The Jeep Compass, since its debut in 2007, has been a beloved compact SUV among off-road enthusiasts and city commuters alike. This versatile vehicle, known for its reliability and performance, relies on a properly functioning transmission system to deliver power from the engine to the wheels.
Over the course of its production, the Jeep Compass has been equipped with a variety of transmission systems, with the specific type varying depending on the model year and chosen configuration.
- 2007-2010 Models (1st Gen): These early Compass models came with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
- 2011-2017 Models (1st Gen Facelift): This generation continued to use the CVT, but also introduced a 6-speed automatic transmission option into the mix.
- 2018-2021 Models (2nd Gen): With the second generation, the Compass saw a shift away from the CVT, with most models being equipped with either a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed automatic, or a 9-speed automatic transmission.
- 2022-Now Models (2nd Gen Facelift): These current models are typically fitted with either a 6-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic, or a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Each transmission type serves the same basic function – managing the power flow from the engine to the drive wheels – but they do so in slightly different ways. Regardless of the type, all transmissions need appropriate fluid maintenance to ensure their long-term health and optimal performance. We’ll discuss this further in the sections that follow.
Jeep Compass Transmission Fluid Capacity And Transmission Fluid Type
Knowing the correct transmission fluid capacity for your Jeep Compass is as important as using the right type of fluid. The capacity indicates the total amount of fluid your transmission system can hold, and this can vary depending on the model year and type of transmission.
2007-2010 Jeep Compass Transmission Fluid Capacity And Transmission Fluid Type
For models with a CVT, the capacity is typically around 7.4 to 8.9 quarts. For the 5-speed manual transmission, the fluid capacity is typically around 2.8 quarts.
| Gearbox | Fluid capacity | Fluid type |
|---|---|---|
| CVT2 | Total fill: 8.9 quarts (8.4 liters) Initial fill: 7.4 quarts (7 liters) | Mopar CVTF+4 |
| 5-speed manual | 5.7 pints (2.8 quarts) | Mopar ATF+4 |
2011-2017 Jeep Compass Transmission Fluid Capacity And Transmission Fluid Type
The CVT in these models has a similar capacity of around 7.4 to 8.6 quarts. The 6-speed automatic transmission models typically have a capacity of 6.6 quarts, while manual transmission models hold about 2 quarts.
| Gearbox | Fluid capacity | Fluid type |
|---|---|---|
| CVT2 | Total fill: 8.6 quarts (8.1 liters) Initial fill: 7.4 quarts (7 liters) | Mopar CVTF+4 |
| 6-speed automatic | Total fill: 7.5 quarts (7.1 liters) Initial fill: 5 quarts (4.7 liters) | Mopar ATF+4 |
| 2017 6-speed automatic | Total fill: 6.6 quarts (6.25 liters) | Mopar AW-1 ATF |
| 9-speed automatic | Total fill: 6.3 quarts (6 liters) | Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF |
| 5-speed manual | 5.7 pints (2.8 quarts) | Mopar ATF+4 |
| 6-speed manual | 4 pints (2 quarts) | Mopar C Series Manual & Dual Dry Clutch |
2018-2021 Jeep Compass Transmission Fluid Capacity And Transmission Fluid Type
The 6-speed manual transmission still holds about 2 quarts, while the 6-speed automatic transmission models have a capacity of around 6.6 quarts. For the 9-speed automatic transmission, the capacity is typically around 6.3 quarts.
| Gearbox | Fluid capacity | Fluid type |
|---|---|---|
| 6-speed automatic | Total fill: 6.6 quarts (6.25 liters) | Mopar AW-1 ATF |
| 9-speed automatic | Total fill: 6.3 quarts (6 liters) | Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF |
| 6-speed manual | 4 pints (2 quarts) | Mopar C Series Manual & Dual Dry Clutch |
2022-Now Jeep Compass Transmission Fluid Capacity And Transmission Fluid Type
For the 6-speed automatic, the capacity is around 6.6 quarts, while the 9-speed automatic transmission models have a capacity of 6.3 quarts.
| Gearbox | Fluid capacity | Fluid type |
|---|---|---|
| 6-speed automatic | Total fill: 6.6 quarts (6.25 liters) | Mopar AW-1 ATF |
| 9-speed automatic | Total fill: 6.3 quarts (6 liters) | Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF |
| 8-speed automatic | Total fill: 8.8 quarts (8.3 liters) Initial Fill: 8.5 quarts (8 liters) | Mopar ZF 8&9 Speed ATF |
Importance of Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid plays several critical roles in maintaining the performance and longevity of your Jeep Compass’s transmission system. Whether you have a manual, automatic, or CVT transmission, the fluid is indispensable for its smooth operation.
- Lubrication: Perhaps the most vital function of transmission fluid is to reduce friction among the various moving parts within the transmission system. By providing lubrication, it prevents wear and tear, thus extending the lifespan of the components.
- Cooling: Transmissions generate a significant amount of heat during operation, especially under demanding conditions like towing or aggressive driving. The transmission fluid helps dissipate this heat away from the transmission, preventing overheating and potential damage.
- Power Transmission: In automatic and CVT transmissions, the fluid plays a direct role in transmitting power from the engine to the wheels. It facilitates the hydraulic pressure needed for gear changes and torque conversion.
- Cleaning: Transmission fluid also helps clean the system by collecting and carrying away contaminants and debris. These can otherwise accumulate and cause wear or blockages within the transmission.
Given these critical roles, maintaining the right type and amount of transmission fluid is paramount for the health of your Jeep Compass’s transmission. In the following sections, we’ll explore the specific transmission fluid type and capacity for different generations of the Jeep Compass.
How Often to Change the Transmission Fluid In Jeep Compass
Regularly changing your transmission fluid is a key aspect of maintaining your Jeep Compass’s transmission system. However, the recommended interval for changing the transmission fluid can vary based on the type of transmission and the vehicle’s use.
As a general rule of thumb, for automatic transmissions, it’s recommended to change the transmission fluid approximately every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. For manual transmissions, the interval can be slightly longer, typically around 100,000 miles. However, if your vehicle is frequently used for towing, off-roading, or driven in harsh conditions, you may need to change the fluid more often.
For the specific model years of the Jeep Compass:
- 2007-2010 Models (1st Gen) & 2011-2017 Models (1st Gen Facelift): These models with a CVT typically require a change every 60,000 miles. For the manual and automatic transmissions, aim for a change every 100,000 miles, unless heavy-duty use suggests a more frequent change.
- 2018-2021 Models (2nd Gen) & 2022-Now Models (2nd Gen Facelift): For these models, whether with a manual, 6-speed automatic, or 9-speed automatic transmission, it’s generally recommended to change the transmission fluid every 100,000 miles under normal driving conditions. If you tow frequently or drive off-road regularly, consider changing the fluid every 60,000 miles.
Keep in mind that these are general recommendations and the ideal frequency may depend on your specific driving conditions. Always refer to your owner’s manual or consult with a trusted mechanic to understand the optimal transmission fluid change interval for your Jeep Compass.
Symptoms of Low Transmission Fluid
Maintaining the appropriate level of transmission fluid in your Jeep Compass is essential for the vehicle’s performance and longevity. If the fluid level falls too low, it can lead to serious issues. It’s crucial to recognize the symptoms of low transmission fluid early to prevent more significant damage. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Delayed Gear Engagement: If you experience a delay when shifting from park to drive or reverse, it might be a symptom of low transmission fluid.
- Erratic Shifting or Gear Slipping: A transmission that is slipping in and out of gears or shifting at the wrong times could indicate a low transmission fluid level.
- Transmission Overheating: If your transmission fluid is low, your transmission could overheat. This is often signaled by a dashboard warning light.
- Noise: Grinding or whining noises can be a sign of low transmission fluid. These sounds might be particularly noticeable when your vehicle is in neutral.
- Transmission Fluid Leaks: If you notice a puddle of red or dark brown fluid under your vehicle, it could be a sign of a transmission fluid leak, leading to a low fluid level.
- Burning Smell: A burning smell could indicate that your transmission fluid is low or old and is causing your transmission to overheat.
Remember, these symptoms could also point to other transmission issues, not just low fluid levels. If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to consult with a professional mechanic to accurately diagnose and rectify the issue.
Regular checks and proper maintenance of your Jeep Compass’s transmission fluid can help prevent these symptoms and ensure your vehicle continues to deliver the reliable performance you expect.
