Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System; Six-Speed Automatic Transmission - If Equipped - Jeep Compass Operating Information Manual

NOTE:
If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap
the key in the ignition switch to warn you
that this safety feature is inoperable. The
engine can be started and stopped but the
key cannot be removed until you obtain
service.
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
System
This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmis-
sion Shift Interlock system (BTSI) that holds the
shift lever in PARK unless the brakes are ap-
plied. To shift the transmission out of PARK, the
ignition switch must be turned to the ON/RUN
position (engine running or not) and the brake
pedal must be pressed.
Six-Speed Automatic Transmission
— If Equipped
The transmission gear position display (located
in the instrument cluster) indicates the transmis-
sion gear range. You must press the brake
pedal to move the shift lever out of PARK (refer
to "Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System"
in this section). To drive, move the shift lever
from PARK or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE position.
The electronically-controlled transmission pro-
vides a precise shift schedule. The transmission
electronics are self-calibrating; therefore, the
first few shifts on a new vehicle may be some-
what abrupt. This is a normal condition, and
precision shifts will develop within a few hun-
dred miles (kilometers).
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 shift lever has only PARK,
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, and DRIVE shift posi-
tions. Manual shifts can be made using the
Autostick® shift control (refer to "AutoStick®" in
this section). Moving the shift lever to the left or
right (-/+) while in the DRIVE position will manu-
ally select the transmission gear, and will dis-
play the current gear in the instrument cluster as
6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range.
NOTE:
After selecting any gear range, wait a mo-
ment to allow the selected gear to engage
before accelerating. This is especially im-
portant when the engine is cold.
PARK
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 leaving 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, oth-
erwise the load on the transmission locking
mechanism may make it difficult to move the
shift lever out of PARK. As an added precaution,
turn the front wheels toward the curb on a
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