Why Does My Parking Brake Automatically Engage The Jeep Compass
One of the best safety features in all Jeep Compass models is the parking brake. However, the brake is prone to various problems, like failing to disengage or engaging automatically. Now, you might wonder, why does the parking brake automatically engage the Jeep Compass?
Typically, your Jeep’s parking brake will automatically engage when the car is in park mode. This is a safety feature designed to ensure your vehicle does not roll. The parking brake may also engage if the SafeHold feature is enabled or the driver door switch is stuck. Sometimes, a faulty parking brake switch may also be the cause.
Want to know more about the Jeep Compass parking brake engaging automatically? Read our detailed guide to find out.
Why Does My Parking Brake Automatically Engage the Jeep Compass?
With the Jeep Compass, the parking brake is designed to automatically engage once you put your car in park mode. This safety feature helps stop the vehicle from rolling, especially when not properly secured.
Aside from its features, there are some reasons that push the Jeep Compass to engage its parking mode automatically. The reasons are as follows.
- SafeHold Feature Enabled
Similar to other Jeep models, the Compass has a SafeHold feature. This feature allows the parking brake to engage automatically if you leave your Jeep unsecured.
Typically, this can happen if the seat belt is unbuckled, the automatic transmission is not in Park, and the driver door is open. And yet there is no effort to press down the accelerator or brake pedal. Know why jeep hold their value
Solution
When this happens, you just press the brake pedal to disable the parking brake. Alternatively, you can temporarily bypass the SafeHold feature.
To do this, simply press down the electric park brake switch. While doing this, make sure the driver door is open and the brake pedal is pressed.
- Stuck Driver Door Switch
When the driver door switch is stuck in the open position, it keeps the door from closing. When this happens, your Jeep Compass will automatically engage the parking brake as it will detect the driver’s door is open.
Solution
If the driver door switch is stuck, you should replace it immediately. This is a job best left to a mechanic because it involves removing the inner door panel and disconnecting various electrical connections.
Also, you can turn off the Emergency Signal System (ESS) every time you are driving.
- Faulty Parking Brake Switch
The parking brake switch is responsible for conveying signals to your vehicle’s computer that the brake pedal is engaged. If the switch is faulty, it can send incorrect signals. Consequently, this can cause the parking brake to engage automatically.
Solution
The best solution is to replace the park brake switch, which is located in your Jeep’s center console. Here is how to replace the switch:
- Step 1: Remove the center console using a screwdriver to access the switch.
- Step 2: Disconnect the electrical connector to the parking brake switch.
- Step 3: Unbolt the switch from its mounting location.
- Step 4: Install the new switch in reverse order of the removal.
How to Turn Off Automatic Parking Brake in Jeep Compass?
To avoid the parking brake automatically engaging while driving your Jeep Compass, you should turn it off. Here is how to do it manually:
- Step 1: Ensure the ignition is in the run position by pressing the start/stop engine button.
- Step 2: Put your Jeep Compass in Park mode. Then, press and hold the brake pedal.
- Step 3: Locate the parking brake switch on the center console near the shifter.
- Step 3: Press down the switch and hold it until you hear a chime or see a message showing the brake has been disengaged. But for the Jeep Compass 2022, you just push down the park brake switch once. This means you don’t need to hold it for a while.
- Step 4: You can now drive your vehicle. Just make sure to turn on the parking brake when you pack your Jeep Compass by pulling on the park brake switch.
You can also watch the video below to understand better how to turn off the parking brake:
Another way to turn off the parking brake to ensure it does not engage automatically is by going to the Uconnect settings.
- Step 1: Open your vehicle’s settings on UConnect on the dashboard.
- Step 2: Then select brakes.
- Step 3: Next, choose Auto Park brake and select off.
What Happens When You Drive Your Jeep Compass With the Parking Brake Engaged?
Driving your Jeep Compass at slow speeds and for a short distance with the parking brake engaged is not a big deal. However, if you drive at faster or typical speeds with the parking brake on, and it is engaged automatically while driving, it could lead to:
- Uneven Wear on Brake Pads
If driving with the parking brake on, this usually creates friction between the brake pad and brake disc. And the faster you drive your Jeep Compass; the more heat is generated, causing the brake pads to wear.
- Damaged Brake System
Excessive heat generated can also damage the braking system of your Jeep. Simply, driving with the parking brake engaged can cause damage to various brake parts, including brake rotors, drums, and calipers. However, the rear brakes are usually the most affected.
- Safety Risks
When the brake components start to wear and become damaged, this can reduce the braking system’s effectiveness. As such, your Jeep Compass may have problems slowing down or stopping in an emergency situation which poses safety risks.
- Expensive Repair Costs
Because of the uneven wear on various brake components, you may have to deal with expensive repairs. For example, you could incur between $232 and $261 to replace a damaged brake drum. On the other hand, the cost of replacing the rotors is around $341, and about $195 for brake pads.
Conclusion
As long as your car is in park mode, your Jeep Compass will automatically engage the parking brake, which is normal. This helps prevent the vehicle from rolling downhill. Sometimes, the parking will automatically engage due to the SafeHold feature being enabled and other reasons.
The good news is that you can turn off the parking brake to ensure it does not engage while driving. Otherwise, driving your vehicle while the parking brake is on can cause damage to the brake pads, rotors, and brake drums.
