Jeep COMPASS 2019 User Manual page 140

Gear Ranges
Do not depress the accelerator pedal when
shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL into another
gear range.
NOTE:
After selecting any gear range, wait a moment
to allow the selected gear to engage before
accelerating. This is especially important
when the engine is cold.
PARK (P)
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 exiting 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, otherwise the load on the transmission
locking mechanism may make it difficult to
move the gear selector out of PARK. As an
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added precaution, turn the front wheels to-
ward the curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade.
When exiting the vehicle, always:
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition OFF.
4. Remove the key fob from the vehicle.
NOTE:
Block the wheels with a wedge or a stone if
the vehicle is parked on a steep slope.
WARNING!
• Never use the PARK position as a sub-
stitute for the park brake. Always apply
the park brake fully when exiting the
vehicle to guard against vehicle move-
ment and possible injury or damage.
• Your vehicle could move and injure you
and others if it is not in PARK. Check by
trying to move the gear selector out of
PARK with the brake pedal released.
WARNING!
Make sure the transmission is in PARK
before exiting the vehicle.
• It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle
could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the
vehicle and hit someone or something.
Only shift into gear when the engine is
idling normally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.
• The vehicle may not engage a newly
selected gear when shifting between
PARK, REVERSE, or DRIVE if the ve-
hicle is moving while shifting.
• Unintended movement of a vehicle
could injure those in or near the vehicle.
As with all vehicles, you should never
exit a vehicle while the engine is run-
ning. Before exiting a vehicle, always
come to a complete stop, then apply the
park brake, shift the transmission into
PARK, and turn the ignition OFF. When