2009 Jeep Compass Owner Manual - Page 260

258 STARTING AND OPERATING Gear Ranges DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or NEUTRAL positions into another gear range. PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this range. Always apply the parking brake first, and then place the shift lever in the PARK position. WARNING! Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should always shift the vehicle into PARK, remove the key from the ignition, and apply the parking brake. Once the key is removed from the ignition, the shift lever is locked in the PARK position, securing the vehicle against unwanted movement. Furthermore, you should never leave unattended children inside a vehicle. Shift Lever PARK Supplements the parking brake by locking the transmission. The engine can be started in this range. Never use