running. Before
exiting a vehicle, always come to a complete stop, then
apply the park brake, shift the transmission into PARK,
and turn the ignition OFF. When the ignition is in the
OFF mode, the transmission is locked in PARK, secur-
ing the vehicle against unwanted movement.

• When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the

ignition is in the OFF mode, remove the key fob from
the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number
of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or
fatally injured. Children should be warned not to
touch the park brake, brake pedal or the transmis-
sion gear selector.

• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in

a location accessible to children), and do not leave
the ignition in the ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.

CAUTION!

Damage to the transmission may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:
• Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only after the

vehicle has come to a complete stop.

• Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL,

or DRIVE when the engine is above idle speed.

• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is

firmly pressing the brake pedal.

246

STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:

You must press and hold the brake pedal while

shifting out of PARK.

Ignition Park Interlock

This vehicle is equipped with an Ignition Park Interlock
which requires the transmission to be in PARK before the
ignition can be turned to the OFF mode. This helps the
driver avoid inadvertently leaving the vehicle without
placing the transmission in PARK. This system also locks
the transmission in PARK whenever the ignition is in the
OFF mode.

Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System

This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock system (BTSI) that holds the transmission gear
selector in PARK unless the brakes are applied. To shift the
transmission out of PARK, the ignition must be in the
ON/RUN mode (whether the engine is running or not),
and the brake pedal must be pressed. The brake pedal must
also be pressed to shift from NEUTRAL into DRIVE or
REVERSE when the vehicle is stopped or moving at low
speeds.

Six-Speed Or Nine-Speed Automatic Transmission

NOTE:

Your vehicle may be equipped with a six-speed or

nine-speed automatic transmission, depending on model.
This section describes operation of both the six-speed and
nine-speed transmission.

The transmission gear range (PRND) is displayed both
beside the gear selector and in the instrument cluster. To
select a gear range, push the lock button on the gear
selector and move the selector rearward or forward. You
must also press the brake pedal to shift the transmission
out of PARK (or NEUTRAL, when the vehicle is stopped or
moving at low speeds). Select the DRIVE range for normal
driving.

NOTE:

In the event of a mismatch between the gear

selector position and the actual transmission gear (for
example, driver selects REVERSE while driving forward),
the position indicator will blink continuously until the
selector is returned to the proper position, or the requested
shift can be completed.

The electronically-controlled transmission adapts its shift
schedule based on driver inputs, along with environmental
and road conditions. The transmission electronics are self-
calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle

STARTING AND OPERATING

247

may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and
precision shifts will develop within a few hundred miles
(kilometers).

The nine-speed transmission has been developed to meet
the needs of current and future FWD/AWD vehicles.
Software and calibration is refined to optimize the custom-
er’s driving experience and fuel economy. By design, some
vehicle and driveline combinations utilize 9th gear only in
very specific driving situations and conditions.

Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or REVERSE when the
accelerator pedal is released and the vehicle is stopped. Be
sure to keep your foot on the brake pedal when shifting
between these gears.

The transmission gear selector provides PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and AutoStick (+/-) shift positions.
Manual shifts can be made using the AutoStick shift
control. Moving the gear selector into the AutoStick (+/-)
position (beside the DRIVE position) activates AutoStick
mode, providing manual shift control and displaying the
current gear in the instrument cluster (as 1, 2, 3, etc.).
Toggling the gear selector forward (-) or rearward (+) while
in the AutoStick position will manually select the transmis-
sion gear. Refer to

⬙AutoStick⬙ in this section for further

information.

NOTE:

If the gear selector cannot be moved to the PARK,

REVERSE, or NEUTRAL position (when pushed forward)
it is probably in the AutoStick (+/-) position (beside the
DRIVE position). In AutoStick mode, the transmission gear
(1, 2, 3, etc.) is displayed in the instrument cluster. Move
the gear selector to the right (into the DRIVE [D] position)
for access to PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL.

Gear Ranges

Do not depress the accelerator pedal when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range.

Gear Selector

248

STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:

After selecting any gear range, wait a moment to

allow the selected gear to engage before accelerating. This
is especially important when the engine is cold.

PARK (P)

This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in motion.
Apply the parking brake when exiting the vehicle in this
range.

When parking on a level surface, you may shift the
transmission into PARK first, and then apply the parking
brake.

When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake before
shifting the transmission to PARK, otherwise the load on
the transmission locking mechanism may make it difficult
to move the gear selector out of PARK. As an added
precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a
downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill grade.

When exiting the vehicle, always:

1. Apply the parking brake.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK.

3. Turn the ignition OFF.

4. Remove the key fob from the vehicle.

NOTE:

Block the wheels with a wedge or a stone if the

vehicle is parked on a steep slope.

WARNING!

• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the

park brake. Always apply the park brake fully when
exiting the vehicle to guard against vehicle move-
ment and possible injury or damage.

• Your vehicle could move and injure you and others if

it is not in PARK. Check by trying to move the gear
selector out of PARK with the brake pedal released.
Make sure the transmission is in PARK before exit-
ing the vehicle.

• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or NEUTRAL if

(Continued)

STARTING AND OPERATING

249

WARNING! (Continued)

• The vehicle may not engage a newly selected gear

when shifting between PARK, REVERSE, or DRIVE
if the vehicle is moving while shifting.

• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure

those in or near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you
should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, always come to a
complete stop, then apply the park brake, shift the
transmission into PARK, and turn the ignition OFF.
When the ignition is in the OFF mode, the transmis-
sion is locked in PARK, securing the vehicle against
unwanted movement.

• When leaving the vehicle, always make sure the

ignition is in the OFF mode, remove the key fob from
the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.

• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle (or in

a location accessible to children), and do not leave
the ignition in the ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move the
vehicle.

CAUTION!

• Before moving the transmission gear selector out of

PARK, you must turn the ignition to the ON/RUN
mode, and also press the brake pedal. Otherwise,
damage to the gear selector could result.

• DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK

or NEUTRAL into another gear range, as this can
damage the drivetrain.

The following indicators should be used to ensure that you
have properly engaged the transmission into the PARK
position:
• When shifting into PARK, push the lock button on the

gear selector, and firmly move the selector all the way
forward until it stops and is fully seated.

250

STARTING AND OPERATING

• Look at the transmission gear position display and

verify that it indicates the PARK position (P).

• With brake pedal released, verify that the gear selector

will not move out of PARK.

REVERSE (R)

This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Shift into
REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.

NEUTRAL (N)

Use this range when the vehicle is standing for prolonged
periods with the engine running. The engine may be
started in this range. Apply the park brake and shift the
transmission into PARK if you must exit the vehicle.

WARNING!

Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe practices
that limit your response to changing traffic or road
conditions. You might lose control of the vehicle and
have a collision.

CAUTION!

Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other
reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can cause
severe transmission damage.
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And Op-
erating” and “Towing A Disabled Vehicle” in “In Case
Of Emergency” for further information.

DRIVE (D)

This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and downshifts,
and the best fuel economy. The transmission automatically
upshifts through all forward gears. 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 conditions, in
hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or while
towing a heavy trailer), use the AutoStick shift control to
select a lower gear (refer to

⬙AutoStick⬙ in this section for

further information). Under these conditions, using a lower
gear will improve performance and extend transmission
life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.

STARTING AND OPERATING

251

If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operating
limits, the transmission controller may modify the trans-
mission shift schedule, reduce engine torque, and/or ex-
pand the range of torque converter clutch engagement.
This is done to prevent transmission damage due to
overheating.

If the transmission becomes extremely hot, the

⬙Transmis-

sion Temperature Warning Light

⬙ may illuminate, and the

transmission may operate differently until the transmission
cools down.

During cold temperatures, transmission operation may be
modified depending on engine and/or transmission tem-
perature as well as vehicle speed. This feature improves
warm up time of the engine and transmission to achieve
maximum efficiency. Engagement of the torque converter
clutch (and, for the nine-speed, shifts into 8th or 9th gear),
are inhibited until the engine and/or transmission is warm
(refer to the “Note” under “Torque Converter Clutch” in
this section). Normal operation will resume once the
temperature(s) have risen to a suitable level.

AutoStick

AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission feature pro-
viding manual shift control, giving you more control of the
vehicle. AutoStick allows you to maximize engine braking,
eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and im-
prove overall vehicle performance. This system can also
provide you with more control during passing, city driv-
ing, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving, trailer
towing, and many other situations.

Operation

When the gear selector is in the AutoStick position (beside
the DRIVE position), it can be moved forward and rear-
ward. This allows the driver to manually select the trans-
mission gear being used. Moving the gear selector forward
(-) triggers a downshift and rearward (+) an upshift. The
current gear is displayed in the instrument cluster.

In AutoStick mode, the transmission will shift up or down
when the driver moves the gear selector rearward (+) or
forward (-), unless an engine lugging or overspeed condi-
tion would result. It will remain in the selected gear until
another upshift or downshift is chosen, except as described
below.

252

STARTING AND OPERATING

• Six-speed transmissions will automatically upshift when

necessary to prevent engine over-speed.

• The transmission will automatically downshift as the

vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging) and will
display the current gear.

• The transmission will automatically downshift to first

gear when coming to a stop. After a stop, the driver
should manually upshift (+) the transmission as the
vehicle is accelerated.

• You can start out, from a stop, in first or second gear (or

third gear, in six-speed models, or in 4LO range, Snow
mode, or Sand mode, where available). Tapping (+) (at a
stop) will allow starting in second gear. Starting out in
second gear can be helpful in snowy or icy conditions.

• If a requested downshift would cause the engine to

over-speed, that shift will not occur.

• The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of

a vehicle speed.

• Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when

AutoStick is enabled.

• The system may revert to automatic shift mode if a fault

or overheat condition is detected.

NOTE:

When Selec-Speed or Hill Descent Control is en-

abled, AutoStick is not active.

To disengage AutoStick, return the gear selector to the
DRIVE position. You can shift in or out of the AutoStick
position at any time without taking your foot off the
accelerator pedal.

WARNING!

Do not downshift for additional engine braking on a
slippery surface. The drive wheels could lose their grip
and the vehicle could skid, causing a collision or
personal injury.

Transmission Limp Home Mode

Transmission function is monitored electronically for ab-
normal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission may
operate only in a fixed gear, or may remain in NEUTRAL.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may be illuminated.
Limp Home Mode may allow the vehicle to be driven to an
authorized dealer for service without damaging the trans-
mission.

STARTING AND OPERATING

253

In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK, if possible. If not, shift

the transmission to NEUTRAL.

3. Push and hold the ignition until the engine turns OFF.

4. Wait approximately 30 seconds.

5. Restart the engine.

6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is no

longer detected, the transmission will return to normal
operation.

NOTE:

Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-

mend that you visit an authorized dealer at your earliest
possible convenience. An authorized dealer has diagnostic
equipment to assess the condition of your transmission. If
the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer service
is required.

Torque Converter Clutch

A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle. A

clutch within the torque converter engages automatically
at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly different
feeling or response during normal operation in the upper
gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during some
accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.

NOTE:

The torque converter clutch will not engage until

the engine and/or transmission is warm (usually after 1 to
3 miles [2 to 5 km] of driving). Because the engine speed is
higher when the torque converter clutch is not engaged, it
may seem as if the transmission is not shifting properly
when the vehicle is cold. This is normal. The torque
converter clutch will function normally once the pow-
ertrain is sufficiently warm.

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF EQUIPPED

Jeep Active Drive

Your vehicle may be equipped with a Power Transfer Unit
(PTU). This system is automatic with no driver inputs or
additional driving skills required. Under normal driving
conditions, the front wheels provide most of the traction. If
the front wheels begin to lose traction, power is shifted
automatically to the rear wheels. The greater the front
wheel traction loss, the greater the power transfer to the
rear wheels.

254

STARTING AND OPERATING

Additionally, on dry pavement under heavy throttle input
(where one may have no wheel spin), torque will be sent to
the rear in a preemptive effort to improve vehicle launch
and performance characteristics.

CAUTION!

All wheels must have the same size and type tires.
Unequal tire sizes must not be used. Unequal tire size
may cause failure of the power transfer unit.

Four Wheel Drive (4x4)

The four wheel drive (4WD) is fully automatic in normal
driving mode.

NOTE:

It is not possible to carry out the change of mode

when the vehicle exceeds the speed of 75 mph (120 km/h).

Enabling Four Wheel Drive (4x4)

The buttons for the activation of four wheel drive are
located on the device Selec-Terrain and allow you to select
the following:
• 4WD LOCK
• 4WD LOW — (Trailhawk models only)

Active Drive Control — If Equipped

The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) is locked to ensure imme-
diate availability of torque to the rear drive axles. This
feature is selectable in AUTO mode and automatic in the
other driving mode. 4WD LOCK can be enabled by the
following ways:
• When the 4WD LOCK button is pushed.
• When the Selec-Terrain switch is rotated from AUTO to

any other off-road modes.

Selec-Terrain Switch

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255

Active Drive With Low Control — (Trailhawk models
only)

The 4WD LOW mode helps to improve the off-road
performance in all modes. To enable 4WD LOW, please
follow the steps below:

Enabling 4WD LOW

With the vehicle stationary, the ignition in the ON/RUN or
with the engine running, shift the transmission into NEU-
TRAL and push the button once 4WD LOW. The instru-
ment cluster will display the message

⬙4WD LOW⬙ once

the shift is complete.

NOTE:
• Both LOCK and LOW LEDs will blink and then become

active on the Selec-Terrain switch until the shift is
complete.

• The instrument cluster display will illuminate the ⬙4WD

LOW

⬙ icon.

Disabling 4WD LOW

To disable the 4WD LOW mode, the vehicle must be
stationary and the transmission shifted into NEUTRAL.
Push the 4WD LOW button once.

SELEC-TERRAIN — IF EQUIPPED

Selec-Terrain combines the capabilities of the vehicle con-
trol systems, along with driver input, to provide the best
performance for all terrains.

Selec-Terrain Switch (Trailhawk)

256

STARTING AND OPERATING

Mode Selection Guide

Rotate the Selec-Terrain knob to select the desired mode.

• AUTO: This four-wheel drive operation is a continuous

operation, is fully automatic and can be used on and off
road. This mode balances traction to ensure maneuver-
ability and acceleration improvement compared to a
vehicle with two wheel drive. This mode also reduces
fuel consumption, since it allows the disconnect of the
drive shaft where conditions permit.

• SNOW: This mode allows you to have greater stability

under conditions of bad weather. For use on and off road
on surfaces with poor traction, such as roads covered
with snow. When in SNOW mode (depending on certain

Selec-Terrain Switch

Selec-Terrain Switch (Trailhawk)

STARTING AND OPERATING

257

operating conditions), the transmission may use second
gear (rather than first gear) during launches, to mini-
mize wheel slippage.

• SAND: For off-road driving or use on surfaces with poor

traction, such as dry sand. The transmission is set to
provide maximum traction.

• MUD: For off-road driving or use on surfaces with poor

traction, such as roads covered by mud or wet grass.

• ROCK (Trailhawk only): This mode is only available in

4WD LOW range. The device sets the vehicle to maxi-
mize traction and allow the highest steering capacity for
off-road surfaces. This mode gives you the maximum
performance off-road. Use for low speed obstacles such
as large rocks, deep ruts, etc.

NOTE:
• Rock mode is only available on the vehicles equipped

with the Off-Road package.

• Activate the Hill Descent Control for steep downhill

control. See “Electronic Brake Control System” in this
section for further information.

POWER STEERING

The electric power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability in
tight spaces. The system will vary its assist to provide light
efforts while parking and good feel while driving. If the
electric steering system experiences a fault that reduces
assist or prevents the vehicle from providing assist, you
will still have the ability to steer the vehicle manually.

WARNING!

Continued operation with reduced assist could pose a
safety risk to yourself and others. Service should be
obtained as soon as possible.

If the “SERVICE POWER STEERING

⬙ OR

⬙POWER STEERING ASSIST OFF - SERVICE
SYSTEM” message and a steering wheel icon are
displayed on the instrument cluster display, it

indicates that the vehicle needs to be taken to the dealer for
service. It is likely the vehicle has lost power steering
assistance. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Get-
ting To Know Your Instrument Panel” for further informa-
tion.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

If the “POWER STEERING SYSTEM HOT - PERFOR-
MANCE MAY BE LIMITED” message and an icon are
displayed on the instrument cluster display, it indicates
that extreme steering maneuvers may have occurred,
which caused an over temperature condition in the power
steering system. You will lose power steering assistance
momentarily until the over temperature condition no lon-
ger exists. Once driving conditions are safe, then pull over
and let vehicle idle for a few moments until the light turns
off. Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for further information.

NOTE:
• Even if the power steering assistance is no longer

operational, it is still possible to steer the vehicle. Under
these conditions there will be a substantial increase in
steering effort, especially at low speeds and during
parking maneuvers.

• If the condition persists, see your authorized dealer for

service.

STOP/START SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED

The Stop/Start function is developed to reduce fuel con-
sumption. The system will stop the engine automatically
during a vehicle stop if the required conditions are met.
Releasing the brake pedal or pressing the accelerator pedal
will automatically re-start the engine.

This vehicle has been upgraded with a heavy duty starter,
enhanced battery, and other upgraded engine parts, to
handle the additional engine starts.

Automatic Mode

The Stop/Start feature is enabled after every normal cus-
tomer engine start. At that time, the system will go into
STOP/START READY and if all other conditions are met,
can go into a STOP/START AUTOSTOP ACTIVE “Au-
tostop” mode.

To Activate The Autostop Mode, The Following Must
Occur:
• The system must be in STOP/START READY state. A

STOP/START READY message will be displayed in the
instrument cluster display within the Stop/Start section.
Refer to “Instrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for further information.

STARTING AND OPERATING

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Jeep Compass (2019 year). Manual - part 16