Sometimes, you put your key in the ignition and your vehicle does not start. It can be frustrating to experience this error – you have places to be! Why won’t your Jeep Compass start?
The most common reasons a Jeep Compass won’t start is because the battery is dead, the alternator needs to be replaced, or there is no fuel in the gas tank. Other common reasons include a bad starter and a clogged fuel filter.
If you’re interested in learning more about why your Jeep Compass won’t start, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about how to start a dead Jeep Compass, why it won’t start with a new battery, and why the vehicle won’t start. The more you know, the sooner you can get back on the road.
Why Won’t My Jeep Start With a New Battery?
Sometimes, you may spend money on a new battery for your Jeep Compass, only to find that it won’t start. There’s no need to replace the battery – it’s brand-new. Why won’t your Jeep Compass start with this new equipment in your machine?
The first place you should look is in the wiring. They may not be attached properly, resulting in a lack of energy to the engine. If the wires are intact, it might not be the battery.
A weak key fob is another possibility for a new battery that won’t start. You may need to replace the battery in the key fob or purchase another one.
Here’s a good video walk-through with a solution, more info with common causes to check below:
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How Much Does a Starter Cost for Jeep Compass?
Sometimes, you may need a new starter in your Jeep Compass to help the system move again. Without a starter engine, there is no way for the Jeep Compass to move. A broken start means replacement – it will cost more to fix than to install a new one.
The average Jeep Compass starter replacement costs around $500 for parts and labor. If you put in the new one yourself, the cost will be around $250. However, you should not attempt to replace the starter without assistance unless you know what you’re doing.
What if it’s not the starter? What are some additional reasons your Jeep Compass will not start when turned on?
Why Won’t My Jeep Compass Start?
There are many reasons why a Jeep Compass might not start. Some are more serious than others, warranting a complete replacement rather than a quick fix. What are some of the most common reasons a Jeep Compass might not start?
Let’s discuss each of these causes to determine what might be causing this error in your vehicle. The more you know about your Jeep Compass, the sooner you can address the faults and get back on the road.
Dead Battery
The most frequent cause of a Jeep Compass failing to start is a dead battery. Most of the time, this fault occurs when the vehicle sits around for a long time without use. The engine doesn’t have enough power to start, resulting in a lack of energy from the engine.
Unless the battery is at the end of its lifespan, you can fix it with a jump-start. If that process does not work, it’s necessary to replace the battery of your Jeep Compass. The battery is necessary if you want to move the car forward.

Alternator Troubles
The alternator is a critical component in a Jeep Compass, providing energy to charge the battery. This issue most often occurs in cars that are more than six years old. The alternator can only last so long, and it will fail if it works for too long. Without the alternator, there is no supply to the battery.
If you determine the alternator is in trouble, it’s necessary to replace it. It will cost much more to fix the alternator. If you know how to work with the car system, you can save money on labor and replace the alternator yourself. If not, take it to a professional and have them complete the job for you. Don’t attempt it if you don’t know what you are doing.
No Fuel
Another common reason is much simpler – there is no fuel in the tank. Your car may have run out without you noticing, especially if you have just been on a long trip. Many forget how low their tank is when parking the vehicle for the night, then come back to an empty car. A leak is rarely the issue.
It’s simple to fix this fault if you notice no gas in your tank. You need to obtain gas, bring it to your vehicle, and refill the tank. Once the fuel settles inside the car, you should be able to start it once again. This fix is the simplest to address.
Here’s a video showing how to replace a fuel pump:
How Do You Start a Jeep Compass With a Dead Battery?
The best way to start a Jeep Compass with a dead battery is to jump it. To complete this process, you need jumper cables and another car or power source with enough power to bring life back to your vehicle.
You can jump-start the Jeep by:
- Connecting the red cable to the positive ends of each battery source
- Placing one end of the negative to the working vehicle
- Putting the other black end to an unpainted part of the engine
- Starting the Compass
- Removing the cables in reverse order
It should work after these steps.
Take care to remove jewelry and keep open flames away from the jumping process. Otherwise, damage could hit you and anyone else nearby.
If you have a manual transmission you could try popping the clutch. Roll the vehicle forward while in neutral and then slam into gear. The momentum should turn the engine over. It doesn’t always work and it’s not the best thing for your transmission.
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Final Thoughts
If your Jeep Compass doesn’t start, it can be frustrating. Most troubles in this area are caused by a dead battery, alternator troubles, starter errors, and a lack of fuel. Some may require a replacement before you can hit the road again.
We hope this information was helpful! A Jeep Compass is an investment, and it can be frustrating when it doesn’t start. Luckily, most issues are easily addressable, especially if you know a professional. In no time, you can be on the road again.