warning JEEP COMPASS 2012 1.G Owner's Manual

24-HOUR TOWING ASSISTANCE
• Dial toll-free 1-800-521-2779 or 1-800-363-4869 for Canadian residents.
• Provide your name, vehicle identification number and license plate
number.
• Provide your location, including telephone number, from which you are
calling.
• Briefly describe the nature of the problem and answer a few simple
questions.
• You will be given the name of the service provider and an estimated time
of arrival. If you feel you are in an “unsafe situation”, please let us know.
With your consent, we will contact local police or safety authorities.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/Malfunction
Indicator Light
• If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” comes on
continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected
in the ESC system. If this light remains on after several ignition cycles,
and the vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds
greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), we recommend you do not operate the
vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
• The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” starts to flash as soon
as the tires lose traction and the ESC system becomes active. If the light
begins to flash during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply
as little throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to
the prevailing road conditions. The light also flashes when TCS is active.
To improve the vehicle's traction when starting off in deep snow, sand or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch the ESC system to Partial Off mode
by momentarily pressing the ESC Off
switch.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
• Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly,
when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the
vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
• As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the
proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces
fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling
and stopping ability.
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•IF THE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING INDICATING A LOW TIRE PRESSURE,
ADJUST THE AIR PRESSURE IN THE LOW TIRE TO THE AIR PRESSURE
SHOWN ON THE VEHICLE PLACARD OR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE
LABEL LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR. NOTE: AFTER INFLATION,
THE VEHICLE MAY NEED TO BE DRIVEN FOR 20 MINUTES BEFORE
THE FLASHING LIGHT WILL TURN OFF.
• Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
• Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator
to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue each time the vehicle is restarted as long as the
malfunction exists.
• When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions
may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle, to
ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS
to continue to function properly.
NOTE:Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per 12° F (7° C)
of air temperature change. Keep this in mind when checking tire pressure
inside a garage, especially in the Winter. Example: If garage temperature is
68°F (20°C) and the outside temperature is 32°F (0°C), then the cold tire
inflation pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa), which equals 1 psi
(7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this outside temperature condition.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and
wheels. TPMS pressures and warning have been established for the
tire size equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system operation or
sensor damage may result when using replacement equipment that is
not of the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant from a can, or balance beads if
your vehicle is equipped with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors may
result.
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- Engine Temperature Warning Light
• This light warns of an overheated engine condition.
• If the light turns on and a warning chime sounds 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 vehicle. If the temperature
reading does not return to normal, turn the engine off immediately.
• We recommend that you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage
will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
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 service center for service if your vehicle overheats.
BRAKE- Brake Warning Light
• The Brake Warning light illuminates when there is either a system
malfunction or the parking brake is applied. If the light is on and the
parking brake is not applied, it indicates a possible brake hydraulic
malfunction, brake booster problem or an Anti-Lock Brake System
problem.
• Please have your vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the
brake system may have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle.
You could have a collision. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
• Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality,
etc., may illuminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be
serviced if the light stays on through several typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and not require towing.
• If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may
exist that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic
converter damage. We recommend you do not operate the vehicle. Have
the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Charging System Light
• This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the
charging system light remains on, it means that the vehicle is
experiencing a problem with the charging system.
• We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light
is on. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
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- Oil Pressure Warning Light
• This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while
driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A
chime will sound for four minutes when this light turns on.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will
occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
• This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving,
we recommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the
vehicle serviced immediately.
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
• This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control
(ETC) system.
• If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is
running. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle has completely stopped and
the shift lever is placed in the PARK position; the light should turn off.
• If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be
drivable; however, see an authorized service center immediately. If the
light is flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is required
and you may experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or
engine stall and your vehicle may require towing.
- Air Bag Warning Light
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving,
have the vehicle serviced by an authorized service center immediately.
4WD!- 4WD System Fault Indicator Light
• When lit solid: There is a 4WD system fault. The 4WD performance will
be at a reduced level. We recommend you do not operate the vehicle.
Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
• When blinking: The 4WD system is temporarily disabled due to overload
condition.
- Transmission Temperature Warning Light
• This light indicates that there is excessive transmission fluid temperature
that might occur with severe usage such as trailer towing. If this light
turns on, you will experience reduced vehicle performance until the
automatic transmission cools down. If the overheating continues, stop
the vehicle and run the engine at idle, with the transmission in NEUTRAL,
until the light turns off. Once the light turns off, you may continue to
drive normally.
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WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine coolant (antifreeze)
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 or coolant bottle is hot.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING
• During sustained high speed driving or trailer towing up long grades on
hot days, the automatic transmission oil may become too hot.
• When the transmission overheat warning light
turns on, you will
experience reduced performance until the automatic transmission cools
down. Once the transmission has cooled down and the light turns off,
you may continue to drive normally. If the high speed is maintained, the
overheating will continue to occur.
• If the overheating continues, it may become necessary to stop the
vehicle and run the engine at idle with the transmission in NEUTRAL until
the light turns off.
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
Jack Location
• The jack and jack-handle are stowed under the load floor in the cargo
area.
Spare Tire Stowage
• The compact spare tire is stowed
under the rear load floor in the
cargo area.
Spare Tire Removal
• Lift up the load floor cover and
remove the hold down.
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Preparations For Jacking
1. Park the vehicle on a firm level surface, avoiding ice or slippery areas.
2. Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Place the shift lever in PARK (automatic transmission) or REVERSE
(manual transmission).
5. Turn OFF the ignition.
Block both the front and rear of the
wheel diagonally opposite the jacking
position. For example, if changing the
right front tire, block the left rear
wheel.
NOTE:Passengers should not remain
in the vehicle while the vehicle is
being jacked.
Jacking Instructions
NOTE:Refer to “Tires — General
Information” in “Starting And
Operating” in the Owner's Manual on
the DVD for further information about
the spare tire, it's use, and operation.
1. Remove the scissors jack and lug
wrench from the spare wheel as
an assembly. Turn the jack screw
to the left to loosen the lug
wrench and remove the wrench
from the jack assembly.
2. Loosen, but do not remove, the wheel nuts by turning them to the left
one turn while the wheel is still on the ground.
NOTE:There are front and rear jacking locations on each side of the body.
The front locations are outlined by two triangular cutouts, the rear
locations by two rectangular cutouts.
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WARNING!
• Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The vehicle could slip
off the jack and fall on you. You could be crushed. Never put any
part of your body under a vehicle that is on a jack. If you need to
get under a raised vehicle, take it to a service center where it can be
raised on a lift.
• Never start or run the engine while the vehicle is on a jack.
• The jack is designed to be used as a tool for changing tires only. The
jack should not be used to lift the vehicle for service purposes. The
vehicle should be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or
slippery areas.
• Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to
moving traffic, pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of
being hit when operating the jack or changing the wheel.
• Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to help prevent
personal injury or damage to your vehicle:
• Alwayspark on a firm, level surface as far from the edge of the
roadway as possible before raising the vehicle.
• Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.
• Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to be raised.
• Set the parking brake firmly and set an automatic transmission in
PARK; a manual transmission in REVERSE.
• Never start or run the engine with the vehicle on a jack.
• Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a jack.
• Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.
• Only use the jack in the positions indicated and for lifting this
vehicle during a tire change.
• If working on or near a roadway, be extremely careful of motor
traffic.
• To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated, are securely stowed,
spares must be stowed with the valve stem facing the ground.
• Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make the vehicle
less stable. It could slip off the jack and hurt someone near it.
Raise the vehicle only enough to remove the tire.
• To avoid possible personal injury, handle the wheel covers with
care to avoid contact with any sharp edges.
• A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or hard stop
could injure the occupants in the vehicle. Have the deflated (flat)
tire repaired or replaced immediately.
• To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not tighten
the lug nuts fully until the vehicle is lowered to the ground.
Failure to follow this warning may result in personal injury.
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WARNING!
• Do not attempt jump-starting if the battery is frozen. It could
rupture or explode and cause personal injury.
• Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever the hood is
raised. It can start anytime the ignition switch is on. You can be
injured by moving fan blades.
• Remove any metal jewelry such as watch bands or bracelets that
might make an inadvertent electrical contact. You could be seriously
injured.
• Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can burn your skin or eyes and
generate hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. Keep
open flames or sparksaway from the battery.
• Do not allow vehicles to touch each other as this could establish a
ground connection and personal injury could result.
• Failure to follow this procedure could result in personal injury or
property damage due to battery explosion.
• Do not connect the cable to the negative post(-)of the discharged
battery. The resulting electrical spark could cause the battery to
explode and could result in personal injury.
SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE
• If a malfunction occurs and the shift lever cannot be moved out of the
PARK position, you can use the following procedure to temporarily move
the shift lever:
• To access the shift lever override, locate and remove the removable plug
in the right side of the shift lever housing.
• Firmly set the parking brake.
• Turn the ignition switch to the ACC or ON position without starting the
engine.
• Press and maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal.
• Using a screwdriver or similar tool, press and hold the override tab
through the access port on the center console.
• Move the shift lever into the NEUTRAL position.
• The vehicle may then be started in NEUTRAL.
• Reinstall the override cover.
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FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
• If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it can often be
moved by a rocking motion. Turn your steering wheel right and left to
clear the area around the front wheels. Then move the shift lever back
and forth between REVERSE and DRIVE. Using minimal accelerator
pedal pressure to maintain the rocking motion, without spinning the
wheels, is most effective.
NOTE:To improve the vehicle's traction when starting off in deep snow,
sand or gravel, it may be desirable to switch the Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) to “Partial Off” mode by momentarily pressing the ESC Off
switch.
For further information on ESC, refer to the Owner's Manual on the DVD.
CAUTION!
• When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving between REVERSE and
DRIVE, do not spin the wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or
drivetrain damage may result.
• Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. It can also damage the tires.
Do not spin the wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no
transmission shifting occurring).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces generated by excessive
wheel speeds may cause tire damage or failure. A tire could explode
and injure someone. Do not spin your vehicle's wheels faster than
30 mph (48 km/h) when you are stuck. Do not let anyone near a
spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
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OPENING THE HOOD
• Pull the release lever located
below the instrument panel and in
front of the driver’s door.
• Raise the hood and locate the
safety latch, in the middle of the
hood opening.
• Move the safety latch while lifting
the hood at the same time.
• Insert the support rod into the slot
on the hood.
• To close the hood, remove the
support rod and place it in the
retaining clip, then lower the hood
slowly.
WARNING!
Be sure the hood is fully latched before driving your vehicle. If the
hood is not fully latched, it could open when the vehicle is in motion
and block your vision. Failure to follow this warning could result in
serious injury or death.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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