2017 JEEP COMPASS brake fluid

Brake Warning Light
Red TelltaleLight What It Means
English
Metric
Brake Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions, including brake fluid level and parking brake appli-
cation. 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 anti-lock brake system 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 mal-
function or that a problem with the Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem (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. NOTE:
The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level conditions.
The vehicle should have service performed, and the brake
fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is necessary.
112 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

WARNING!(Continued)
position of the floor mat and may cause interference
with the accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals.
• If the vehicle carpet has been removed and re-
installed, always properly attach carpet to the floor
and check the floor mat fasteners are secure to the
vehicle carpet. Fully depress each pedal to check for
interference with the accelerator, brake, or clutch
pedals then re-install the floor mats.
• It is recommended to only use mild soap and water
to clean your floor mats. After cleaning, always check
your floor mat has been properly installed and is
secured to your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners
by lightly pulling mat.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts
and cracks. Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper cold inflation pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake lights and
exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn
signal and high beam indicator lights on the instrument
panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid (if
equipped), or brake fluid leaks are suspected. The cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
194 SAFETY

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES .................197
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped ........197
▫ Automatic Transmission — If Equipped ......197
▫ Normal Starting ........................198
▫ Extreme Cold Weather (Below –22°F Or 30°C) .198
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ..................198
▫ After Starting ..........................199
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . . .199
 ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS . . . .199
 PARKING BRAKE .......................200
 MANUAL TRANSMISSION .................202
▫ Five-Speed Manual Transmission ............202
▫ Recommended Shift Speeds ...............203
▫ Downshifting ........................ .204
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — IF EQUIPPED .204
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ................205
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . .205
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission — If
Equipped ............................205
▫ Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission
(CVT) — If Equipped ....................211
 FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION — IF
EQUIPPED ............................214
 POWER STEERING ..................... .215
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ...............215
 ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL — IF
EQUIPPED ............................216
▫ To Activate .......................... .217
▫ To Set A Desired Speed ...................217
6

surfaces, activate the “4WD LOCK” switch by pulling up
once and releasing. This locks the center coupling allowing
more torque to be sent to the rear wheels. The “4WD
Indicator Light” will come on in the cluster. This can be
done on the fly, at any vehicle speed. To deactivate, simply
pull on the switch one more time. The “4WD Indicator
Light” will then go out.
NOTE:Refer to “Electronic Brake Control System/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)” in “Safety” for further
information.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability in
tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical steering
capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers. NOTE:
•
Increased noise levels at the end of the steering wheel
travel are considered normal and do not indicate that
there is a problem with the power steering system.
• Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This
is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in
any way damage the steering system.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined service
interval is not required. The fluid should only be checked
if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are apparent,
and/or the system is not functioning as anticipated. Coor-
dinate inspection efforts through an authorized dealer.
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 215

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping, and
backing up the trailer in an area located away from heavy
traffic.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in first gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Automatic Transmission — If Equipped
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. However,
if frequent shifting or changes in engine speed occur while
in this range, use the AutoStick shift control (if equipped)
to select a lower gear ratio.
NOTE:
•Using a lower gear ratio while operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions, will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat buildup. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
• If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45
minutes of continuous operation, then change the trans-
mission fluid and filter as specified for police, taxi, fleet,
or frequent trailer towing. Refer to the Maintenance
Plan for the proper maintenance intervals.
Seven-Pin Connector
1 — Battery 5 — Ground
2 — Backup Lamps 6 — Left Stop/Turn
3 — Right Stop/Turn 7 — Running Lamps
4 — Electric Brakes
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 233

with a constant slow speed (3-5 mph [5–8 km/h] maxi-
mum) and light throttle. Keep the vehicle moving; do not
try to accelerate through the crossing. After crossing any
water higher than the bottom of the axle differentials, you
should inspect all of the vehicle fluids for signs of water
ingestion.
CAUTION!
Water ingestion into the transaxle, transfer case, engine
or vehicle interior can occur if you drive too fast or
through too deep of water. Water can cause permanent
damage to engine, driveline or other vehicle compo-
nents and your brakes will be less effective once wet
and/or muddy.
Before You Cross Any Type Of Water
As you approach any type of water, you need to determine
if you can cross it safely and responsibly. If necessary, get
out and walk through the water or probe it with a stick.
You need to be sure of its depth, approach angle, current
and bottom condition. Be careful of murky or muddy
waters; check for hidden obstacles. Make sure you will not
be intruding on any wildlife, and you can recover the
vehicle if necessary. The key to a safe crossing is the water
depth, current and bottom conditions. On soft bottoms, the vehicle will sink in, effectively increasing the water level on
the vehicle. Be sure to consider this when determining the
depth and the ability to safely cross.
Crossing Puddles, Pools, Flooded Areas Or Other
Standing Water
Puddles, pools, flooded or other standing water areas
normally contain murky or muddy waters. These water
types normally contain hidden obstacles and make it
difficult to determine an accurate water depth, approach
angle, and bottom condition. Murky or muddy water holes
are where you want to hook up tow straps prior to
entering. This makes for a faster, cleaner and easier vehicle
recovery. If you are able to determine you can safely cross,
than proceed using the low and slow method.
CAUTION!
Muddy waters can reduce the cooling system effective-
ness by depositing debris onto the radiator.
After Driving Off-Road
Off-road operation puts more stress on your vehicle than
does most on-road driving. After going off-road, it is
6
STARTING AND OPERATING 241

5. Uncoil the Power Plug (8) and insert the plug into thevehicle’s 12 Volt power outlet.
NOTE: Do not remove foreign objects (e.g., screws or nails)
from the tire.
(C) Injecting Tire Service Kit Sealant Into The
Deflated Tire:
• Always start the engine before turning on the Tire
Service Kit.
NOTE: Manual transmission vehicles must have the park-
ing brake engaged and the gear selector in NEUTRAL.
• After pushing the Power Button (4), the sealant (white
fluid) will flow from the Sealant Bottle (1) through the
Sealant Hose (6) and into the tire.
NOTE: Sealant may leak out through the puncture in the
tire.
If the sealant (white fluid) does not flow within0–10
seconds through the Sealant Hose (6):
1. Push the Power Button (4) to turn off the Tire Service Kit. Disconnect the Sealant Hose (6) from the valve stem.
Make sure the valve stem is free of debris. Reconnect the
Sealant Hose (6) to the valve stem. Check that the Mode Select Knob (5) is in the Sealant Mode position and not
Air Mode. Push the Power Button (4) to turn on the Tire
Service Kit.
2. Connect the Power Plug (8) to a different 12 Volt power outlet in your vehicle or another vehicle, if available.
Make sure the engine is running before turning on the
Tire Service Kit.
3. The Sealant Bottle (1) may be empty due to previous use. Call for assistance.
NOTE: If the Mode Select Knob (5) is on Air Mode and the
pump is operating, air will dispense from the Air Pump
Hose (7) only, not the Sealant Hose (6).
If the sealant (white fluid) does flow through the Sealant
Hose (6):
1. Continue to operate the pump until sealant is no longer flowing through hose (typically takes 30 - 70 seconds).
As the sealant flows through the Sealant Hose (6), the
Pressure Gauge (3) can read as high as 70 psi (4.8 Bar).
The Pressure Gauge (3) will decrease quickly from
approximately 70 psi (4.8 Bar) to the actual tire pressure
when the Sealant Bottle (1) is empty.
264 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
CONTENTS
SCHEDULED SERVICING ..................279
▫ Maintenance Plan .......................280
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT .................284
▫ 2.0L Engine ..........................284
▫ 2.4L Engine ..........................285
▫ Checking Oil Level .....................286
▫ Cooling System ........................286
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ...................287
 DEALER SERVICE .......................287
▫ Engine Oil .......................... .288
▫ Engine Oil Filter .......................289
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ..............289
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter .................291
▫ Body Lubrication ..................... .292▫
Windshield Wiper Blades .................292
▫ Exhaust System ........................293
▫ Cooling System ........................294
▫ Brake System ........................ .299
▫ Manual Transmission — If Equipped ........301
▫ Automatic Transmission (Six-Speed) — If
Equipped ............................301
▫ Automatic Transmission (CVT) — If Equipped . .302
▫ Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) — AWD/4WD Models
Only ...............................304
▫ Power Transfer Unit (PTU) — AWD/4WD Models
Only ...............................304
 RAISING THE VEHICLE ..................305
 TIRES ............................... .305
▫ Tire Safety Information ..................305
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