check transmission fluid DODGE JOURNEY 2012 1.G Owners Manual

checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for the correct fluid
type.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave the
transmission in PARK.
The foot operated parking brake is located below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To apply the
park brake, firmly push the park brake pedal fully. To
release the parking brake, press the park brake pedal a
second time and let your foot up as you feel the brake
disengage.
396 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after afully warmed engine is shut off. Do not check oil level
before starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking engine oil level when the engine is cold will
give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of
the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. Either the range mark-
ings consist of a crosshatch zone marked SAFE or a
crosshatch zone marked with MIN at the low end of the
range and MAX at the high end of the range. Adding
1.0 qt (1.0 l) of oil when the reading is at the low end of
the range marking will raise the oil level to the high end
of the range marking.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 503

WARNING! (Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. 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 sudden brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
•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.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
Automatic Transmission
The automatic transmission and differential assembly are
contained within a single housing.
The fluid level in the automatic transmission should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transmission and the fluid.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 525

Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer ’s recommended transmis-
sion fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion. It is important that the transmission fluid be main-
tained at the prescribed level using the recommended
fluid. No chemical flushes should be used in any trans-
mission; only the approved lubricant may be used.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check – 2.4L Engine
Use the following procedure to check the automatic
transmission fluid level properly:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Run the engine at curb idle speed for a minimum of
60 seconds.
3. Apply the parking brake fully.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily in each gear position
ending with the lever in PARK.
526 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Dirt and water in the transmission can cause
serious damage. To prevent dirt and water from
entering the transmission after checking or replen-
ishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap is
re-seated properly.
Fluid Level Check – 3.6L Engine
The automatic transmission has no dipstick. Your autho-
rized dealer can check your transmission fluid level
using a special service dipstick.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the transmission
is disassembled for any reason.
Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) – AWD Models Only
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended fluid. Refer
to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintain-
ing Your Vehicle” for further information.
Fluid Level Check
Visually inspect the unit at each oil change for leakage. If
leakage is detected, check the fluid level by removing the
fill plug. The fluid level should be maintained between
the bottom of the fill hole to 1/8 in (4 mm) below the fill
hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
528 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Once A Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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S554 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Automatic Oil Change Indicator............. 291
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ......... 353
Automatic Transaxle Adding Fluid ....................... 550
Selection Of Lubricant ................. 550
Automatic Transmission ................372,525
Adding Fluid .................... 526,528
Fluid and Filter Changes ............... 528
Fluid Level Check ................. 526,528
Fluid Type ......................... 526
Gear Ranges ..................... 375,383
Special Additives ..................... 526
Autostick ............................. 390
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet) ...... 242
Auxiliary Power Outlet ................... 242
B-Pillar Location ........................ 414
Back-Up Lights ......................... 544 Battery
............................... 507
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ..... 24
Location ........................... 507
Belts, Seat ............................ 46,92
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 512
Booster Seat ............................ 78
Brake Assist System ...................... 403
Brake Control System, Electronic ............. 400
Brake Fluid ............................ 550
Brake System ........................ 399,523
Anti-Lock (ABS) ..................... 400
Fluid Check ..................... 524,550
Master Cylinder ..................... 524
Parking ........................... 396
Warning Light ....................... 279
Brake, Parking .......................... 396
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 374
Brakes ............................. 399,523
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 89
10
INDEX 579

Exterior Light Service..................... 542
Exterior Lighting ........................ 202
Exterior Lights ........................ 94,542
Fabric Care ............................ 532
Filler Location Fuel .................... 281,447
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 506
Air Conditioning .................. 360,510
Engine Oil ....................... 506,549
Engine Oil Disposal ................... 506
Flash-To-Pass ........................... 206
Flashers Hazard Warning ..................... 469
Turn Signal .................... 94,205,276
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ...................... 446
Engine Oil ......................... 446
Fuel Requirements ................. 443,445Maintenance
........................ 447
Replacement Parts .................... 447
Starting ........................... 446
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 371
Floor Console .......................... 251
Fluid Capacities ......................... 548
Fluid Leaks ............................. 94
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission .............526,528
Brake .......................... 524,550
Cooling System ...................... 518
Engine Oil ......................... 503
Power Steering ................... 395,550
Fluid, Brake ........................... 550
Fluids ................................ 549
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 549
Fog Light Service ........................ 543
Fog Lights ....................... 204,276,543
Folding Rear Seat ..................... 190,197
584 INDEX