coolant temperature JEEP COMPASS 2009 1.G Owners Manual

The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
15. Transmission Temperature Indicator
During sustained high speed driving on hot
days, the automatic transmission oil may be-
come too hot. If this happens, the transmission
overheat indicator light will come on and the
vehicle will slow slightly until the automatic transmis-
sion cools down enough to allow a return to the re-
quested speed. If the high speed is maintained, the
overheating will reoccur as before in a cyclic fashion.
16. Vehicle Security Light — If Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for approxi-
mately 16 seconds, when the vehicle security
alarm is arming, and then will flash slowly
until the vehicle is disarmed.17. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads “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
the “H” and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately, and call an authorized deal-
ership for service.
168 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

When adding engine coolant (antifreeze), a minimum
solution of 50% recommended MOPARAntifreeze/
Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology), or equivalent, in water
should be used. Use higher concentrations (not to exceed
70%) if temperatures below34°F (37°C) are antici-
pated.
Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/engine coolant (antifreeze)
solution. The use of lower quality water will reduce the
amount of corrosion protection in the engine cooling
system.
Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.NOTE:Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types will
decrease the life of the engine coolant (antifreeze) and
will require more frequent coolant changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze) and to ensure that engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
recovery bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 361
7

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 pres-
sure 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 engine
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 disposalrules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers or allow it
to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a
child, contact a physician 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.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
the coolant freeze point or replacing the engine coolant
(antifreeze). Advise your service attendant of this. As
long as the engine operating temperature is satisfactory,
the coolant bottle need only be checked once a month.
362 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for
proper maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
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.
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with amanual
transaxle, 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. Themanual
transaxleclutch release system should not require fluid
replacement during the life of the vehicle. If the brake
364 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 387
Fog Lights.......................122,173,380
Folding Rear Seat........................ 118
Folding Rear Seat (Sedan).................. 118
Four Wheel Drive....................... 261
Systems............................. 261
Four Wheel Drive Operation................ 261
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 340
Fuel..............................307,387
Adding............................. 312
Additives............................ 310
Capacity............................ 386
Clean Air............................ 308
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 312
Gasoline............................ 307
Gauge.............................. 163
Light............................... 164
Octane Rating........................ 307
Requirements......................... 307Tank Capacity........................ 386
Fuel System Caution..................... 314
Fueling............................... 312
Fuses................................ 374
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 134
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)............312,313,346
Gasoline, Clean Air...................... 308
Gasoline (Fuel).......................307,386
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 308
Gauges
Coolant Temperature.................... 168
Fuel................................ 163
Odometer........................... 171
Tachometer.......................... 165
Gearshift.............................. 258
General Information.................19,107,307
General Maintenance..................... 349
Glass Cleaning.......................... 372
INDEX 423
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Speed Control (Cruise Control)...........131,169
Speedometer........................... 164
Starting............................... 251
Automatic Transmission................. 251
Engine Fails to Start.................... 253
Manual Transmission................... 251
Starting Procedures...................... 251
Steering
Power...........................265,266
Tilt Column.......................... 130
Wheel Lock........................... 15
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound
System Controls......................... 235
Storage............................147,377
Storage Bin............................ 147
Stuck, Freeing.......................... 340
Sun Roof.............................. 140
Sun Visor Extension....................... 79
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag........ 48Synthetic Engine Oil...................... 351
Tachometer............................ 165
Taillights.............................. 381
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......168,331
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint............... 64
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)................ 19
Theft System (Security Alarm)............... 19
Tie Down Hooks, Cargo................... 153
Tilt Steering Column..................... 130
Tire and Loading Information Placard......... 284
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 283
Tire Markings.......................... 279
Tire Safety Information.................... 279
Tires ............................70,288,414
Aging (Life of Tires).................... 294
Air Pressure.......................... 288
Chains.............................. 297
Changing............................ 332
INDEX 431
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