2011 Jeep Compass Owner Manual - Page 391

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 389 CAUTION! Accessories that can be plugged into the vehicle power outlets draw power from the vehicle's battery, even when not in use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if plugged in long enough, the vehicle's battery will discharge sufficiently to degrade battery life and/or prevent the engine from starting. CAUTION! Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to transmission overheating and failure. Allow the engine to idle with the shift lever in NEUTRAL for at least one minute after every five rocking-motion cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce the risk of transmission failure during prolonged efforts to free a stuck vehicle. FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Concan often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your trol or Electronic Stability Control (ESC), turn the system steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the OFF before attempting to "rock" the vehicle. front wheels. Then shift back and forth between DRIVE/ 1st gear and REVERSE. Using minimal accelerator pedal pressure to maintain the rocking motion, without spinning the wheels, is most effective. 6