2009 JEEP COMPASS instrument panel

Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is at each end of the
instrument panel. These nonadjustable outlets direct air
toward the side windows when the system is in either the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 245
4

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located on the
instrument panel, below the radio.
Press the switch to turn on the Hazard
Warning flashers. When the Hazard
Warning flasher switch is activated, all
directional turn signals will flash on
and off to warn oncoming traffic of an
emergency. Press the switch a second
time to turn off flashers.
Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.
If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
Hazard Warning flasher will continue to operate with the
ignition key removed and the vehicle locked.NOTE:With extended use, the Hazard Warning flasher
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
•On the highways — Slow down.
•In city traffic — While stopped, put the transmission in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
If the pointer rises to theH(red) mark, the instrument
cluster will sound a chime. When safe, pull over and stop
the vehicle with the engine at idle. Turn off the air
conditioning and wait until the pointer drops back into
the normal range. If the pointer remains on theH(red)
mark for more than a minute, turn the engine off imme-
diately and call for service.
330 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas, they may cause respiratory harm.
Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle has plastic headlights that are lighter and
less susceptible to stone breakage than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and, therefore,
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol-
lowed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel
wool or other aggressive material to clean the lenses.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with MOPARGlass Cleaner or any commercial
household-type glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive type
cleaner. Use caution when cleaning the inside rear win-
dow equipped with electric defrosters or the right rear
quarter window equipped with the radio antenna. Do
not use scrapers or other sharp instruments which may
scratch the elements. When cleaning the rearview mirror,
spray cleaner on the towel or rag that you are using. Do
not spray cleaner directly on the mirror.
Instrument Panel Cover
The instrument panel cover has a low glare surface which
minimizes reflections on the windshield. Do not use
protectants or other products which may cause undesir-
able reflections. Use soap and warm water to restore the
low glare surface.
372 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Instrument Panel Bezels
CAUTION!
When installing hanging air fresheners in your ve-
hicle, read the installation instructions carefully.
Some air fresheners will damage the finish of
painted or decorated parts if allowed to directly
contact any surface.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet, soft rag. A mild soap solution may
be used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean, damp
rag.
2. Dry with a soft cloth.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the seat belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage can also weaken the fabric.
If the seat belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the seat belts from the
car to wash them.
Replace the seat belts if they appear frayed or worn or if
the buckles do not work properly.
Dry with a soft cloth.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 373
7

Gross Axle Weight Rating.................. 317
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.............314,316
Hands-Free Phone (UConnect) .............. 79
Hazard
Driving Through Flowing, Rising, or
Shallow Standing Water................. 263
Hazard Warning Flasher................... 330
Head Restraints......................... 115
Headlights............................ 378
Cleaning............................ 372
High Beam........................... 124
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch........ 124
Passing............................. 124
Replacing............................ 378
Switch.............................. 121
Heated Seats........................... 116
Hitches
Trailer Towing........................ 318HomeLink(Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . . 134
Hood Release.......................... 119
Ignition............................... 12
Key ................................. 12
Ignition Key Removal..................... 12
Immobilizer (Sentry Key).................16,20
Infant Restraint.......................... 61
Information Center, Vehicle................. 175
Inside Rearview Mirror.................... 75
Instrument Cluster....................... 163
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 161
Instrument Panel Cover................... 372
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............. 373
Integrated Power Module (Fuses)............ 374
Interior Appearance Care.................. 371
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)........... 128
Introduction............................. 4
424 INDEX

Autostick............................ 260
Manual........................14,251,254
Operation........................... 256
Overdrive........................... 259
Selection of Lubricant................... 366
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 25
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) . . 134
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 24
Transporting Pets........................ 68
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 294
Trip Odometer.......................... 171
Trip Odometer Reset Button................ 169
Turn Signals......................123,164,381
UCI Connector......................... 224
UConnect(Hands-Free Phone).............. 79
Understanding Your Instrument Panel......... 161Uniform Tire Quality Grades................ 414
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) Connector . . . 224
Universal Transmitter..................... 134
Unleaded Gasoline....................... 307
Vanity Mirrors........................... 79
Variance, Compass....................... 182
Vehicle Certification Label................. 314
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)............ 7
Vehicle Loading...................284,314,315
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations.............. 8
Vehicle Storage......................... 377
Vehicle Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).......... 19
Voice Recognition System (VR).............. 107
Warning Lights (Instrument Cluster
Description)........................... 163
Warning, Roll Over........................ 4
Warnings and Cautions..................... 7
INDEX 433
10