coolant temperature JEEP COMPASS 2011 1.G Owners Manual

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 the 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 autho-
rized dealership for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call an authorized dealer-
ship for service if your vehicle overheats. If you
decide to look under the hood yourself, see “Main-
taining Your Vehicle”. Follow the warnings under the
Cooling System Pressure Cap paragraph.
18. Cruise Indicator — If Equipped This indicator shows that the Electronic Speed
Control System is ON.
19. 4WD Indicator — If Equipped
This light indicates the vehicle is in the 4-Wheel Drive
mode.
198 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idle or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at any time the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
•You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant
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 is hot.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 413

•Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine coolant
and distilled water. Use higher concentrations (not to
exceed 70%) if temperatures below34°F (37°C) are
anticipated.
•Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized 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.
416 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

long as the engine operating temperature is satisfactory,
the coolant bottle need only be checked once a month.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to
maintain the proper level, it should be added to the
coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant recovery bottle. If engine coolant (anti-
freeze) needs to be added, the contents of the coolant
recovery bottle must also be protected against freez-
ing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine which contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
418 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
•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
emissions.
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
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
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 419

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 306
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 415
Adding Fuel ........................... 353
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... 410
Additives, Fuel ......................... 351
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 406
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 408
Air Conditioning ........................ 271
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 271
Air Conditioning Filter .................... 283
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............408,409
Air Conditioning System .............271,276,408
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 284
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 329
Airbag .............................. 60,69
Airbag Deployment ....................... 70
Airbag Light ................... 67,68,73,85,193
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 72
Airbag, Side ...................... 63,66,68,69Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)
...........64,66,69
Alarm Light ........................... 197
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 17
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................234,259
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 306
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 194
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 17
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........414,437,438
Capacities .......................... 437
Disposal ........................... 417
Appearance Care ........................ 424
Assistance Towing ....................... 111
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 94
Automatic Door Locks ..................... 30
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 276
Automatic Transaxle ...........12,289,294,375,422
Fluid Level Check .................... 422
Interlock System ..................... 295
470 INDEX

Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®)........... 158
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............353,355,399
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 437
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 349
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 349
Gauges Coolant Temperature .................. 198
Fuel .............................. 192
Odometer .......................... 201
Tachometer ......................... 195
Gear Select Lever Override ................. 390
Gearshift .............................. 296
General Information ................. 17,127,348
General Maintenance ..................... 402
Glass Cleaning .......................... 428
Gross Axle Weight Rating .................. 359
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .............356,358Hands-Free Phone (Uconnect™)
.............. 97
Hazard Warning Flasher ................... 374
Head Restraints ......................... 140
Headlights ............................ 435
Cleaning ........................... 428
High Beam ......................... 149
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ...... 149
Passing ............................ 149
Replacing .......................... 435
Switch ............................ 147
Heated Mirrors .......................... 96
Heated Seats ........................... 134
Heater ............................... 271
Heater, Engine Block ..................... 291
Hill Descent Control ................... 205,311
Hill Start Assist ......................... 312
Hitches Trailer Towing ....................... 361
HomeLink® (Garage Door Opener) Transmitter . . 158
476 INDEX

Storage, Vehicle......................... 282
Stuck, Freeing .......................... 389
Sun Roof .............................. 165
Sun Visor Extension ....................... 97
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag ........ 60
Synthetic Engine Oil ...................... 405
System, Remote Starting .................... 25
Tachometer ............................ 195
Taillights .............................. 436
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC) ........ 276
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant .......198,375
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint ............... 79
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ................ 17
Theft System (Security Alarm) ............... 17
Tie Down Hooks, Cargo ................... 180
Tilt Steering Column ..................... 154
Tire and Loading Information Placard ......... 324
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............. 322Tire Markings
.......................... 318
Tire Safety Information .................... 318
Tires ............................ 87,328,467
Aging (Life of Tires) .................. 335
Air Pressure ........................ 328
Chains ............................ 337
Changing .......................... 376
Compact Spare ...................... 332
General Information .................. 328
High Speed ......................... 330
Inflation Pressures .................... 329
Jacking ............................ 376
Life of Tires ........................ 335
Load Capacity .................... 324,325
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ......... 339
Pressure Warning Light ................ 199
Quality Grading ..................... 467
Radial ............................ 331
Replacement ........................ 336
484 INDEX