2016 JEEP COMPASS User Guide

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Dial toll-free 1-800-521-2779 for U.S. Residents or 1-800-363-4869 for Canadian
Residents.
• Provide your name, vehicle identification number, license plate number, and yourlocation, including the 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
– Low Fuel Warning Light
This warning light indicates when the fuel level reaches approximately 2.0 gal
(7.8 L). This light will turn on and a single chime will sound.
– 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 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 contact the nearest authorized dealer and 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.
– 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 dealer immediately.
– Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Indicator Light
This light informs you of a problem with the system.
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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 dealer immediately. If the light is flashing when the engine
is running, immediate service is required, and you may experience reduced perfor-
mance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall, and your vehicle may require towing.
– 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.
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 upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups 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.
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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. Aftermar-
ket 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.
– Brake Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions, including brake fluid level and parking
brake application. If the brake light turns on, it may indicate that the parking brake
is applied, that the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with the brake
system master cylinder reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been disengaged, and the fluid
level is at the full mark on the master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the Brake Booster has been
detected by the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)/Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
system. In this case, the light will remain on until the condition has been corrected.
If the problem is related to the brake booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake, and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capacity in the event of a failure to
a portion of the hydraulic system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on when the brake fluid level
in the master cylinder has dropped below a specified level. The light will remain on
until the cause is corrected.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) are also equipped with
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the Brake
Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair to the ABS
system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by turning the ignition switch
from the OFF position to the ON/RUN position. The light should illuminate for
approximately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless the parking brake
is applied or a brake fault is detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the light
inspected by an authorized dealer.
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The light also will turn on when the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the ON/RUN position.
NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is applied. It does not show the degree
of brake application.
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.
– 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.
– 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.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Temperature Warning Light illuminated
will eventually cause severe transmission damage or transmission failure.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the Transmission Temperature Warning
Light is illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in contact with hot
engine or exhaust components and cause a fire.
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– Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned to the ON/RUN position, this light will turn on
for four to eight seconds as a bulb check. During the bulb check, if the driver's seat
belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb check or when driving, if the
driver or front passenger seat belt remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Indicator Light
will flash or remain on continuously. Refer to “Seat Belt Systems” in “Things To
Know Before Starting” in your Owner’s Manual on the DVD for further information.
– 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.
–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 Traction Control System (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 pushing the ESC Off
switch.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INDICATOR LIGHTS
– Turn Signal Indicator
The arrows will flash with the exterior turn signals when the turn signal lever is
operated. A tone will chime, and a EVIC message will appear if either turn signal is
left on for more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
NOTE:
If either indicator flashes at a rapid rate, check for a defective outside light bulb.
– High Beam Indicator
Indicates that headlights are on high beam.
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– Front Fog Light Indicator
This indicator will illuminate when the front fog lights are on.
– Vehicle Security Light
This light will flash rapidly for approximately 15 seconds when the vehicle security
alarm is arming. The light will flash at a slower speed continuously after the alarm is
set. The security light will also come on for about three seconds when the ignition is
first turned on.
– 4WD Indicator
This light indicates the vehicle is in 4-wheel drive (4WD) mode.
– Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light
This light indicates the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is off.
– Cruise Indicator
This indicator shows that the Electronic Speed Control System is ON.
– Hill Descent Control Indicator — If Equipped
This indicator will illuminate when Hill Descent Control (HDC) has been selected
using the Hill Descent Control Switch.
Oil Change Indicator
Message
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
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
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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, shift the transmission to NEUTRAL, but do notincrease 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 HOT (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 HOT (H), and you hear continuous chimes, 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 the transmission overheat warning light
turns on, you will experience reduced
performance until the automatic transmission cools down. Stop the vehicle and run
the engine at idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL until the light turns off. 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 may reoccur.
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JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
WARNING!
• Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to movingtraffic. Pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.
• Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The vehicle could slip off the
jack and fall on you. You could be crushed. Never put any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack. If you need to get under a raised vehicle, take
it to a service center where it can be raised on a lift.
• Never start or run the engine while the vehicle is on a jack.
• The jack is designed to be used as a tool for changing tires only. The jack
should not be used to lift the vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should
be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
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.
Spare/Jack/Tools
1 — Spare Tire
2 — Jack And Tools
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