2025 Jeep Cherokee Compass Warning Lights and Indicator User Guide
This Guide covers 2025 Jeep Cherokee Compass warning lights and indicators. Safe driving requires understanding these symbols to diagnose concerns and maintain vehicle performance.
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Video: 2025 Jeep Cherokee Compass Dashboard Indicators
JEEP WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES GUIDE
The warning/indicator lights will illuminate the instrument panel together with a dedicated message and/or acoustic signal when applicable. These indications are indicative and precautionary and as such must not be considered as exhaustive and/or alternative to the information contained in the Owner’s Manual, which you are advised to read carefully in all cases. Always refer to the information in this chapter in the event of a failure indication. All active telltales will display first if applicable. The system check menu may appear different based on equipment options and current vehicle status. Some telltales are optional and may not appear.
RED WARNING LIGHTS
Air Bag Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate a fault with the airbag and will turn on for four to eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN position. This light will illuminate with a single chime when a fault with the airbag has been detected, it will stay on until the fault is cleared. If the light is not on during startup, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the system inspected at an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Brake Warning Light
Suppose the light remains on when the parking brake has been disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the master cylinder reservoir. In that case, it indicates a possible brake hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. In this case, the light will remain on until the condition has been corrected. If the problem is related to the brake booster, the ABS pump will run when applying the brake, and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capacity in the event of a failure of a portion of the hydraulic system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:
The light may flash momentarily during sharp cornering manoeuvres, which change fluid level conditions. The vehicle should have service performed, and the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is necessary.
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.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the Brake Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair to the ABS is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to the ON/RUN position. The light should illuminate for approximately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch in the ON/RUN position.
NOTE:
This light shows only that the parking brake is applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
Battery Charge Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the battery is not charging properly. If it stays on while the engine is running, there may be a malfunction with the charging system. Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
This indicates a possible problem with the electrical system or a related component.
Door Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when a door is ajar/open and not fully closed.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single chime.
Drowsiness Detected Warning Light If Equipped
Once the pop-up message is cleared, it is stored until the condition is no longer true.
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Fault Warning Light
This warning light will turn on when there’s a fault with the EPS system page 93.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assistance could pose a safety risk to yourself and others. Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate a problem with the ETC system. If a problem is detected while the vehicle is running, the light will either stay on or flash depending on the nature of the problem. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle is safely and completely stopped and the transmission is placed in the PARK position. The light should turn off. If the light remains on with the vehicle running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
NOTE:
This light may turn on if the accelerator and brake pedals are pressed at the same time.
If the light continues to flash when the vehicle 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. The light will come on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN position and remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not come on during starting, have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Engine Temperature Warning Light
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and stop the vehicle. If the Air Conditioning (A/C) system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (N) and idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for service on page 205.
Hood Open Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the hood is left open and not fully closed.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single chime.
Liftgate Open Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the liftgate is open.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single chime.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected. This light does not indicate how much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
Oil Temperature Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate the engine oil temperature is high. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. Wait for the oil temperature to return to normal levels.
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
This warning light indicates when the driver or passenger seat belt is unbuckled. When the ignition is first placed in the ON/RUN position and if the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound and the light will turn on. When driving, if the driver or front passenger seat belt remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will flash or remain on continuously and a chime will sound
Transmission Fault Warning Light
Transmission Temperature Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to warn of a high transmission fluid temperature. This may occur with strenuous usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle or slightly faster, with the transmission in PARK or NEUTRAL, until the light turns off. Once the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the Trans-mission Temperature Warning Light is illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in contact with hot engine or exhaust components and cause a fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Temperature Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause severe transmission damage or transmission failure.
Vehicle Security Warning Light —If Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for approxi-mately 15 seconds when the Vehicle Security system is arming and then will flash slowly until the vehicle is disarmed.
YELLOW WARNING LIGHTS
Anti-lock brake System (ABS) Warning Light
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, then the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not functioning and service is required as soon as possible. However, the conventional brake system will continue to operate normally, assuming the Brake Warning Light is not also on.
If the ABS light does not turn on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN position, have the brake system inspected by an authorized dealer.
Electric Park Brake Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate the Electric Park Brake is not functioning properly and service is required. Contact an authorized dealer.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Active Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will indicate when the ESC system is Active. The ESC Indicator Light in the instrument cluster will come on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN position, and when ESC is activated. It should go out with the engine running. If the ESC Indicator Light comes on continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC system. If this warning light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometres) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see an authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed and corrected.
- The ESC OFF Indicator Light and the ESC Indicator Light come on momentarily each time the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN position.
- The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop when ESC becomes inactive.
- This light will come on when the vehicle is in an ESC event.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Warning Light — If Equipped
Fuel Cutoff Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate after an accident has occurred, and the system has shut the fuel off.
Fuel Level Sensor Failure Warning Light
This light illuminates when there is a fuel level sensor failure. If this light illuminates, take it to an authorized dealer and have them inspect it.
Active Lane Management Warning Light— If Equipped
Service Active Lane Management Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when the Active Lane Management system is not operating and requires service. Please see an authorized dealer.
Low Coolant Level Warning Light
This telltale will turn on to indicate the vehicle coolant level is low
Low Fuel Warning Light
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light —If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when the windshield washer fluid is low.
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator (MIL) Warning Light
The MIL is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic System called OBD II that monitors engine and automatic transmission control systems. This warning light will illuminate when the ignition is in the ON/RUN position before the engine starts. If the bulb does not come on when turning the ignition switch from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly?
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate the light after the engine starts. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through several typical driving styles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not require towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to alert serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be serviced by an authorized dealer as soon as possible if this occurs.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter can reach higher temperatures than in normal operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you drive slowly or park over flammable substances such as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result in death or serious injury to the driver, occupants or others.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on could cause damage to the vehicle control system. It also could affect fuel economy and drive-ability. If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter damage and power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Service Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Warning Light — If Equipped
Service 4WD Warning Light —If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to signal a fault with the 4WD system. If the light stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the 4WD system is not functioning properly and that service is required. We recommend you drive to the nearest service centre and have the vehicle serviced immediately.
Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to indicate a fault in the Forward Collision Warning Sys-tem. Contact an authorized dealer for service.
Service Stop/Start System Warning Light — If Equipped
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Warning Light — If Equipped
The warning light switches on and a mes-sage is displayed to indicate that the tyre pressure is lower than the recommended value and/or that slow pressure loss is occurring. In these cases, optimal tyre duration and fuel consumption may not be guaranteed.
Should one or more tyres be in the condition mentioned previously, the display will show the indications corre-sponding to each tyre.
CAUTION!
Do not continue driving with one or more flat tyres as handling may be compromised. Stop the vehicle, avoiding sharp braking and steering. If a tyre puncture occurs, repair immediately using the dedicated tyre repair kit and contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Each tyre, 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 tyre inflation pressure label. If your vehicle has tyres of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tyre inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tyre inflation pressure for those tyres.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a TPMS that illuminates a low tyre pressure telltale when one or more of your tyres is significantly underinflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tyres as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly underinflated tyre causes the tyre to overheat and can lead to tyre failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tyre tread life and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tyre maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tyre pressure, even if underinflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tyre 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 tyre 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 upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tyre pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tyres or wheels on the vehicle that prevents the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tyres or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tyres and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tyres and wheels. TPMS pressures and warnings have been established for the tyre 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. Using aftermarket tire sealants may cause the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor to become inoperable. After using an aftermarket tire sealant it is recommended that you take your vehicle to an authorized dealer to have your sensor function checked.
Towing Hook Breakdown Warning Light— If Equipped
This light illuminates when there is a failure with the tow hook. Contact an authorized dealer for service.
YELLOW INDICATOR LIGHTS
4WD Low Indicator Light — If Equipped
4WD Lock Indicator Light
This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in the 4WD Lock mode. The front and rear driveshafts are mechanically locked together, forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed page 92.
Auto HOLD! Fault Indicator Light —If Equipped
The Auto HOLD! Fault Indicator light will illu-minate if a fault is detected, it will be indicated by a yellow HOLD! indicator light that will stay on as long as the fault condition
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Indicator Light — If Equipped
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) OFF Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator light illuminates to indicate that the Forward Collision Warning is off.
Immobilizer Fail/VPS Electrical Alarm Indicator Light
This telltale will illuminate when the Vehicle Security system has detected an attempt to break into the vehicle.
NOTE:
After cycling the ignition to the ON/RUN position, the Vehicle Security Warning Light could illuminate if a problem with the system is detected. This condition will result in the engine being shut off after two seconds.
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GREEN INDICATOR LIGHTS
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Set WithNo Target Detected Indicator Light —If Equipped
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Set With Target Detected Indicator Light —If Equipped
This light will turn on when the Adaptive Cruise Control is SET and a vehicle in front is detected.
Auto HOLD Indicator Light — If Equipped
Auto HOLD keeps your vehicle at a complete stop without you having to keep your foot on the brake pedal. Once engaged a green HOLD indicator will appear in the Instrument Cluster Display.
Automatic High Beam Indicator Light —If Equipped
Cruise Control SET Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate when the Cruise Control is set to the desired speed
Active Lane Management Indicator Light— If Equipped
The Active Lane Management indicator light illuminates solid green when both lane markings have been detected and the system is “armed” and ready to provide visual and torque warnings if an unintentional lane departure occurs.
Front Fog Indicator Light — If Equipped
Parking/Headlights On Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate when the parking lights or headlights are turned on.
Sport Mode Indicator Light
This light will turn on when Sport mode is active.
Stop/Start Active Indicator Light —If Equipped
Turn Signal Indicator Lights
When the left or right turn signal is activated, the turn signal indicator will flash independently and the corresponding exterior turn signal lamps will flash. Turn signals can be activated when the multifunction lever is moved down (left) or up (right).
NOTE:
- A continuous chime will sound if the vehicle is driven more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either turn signal on.
- Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if either indicator flashes at a rapid rate.
WHITE INDICATOR LIGHTS
Cruise Control Ready Indicator Light
This light will turn on when the Cruise Con-trol has been turned on, but not set
Idle Coasting Indicator Light
Hill Descent Control (HDC) Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator shows when the HDC feature is turned on. The light will be on solid when HDC is armed. HDC can only be armed when the transfer case is in the 4WD Low position and the vehicle speed is less than 30 mph (48 km/h). If these conditions are not met while attempting to use the HDC feature, the HDC indicator light will flash
on/off.
Active Lane Management Indicator Light— If Equipped
When the Active Lane Management system is ON, but not armed, the Active Lane Management indicator light illuminates solid white. This occurs when only the left, right, or neither lane line has been detected. If a single lane line is detected, the system is ready to provide only visual warnings if an unintentional lane departure occurs on the detected lane line page 118.
BLUE INDICATOR LIGHTS
High Beam Indicator Light
“flash to pass” scenario.
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated Onboard Diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic transmission control systems. When these systems are operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent performance and fuel economy, as well as emissions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL). It will also store diagnostic codes and other information to assist your service technician in making repairs. Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not need towing, see an authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
- Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause further damage to the emission control system. It could also affect fuel economy and driveability. The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions tests can be performed.
- If the MIL is flashing while the vehicle is running, severe catalytic converter damage and power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II) CYBERSECURITY
Your vehicle is required to have an OBD II and a connection port to allow access to information related to the performance of your emissions controls. Authorized service technicians may need to access this information to assist with the diagnosis and service of
your vehicle and emissions system.
WARNING!
- ONLY an authorized service technician should connect equipment to the OBD II connection port in order to read the VIN, diagnose, or service your vehicle.
- If unauthorized equipment is connected to the OBD II connection port, such as a driver-behavior tracking device, it may:
- Be possible that vehicle systems, including safety related systems, could be impaired or a loss of vehicle control could occur that may result in an accident involving serious injury or death.
- Access, or allow others to access, information stored in your vehicle systems, including personal information.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system. Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.For states that require an Inspection and Maintenance (I/M), this check verifies the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is functioning and is not on when the engine is running, and that the OBD II system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD
II system may not be ready if your vehicle was recently serviced, recently had a depleted battery or a battery replacement. If the OBD II system should be determined not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition actuated test, which you can use prior to going to the test station. To check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must do the following:
- Cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not crank or start the engine.
NOTE:
If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start this test over. - As soon as you cycle the ignition switch to the ON position, you will see the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) symbol come on as part of a normal bulb check.
- Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will happen:
- The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then return to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF the ignition or start the engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD II system is not ready and you should not proceed to the I/M station.
- The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully illuminated until you place the ignition in the off position or start the engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready and you can proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD II system is not ready, you should see an authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement, you may need to do nothing more than drive your vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD II system to update. A recheck with the previously mentioned test routine may then indicate that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready or not, if the MIL is illuminated during normal vehicle operation you should have your vehicle serviced before going to the I/M station. The I/M station can fail your vehicle because the MIL is on with the engine running.
Useful Links:
2025 Jeep Cherokee Compass Fuses and Fuse Box User Guide
2025 Jeep Cherokee Compass Engine Oil and Fluid User Guide
2023 – 2024 JEEP COMPASS Review, Specs, Price And Mileage (Brochure)