2012 JEEP COMPASS Cooling pressure

The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads
“H” pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer
drops back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on the “H” and you hear continuous chimes,
turn the engine off immediately and call an autho-
rized dealership for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer-
ship for service if your vehicle overheats. If you
decide to look under the hood yourself, see “Main-
taining Your Vehicle”. Follow the warnings under the
Cooling System Pressure Cap paragraph.
18. Cruise Indicator — If Equipped This indicator shows that the Electronic Speed
Control System is ON.
19. 4WD Indicator — If Equipped
This light indicates the vehicle is in the 4-Wheel Drive
mode.
202 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the pointer rises to the H (red) mark,
the instrument cluster will sound a chime. When
safe, pull over and stop the vehicle with the engine at
idle. Turn off the air conditioning and wait until the
pointer drops back into the normal range. If the
pointer remains on the H (red) mark for more than a
minute, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the hood,
do not open the hood until the radiator has had time
to cool. Never try to open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING
During sustained high speed driving or trailer towing up
long grades on hot days, the automatic transmission oil
may become too hot.If this happens, the transmission overheat in-
dicator light will come on, and the vehicle will
slow slightly until the automatic transmission
cools down enough to allow a return to the
requested speed. If the high speed is maintained, the
overheating may reoccur, as before, in a cyclic fashion.
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 381

To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at any time the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
•You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant
or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear
steam coming from under the hood, do not open
the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 421

Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE:Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types will
decrease the life of the engine coolant (antifreeze) and
will require more frequent coolant changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze) and to ensure that engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
recovery bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add engine coolant (antifreeze)
when the engine is overheated. Do not loosen or
remove the cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat
causes pressure to build up in the cooling system.
To prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the
pressure cap while the system is hot or under
pressure.
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
424 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

Cooling System......................... 421
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) ............. 423
Coolant Level .................... 421,425
Disposal of Used Coolant ............... 425
Drain, Flush, and Refill ................ 422
Inspection .......................... 425
Points to Remember ................ 424,425
Pressure Cap ........................ 424
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 422
Corrosion Protection ..................... 432
Cruise Light ........................... 202
Cupholders ............................ 181
Customer Assistance ..................... 467
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 74
Dealer Service .......................... 408
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 188
Defroster, Windshield ................87,278,284
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 154 Diagnostic System, Onboard
................ 405
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 150
Dipsticks Power Steering ...................... 309
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............. 425
Engine Oil ......................... 411
Door Locks ............................. 30
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 32
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 160
Downshifting .......................... 298
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt .................... 139
Driving ............................... 308
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 96
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 173
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 316
Anti-Lock Brake System ................ 316
Brake Assist System ................... 317
10
INDEX 479

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
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INDEX 491