2012 JEEP COMPASS check engine

rusty in appearance, the system should be drained,
flushed and refilled with fresh engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Check the front of the A/C condenser for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the condenser.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection
at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
Cooling System – Drain, Flush, And Refill
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or contains a
considerable amount of sediment, clean and flush with a
reliable cooling system cleaner. Follow with a thorough
rinsing to remove all deposits and chemicals. Properly
dispose of old engine coolant (antifreeze).
Selection Of Coolant
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
CAUTION!
•Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other than
specified Hybrid Organic Additive Technology
(HOAT) engine coolant (antifreeze), may result in
engine damage and may decrease corrosion pro-
tection. If a non-HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze)
is introduced into the cooling system in an emer-
gency, it should be replaced with the specified
engine coolant (antifreeze) as soon as possible.(Continued)
422 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Disposal Of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposal
rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers or allow it
to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child
or pet, seek emergency assistance immediately. Clean up
any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine idling and warm to normal operating tempera-
ture, the level of the engine coolant (antifreeze) in the
bottle should be between the “ADD” and “FULL” lines
shown on the bottle.The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
the coolant freeze point or replacing the engine coolant
(antifreeze). Advise your service attendant of this. As
long as the engine operating temperature is satisfactory,
the coolant bottle need only be checked once a month.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to
maintain the proper level, it should be added to the
coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 425

If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant recovery bottle. If engine coolant (anti-
freeze) needs to be added, the contents of the coolant
recovery bottle must also be protected against freez-
ing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine which contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
426 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Special Additives
Do not add any materials (other than leak detection dyes)
to Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Fluid
(CVTF+4). CVTF+4is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental additives.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check
Routine fluid level checks are not required. The transmis-
sion filler tube is capped and does not include a dipstick.
Your authorized dealer can check the transmission fluid
level using a special service dipstick. Should you notice
fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, have the fluid level checked immediately. Operation with incorrect
fluid level can cause severe transmission damage.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
Manual Transmission – If Equipped
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturers recommended transmission
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more than 3/16 in (4.7 mm) below the bottom
of the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
430 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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,
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.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
At Each Stop For Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
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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, and power steering 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.
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.
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S452 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Automatic Transmission................299,429
Fluid and Filter Changes ............... 430
Fluid Level Check .................... 430
Fluid Type ......................... 429
Gear Ranges ........................ 301
Special Additives ..................... 430
Autostick ............................. 306
B-Pillar Location ........................ 332
Battery ............................... 413
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 25
Belts, Seat .............................. 86
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 417
Brake Assist System ...................... 317
Brake Fluid ............................ 447
Brake System ........................ 313,426
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................. 314,316
Master Cylinder ..................... 427
Parking ........................... 310 Warning Light
....................... 199
Brake, Parking .......................... 310
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 300
Brakes ............................. 313,426
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 84
Bulb Replacement ..................... 442,443
Bulbs, Light .......................... 88,442
Calibration, Compass ..................... 220
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ........ 445
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 445
Caps, Filler Fuel .............................. 361
Oil (Engine) ................... 403,404,411
Power Steering ...................... 309
Car Washes ............................ 433
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............85,360
Cargo Area Cover ....................... 183
Cargo Area Features ...................... 182
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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