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Warning lights of the Jeep Compass: what each light means

In the 2 generations of the Jeep Compass, the documented faults light up 6 warning lights on the dashboard. The most frequent: engine warning light (9 faults), DPF warning light (2 faults) and oil warning light (1 fault). Oil warning light and overheating call for stopping as soon as possible.

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Which warning lights the faults of the Jeep Compass trigger

Red ones first, and those that call for stopping. Below each warning light, the documented faults that trigger it, with their pages.

Oil pressure warning light on

Urgency: As soon as possibleRedSymbol: oil can (an oil can with a drop)

The red oil-can warning light means the engine is not getting the oil pressure it needs. The cause may be a low oil level, a failing oil pump or a blocked oil circuit. With low pressure, parts such as the turbo, the bearings or the timing drive can wear out within minutes.

What to do: Stop the car as soon as it is safe and switch the engine off. Check the level with the dipstick and do not drive on if the light stays on: call a recovery truck.

1 documented fault that triggers it in the Jeep Compass

Overheating or temperature warning light

Urgency: As soon as possibleRedSymbol: thermometer over wavy lines (coolant)

The temperature needle climbs towards the red zone or the coolant warning light comes on. It usually points to a lack of coolant, a leak, or a failing thermostat or water pump. Driving on can warp the cylinder head or damage the gasket.

What to do: Stop as soon as you can and switch the engine off. Do not open the coolant reservoir cap while it is hot. If coolant is missing, do not set off again until you have found the leak.

1 documented fault that triggers it in the Jeep Compass

Airbag warning light on

Urgency: Garage soonRedSymbol: a seated person wearing a seat belt with a circle (the inflated airbag) in front; in some cars, the letters SRS or AIRBAG

The airbag warning light means the system has detected a fault and an airbag or seatbelt pretensioner may not deploy in a crash. Causes range from a connector under the seat to the control unit or the airbag itself.

What to do: Have it diagnosed as soon as possible and check with the VIN whether the car has any outstanding airbag recall.

1 documented fault that triggers it in the Jeep Compass

Engine fault warning light (check engine)

Urgency: Garage soonYellow or amberSymbol: outline of an engine seen from the side, in yellow or orange

The orange engine-shaped warning light comes on when the ECU detects a fault affecting combustion or emissions. If it flashes, it usually points to misfires that can damage the catalytic converter.

What to do: If it stays on steadily, you can drive gently to a garage and ask for a fault code read-out. If it flashes or you notice a loss of power, slow down and get to a garage as soon as possible.

9 documented faults that trigger it in the Jeep Compass

And 3 more faults on the linked pages.

Particulate filter warning light (DPF)

Urgency: Garage soonYellow or amberSymbol: particulate filter symbol on the dashboard, normally amber; its design varies by manufacturer

On modern diesels it means the particulate filter is clogged with soot and has not been able to regenerate. It is common in cars used mostly for short town journeys, although it can also be caused by a sensor or by an injection or EGR fault.

What to do: If the handbook allows it, a 20-minute drive on a motorway at a steady speed can complete the regeneration. If the light stays on or you lose power, go to a garage.

2 documented faults that trigger it in the Jeep Compass

ABS or ESP warning light on

Urgency: Garage soonYellow or amberSymbol: the letters ABS, usually inside a circle, in amber or orange

It indicates a fault in the anti-lock braking or stability control system: often a dirty or damaged wheel speed sensor, its wiring or the hydraulic unit. The brakes still work, but without those aids.

What to do: Drive carefully, especially in the rain, and ask for a fault code read-out. It is often fixed with a wheel sensor.

1 documented fault that triggers it in the Jeep Compass

Frequently asked questions

Which warning lights come on most in the Jeep Compass?

Engine warning light: 9 documented faults, such as timing chain stretch and tensioner failure. DPF warning light: 2 documented faults, such as EGR and particulate filter clogging, and emissions software updates. Oil warning light: 1 documented fault, such as oil pump failure on the pumpe-düse 2.0 TDI.

Which warning light of the Jeep Compass is the most serious?

Oil warning light and overheating: its urgency is “as soon as possible”. Stop the car as soon as it is safe; on each warning light's page, at the top, you will find what to do.

Which generation of the Jeep Compass has the most faults that trigger warning lights?

Jeep Compass MP (8 faults) and Jeep Compass MK (7 faults).

A warning light has come on in the Jeep Compass: what should I do?

Find which warning light it is on this page and check its urgency. With oil warning light and overheating, stop as soon as possible somewhere safe. For the others, book an appointment at a garage and have them read the fault code with an OBD reader: it shows which system has failed.

All the car's warning lights