2012 JEEP COMPASS User Guide

24-HOUR TOWING ASSISTANCE
• Dial toll-free 1-800-521-2779 or 1-800-363-4869 for Canadian residents.
• Provide your name, vehicle identification number and license plate
number.
• Provide your location, including telephone number, from which you are
calling.
• Briefly describe the nature of the problem and answer a few simple
questions.
• You will be given the name of the service provider and an estimated time
of arrival. If you feel you are in an “unsafe situation”, please let us know.
With your consent, we will contact local police or safety authorities.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/Malfunction
Indicator Light
• If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” comes on
continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected
in the ESC system. If this light remains on after several ignition cycles,
and the vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds
greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), we recommend you do not operate the
vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
• The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” starts to flash as soon
as the tires lose traction and the ESC system becomes active. If the light
begins to flash during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply
as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to
the prevailing road conditions. The light also flashes when TCS is active.
To improve the vehicle's traction when starting off in deep snow, sand or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch the ESC system to Partial Off mode
by momentarily pressing the ESC Off
switch.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
• Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly,
when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the
vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
• As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the
proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces
fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling
and stopping ability.
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•IF THE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING INDICATING A LOW TIRE PRESSURE,
ADJUST THE AIR PRESSURE IN THE LOW TIRE TO THE AIR PRESSURE
SHOWN ON THE VEHICLE PLACARD OR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE
LABEL LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR. NOTE: AFTER INFLATION,
THE VEHICLE MAY NEED TO BE DRIVEN FOR 20 MINUTES BEFORE
THE FLASHING LIGHT WILL TURN OFF.
• Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
• Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator
to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue each time the vehicle is restarted as long as the
malfunction exists.
• When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions
may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle, to
ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS
to continue to function properly.
NOTE:Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per 12° F (7° C)
of air temperature change. Keep this in mind when checking tire pressure
inside a garage, especially in the Winter. Example: If garage temperature is
68°F (20°C) and the outside temperature is 32°F (0°C), then the cold tire
inflation pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa), which equals 1 psi
(7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this outside temperature condition.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and
wheels. TPMS pressures and warning have been established for the
tire size equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system operation or
sensor damage may result when using replacement equipment that is
not of the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or balance beads if
your vehicle is equipped with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors may
result.
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- Engine Temperature Warning Light
• This light warns of an overheated engine condition.
• If the light turns on and a warning chime sounds while driving, safely pull
over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also, shift
the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the temperature
reading does not return to normal, turn the engine off immediately.
• We recommend that you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage
will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
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 service center for service if your vehicle overheats.
BRAKE- Brake Warning Light
• The Brake Warning light illuminates when there is either a system
malfunction or the parking brake is applied. If the light is on and the
parking brake is not applied, it indicates a possible brake hydraulic
malfunction, brake booster problem or an Anti-Lock Brake System
problem.
• Please have your vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the
brake system may have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle.
You could have a collision. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
• Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality,
etc., may illuminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be
serviced if the light stays on through several typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and not require towing.
• If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may
exist that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic
converter damage. We recommend you do not operate the vehicle. Have
the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Charging System Light
• This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the
charging system light remains on, it means that the vehicle is
experiencing a problem with the charging system.
• We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light
is on. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
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- Oil Pressure Warning Light
• This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while
driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
chime will sound for four minutes when this light turns on.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will
occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
• This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving,
we recommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the
vehicle serviced immediately.
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
• This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control
(ETC) system.
• If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is
running. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle has completely stopped and
the shift lever is placed in the PARK position; the light should turn off.
• If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be
drivable; however, see an authorized service center immediately. If the
light is flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is required
and you may experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or
engine stall and your vehicle may require towing.
- Air Bag Warning Light
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving,
have the vehicle serviced by an authorized service center immediately.
4WD!- 4WD System Fault Indicator Light
• When lit solid: There is a 4WD system fault. The 4WD performance will
be at a reduced level. We recommend you do not operate the vehicle.
Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
• When blinking: The 4WD system is temporarily disabled due to overload
condition.
- Transmission Temperature Warning Light
• This light indicates that there is excessive transmission fluid temperature
that might occur with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this light
turns on, you will experience reduced vehicle performance until the
automatic transmission cools down. If the overheating continues, stop
the vehicle and run the engine at idle, with the transmission in NEUTRAL,
until the light turns off. Once the light turns off, you may continue to
drive normally.
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Fuel Cap/Loose Gas Cap Message
• If a “gas cap” message (shown as gASCAP) appears, tighten the gas cap
until a “clicking” sound is heard.
• Press the odometer reset button, located below the tachometer, to turn
the message off.
• If the message continues to appear for more than three days after
tightening the gas cap, see your authorized service center.
Oil Change IndicatorMessage
• If an “oil change” message (shown as CHANgE OIL) appears and a single
chime sounds, it is time for your next required oil change.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start engine).
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds.
• Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
• In any of the following situations, you can reduce the potential for
overheating by taking the appropriate action.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in NEUTRAL, but
do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down an impending
overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning the A/C off can help remove this
heat.
• You can also turn the temperature control to maximum heat, the mode
control to floor and the blower control to high. This allows the heater core
to act as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat from the
engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage your vehicle. If the
temperature gauge reads 240°F (116 °C) or greater pull over and stop
the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until the
pointer drops back into the normal range 200–230°F (93–110°C). If
the pointer remains at 240°F (116°C) or greater and you hear a chime,
turn the engine off immediately and call for service.
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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.
• When the transmission overheat warning light
turns on, you will
experience reduced performance until the automatic transmission cools
down. Once the transmission has cooled down and the light turns off,
you may continue to drive normally. If the high speed is maintained, the
overheating will continue to occur.
• If the overheating continues, it may become necessary to stop the
vehicle and run the engine at idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL until
the light turns off.
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
Jack Location
• The jack and jack-handle are stowed under the load floor in the cargo
area.
Spare Tire Stowage
• The compact spare tire is stowed
under the rear load floor in the
cargo area.
Spare Tire Removal
• Lift up the load floor cover and
remove the hold down.
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Preparations For Jacking
1. Park the vehicle on a firm level surface, avoiding ice or slippery areas.
2. Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Place the shift lever in PARK (automatic transmission) or REVERSE
(manual transmission).
5. Turn OFF the ignition.
Block both the front and rear of the
wheel diagonally opposite the jacking
position. For example, if changing the
right front tire, block the left rear
wheel.
NOTE:Passengers should not remain
in the vehicle while the vehicle is
being jacked.
Jacking Instructions
NOTE:Refer to “Tires — General
Information” in “Starting And
Operating” in the Owner's Manual on
the DVD for further information about
the spare tire, it's use, and operation.
1. Remove the scissors jack and lug
wrench from the spare wheel as
an assembly. Turn the jack screw
to the left to loosen the lug
wrench and remove the wrench
from the jack assembly.
2. Loosen, but do not remove, the wheel nuts by turning them to the left
one turn while the wheel is still on the ground.
NOTE:There are front and rear jacking locations on each side of the body.
The front locations are outlined by two triangular cutouts, the rear
locations by two rectangular cutouts.
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For vehicles equipped with plastic
trim, the plastic has been cut away to
expose the jacking locations in the
body.
Do not raise the vehicle until you are
sure the jack is securely engaged.
3. Turn the jack screw to the left
until the jack can be placed under
the jacking location. Once the
jack is positioned, turn the jack
screw to the right until the jack
head is properly engaged with
the lift area closest to the wheel
to be changed.
4. Using the swivel wrench raise the
vehicle by turning the jack screw
to the right. Raise the vehicle
only until the tire just clears the
surface and enough clearance is
obtained to install the spare tire.
Minimum tire lift provides
maximum stability.
5. Remove the wheel nuts and pull
the wheel and wheel covers,
where applicable, off the hub.
Install the spare wheel and wheel
nuts with the cone shaped end of
the nuts toward the wheel.
Lightly tighten the nuts.
NOTE:The wheel cover is held on the
wheel by the wheel nuts. When
reinstalling the original wheel,
properly align the wheel cover to
the valve stem, place the wheel
cover onto the wheel, then install
the wheel nuts.
6. Lower the vehicle by turning the
jack screw to the left.
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