Manual Transmission - If Equipped - Jeep Compass Operating Information Manual

Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be
checked when performing under hood services,
or immediately if the brake system warning light
is on.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder
area before removing the cap. If necessary, add
fluid to bring the fluid level up to the require-
ments described on the brake fluid reservoir.
Fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. The brake fluid level should be
checked when the pads are replaced. However,
low fluid level may be caused by a leak and a
checkup may be needed.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with a manual
transmission, the brake fluid reservoir sup-
plies fluid to both the brake system and the
clutch release system. The two systems are
separated in the reservoir, and a leak in one
system will not affect the other system. The
manual transmission clutch release system
should not require fluid replacement during
the life of the vehicle. If the brake fluid
reservoir is low and the brake system does
not indicate any leaks or other problems, it
may be a result of a leak in the hydraulic
clutch release system. See your local autho-
rized dealer for service.
Use only manufacturer's recommended brake
fluid. Refer to "Fluids And Lubricants" in "Tech-
nical Specifications" for further information.
WARNING!
• Use only manufacturer's recommended
brake fluid. Refer to "Fluids And Lubri-
cants" in "Technical Specifications" for fur-
ther information. Using the wrong type of
brake fluid can severely damage your
brake system and/or impair its perfor-
mance. The proper type of brake fluid for
your vehicle is also identified on the origi-
nal factory installed hydraulic master cylin-
der reservoir.
• To avoid contamination from foreign matter
or moisture, use only new brake fluid or
fluid that has been in a tightly closed con-
tainer. Keep the master cylinder reservoir
cap secured at all times. Brake fluid in a
open container absorbs moisture from the
air resulting in a lower boiling point. This
may cause it to boil unexpectedly during
hard or prolonged braking, resulting in sud-
den brake failure. This could result in a
collision.
WARNING! (Continued)
• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine
parts, causing the brake fluid to catch fire.
Brake fluid can also damage painted and
vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to
avoid its contact with these surfaces.
• Do not allow petroleum based fluid to con-
taminate the brake fluid. Brake seal com-
ponents could be damaged, causing partial
or complete brake failure. This could result
in a collision.
CAUTION!
Use of improper brake fluids will affect overall
clutch system performance. Improper brake
fluids may damage the clutch system result-
ing in loss of clutch function and the ability to
shift the transmission.
Manual Transmission — If Equipped
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturers recommended
transmission fluid. Refer to "Fluids And Lubri-
cants" in "Technical Specifications" for further
(Continued)
information.
Please see your authorized dealer for service.
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