2012 JEEP COMPASS service indicator

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.
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.
1—WornTire
2—NewTire
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 343

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
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 405

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.
406 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.
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. 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 conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions
such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or
cold ambient temperatures, and E85 fuel usage will
influence when the “Change Oil” message is displayed.
Depending on operating conditions, the message may
appear as early as 3,500 miles (5 630 km) since last reset.
Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within
the next 500 miles (805 km).
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S450 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Cargo CompartmentLight ............................. 182
Cargo Light ............................ 182
Cargo Load Floor ........................ 185
Cargo Tie-Downs ........................ 185
Cellular Phone ........................ 98,275
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 444
Chains, Tire ............................ 346
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 382
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 328
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 406
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 85
Checks, Safety ........................... 85
Child Restraint ........................ 75,77
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............... 80
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts ........... 78
Child Safety Locks ........................ 34
Child Seat .............................. 82 Clean Air Gasoline
....................... 357
Cleaning Wheels ............................ 434
Climate Control ......................... 275
Clock ........................... 224,243,252
Clutch ............................... 427
Clutch Fluid ........................... 427
Coin Holder ........................... 181
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 274
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 340
Compass .............................. 209
Compass Calibration ..................... 220
Compass Variance ....................... 221
Connector UCI .............................. 266
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ....... 266
Console .............................. 181
Contract, Service ........................ 469
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................... 445,446
478 INDEX

Loading Vehicle...................... 363,365
Capacities .......................... 365
Tires .............................. 332
Locks Automatic Door ...................... 32
Child Protection ...................... 34
Door .............................. 30
Power Door ......................... 31
Lubrication, Body ....................... 417
Lumbar Support ........................ 138
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 413
Maintenance Procedures ................... 408
Maintenance Schedule .................... 450
Maintenance, General ..................... 408
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 207,406
Manual Transaxle ..................... 293,296
Downshifting ....................... 298
Fluid Level Check .................... 431 Frequency of Fluid Change
...........431,432
Lubricant Selection ................... 431
Manual Transmission ..................... 430
Fluid Level Check .................... 430
Frequency of Fluid Change ............. 431
Lubricant Selection ................... 430
Manual, Service ......................... 471
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 152
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 427
Methanol ............................. 358
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 209
Mirrors ................................ 94
Automatic Dimming ................... 94
Electric Powered ...................... 96
Heated ............................. 97
Outside ............................ 95
Rearview ........................... 94
Vanity ............................. 98
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 8
10
INDEX 485

Pressure Warning Light................ 203
Quality Grading ..................... 473
Radial ............................ 339
Replacement ........................ 344
Rotation ........................... 346
Safety .......................... 326,336
Sizes ............................. 328
Snow Tires ......................... 346
Spare Tire .......................... 383
Spinning ........................... 342
Tread Wear Indicators ................. 342
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 370
Towing ............................... 365
24-Hour Towing Assistance ............. 112
Disabled Vehicle ..................... 399
Guide ............................. 369
Recreational ........................ 377
Weight ............................ 369
Towing Assistance ....................... 112 Trailer Towing
.......................... 365
Cooling System Tips .................. 376
Hitches ............................ 368
Minimum Requirements ................ 371
Trailer and Tongue Weight .............. 370
Wiring ............................ 374
Trailer Towing Guide ..................... 369
Trailer Weight .......................... 369
Transaxle Automatic ....................... 12,294
Autostick .......................... 306
Manual ......................... 293,296
Transmission Automatic ....................... 299,429
Fluid ............................. 429
Manual ........................... 430
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 25
Transmitter, Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®) . . 160
10
INDEX 491