Jeep Compass Operating Information Manual page 165

CAUTION!
• Before moving the shift lever out of PARK,
you must turn the ignition switch from the
LOCK/OFF position to the ON/RUN posi-
tion, and also press the brake pedal. Oth-
erwise, damage to the shift lever 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 engaged the transmission
into the PARK position:
• When shifting into PARK, firmly move the
shift lever all the way forward and to the left
until it stops and is fully seated.
• Look at the transmission gear position dis-
play and verify that it indicates the PARK
position.
• With brake pedal released, verify that the
shift lever will not move out of PARK.
REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle backward.
Shift into REVERSE only after the vehicle has
come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL
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
parking brake and shift the transmission into
PARK if you must leave 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
CAUTION! (Continued)
NEUTRAL can cause severe transmission
damage. Refer to "Recreational Towing" in
"Starting And Operating" and "Towing A Dis-
abled Vehicle" in "What To Do In Emergen-
cies" for further information.
DRIVE
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 under-
drive first, second, third, and fourth gears, direct
fifth gear and overdrive sixth gear. 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 load-
ing conditions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong
head winds, or while towing heavy trailers), use
the AutoStick® shift control (refer to "AutoStick®"
in this section for further information) to select a
lower gear. Under these conditions, using a lower
(Continued)
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