coolant temperature JEEP COMPASS 2012 1.G Owners Manual

12. Tachometer
The white area of the scale shows the permissible engine
revolutions-per-minute (RPM x 1000) for each gear range.
Before reaching the red area, ease up on the accelerator to
prevent engine damage.
13. Engine Temperature Warning LightThis light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. As engine coolant temperatures rise and the
gauge approaches H,this indicator will illuminate
and a single chime will sound after reaching a set
threshold. Further overheating will cause the tempera-
ture gauge to pass H,the indicator will continuously
flash and a continuous chime will occur until the engine
is allowed to cool.
If the light turns on 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 ve-
hicle. If the temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service. Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “What To
Do In Emergencies” for further information.
14. 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 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 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
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 199

The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON/RUN posi-
tion.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
15. Transmission Temperature Warning Light This light indicates that the transmission fluid
temperature is running hot. This may occur
with severe usage, such as trailer towing. If this
light turns on, safely pull over and stop them
vehicle. Then, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and
run the engine at idle or faster until the light turns off.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Tempera-
ture Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause
severe transmission damage or transmission failure.
WARNING!
If the Transmission Temperature Warning Light is
illuminated and you continue operating the vehicle,
in some circumstances you could cause the fluid to
boil over, come in contact with hot engine or exhaust
components and cause a fire.
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.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 201

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.
202 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.
Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every
12 months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 421

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Do not use water alone or alcohol based engine
coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use addi-
tional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they
may not be compatible with the radiator engine
coolant and may plug the radiator.
•This vehicle has not been designed for use with
Propylene Glycol based engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Use of Propylene Glycol based engine
coolant (antifreeze) is not recommended.
Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant (antifreeze) that allows extended maintenance
intervals. This engine coolant (antifreeze) can be used up
to five years or 104,000 miles (169 000 km) before replace-
ment. To prevent reducing this extended maintenance
period, it is important that you use the same engine
coolant (antifreeze) throughout the life of your vehicle.
Please review these recommendations for using Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) engine coolant
(antifreeze). When adding engine coolant (antifreeze):
•The manufacturer recommends using MOPAR
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or
equivalent.
•Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine coolant
and distilled water. Use higher concentrations (not to
exceed 70%) if temperatures below 34°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.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 423

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.
WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. 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
pressure 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 en-
gine damage may result.
424 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 disposal
rules 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
or pet, seek emergency assistance 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.
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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 425

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 314
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 423
Adding Fuel ........................... 361
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... 418
Additives, Fuel ......................... 359
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 412
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 414
Air Conditioning ........................ 276
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 276
Air Conditioning Filter .................287,415
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............414,415
Air Conditioning System .............276,280,414
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 288
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 337
Airbag .............................. 61,70
Airbag Deployment ....................... 71
Airbag Light ................... 68,69,74,86,197
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 73
Airbag, Side ...................... 64,67,69,70Airbag, Window (Side Curtain)
...........65,67,70
Alarm Light ........................... 201
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 18
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 8
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................239,263
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 314
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 198
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........422,445,446
Capacities .......................... 445
Disposal ........................... 425
Appearance Care ........................ 432
Assistance Towing ....................... 112
Automatic Dimming Mirror ................. 94
Automatic Door Locks ................... 32,33
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 280
Automatic Transaxle ................. 12,294,381
Overheating ........................ 381
476 INDEX

Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®)........... 160
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............361,363,405
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 445
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 357
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 357
Gauges Coolant Temperature .................. 201
Fuel .............................. 196
Odometer .......................... 205
Tachometer ......................... 199
Gear Ranges ........................... 301
Gear Select Lever Override ................. 397
General Information ................. 17,128,356
General Maintenance ..................... 408
Glass Cleaning .......................... 436
Gross Axle Weight Rating .................. 366
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .............364,365Hands-Free Phone (Uconnect™)
.............. 98
Hazard Warning Flasher ................... 380
Head Restraints ......................... 141
Headlights ............................ 443
Cleaning ........................... 436
High Beam ......................... 150
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ...... 150
Passing ............................ 150
Replacing .......................... 443
Switch ............................ 148
Heated Mirrors .......................... 97
Heated Seats ........................... 135
Heater ............................... 276
Heater, Engine Block ..................... 296
Hill Descent Control ................... 209,319
Hill Start Assist ......................... 320
Hitches Trailer Towing ....................... 368
482 INDEX

Steering Wheel Mounted
Sound System Controls................... 273
Storage ............................ 179,442
Storage Bin ............................ 179
Storage, Vehicle ......................... 286
Stuck, Freeing .......................... 396
Sun Roof .............................. 169
Sun Visor Extension ....................... 98
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag ........ 61
Synthetic Engine Oil ...................... 411
System, Remote Starting .................... 26
Tachometer ............................ 199
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC) ........ 280
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant .......201,381
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint ............... 80
Text Messaging ......................... 120
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ................ 18
Theft System (Security Alarm) ............... 18Tie Down Hooks, Cargo
................... 185
Tilt Steering Column ..................... 156
Tire and Loading Information Placard ......... 332
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............. 330
Tire Markings .......................... 326
Tire Safety Information .................... 326
Tires ............................ 88,336,473
Aging (Life of Tires) .................. 343
Air Pressure ........................ 336
Chains ............................ 346
Changing .......................... 382
Compact Spare ...................... 340
General Information .................. 336
High Speed ......................... 339
Inflation Pressures .................... 337
Jacking ............................ 382
Life of Tires ........................ 343
Load Capacity .................... 332,333
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ......... 348
490 INDEX