2009 JEEP COMPASS power steering fluid

Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for six to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes on while
driving, have the system checked by an authorized
dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the
tires (including spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check the area under the vehicle after overnight parking
for fuel, engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if
gasoline fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid,
transmission fluid or brake fluid leaks are suspected, the
cause should be located and corrected immediately.
70 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

AutoStick— If Equipped............... 260
▫Operation.......................... 260
▫General Information................... 261
Four-Wheel Drive Operation — If Equipped . . . 261
Driving On Slippery Surfaces............. 262
▫Acceleration........................ 262
▫Traction........................... 263
Driving Through Water.................. 263
▫Flowing/Rising Water................. 263
▫Shallow Standing Water................ 264
Power Steering........................ 265
▫Power Steering Fluid Check............. 266
Parking Brake........................ 267Brake System......................... 268
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) —
If Equipped......................... 269
Electronic Brake Control System........... 272
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........... 272
▫Traction Control System (TCS)........... 272
▫Brake Assist System (BAS).............. 273
▫Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM).......... 274
▫Electronic Stability Program (ESP)......... 275
Tire Safety Information.................. 279
▫Tire Markings....................... 279
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN).......... 283
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure........... 284
248 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph
(8 km/h) when driving through standing water.
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s braking capabilities, which increases stop-
ping distances. Therefore, after driving through
standing water, drive slowly and lightly press on
the brake pedal several times to dry the brakes.
•Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and leave you
stranded.
•Failure to follow these warnings may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.
STARTING AND OPERATING 265
5

WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises areapparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
No chemical flushes should be used in any power
steering system; only the approved lubricant may be
used.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in Section 7 for the correct fluid type.
266 STARTING AND OPERATING

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.0L/2.4L
1 — Washer Fluid Reservoir 6 — Battery
2 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 7 — Air Cleaner Filter
3 — Engine Oil Fill 8 — Coolant Pressure Cap
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 9 — Engine Oil Dipstick
5 — Integrated Power Module 10 — Engine Coolant ReservoirMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 3457

Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transaxle (CVT) MOPARCVTF + 4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Manual Transaxle MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) MOPARGear & Axle Lubricant SAE 80W-90 API GL 5 or equivalent non-
synthetic product.
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) MOPARGear & Axle Lubricant SAE 80W-90 API GL 5 or equivalent non-
synthetic product.
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARDOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids or equivalent.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPARPower Steering Fluid +4 or ATF+4 Automatic Transmission
Fluid.
388 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Once a Month
•Check the tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
•Check the manual transmission fluid level.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
392 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Autostick............................. 260
Battery............................... 353
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 25
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 355
B-Pillar Location........................ 284
Brake Assist System...................... 273
Brake Fluid............................ 388
Brake, Parking.......................... 267
Brake System........................268,364
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................269,272
Master Cylinder....................... 364
Parking............................. 267
Warning Light........................ 166
Brakes.............................268,364
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 257
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 68
Bulb Replacement.....................377,378
Bulbs, Light............................ 377Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 386
Capacities, Fluid........................ 386
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 312
Oil (Engine).......................345,351
Power Steering........................ 266
Car Washes............................ 369
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 311
Cargo Area Cover....................... 152
Cargo Area Features...................... 151
Cargo Compartment
Light............................... 151
Cargo Light............................ 151
Cargo Load Floor........................ 153
Cargo Tie-Downs........................ 153
Caution, Exhaust Gas...................... 69
Cellular Phone........................79,237
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 384
Chains, Tire............................ 297
INDEX 419
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