2009 Jeep Compass Owner Manual - Page 264

262 STARTING AND OPERATING Where one or more wheels have wheel spin or if additional traction is needed in sand, deep snow, or loose traction surfaces, activate the 4WD LOCK switch by pulling up once and releasing. This locks the center coupling allowing more torque to be sent to the rear wheels. The 4WD Indicator Light will come on in the cluster. This can be done on the fly, at any vehicle speed. To deactivate, simply pull on the switch one more time. The 4WD Indicator Light will then go out. NOTE: Refer to Electronic Stability Program (ESP) in the "Electronic Brake Control System" section of this manual for additional information. DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES Acceleration Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slippery surfaces may cause the front wheels to pull erratically to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when there is a difference in the surface traction under the front (driving) wheels. WARNING! Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous. Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the front wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle and possibly have an accident. Accelerate slowly and carefully whenever there is likely to be poor traction (ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).