JEEP COMPASS 2012 1.G Repair Manual

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
• This vehicle has two full time, on-demand, four-wheel-drive (4WD)
systems available, Freedom Drive I and Freedom-Drive II. They provide
for all-weather, all-terrain capability for added driving security in
less-than-ideal road conditions.
Freedom-Drive I™ Four Wheel Drive System
• The vehicle will constantly monitor wheel slippage and transfer power to
the axle that can use it the most.
• For additional traction in sand, deep snow or loose traction surfaces, the
“4WD Lock” sends equal amounts of the torque to the front and rear
axles at low speeds.
• To activate, pull the T-handle, located in between the front driver and
passenger seats, up once and release. The “4WD Indicator Light” will
come on in the cluster.
OFF-ROAD CAPABILITIES
59

• This can be done on the fly, at any vehicle speed. To deactivate, simply
pull on the T-handle one more time. The “4WD Indicator Light” will then
turn off.
Trail Rated® Freedom-Drive II™Four Wheel Drive System (IF
EQUIPPED)
• This system offers all the benefits of Freedom Drive I™ plus the
rugged capability of true Trail-Rated off road performance
with three additional features:
•Off-Road Mode
• Pulling up on the T-handle while the gear shift lever is in the
Low position activates the Off-Road mode.
• This feature allows power to be sent to all four wheels when additional
traction is required while also delivering enhanced off-road capability
for water fording, moving on steep grades and rock crawling.
•Brake Lock Differential
• This feature helps keep the vehicle moving forward when one wheel
loses traction by directing power from the wheel that slips to the wheel
with more grip on the same axle providing more traction in off-road
situations.
•Hill Descent Control/Hill Start Assist
• The Hill Descent Control System maintains vehicle speed while
descending hills during off-road driving situations and is available in
both low and reverse gears.
• This allows a smooth and controlled hill descent on rough or slippery
terrain without the driver needing to touch the brake pedal.
• The Hill Start Assist system assists the driver when starting a vehicle
from a stop on a hill.
OFF-ROAD CAPABILITIES
60

TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)Engine/Transmission Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt. (See Note)
2.0L Auto/Man 22 sq ft (2.04 sq m) 1,000 lbs (450 kg) 150 lbs (50 kg)
2.4L Auto/Man 22 sq ft (2.04 sq m) 1,000 lbs (450 kg) 150 lbs (50 kg)
2.4L Auto/Man with
Trailer Tow Prep
Package (AHC)32 sq ft (3.0 sq m) 2,000 lbs (907 kg) 300 lbs (136 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
Note: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and should
never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
UTILITY
61

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing Condition Wheels OFF the Ground Manual TransmissionAutomatic
Transmission
Flat Tow None
• Transmission in
NEUTRAL
• Key in ACCNOT ALLOWED
Dolly TowFront
NOT ALLOWEDOK(FWD Only)
Rear
NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer
AllOK OK
NOTE:Vehicles equipped withmanual transmissionsmay be recreationally towed (flat towed) at any legal highway
speed, for any distance, if themanual transmissionis in NEUTRAL and the ignition key is in the ACC position.
CAUTION!
• Do not flat tow any vehicle equipped with a automatic transmission. Damage to the drivetrain will result. If
these vehicles require towing, make sure all drive wheels are off the ground.
• Front or rear wheel lifts should not be used. Internal damage to the transmission or transfer case will occur if
a front or rear wheel lift is used when recreational towing.
UTILITY
62

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.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
63

•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.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
64

- 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.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
65

- 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.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
66

Fuel Cap/Loose Gas Cap Message
• If a “gas cap” message (shown as gASCAP) appears, tighten the gas cap
until a “clicking” sound is heard.
• Press the odometer reset button, located below the tachometer, to turn
the message off.
• If the message continues to appear for more than three days after
tightening the gas cap, see your authorized service center.
Oil Change IndicatorMessage
• If an “oil change” message (shown as CHANgE OIL) appears and a single
chime sounds, it is time for your next required oil change.
Resetting The Light After Servicing
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position (do not start engine).
• Fully depress the accelerator pedal three times within 10 seconds.
• Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
• In any of the following situations, you can reduce the potential for
overheating by taking the appropriate action.
• On the highways — slow down.
• In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in NEUTRAL, but
do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down an impending
overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning the A/C off can help remove this
heat.
• You can also turn the temperature control to maximum heat, the mode
control to floor and the blower control to high. This allows the heater core
to act as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat from the
engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage your vehicle. If the
temperature gauge reads 240°F (116 °C) or greater pull over and stop
the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until the
pointer drops back into the normal range 200–230°F (93–110°C). If
the pointer remains at 240°F (116°C) or greater and you hear a chime,
turn the engine off immediately and call for service.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
67

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.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
68