Jeep Compass Operating Information Manual page 88

WARNING!
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
the traction afforded by prevailing road
conditions. ESC cannot prevent accidents,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery
surfaces, or hydroplaning. ESC also can-
not prevent accidents resulting from loss of
vehicle control due to inappropriate driver
input for the conditions. Only a safe, atten-
tive, and skillful driver can prevent acci-
dents. The capabilities of an ESC equipped
vehicle must never be exploited in a reck-
less or dangerous manner which could
jeopardize the user's safety or the safety of
others.
WARNING! (Continued)
• Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly
maintain your vehicle, may change the
handling characteristics of your vehicle,
and may negatively affect the performance
of the ESC system. Changes to the steer-
ing system, suspension, braking system,
tire type and size or wheel size may ad-
versely affect ESC performance. Improp-
erly inflated and unevenly worn tires may
also degrade ESC performance. Any ve-
hicle modification or poor vehicle mainte-
nance that reduces the effectiveness of the
ESC system can increase the risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
ESC Operating Modes
The ESC system has three available operating
(Continued)
modes for four–wheel drive equipped vehicles
and two available operating modes for two–
wheel drive equipped vehicles.
Full On (Four-Wheel Drive Models) Or On
(Two-Wheel Drive Models)
This is the normal operating mode for ESC.
Whenever the vehicle is started, the ESC sys-
tem will be in this "On" mode. This mode should
be used for most driving situations. ESC should
only be turned to "Partial Off" or "ESC Off" for
specific reasons as noted below.
Partial Off (Four-Wheel Drive Models) Or On
(Two-Wheel Drive Models)
This mode is entered by momentarily pushing
the "ESC Off" switch. When in "Partial Off"
mode, the TCS portion of ESC, except for the
"limited slip" feature described in the TCS sec-
tion, has been disabled, and the "ESC OFF
Indicator Light" will be illuminated. All other
stability features of ESC function normally. This
mode is intended to be used if the vehicle is in
deep snow, sand or gravel conditions, and more
wheel spin than ESC would normally allow is
required to gain traction.
To turn ESC on again, momentarily push the
"ESC Off" switch. This will restore the normal
"ESC On" mode of operation.
NOTE:
To improve the vehicle's traction when driv-
ing with snow chains, or starting off in deep
snow, sand or gravel, it may be desirable to
switch to the "Partial Off" mode by pushing
the "ESC Off" switch. Once the situation
requiring ESC to be switched to the "Partial
Off" mode is overcome, turn ESC back on by
momentarily pushing the "ESC Off" switch.
This may be done while the vehicle is in
motion.
85