Cargo DODGE JOURNEY 2009 1.G Owner's Manual

Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the weight of the
trailer plus the weight of all cargo, consumables, and
equipment (permanent or temporary) loaded in or on the
trailer in itsloaded and ready for operation condition.
The recommended way to measure GTW is to put your
fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight
of the trailer must be supported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the
total permissible weight of your vehicle and trailer when
weighed in combination. (Note that GCWR ratings in-
clude a 150 lbs (68 kg) allowance for the presence of a
driver.)
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the maximum
capacity of the front and rear axles. Distribute the load
over the front and rear axles evenly. Make sure that you
do not exceed either front or rear GAWR.
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the maximum
front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition
can result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose
control of the vehicle and have an accident.
Tongue Weight (TW)
Tongue weight (TW) is the downward force exerted on
the hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases, it should not be
less than 10% or more than 15% of the trailer load. You
must consider this as part of the load on your vehicle.
378 STARTING AND OPERATING

Engine/
Transaxle GCWR (Gross Com-
bined Wt. Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue
Wt.
3.5L (with
Trailer Tow
Prep Package (AHT) 8,300 lbs (3,765 kg) 40 sq ft (3.7 sq m)
3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) which in-
cludes 1 to 2 persons & Luggage350 lbs (159 kg)
8,300 lbs (3,765 kg) 40 sq ft (3.7 sq m) 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) which in-
cludes 3 to 4 persons & Luggage300 lbs (136 kg)
8,300 lbs (3,765 kg) 40 sq ft (3.7 sq m) 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) which in-
cludes 5 to 6 persons & Luggage250 lbs (113 kg)
*Except for
AWD models.
8,300 lbs (3,765 kg) 40 sq ft (3.7 sq m) 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) which in-
cludes 7 persons & Luggage100 lbs (113 kg)
*Except for
AWD models.
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo,
and should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard. Refer to the Tire–
Safety Information Section in this manual.
NOTE: * For All Wheel Drive (AWD) models carrying 5 to 7 persons and luggage will exceed the rear Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) and therefore should not be attempted.
STARTING AND OPERATING 383
5

Trailer and Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your
vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the
rear can cause the trailer to swayseverelyside to side
which will cause loss of control of the vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of
many trailer accidents.
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on
your bumper or trailer hitch.
Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
•The tongue weight of the trailer.
•The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
•The weight of the driver and all passengers.
384 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:Remember that everything put into or on the
trailer adds to the load on your vehicle. Also, additional
factory-installed options or authorized dealer-installed
options must be considered as part of the total load on
your vehicle. Refer to the “Tire and Loading Information”
placard for the maximum combined weight of occupants
and cargo for your vehicle.
Towing Requirements
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle driv-
etrain components the following guidelines are recom-
mended:
CAUTION!
•Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 mi (805 km)
of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage your
vehicle.
•During the first 500 mi (805 km) of trailer towing,
limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8. When tow-
ing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR, or GCWR, ratings.
STARTING AND OPERATING 385
5

WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and that it will not shift during travel. When traile-
ring cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load
shifts can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance, or damage to
brakes, axle, engine, transaxle, steering, suspension,
chassis structure, or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transaxle in
PARK. Always, block orchockthe trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
386 STARTING AND OPERATING

JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
WARNING!
•Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle
close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off the road to
avoid the danger of being hit when operating the jack or
changing the wheel.
• Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The
vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You could
be crushed. Never get any part of your body under a
vehicle that is on a jack. Never start or run the engine
while the vehicle is on a jack. If you need to get under a
raised vehicle, take it to a service center where it can be
raised on a lift.
• The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing tires
only. The jack should not be used to lift the vehicle for
service purposes. The vehicle should be jacked on a firm
level surface only. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
• A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or hard
stop could endanger the occupants of the vehicle. Always
stow the jack parts and the spare tire in the places
provided.
Jack Location
The jack and jack-handle are stowed underneath a cover
in the rear storage bin in the cargo area.
Jack Storage Location
396 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

11. Place the deflated (flat) tire in the cargo area.Do not
stow the deflated tire in the spare tire stowage location.
Have the deflated (flat) tire repaired or replaced as soon
as possible.
12. To stow the winch cable and retainer, fit the as-
sembled jack-handle over the winch drive nut. Rotate the
jack-handle assembly clockwise until you hear the winch
mechanism click three times. It cannot be over tightened.
13. Stow the jack-handle and jack.
14. Check the tire pressure as soon as possible. Adjust the
tire pressure as required.Wheel Nuts
Tighten all wheel nuts occasionally to eliminate the
possibility of wheel studs being sheared or the bolt holes
in the wheels becoming elongated. This is especially
important during the first few hundred miles (kilome-
ters) of operation and after changing a tire. This allows
the wheel nuts to seat properly. All wheel nuts should
first be firmly seated against the wheel. The wheel nuts
should then be tightened to recommended torque.
Tighten the wheel nuts to the final torque in increments.
Progress around the bolt circle, tightening the nut oppo-
site of the one you previously tightened until the final
torque is achieved. Recommended torque is 95 ft lbs (130
N·m).
406 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

•Use MoparCleaner Wax to remove road film, stains
and to protect your paint finish. Take care never to
scratch the paint.
•Avoid using abrasive compounds and power buffing
that may diminish the gloss or thin out the paint
finish.
CAUTION!
Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning materials such
as steel wool or scouring powder that will scratch
metal and painted surfaces.
Special Care
•
If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you drive
near the ocean, hose off the undercarriage at least once
a month.
•It is important that the drain holes in the lower edges
of the doors, rocker panels, and cargo area be kept
clear and open.
•If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint,
touch them up immediately. The cost of such repairs is
considered the responsibility of the owner.
•If your vehicle is damaged due to an accident or
similar cause, which destroys the paint and protective
coating, have your vehicle repaired as soon as pos-
sible. The cost of such repairs is considered the respon-
sibility of the owner.
•If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers,
de-icer salt, etc., be sure that such materials are well
packaged and sealed.
•If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider
mud or stone shields behind each wheel.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 453
7

REPLACEMENT BULBS
All the inside bulbs are brass or glass wedge base.
Aluminum base bulbs are not approved and should not
be used for replacement.
LIGHT BULBS — Interior Bulb Number
Courtesy/Reading Lights (Incandescent)........ 578
Courtesy/Reading Lights
(Optional LED) . . . LED (Serviced at Authorized Dealer)
Glove Box Light ......................... 194
Cargo Light ............................ 579
Optional Door Map Pocket/Cupholder
Lighting ........ LED (Serviced at Authorized Dealer)
NOTE: For lighted switches, see your authorized dealer
for replacement instructions. LIGHTS BULBS — Outside
Bulb No.
Low Beam Headlight ..................... 9006
High Beam Headlight ..................... 9005
Front Park/Turn Signal .................3757AK
Side Marker Light ........................ 168
Front Fog Light ..................... 9145//H10
Center High Mounted Stop Light
(CHMSL) ....... LED (Serviced at Authorized Dealer)
Rear Tail/Stop ......................... 3157K
Rear Turn Signal ....................... 3757A
Rear Tail ............................. 3157K
Backup Light .......................... 3157K
License Light ........................... 168
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 465
7

Brake Assist System...................... 330
Brake Assist Warning Light ................. 216
Brake Control System, Electronic ............. 328
Brake Fluid ............................ 476
Brake, Parking .......................... 323
Brake System ........................ 326,446
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................... 327,328
Fluid Check ....................... 447,476
Hoses .............................. 446
Master Cylinder ....................... 447
Parking ............................. 323
Warning Light ........................ 217
Brakes ............................. 326,446
Brake/Transaxle Interlock .................. 312
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 77
Brightness, Interior Lights .................. 152
Bulb Replacement ..................... 465,466
Bulbs, Light .......................... 81,465Calibration, Compass
.................. 219,228
Camera, Rear ........................... 92
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 472
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................ 372
Oil (Engine) .................. 418,419,420,427
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 442
Car Washes ............................ 452
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............79,372
Cargo Area Cover ....................... 191
Cargo Area Features ...................... 188
Cargo Compartment ...................... 188
Light ............................ 151,188
Luggage Carrier ....................... 196
Cargo Light ............................ 151
Cargo Load Floor ........................ 188
Cargo Management System ................. 188
Rollaway Tonneau Cover ................. 191
Tri-Fold Load Floor ..................... 188
498 INDEX