Jeep Compass Operating Information Manual page 181

WARNING!
• The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) can-
not 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 cannot prevent
collisions resulting from loss of vehicle
control due to inappropriate driver input for
the conditions. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent collisions.
• The capabilities of an ESC-equipped ve-
hicle must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner, which could jeopar-
dize the user's safety or the safety of
others.
ESC Operating Modes
The ESC system has three available operating
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 pressing
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 press the
"ESC Off" switch. This will restore the normal
"ESC On" mode of operation.
NOTE:
To improve the vehicle's traction when driving
with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow,
sand or gravel, it may be desirable to switch to
the "Partial Off" mode by pressing 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
pressing the "ESC Off" switch. This may be
done while the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING!
When in "Partial Off" mode, the TCS function-
ality of ESC (except for the limited slip feature
described in the TCS section) has been dis-
abled and the "ESC Off Indicator Light" will be
illuminated. When in "Partial Off" mode, the
engine power reduction of TCS is disabled, and
the enhanced vehicle stability offered by the
ECS system is reduced.
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