Jeep Compass Beeping? (15 Common Causes)

The Jeep Compass is a highly rated extra-small SUV.

Like most vehicles, it uses various beeps to alert the driver.

If you’re confused as to why your Compass keeps beeping, this article is here to help.

Jeep Compass Beeping

Common causes of beeping on a Jeep Compass are key fob issues, the forward collision warning, Navigation Alerts for speed cameras and red light cameras, the sat nav, dash cameras and 12V battery issues.

1. Low Key Fob Battery or Faulty Key Fob

Issues with the key fob can cause a variety of electrical glitches, from random alarms to mysterious beeps.

Take the battery out of your key fob to see if the problem stops.

Its a good idea to clean the inside of the fob too.

You may just need a new battery however if the fob is faulty you will need to have it repaired or replaced.

“Found a solution for my compass. It ended up being the keyfob. The lock button on the board actually rubbed off and was shorting out. Take the batteries out of your keyfobs and see if it stops. I had 2 and the second one ended up being the issue.” – MyJeepCompass.com

2. Forward Collision Warning

A number of Compass owners have reported beeps coming from the FCW system.

If this is the case you should contact your dealer, you may require a software update.

“Some of us here in the States are having problems with the FCW system beeping at strange times. Could it be that?” – MyJeepCompass.com

3. Navigation Alerts

If you hear a beeping noise whilst you’re out driving it may be caused by certain navigation alerts and warnings for speed cameras / red light cameras and school zones etc.

These can be disabled via the Uconnect display screen under the Navigation mode – you will need to disable the warnings.

You need to press Nav and then Settings to disable the safety camera feature.

Navigation –> Settings –> Speed Limit –> SHOW SAFETY CAMERAS (Uncheck this box)
Navigation –> Settings –> Speed Limit –> ANNOUNCE SAFETY CAMERA WARNING (Uncheck this box)

For most drivers, unticking the Safety Camera Announcements should solve the problem.

4. Dirty Sensors

The Compass has various sensors located on the vehicle.

If these become dirty, covered with ice or blocked it can trigger unwanted beeping.

Check all the sensors – front, back and the lane detection sensor – and make sure they are clean and free of debris.

Related: Jeep Compass Alarm Going Off? (8 Causes & Solutions)

5. Uconnect Software

Make sure that you are running the latest software for Uconnect, otherwise you may hear some unwanted beeps.

Go to the driveuconnect website and type in your VIN number.

It will tell you whether there is an update for your vehicle.

Alternatively, you can try rebooting the Uconnect system.

6. Parking Brake

If the parking brake is not released when you begin to drive, a chime will sound warning you that the parking brake is still on.

7. Sat Nav

Some owners have found that it was in fact their Garmin Sat Nav unit causing the beeping.

Once unplugged they had sweet silence.

8. Weight on the Passenger Seat

If you’ve got an item such as some groceries, a bag or your pet dog on the passenger seat this can trigger a beeping noise as your Jeep will think your ‘passenger’ needs to buckle up as it detects a presence on the seat.

You can simply buckle the seatbelt to see if this stops the beeping.

9. Faulty latches or Sticking Door Mechanisms

If you’ve got a door latch that’s sticking this will make the Jeep think you’ve got a door open or ajar when you haven’t.

This is a common cause of beeping on many car models.

Try giving a good clean to all door mechanisms and lubricating with WD-40, make sure they all open and close properly.

10. 12V Battery

If the battery is starting to die you may hear a warning beep, most 12V car batteries last 3-4 years on average.

You can always check the battery life with a voltmeter, by measuring the voltage across the battery’s terminals or have it checked by a trained professional.

If it’s under 11V then this is causing the beeps and you’ll need to replace it.

11. Oil & Fluid

It’s a good idea to check fluid levels are all correct, such as:

  • Engine oil
  • Coolant
  • Power steering fluid
  • Brake fluid
  • Windshield washer

12. XM Radio

If you have XM radio active, there may be a beep if you have a favorite team selected on one of the sports stations.

13. Water Pump

If the beeping noise is coming from the engine bay and sounds like a sonar beep – very computer-like, not mechanical a sound – then you may need to get the water pump replaced.

This is quite a common issue and you’ll find several reports of this across Jeep owner forums.

14. Electronic Devices Inside or Outside of The Car

The beeping may not actually be coming from your Compass. Do you have any other electronic or battery-powered devices in your vehicle that could be causing the beeping? Usually, it’s their batteries going bad.

For example a garage door opener, a dropped wristwatch, or even the smoke alarm or CO detector in your garage.

15. Dash Camera

Many mysterious beeps can be attributed to dash cameras.

You may need to play around with the settings to disable any unwanted sounds.

Or there might be a loose connection or the SD card may need inserting properly.

Related: 18 Best & Worst Jeep Compass Years (With Pictures)

Jeep Compass Beeps 3 Times

If you hear 3 beeps (3 horn beeps) from your Compass, then this indicates that a door is still open.

You will also be getting a rapid flash of the turn signal lights as well.

It’s essentially telling you to check all the doors and try again.

You may have a faulty latch or sensor or the door may just not be shut properly.

3 Beeps from a Jeep Compass could also indicate that you have left a key fob in the vehicle.

“I’ve had this happen when I leave a key fob inside the car. It might also happen if the fob is very close to being inside the car.” – MyJeepCompass.com

Alternative Suggestions For Beeping Problems

Disconnect the Battery

Disconnecting the battery for a certain length of time resets the Powertrain Control Module (your vehicle’s brain) and other electronic systems.

Disconnect the battery for 60 seconds.

Alternatively, you can try disconnecting for 24 hours.

Check the Gauge Cluster and Overhead Display

When the beeping occurs can you see any lights come on at the same time on the gauge cluster or overhead display?

This can give a big clue as to what’s causing the beeping.

On some vehicles, a warning beep indicates a bulb in the gauge cluster is blown.

Take it to a Jeep Dealership

If needed, take your car to the dealership.

Tell them you are NOT paying for a check on what the problem might be.

Ask them if they will check it for free.

Most dealerships and other places do quick/initial diagnosis for no money as they plan to make money for the repair of your vehicle.

Check for Recalls or TSBs:

By entering your vehicle’s VIN number on Jeeps recall page you can determine whether or not there is a recall for your vehicle and if there is you’ll want to get it fixed.

Similarly, a quick google search will help you determine whether there is a Technical Service Bulletin for your Jeep.

These are less serious but may give a reason why your vehicle is beeping.

A recall is issued by a vehicle manufacturer for issues that are safety-related, while a TSB covers components that may be malfunctioning but don’t compromise the safety of the vehicle.

Diagnosing Beeps With a Scanner

Another possible option if you’re hearing a beeping sound is to use an OBD2 diagnostic scanner tool.

These are fairly easy to use, you simply plug them into your car – there’s usually an OBD2 port under the steering wheel.

Once you have the scan codes you can research these online specifically for the Trailblazer.

There are also OBD apps available so you can connect your Jeep straight to your smartphone (either with a cable or Bluetooth) without even needing a scanner.

Resources

https://cdn.dealereprocess.org/cdn/servicemanuals/jeep/2022-compass.pdf

https://www.fcacanada.ca/owners/en/manuals/2016/2016E-Compass-OM-3rd_R1.pdf

Author:

  • Ian Sawyer

    Growing up with a father who was a mechanic I had an appreciation for cars and motorcycles from an early age. I shared my first bike with my brother that had little more than a 40cc engine but it opened up a world of excitement for me, I was hooked. As I grew older I progressed onto bigger bikes and...