2011 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.
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
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 a collision resulting
in serious injury or death.
1—WornTire
2—NewTire
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STARTING AND OPERATING 335

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 for
wear 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.
WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations
of unapproved tires and wheels may change sus-
pension dimensions and performance characteris-
tics, resulting in changes to steering, handling, and
braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredict-
able handling and stress to steering and suspen-
sion components. You could lose control and have
a collision resulting in serious injury or death. Use
only the tire and wheel sizes with load ratings
approved for your vehicle.
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have a collision.(Continued)
336 STARTING AND OPERATING

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
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions 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
aclicking sound 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
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 399

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 may
notbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, 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. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
400 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed in this
manual must be done at the times or mileages specified
to protect your vehicle warranty and ensure the 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.
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).
NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change
and even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
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S442 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Cargo CompartmentLight ............................. 177
Cargo Light ............................ 177
Cargo Load Floor ........................ 180
Cargo Tie-Downs ........................ 180
Cellular Phone ........................ 97,271
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 436
Chains, Tire ............................ 337
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 376
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 320
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 400
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 83
Checks, Safety ........................... 83
Child Restraint .......................... 74
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............... 79
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts ........... 77
Child Safety Locks ........................ 32
Child Seat .............................. 81 Clean Air Gasoline
....................... 349
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 426
Climate Control ......................... 271
Clock ........................... 220,238,248
Clutch ............................... 419
Clutch Fluid ........................... 419
Coin Holder ........................... 176
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 270
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 332
Compass .............................. 205
Compass Calibration ..................... 216
Compass Variance ....................... 216
Connector UCI .............................. 262
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....... 262
Console .............................. 176
Contract, Service ........................ 463
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................... 437,438
472 INDEX

Loading Vehicle...................... 355,357
Capacities .......................... 357
Tires .............................. 324
Locks Child Protection ...................... 32
Door .............................. 28
Power Door ......................... 29
Lubrication, Body ....................... 409
Lumbar Support ........................ 137
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 407
Maintenance Procedures ................... 402
Maintenance Schedule .................... 442
Maintenance, General ..................... 402
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 203,400
Manual Transaxle .................. 289,292,423
Downshifting ....................... 293
Fluid Level Check ................. 423,424
Frequency of Fluid Change ...........423,424Lubricant Selection
................. 423,424
Manual, Service ......................... 465
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 150
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 419
Methanol ............................. 350
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 205
Mirrors ................................ 93
Automatic Dimming ................... 94
Electric Powered ...................... 95
Heated ............................. 96
Outside ............................ 94
Rearview ........................... 93
Vanity ............................. 96
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 8
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 339
Mopar Parts ......................... 401,464
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 350
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 147
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INDEX 479

Rotation........................... 338
Safety .......................... 318,328
Sizes ............................. 320
Snow Tires ......................... 337
Spare Tire .......................... 377
Spinning ........................... 334
Tread Wear Indicators ................. 335
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 362
Towing ............................... 358
24-Hour Towing Assistance .............. 111
Disabled Vehicle ..................... 391
Guide ............................. 362
Recreational ........................ 370
Weight ............................ 362
Towing Assistance ....................... 111
Trailer Towing .......................... 358
Cooling System Tips .................. 369
Hitches ............................ 361
Minimum Requirements ................ 363 Trailer and Tongue Weight
.............. 362
Wiring ............................ 367
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 362
Trailer Weight .......................... 362
Transaxle ............................. 294
Automatic .................. 12,289,294,422
Autostick .......................... 298
Manual ......................... 289,292
Operation .......................... 294
Overdrive .......................... 298
Selection of Lubricant ................. 422
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 24
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) . . 158
Transporting Pets ........................ 83
Tread Wear Indicators .................... 335
Trip Computer .......................... 205
Trip Odometer .......................... 201
Trip Odometer Reset Button ................ 199
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INDEX 485