2012 Jeep Compass Owner Manual - Page 307

STARTING AND OPERATING 305 CAUTION! Towing the vehicle, coasting, or driving for any other reason with the transmission in NEUTRAL can result in severe transmission damage. Refer to "Recreational Towing" in "Starting And Operating" and "Towing A Disabled Vehicle" in What To Do In Emergencies" for further information. using a lower gear will improve performance and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup. During sustained high speed driving or trailer towing up long grades on hot days, the automatic transmission oil may become too hot. If this happens, the transmission overheat indicator light will come on, and the vehicle will slow slightly until the transmission cools down enough to allow a return to the requested speed. This is done to DRIVE prevent transmission damage due to overheating. If the This range should be used for most city and highway high speed is maintained, the overheating may reoccur, driving. It provides the best fuel economy. The DRIVE as before, in a cyclic fashion. position provides optimum driving characteristics under LOW - IF EQUIPPED all normal operating conditions. This range should be used for engine braking when When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as descending very steep grades. In this range, the transwhen operating the vehicle under heavy loading condimission will downshift for maximum engine braking, tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or and upshifts will occur only to prevent engine overspeed. while towing heavy trailers), use the AutoStick௡ mode (if equipped) to select a lower gear. Under these conditions, 5