2014 JEEP COMPASS Owners Manual

•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 emis-
sions.
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.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning light is on.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. The brake fluid level should be checked
when the pads are replaced. However, low fluid level
may be caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 503

NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with a manual trans-
mission, the brake fluid reservoir supplies fluid to both
the brake system and the clutch release system. The two
systems are separated in the reservoir, and a leak in one
system will not affect the other system. The manual
transmission clutch release system should not require
fluid replacement during the life of the vehicle. If the
brake fluid reservoir is low and the brake system does
not indicate any leaks or other problems, it may be a
result of a leak in the hydraulic clutch release system. See
your local authorized dealer for service.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.WARNING!
• Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake fluid
can severely damage your brake system and/or
impair its performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also identified on the
original factory installed hydraulic master cylinder
reservoir.
(Continued)
504 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!(Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has
been in a tightly closed container. Keep the master
cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake
fluid in a open container absorbs moisture from the
air resulting in a lower boiling point. This may
cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard or pro-
longed braking, resulting in sudden brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
CAUTION!
Use of improper brake fluids will affect overall
clutch system performance. Improper brake fluids
may damage the clutch system resulting in loss of
clutch function and the ability to shift the transmis-
sion.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 505

Automatic Transmission (Six-Speed) — If
Equipped
Selection Of Lubricant (Six-Speed Transmission)
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer ’s recommended transmission
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
this section for fluid specifications. It is important to
maintain the transmission fluid at the correct level using
the recommended fluid.
No chemical flushes should be used in any transmission;
only the approved lubricant should be used.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer ’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
in transmission shift quality, and will require more
frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to “Fluids,
Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this section for
fluid specifications.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission.
Automatic transmission fluid is an engineered product
and its performance may be impaired by supplemental
additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid additives to
the transmission. The only exception to this policy is the
use of special dyes for diagnosing fluid leaks. Avoid
using transmission sealers as they may adversely affect
seals.
506 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating conditions.
Routine fluid level checks are not required, therefore the
transmission has no dipstick. Your authorized dealer can
check your transmission fluid level using special service
tools. If you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunc-
tion, visit you authorized dealer immediately to have the
fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle with an im-
proper fluid level can cause severe transmission damage.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your autho-
rized dealer immediately. Severe transmission dam-
age may occur. Your authorized dealer has the proper
tools to adjust the fluid level accurately.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for the
life of the vehicle. However, if the vehicle is frequently
driven on rough or unpaved roads, on mountain roads,
on short trips, or in heavy city traffic during hot weather,
or is used for frequent trailer towing, police, fleet, taxi,
etc., change the fluid as indicated in the Maintenance
Schedule. In addition, change the fluid and filter if the
fluid becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the
transmission is disassembled for any reason.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 507

Automatic Transmission (CVT) — If Equipped
Selection Of Lubricant (CVT)
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer’s recommended transmission
fluid which has the special friction coefficient additives
necessary for proper steel belt traction on the drive and
driven pulleys. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in this section for fluid specifications. It is impor-
tant to maintain the transmission fluid at the correct level
using the recommended fluid.
No chemical flushes should be used in any transmission;
only the approved lubricant should be used.
CAUTION!
•Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission
as the chemicals can damage your transmission
components. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid will cause belt slip and
result in a complete transmission failure! Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for fluid specifications.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using
any special additives in the transmission.
Automatic transmission fluid is an engineered product
and its performance may be impaired by supplemental
additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid additives to
the transmission. The only exception to this policy is the
508 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

use of special dyes for diagnosing fluid leaks. Avoid
using transmission sealers as they may adversely affect
seals.
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
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not
require adjustment under normal operating conditions.
Routine fluid level checks are not required, therefore the
transmission filler tube is capped and no dipstick is
provided. Your authorized dealer can check your trans-
mission fluid level using special service tools. If you
notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, visityour authorized dealer immediately to have the trans-
mission fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle with
an improper fluid level can cause severe transmission
damage.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your autho-
rized dealer immediately. Severe transmission dam-
age may occur. Your authorized dealer has the proper
tools to adjust the fluid level accurately.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule for the proper
maintenance intervals. In addition, change the fluid and
filter if the transmission is disassembled for any reason.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 509

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.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
the vehicle. Fluid changes are not necessary unless lubri-
cant has become contaminated with water.NOTE:
If contaminated with water, the fluid should be
changed immediately.
Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) — AWD/4WD Models
Only
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
Visually inspect the unit at each oil change for leakage. If
leakage is detected, check the fluid level by removing the
fill plug. The fluid level should be maintained between
the bottom of the fill hole to 1/8 in (4 mm) below the fill
hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
510 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE