Jeep Compass (2019 year). Manual — part 20

Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)

Engine/Transmission

Model

Maximum GTW

(Gross Trailer Wt.)

Maximum Tongue Wt.

(See Note)

2.4L / Manual

FWD or 4WD

Trailer towing is not recommended.

2.4L / 6 Speed Auto

FWD or 4WD

Trailer towing is not recommended.

2.4L / 9 Speed Auto

4WD

2000 lbs (907 kg)

200 lbs (90 kg)

When towing a trailer the technically permissible laden weight may be exceeded by not more than 10% or 220 lbs

(100 kg), whichever is lower provided that the operating speed is restricted to 62 mph (100 km/h) or less.

Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds and loads.

Towing limits quoted represent the maximum towing ability of the vehicle at its Gross Combined Mass to restart on a

12 percent gradient at sea level.

The performance and economy of all models will be reduced when used for towing.

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Trailer And Tongue Weight

Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on
your trailer hitch.

Consider the following items when computing the weight
on the front/rear axles of the vehicle:
• The trailer tongue weight of the trailer.
• The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment put

in or on your vehicle.

• The weight of the driver and all passengers.

NOTE:

Remember that everything put into or on the

trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options, or authorized dealer-installed
options, must be considered as part of the total load on
your vehicle. Refer to the tire loading information placard
located on the driver’s door pillar for the maximum
combined weight of occupants and cargo for your vehicle.

Towing Requirements

To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle drivetrain
components, the following guidelines are recommended.

CAUTION!

• Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles

(805 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine, axle
or other parts could be damaged.

• Then, during the first 500 miles (805 km) that a trailer is

towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and do not
make starts at full throttle. This helps the engine and
other parts of the vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.

Perform the maintenance listed in the “Scheduled Servic-
ing”. Refer to “Scheduled Servicing” in “Servicing And
Maintenance” for the proper maintenance intervals. When
towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR or GCWR ratings.

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WARNING!

Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow these
guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as
possible:

• Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer

and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have a collision.

• When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not

overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance or damage
to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering, sus-
pension, chassis structure or tires.

• Safety chains must always be used between your

vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the chains
under the trailer tongue and allow enough slack for
turning corners.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a

grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on the
tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle transmission in
PARK. For four-wheel drive vehicles, make sure the
transfer case is not in NEUTRAL. Always, block or

ⴖchockⴖ the trailer wheels.

• GCWR must not be exceeded.

• Total weight must be distributed between the tow

vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:

1. GVWR

2. GTW

3. GAWR

4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized.

Towing Requirements — Tires
• Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact

spare tire.

• Do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h) when towing

while using a full size spare tire.

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• Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe

and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to
“Tires” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for proper tire
inflation procedures.

• Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pressures

before trailer usage.

• Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage before

towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires” in “Servicing And
Maintenance” for the proper inspection procedure.

• When replacing tires, refer to “Tires” in “Servicing And

Maintenance” for the proper tire replacement proce-
dures. Replacing tires with a higher load carrying capac-
ity will not increase the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR
limits.

Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes
• Do not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or

vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible per-
sonal injury.

• An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is

required when towing a trailer with electronically actu-
ated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with a
hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.

• Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over

1,000 lbs (453 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).

WARNING!

• Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-

draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.

• Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-

tance. When towing, you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.

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CAUTION!

If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (453 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they should
be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this could lead to
accelerated brake lining wear, higher brake pedal
effort, and longer stopping distances.

Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights And Wiring

Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stoplights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.

The Trailer Tow Package may include a four- and seven-pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness and
connector.

NOTE:

Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicle’s wiring

harness.

The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector. Refer
to the following illustrations.

NOTE:
• Disconnect trailer wiring connector from the vehicle

before launching a boat (or any other device plugged
into vehicle’s electrical connect) into water.

• Be sure to reconnect once clear from water area.

Four-Pin Connector

1 — Female Pins

4 — Park

2 — Male Pin

5 — Left Stop/Turn

3 — Ground

6 — Right Stop/Turn

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Towing Tips

Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping, and
backing up the trailer in an area located away from heavy
traffic.

Automatic Transmission

Select the DRIVE range when towing. The transmission
controls include a drive strategy to avoid frequent shifting
when towing. For increased engine braking on steep down-
hill grades, select the LOW range.

Speed Control — If Equipped
• Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
• When using the speed control, if you experience speed

drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.

• Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to

maximize fuel efficiency.

Cooling System

To reduce potential for engine and transmission overheat-
ing, take the following actions:

City Driving
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in

NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.

Highway Driving
• Reduce speed.
• Temporarily turn off air conditioning.

Seven-Pin Connector

1 — Battery

5 — Ground

2 — Backup Lamps

6 — Left Stop/Turn

3 — Right Stop/Turn

7 — Running Lamps

4 — Electric Brakes

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RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME,
ETC.)

Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle

TOWING CONDITION

WHEELS OFF THE

GROUND

FRONT WHEEL DRIVE

(FWD)

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE

(4WD)

Flat Tow

NONE

NOT ALLOWED

NOT ALLOWED

Dolly Tow

REAR

NOT ALLOWED

NOT ALLOWED

FRONT

OK

NOT ALLOWED

On Trailer

ALL

BEST METHOD

OK

NOTE:
• When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable

state and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial
Highway Safety offices for additional details.

• You must ensure that the Auto Park Brake feature is

disabled before towing this vehicle, to avoid inadvertent
Electric Park Brake engagement. The Auto Park Brake
feature is enabled or disabled via the customer program-
mable features in the Uconnect Settings.

Recreational Towing — Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Models

Recreational towing is allowed ONLY if the front wheels
are OFF the ground. This may be accomplished using a tow
dolly (front wheels off the ground) or vehicle trailer (all
four wheels off the ground). If using a tow dolly, follow this
procedure:

1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following

the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Drive the front wheels onto the tow dolly.

3. Apply the Electric Park Brake (EPB). Place the transmis-

sion in PARK. Turn the engine OFF.

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4. Properly secure the front wheels to the dolly, following

the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position, but do not

start the engine.

6. Press and hold the brake pedal.

7. Release the Electric Park Brake (EPB).

8. Turn the ignition OFF, remove the key fob, and release

the brake pedal.

CAUTION!

• Towing with the front wheels on the ground will

cause severe transmission damage. Damage from
improper towing is not covered under the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.

• Ensure that the Electric Park Brake is released, and

remains released, while being towed.

• Do not use a bumper mounted clamp-on tow bar on

your vehicle. The bumper face will be damaged.

Recreational Towing — 4X4 Models

Recreational towing (with all four wheels on the ground, or
using a towing dolly) is NOT ALLOWED. This vehicle may
be towed on flatbed or vehicle trailer provided all four
wheels are OFF the ground.

CAUTION!

Towing this vehicle with ANY of its wheels on the
ground can cause severe transmission and/or power
transfer unit damage. Damage from improper towing is
not covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

DRIVING TIPS

On-Road Driving Tips

Utility vehicles have higher ground clearance and a nar-
rower track to make them capable of performing in a wide
variety of off-road applications. Specific design character-
istics give them a higher center of gravity than conven-
tional passenger cars.

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315

An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better view
of the road, allowing you to anticipate problems. They are
not designed for cornering at the same speeds as conven-
tional passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars
are designed to perform satisfactorily in off-road conditions.
Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers. As with other
vehicles of this type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly
may result in loss of control or vehicle rollover.

Off-Road Driving Tips

When To Use 4WD LOW Range

When off-road driving, shift to 4WD LOW for additional
traction and control on slippery or difficult terrain, ascend-
ing or descending steep hills, and to increase low-speed
pulling power (refer to “Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If
Equipped” in this section for further details). This range
should be limited to extreme situations such as deep snow,
mud, or sand where additional low speed pulling power is
needed. Vehicle speeds in excess of 25 mph (40 km/h)
should be avoided when in 4WD LOW range.

Driving Through Water

Although your vehicle is capable of driving through water,
there are a number of precautions that must be considered
before entering the water:

CAUTION!

When driving through water, do not exceed 5 mph
(8 km/h). Always check water depth before entering as
a precaution, and check all fluids afterward. Driving
through water may cause damage that may not be
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Driving through water more than a few inches/centimeters
deep will require extra caution to ensure safety and pre-
vent damage to your vehicle. If you must drive through
water, try to determine the depth and the bottom condition
(and location of any obstacles) prior to entering. Proceed
with caution and maintain a steady controlled speed less
than 5 mph (8 km/h) in deep water to minimize wave
effects.

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Flowing Water
If the water is swift flowing and rising (as in storm run-off)
avoid crossing until the water level recedes and/or the
flow rate is reduced. If you must cross flowing-water,
avoid depths in excess of 9 inches (22 cm). The flowing
water can erode the streambed causing your vehicle to sink
into deeper water. Determine exit point(s) that are down-
stream of your entry point to allow for drifting.

Standing Water
Avoid driving in standing water deeper than 16 inches
(40.5 cm), and reduce speed appropriately to minimize
wave effects. Maximum speed in 16 inches (40.5 cm) of
water is less than 5 mph (8 km/h).
(Trailhawk only): Avoid driving in standing water deeper
than 19 inches (48 cm), and reduce speed appropriately to
minimize wave effects. Maximum speed in 19 inches (48
cm) of water is less than 5 mph (8 km/h).

Maintenance
After driving through deep water, inspect your vehicle
fluids and lubricants (engine, transmission, Power Transfer
Unit, and Rear Drive Module) to assure they have not been
contaminated. Contaminated fluids and lubricants (milky,
foamy in appearance) should be flushed/changed as soon
as possible to prevent component damage.

Driving In Snow, Mud And Sand

In heavy snow, when pulling a load, or for additional
control at slower speeds, shift the transmission to a low
gear and shift the 4WD system to the appropriate terrain
mode, using 4WD LOW if necessary. Refer to “Four-Wheel
Drive Operation” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information. Do not shift to a lower gear than necessary to
maintain headway. Over-revving the engine can spin the
wheels and traction will be lost.

Avoid abrupt downshifts on icy or slippery roads because
engine braking may cause skidding and loss of control.

Hill Climbing

NOTE:

Before attempting to climb a hill, determine the

conditions at the crest and/or on the other side.

Before climbing a steep hill,

shift the transmission to a

lower gear and shift the 4WD System to 4WD LOW. Use
first gear and 4WD LOW for very steep hills.

NOTE:

Brakes should be applied at increased slippage, but

before coming to a stop to avoid digging into the loose
surface and rendering the operator of the vehicle stuck/
immobile.

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317

If you stall or begin to lose headway

while climbing a

steep hill, allow your vehicle to come to a stop and
immediately apply the brakes. Once stopped, shift to
REVERSE. Back slowly down the hill allowing the com-
pression braking of the engine to help regulate your speed.
If the brakes are required to control vehicle speed, apply
them lightly and avoid locking or skidding the tires.

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. Always back straight down a hill in
REVERSE gear carefully. Never back down a hill in
NEUTRAL using only the brake.

NOTE:

Remember, never drive diagonally across a hill -

drive straight up or down.

If the wheels start to slip as you approach the crest of a hill,
ease off the accelerator and maintain headway by turning
the front wheels slowly left and right. This may provide a
fresh “bite” into the surface and may provide traction to
complete the climb.

Traction Downhill

Shift the transmission into a low gear and the 4WD System
to 4WD LOW range or Select Hill Descent Control if
equipped (refer to

⬙Safety Features⬙ in the “Safety” section

for further information). Let the vehicle go slowly down
the hill with all four wheels turning against engine com-
pression drag. This will permit you to control the vehicle
speed and direction.

When descending mountains or hills, repeated braking can
cause brake fade with loss of braking control. Avoid
repeated heavy braking by downshifting the transmission
whenever possible.

After Driving Off-Road

Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than
does most on-road driving. After going off-road, it is
always a good idea to check for damage.
• Completely inspect the underbody of your vehicle.

Check tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and
exhaust system for damage.

• Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and clean as

required.

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• Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on

the chassis, drivetrain components, steering, and sus-
pension. Retighten them, if required, and torque to the
values specified in the Service Manual.

• Check for accumulations of plants or brush. These things

could be a fire hazard. They might hide damage to fuel
lines, brake hoses, axle pinion seals, and propeller shafts.

• After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or similar

dirty conditions, have the radiator, fan, brake rotors,
wheels, brake linings, and axle yokes inspected and
cleaned as soon as possible.

WARNING!

Abrasive material in any part of the braking system
may cause excessive wear or unpredictable braking
performance. Full braking power may not be available
to prevent a collision. If you have been operating your
vehicle in dirty conditions, inspect and clean the
braking components as soon as possible.

• Impacted material can cause wheel imbalance. Freeing

the wheels of impacted material will likely rectify im-
balance condition.

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

CONTENTS

䡵 HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS . . . . . . . . . . . .323
䡵 ASSIST AND SOS MIRROR — IF EQUIPPED . . . .323
䡵 BULB REPLACEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .329

▫ Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .329
▫ High Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlamps —

If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .331

▫ Replacing Exterior Bulbs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .331
▫ Replacing Interior Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .337

䡵 FUSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .342

▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .343
▫ Fuse Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .344
▫ Engine Compartment Fuses/Distribution Unit . .344
▫ Interior Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .350
▫ Rear Cargo Fuse/Relay Distribution Unit . . . . . .352

䡵 JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING . . . . . . . . . . .354

▫ Jack Location/Spare Tire Stowage . . . . . . . . . . .355
▫ Preparations For Jacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .357
▫ Jacking Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .357
▫ Road Tire Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .361

䡵 TIRE SERVICE KIT — IF EQUIPPED . . . . . . . . . .362
䡵 JUMP STARTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .374

▫ Preparations For Jump Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .374
▫ Jump Starting Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .375

䡵 REFUELING IN EMERGENCY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .377
䡵 IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS . . . . . . . . . . . . .377
䡵 GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .378
䡵 FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .379
䡵 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . .381

7

▫ Without The Key Fob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .382
▫ Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Models — With Key

Fob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .383

▫ 4x4 Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .383
▫ Emergency Tow Hooks — If Equipped . . . . . . .384

䡵 ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM

(EARS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .385

䡵 EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) . . . . . . . . . . . .385

322

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS

The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located in the lower
center area of the instrument panel.

Push the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher. When the switch is activated, all direc-
tional turn signals will flash on and off to warn
oncoming traffic of an emergency. Push the

switch a second time to turn off the Hazard Warning
flashers.

This is an emergency warning system and it should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.

When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position.

NOTE:

With extended use, the Hazard Warning flashers

may wear down your battery.

ASSIST AND SOS MIRROR — IF EQUIPPED

If equipped, the rearview mirror contains an ASSIST and a
SOS button.

Assist And SOS Mirror

1 — SOS Button
2 — ASSIST Button

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

323