2013 JEEP COMPASS engine overheat

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located on the
instrument panel, below the radio.Press the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher. When the switch is activated, all direc-
tional turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming
traffic of an emergency. Press the switch a second time to
turn off the Hazard Warning flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not
be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position.
NOTE: With extended use the Hazard Warning flashers
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
• 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.
406 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the en-
gine to idle with the shift lever in NEUTRAL for at
least one minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce
the risk of transmission failure during prolonged
efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
NOTE: Press the ESC Off switch, to place the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system in Partial Offmode,
before rocking the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Brake
Control” in “Starting And Operating” for further infor-
mation. Once the vehicle has been freed, press the ESC
Off switch again to restore ESC Onmode.
CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting be-
tween DRIVE/2nd gear and REVERSE, do not spin
the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drive-
train damage may result.
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure.
It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no trans-
mission shifting occurring).
424 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING! (Continued)
•A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park
over materials that can burn. Such materials might
be grass or leaves coming into contact with your
exhaust system. Do not park or operate your ve-
hicle in areas where your exhaust system can con-
tact anything that can burn.
CAUTION!
• The catalytic converter requires the use of un-
leaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the
effectiveness of the catalyst as an emissions control
device and may seriously reduce engine perfor-
mance and cause serious damage to the engine.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
• Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition.
In the event of engine malfunction, particularly
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
446 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
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,
disconnect 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 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 is hot.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 447

WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
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.
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 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.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 451

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)..............345
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......228
Emergency, In Case of Jacking ............................. .408
Jump Starting ........................ .419
Towing ............................. .426
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........434
Engine ................................ .431
Air Cleaner .......................... .440
Block Heater ......................... .318
Break-In Recommendations ................96
Checking Oil Level .....................437
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................448
Cooling ............................. .447
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................97
Fuel Requirements ..................... .381
Jump Starting ........................ .419
Oil ................................ .437
Oil Filler Cap ........................ .431Oil Selection
......................... .438
Oil Synthetic ......................... .439
Overheating ......................... .406
Temperature Gauge .....................217
Enhanced Accident Response Feature ............71
Ethanol ............................... .382
Event Data Recorder ........................75
Exhaust Gas Caution ........................39
Exhaust System ...........................97
Exterior Lights .......................... .101
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .440
Air Conditioning ...................... .308
Engine Oil ........................... .440
Engine Oil Disposal .....................439
Flashers ............................... .406
Hazard Warning ...................... .406
Turn Signal .......................... .101
498 INDEX

MTBE/ETBE........................... .382
Multi-Function Control Lever .................162
New Vehicle Break-In Period ..................96
Occupant Restraints ........................39
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ..................64
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ................381
Odometer .............................. .221
Trip ............................... .219
Oil Change Indicator ...................... .231
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..................231
Oil, Engine ............................. .437
Capacity ............................ .472
Change Interval ....................... .438
Checking ........................... .437
Disposal ............................ .439
Filter .............................. .440
Filter Disposal ........................ .439Identification Logo
..................... .438
Materials Added to .....................439
Recommendation ...................... .438
Synthetic ............................ .439
Viscosity ............................ .439
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... .440
Onboard Diagnostic System ..................433
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ............176
Operating Precautions ..................... .433
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) .............5
Overheating, Engine ...................... .218
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .............5
Paint Care ............................. .459
Panic Alarm ..............................24
Parking Brake ........................... .334
Passing Light ........................... .165
Personal Settings ......................... .234
Pets ....................................95
504 INDEX