🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Compass

Year:

2012

Manual Title:

2012 Jeep Compass Owner's Manual

Product Code Indication:

Owner's Manual (not a service or repair manual)

👋 Introduction

Market Position Of Vehicle:

The 2012 Jeep Compass is a compact crossover SUV, positioned as an affordable and accessible entry into the Jeep brand, often appealing to buyers seeking the brand's styling and light off-road capability in a more urban-friendly package.

Competitive Landscape:

Competed against vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, and Chevrolet Equinox in the compact SUV segment.

Key Vehicle Features:

Jeep styling cues, available Freedom Drive I or Freedom Drive II 4x4 systems, compact size for maneuverability, relatively affordable price point.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Vehicle operation, features, safety, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting for the 2012 Jeep Compass.

Secondary Coverage:

Driver and passenger safety systems (seat belts, SRS, child protection), instruments and controls, climate control, audio system, steering wheel controls, security features, cruise control, fuel management, vehicle break-in procedures, cargo loading, engine and transmission operation, basic maintenance schedules, fluid checking, minor servicing, vehicle storage, flat tire procedures, dead battery procedures, overheating, fuse identification and replacement, technical specifications, tire information, emissions controls, warranty details, and customer relations.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 250-350 pages (typical for a comprehensive owner's manual of this era).

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed booklet (as implied by typical product for sales).

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain Systems:

Engine operation and basic care, transmission operation (manual and automatic, depending on configuration).

Chassis Systems:

Braking system overview, steering system overview, suspension system overview (general driver information).

Electrical Systems:

Indicator lights and gauges, information display, dashboard layout, steering column controls, lighting systems, horn, wipers, power outlets, fuses.

Comfort And Convenience:

Climate control operation (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), audio system controls, power windows and locks, security system, cruise control.

Safety Systems Coverage:

Seat belt operation and adjustment, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags and components, child protection (LATCH system, child seat installation guidelines), child safety locks.

Driving Procedures:

Vehicle break-in procedures, proper fuel filling, cargo loading and weight distribution, engine and transmission operation guidance, cruise control usage.

Maintenance Procedures:

Minder system explanations, fluid level checking (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), minor servicing recommendations, vehicle storage instructions.

Emergency Procedures:

Flat tire changing procedure, jump starting a dead battery, basic overheating troubleshooting, fuse replacement.

Technical Depth:

Covers essential driver-level information, operation of features, basic maintenance checks, and common emergency procedures. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, or component-level repair instructions typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format For Digital Version:

PDF (if sold digitally, typically searchable and printable).

Print Quality For Physical Version:

High-quality printing, clear text and diagrams (standard for OEM manuals).

Binding Type For Physical Version:

Staple-bound or perfect bound (common for vehicle owner's manuals).

Paper Type For Physical Version:

Durable, coated paper stock to withstand automotive environment.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type And Displacement:

Typically equipped with a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine (World Engine) across most trims.

Horsepower And Torque:

The 2.4L engine (GEMA ED35) produced approximately 172 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque.

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI).

Engine Code:

GEMA ED35 (for the 2.4L)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

A 5-speed manual transmission was often the standard offering.

Optional Transmission Type:

A continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a 6-speed automatic transmission was typically available as an option.

Transmission Features:

CVT models often featured simulated gear shifts. AWD systems were available with both transmission types.

📐 Dimensions

Overall Length:

Approximately 170.1 inches (4320 mm).

Overall Width:

Approximately 69.1 inches (1755 mm).

Overall Height:

Approximately 64.4 inches (1636 mm).

Curb Weight:

Typically ranged from approximately 3,300 lbs (1497 kg) to 3,550 lbs (1610 kg) depending on drivetrain and options.

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

Approximately 22.6 cubic feet (640 liters).

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

Approximately 62.7 cubic feet (1775 liters).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Rating:

The 2012 Compass generally received 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA front impact crash tests.

IIHS Front Overlap Rating:

The 2012 Compass received a 'Good' rating from the IIHS in frontal offset crash testing.

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), Brake Assist.

Passive Safety Features:

Front driver and passenger airbags, side curtain airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, active head restraints, LATCH child seat anchor system.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Base models featured a basic AM/FM/CD audio system. Higher trims could be equipped with Uconnect infotainment systems, including touchscreen displays, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and voice commands. SiriusXM Satellite Radio was often an option.

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise control, electronic stability control, traction control, electronic roll mitigation. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control or automatic emergency braking were not typically available on this model.

Connectivity Options:

Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming was available with the Uconnect system. USB ports for media playback and device charging were also offered on equipped models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically recommended every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (or 6-12 months), depending on driving conditions and oil type used, as indicated by the 'oil change required' message or minder system.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Recommended every 7,500 miles.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 30,000 miles, or sooner if driving in dusty conditions.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 15,000 to 20,000 miles.

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-20, API SN certified synthetic blend or full synthetic oil.

Engine Coolant Specification:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Engine Coolant, P/N 68157995AB (or equivalent meeting Chrysler MS-12106).

Transmission Fluid Specification Automatic:

Mopar ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid), P/N 68043742AA (or equivalent meeting Chrysler MS-9602).

Transmission Fluid Specification Cvt:

Mopar CVT Fluid - NS-2, P/N 05179565AA (or equivalent meeting Chrysler MS-59917).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid Specification:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid, P/N 05142892AA (or equivalent meeting Chrysler MS-59916).

Common Complaints 2012 Compass:

Some owners reported issues with CVT transmission performance, minor electrical gremlins, and potential for HVAC blower motor failures. Brake wear can also be a consideration.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Brand Heritage:

Jeep, a brand of Chrysler (now part of Stellantis), has a long history rooted in military vehicles, evolving into a marque known for off-road capability and ruggedness.

Compass Generation:

The 2012 Jeep Compass represents the first generation (PM), which debuted for the 2007 model year. The 2011 model year saw a significant refresh, making the 2012 model a part of this updated first generation.

Assembly Location:

The 2012 Jeep Compass was primarily assembled in Belvidere, Illinois, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick Status:

The 2012 Jeep Compass was not a Top Safety Pick by IIHS in 2012, indicating it met some but not all criteria for the award.