🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Jeep Model: Compass Year: 2006 Generation Generation Designation: First Generation (MK) Generation Start Year: 2007 Generation End Year: 2016 Codes Platform Code: MK 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Crossover SUV Target Audience: Individuals and families seeking a practical, all-wheel-drive capable vehicle with a distinct Jeep styling and affordability. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester. Key Features Jeep Identity: Offers Jeep's signature seven-slot grille, rugged styling cues, and available Freedom Drive I or Freedom Drive II AWD systems for enhanced capability. Practicality: Designed as a practical, everyday vehicle with flexible cargo space and a comfortable interior. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Driver Safety: Seat belts, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System), child protection (LATCH system, child seat installation). Instruments Controls: Indicators, gauges, information display, dashboard layout, steering column controls (wipers, lights, horn, etc.). Features: Climate control system, audio system operation, steering wheel mounted controls, security system, cruise control. Driving Preparation: Fuel requirements, vehicle break-in procedures, cargo loading and weight distribution. Driving Operation: Engine operation, transmission modes and operation, driving techniques. Maintenance: Maintenance Minder system, fluid level checks, minor service procedures, vehicle storage procedures. Emergency Procedures: Flat tire changes, jump starting a dead battery, addressing engine overheating, fuse identification and replacement. Technical Information: Vehicle specifications (dimensions, weights), tire information (sizes, pressures), emissions control systems. Customer Relations: Warranty information, customer service contact details. Page Count Estimated Pages: Approximately 200-300 pages (typical for owner's manuals of this era). Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Printed Booklet 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation and basic maintenance, transmission engagement and operation. Chassis: Brake system indicators, steering column controls, suspension awareness (driving behavior). Electrical: Indicator lights, dashboard gauges, fuse box locations and identification, basic electrical features (lighting, audio). Body: Door locks, windows, climate control, seat belts, cargo area. Procedures Included Operation: Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection, operating climate controls, using infotainment features. Maintenance: Checking engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid; tire pressure checks; basic cleaning. Troubleshooting: Understanding dashboard warning lights, basic steps for common issues like flat tires or dead batteries. Safety: Proper use of seat belts, child seat installation guidance, understanding SRS system. Technical Depth Depth: Designed for the vehicle owner, focusing on safe operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle features and warnings. Does not cover in-depth mechanical or electrical repair procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: Physical printed booklet (as implied by product name). Print Quality Quality: Standard OEM print quality for owner's manuals of the era, typically black and white with occasional color diagrams. Binding Type Binding: Stapled or perfect bound booklet. Paper Type Paper: Standard paper stock, durable enough for glove compartment use. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: GEMA (2.4L DOHC I4) Engine Displacement: 2.4 Liters (2378 cc) Engine Configuration: Inline 4-cylinder Horsepower: 173 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 165 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm Performance Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI) Engine Variants Optional Engine: 2.0L Turbocharged I4 (for select markets, less common in North America for 2006) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type FWD: 5-speed Manual (Standard on some trims) Optional Transmission Type AWD: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) - 'AutoStick' feature (optional on FWD and AWD models) Features AWD Systems: Freedom Drive I (full-time AWD with lock mode), Freedom Drive II (CVT with 4WD Low, locking center differential, increased ground clearance, and off-road tires for more serious off-road capability). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 173.8 inches Width: Approx. 71.1 inches Height: Approx. 65.3 inches Wheelbase: Approx. 103.1 inches Cargo Cargo Volume Seats Up: Approx. 22.7 cu ft Cargo Volume Seats Down: Approx. 62.7 cu ft Weights Curb Weight FWD: Approx. 3,300 lbs Curb Weight AWD: Approx. 3,500 lbs 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Driver: Good (for 2006 model year) NHTSA Frontal Passenger: Good (for 2006 model year) IIHS Moderate Overlap Front: Acceptable (for early models) Active Features Traction Control: Available on some models Electronic Stability Control: Standard on all 2006 models (ESC/ESP) Anti Lock Brakes: Standard (ABS) Passive Features Airbags Front: Standard front advanced multi-stage airbags Airbags Side: Available front seat-mounted side airbags Seat Belts: Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for all occupants. Child Seats: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Standard AM/FM CD player, optional Boston Acoustics premium audio system, optional SIRIUS Satellite Radio. Display: Basic information display in the instrument cluster for trip computer, odometer, and warnings. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most trims, operated via steering wheel buttons. Keyless Entry: Available with remote keyless entry system. Connectivity Auxiliary Input: Optional auxiliary audio input jack on some models for connecting external music devices. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months,...
Understanding dashboard warning lights, basic steps for common issues like flat tires or dead batteries.
Safety:
Proper use of seat belts, child seat installation guidance, understanding SRS system.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Designed for the vehicle owner, focusing on safe operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle features and warnings. Does not cover in-depth mechanical or electrical repair procedures.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
Physical printed booklet (as implied by product name).
Print Quality
Quality:
Standard OEM print quality for owner's manuals of the era, typically black and white with occasional color diagrams.
Binding Type
Binding:
Stapled or perfect bound booklet.
Paper Type
Paper:
Standard paper stock, durable enough for glove compartment use.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
GEMA (2.4L DOHC I4)
Engine Displacement:
2.4 Liters (2378 cc)
Engine Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Horsepower:
173 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
165 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Performance
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Engine Variants
Optional Engine:
2.0L Turbocharged I4 (for select markets, less common in North America for 2006)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type FWD:
5-speed Manual (Standard on some trims)
Optional
Transmission Type AWD:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) - 'AutoStick' feature (optional on FWD and AWD models)
Features
AWD Systems:
Freedom Drive I (full-time AWD with lock mode), Freedom Drive II (CVT with 4WD Low, locking center differential, increased ground clearance, and off-road tires for more serious off-road capability).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 173.8 inches
Width:
Approx. 71.1 inches
Height:
Approx. 65.3 inches
Wheelbase:
Approx. 103.1 inches
Cargo
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Approx. 22.7 cu ft
Cargo Volume Seats Down:
Approx. 62.7 cu ft
Weights
Curb Weight FWD:
Approx. 3,300 lbs
Curb Weight AWD:
Approx. 3,500 lbs
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
Good (for 2006 model year)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
Good (for 2006 model year)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:
Acceptable (for early models)
Active Features
Traction Control:
Available on some models
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard on all 2006 models (ESC/ESP)
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard (ABS)
Passive Features
Airbags Front:
Standard front advanced multi-stage airbags
Airbags Side:
Available front seat-mounted side airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for all occupants.
Child Seats:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM CD player, optional Boston Acoustics premium audio system, optional SIRIUS Satellite Radio.
Display:
Basic information display in the instrument cluster for trip computer, odometer, and warnings.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims, operated via steering wheel buttons.
Keyless Entry:
Available with remote keyless entry system.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input jack on some models for connecting external music devices.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to specific recommendations in the manual or on the oil cap).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Recommended every 5,000 - 7,500 miles
Major Service Intervals:
Spark plugs typically around 100,000 miles; timing belt/chain inspection/replacement varies (consult manual for specifics).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
Typically SAE 5W-20 synthetic blend or full synthetic (check dipstick or manual for exact spec and capacity, approx. 4.5 quarts for 2.4L).
Coolant:
Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically orange or pink. Capacity approx. 7.5 quarts. Always use the specified type and mixture (50/50).
Transmission Fluid Cvt:
Specific CVT fluid (e.g., Mopar CVTF) is critical. Capacity approx. 5.5 quarts. Never use conventional ATF.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4, depending on specific system requirements.
Known Issues
Cvt Reliability:
Early CVT transmissions in this era could be prone to issues if not properly maintained or if overheated. Regular fluid changes are crucial.
Suspension Components:
As with many crossovers, front suspension components like struts, ball joints, and bushings can wear over time, especially with heavy use or driving on rough roads.
Powertrain Control Module Issues:
Occasional reports of PCM (Powertrain Control Module) issues or software glitches.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Jeep Legacy:
Jeep, a division of Chrysler (now Stellantis), has a long history of producing rugged, off-road capable vehicles dating back to WWII.
Model Evolution
Compass Introduction:
The Jeep Compass was introduced for the 2007 model year as a more car-like, compact SUV alternative to traditional Jeep offerings like the Wrangler and Cherokee.
Mk Platform Significance:
Based on the compact Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) platform, shared with vehicles like the Dodge Caliber and Mitsubishi Outlander.