2009 JEEP COMPASS service indicator

Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced.These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 in (2 mm). When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced.
Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this
point.
Life of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including, but not limited to:
•Driving style
•Tire pressure
•Distance driven
1—WornTire
2—NewTire 294 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to
follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure.
You could lose control and have an accident resulting
in serious injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly forwear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed. (Refer to the paragraph on
“Tread Wear Indicators”). Refer to the “Tire and Loading
Information” placard for the size designation of your tire.
The service description and load identification will be
found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend
that you contact your original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.
STARTING AND OPERATING 295
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ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated Onboard
Diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transaxle control systems. When these systems are oper-
ating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent per-
formance and fuel economy, as well as engine emissions
well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is possibly loose or
improperly installed. A “gASCAP” message will be dis-
played in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap until
aclickingsound is heard. This is an indication that the
gas cap is properly tightened. Press the trip odometer
RESET button to turn off the message. If the problem
346 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

persists, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If
the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the MIL
light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) is functioning and is not on
when the engine is running, and that the OBD II system
is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recentlyserviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see the MIL symbol come on as part of a normal bulb
check.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 347
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EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed inbold type
must be done at the times or mileages specified to ensure
the continued proper functioning of the emissions control
system. These and all other maintenance services in-
cluded in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service should also be done anytime a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement or repair of the emis-
sions control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part that has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles, “Oil Change Required” will be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles, “Change Oil” will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation condition, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate; this means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
390 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Changing A Flat Tire..................... 332
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 281
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............... 347
Child Restraint.......................... 60
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 64
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts........... 63
Child Safety Locks........................ 31
Child Seat.............................. 66
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 308
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 370
Climate Control......................... 237
Clock.....................185,188,202,205,214
Clutch............................... 364
Clutch Fluid........................... 364
Coin Holder........................... 150
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 236
Compact Spare Tire...................... 292Compass Variance....................... 182
Connector
UCI ................................ 224
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI)......... 224
Console.............................. 150
Contract, Service........................ 411
Coolant (Antifreeze)...................386,387
Cooling System......................... 358
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 360
Coolant Level......................359,362
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 362
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 359
Inspection........................... 362
Points to Remember.................361,363
Pressure Cap......................... 361
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)........... 359
Corrosion Protection..................... 368
Cruise Light........................... 169
Cupholders............................ 150
420 INDEX

Headlights........................... 121
High Beam Indicator.................... 165
Instrument Cluster..................... 121
License............................. 382
Lights On Reminder.................... 122
Low Fuel............................ 164
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 172
Map Reading......................... 126
Off-Road............................ 125
Oil Pressure.......................... 164
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 165
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)............20,168
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).............. 168
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........... 169
Traction Control....................... 275
Turn Signal.....................121,123,381
Voltage............................. 163
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 163Loading Vehicle......................314,315
Capacities........................... 315
Tires ............................... 284
Locks
Child Protection........................ 31
Door................................ 26
Power Door........................... 27
Steering Wheel......................... 15
Lubrication, Body....................... 355
Lumbar Support........................ 114
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 353
Maintenance, General..................... 349
Maintenance Procedures................... 349
Maintenance Schedule.................... 390
Malfunction Indicator Light
(Check Engine).......................172,347
Manual, Service......................... 413
426 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
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