checking oil JEEP COMPASS 2010 1.G Owners Manual

If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate open,
make sure that all windows are closed and the climate
control BLOWER switch is set at high speed. DO NOT
use the recirculation mode.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for six to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
82 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transaxle, power steering or air condition-
ing. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Do not check oil level
before starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking engine oil level when the engine is cold will
give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of
the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. The range markings will
consist of a crosshatch zone that says SAFE or a cross-
hatch zone that says MIN at the low end of the range and
MAX at the high end of the range. Adding 1 qt (1L) of oil
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 383

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change
and even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If this
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center/Engine Oil Change Indicator
System/Oil Change Required” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” or under “Instrument Cluster
Description/Odometer/Trip Odometer” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 427

Electronic Stability Program............... 303
Traction Control System ................. 299
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 148
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 303
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 196
Emergency, In Case of Jacking ............................. 360
Jump Starting ......................... 366
Towing ............................. 371
Emission Control System Maintenance ......380,426
Engine ............................... 378
Block Heater ......................... 279
Break-In Recommendations ................ 80
Checking Oil Level ..................... 383
Cooling ............................. 393
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 81,339
Fuel Requirements ..................... 335
Jump Starting ......................... 366
Oil ........................... 383,421,422Oil Change Interval
.................... 384
Oil Filler Cap ...................... 378,385
Oil Filter ............................ 422
Oil Selection .......................... 384
Oil Synthetic ......................... 385
Overheating .......................... 358
Temperature Gauge .................... 189
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 67
Exhaust Gas Caution ..............36,81,339,391
Exhaust System ....................... 81,391
Exterior Lights .......................... 83
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 386
Air Conditioning ...................... 271
Engine Oil ........................ 386,422
Flashers .............................. 358
Hazard Warning ....................... 358
Turn Signal ...................... 83,184,416
460 INDEX

Odometer............................. 192
Trip ............................. 190,192
Oil Change Indicator ..................... 198
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ................. 198
Oil, Engine ......................... 383,421
Capacity ............................ 421
Change Interval ....................... 384
Checking ............................ 383
Disposal ............................ 385
Filter ............................... 386
Identification Logo ..................... 384
Materials Added to ..................... 385
Recommendation ................... 384,421
Synthetic ............................ 385
Viscosity ............................ 385
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............379,380
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 152
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 5
Overdrive ............................. 285 Overheating, Engine
................... 189,358
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........5,451
Paint Care ............................. 403
Panic Alarm ............................ 23
Parking Brake .......................... 293
Passing Light ........................... 143
Personal Settings ........................ 201
Pets .................................. 80
Phone, Cellular .......................... 93
Phone, Hands-Free (Uconnect™) .............. 93
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 313
Power Door Locks ........................... 29
Mirrors .............................. 91
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) .......... 161
Steering .......................... 291,293
Sunroof ............................. 158
Transfer Unit ......................... 403
466 INDEX