towing DODGE JOURNEY 2009 1.G Owner's Manual

NOTE:Check the 4-speed automatic transaxle fluid
level before towing. The 6-speed transaxle is sealed and
the fluid level cannot be checked. See your authorized
dealer for assistance.
Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)

Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips — Autostick (If Equipped)

By using the Autostick modes and selecting a specific
gear range, frequent shifting can be avoided. The
highest gear range should be selected that allows for
adequate performance. For example, choose “4” if the
desired speed can be maintained. Choose “3” or “2” if
needed to maintain the desired speed.
Extended driving at high RPM should be avoided to
prevent excess heat generation. A reduction in vehicle
speed may be required to avoid extended driving at
high RPM. Return to a higher gear range or vehicle
speed when road conditions and RPM level allows.
STARTING AND OPERATING 391
5

Towing Tips — Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transaxle overheating,
take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods, put transaxle in NEU-
TRAL and increase engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
Refer to “Cooling System” under “Maintenance Pro-
cedures” in Section 7.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER
VEHICLE (Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On
The Ground)
Recreational towing for this vehicle is not recommended.
NOTE: If the vehicle requires towing, make sure all four
wheels are off the ground.
392 STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................394
 If Your Engine Overheats .................394
▫ Engine Oil Overheating — 2.4L Gas And 2.0L
Diesel Engines Only (If Equipped) .........395
 Jacking And Tire Changing ................396
▫ Jack Location ........................396
▫ Spare Tire Location ....................397
▫ Preparations For Jacking ................397
▫ Spare Tire Removal ....................397
▫ Spare Tire Stowage ....................399 ▫
Jacking Instructions ....................401
 Jump-Starting Procedures .................407
 Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ..................410
 Towing A Disabled Vehicle ................412
▫ Without The Ignition Key ...............412
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With The Key In The Ignition
And All Four Wheels On The Ground) ......412
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
With A Tow Dolly .....................413
6

CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H,”
safely pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
with the A/C turned off until the pointer drops back
into the normal range. If the pointer remains on the
“H,” and you hear continuous chimes, turn the en-
gine OFF immediately, and call for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others
could be badly burned by steam or boiling coolant. You
may want to call a service center if your vehicle over-
heats. If you decide to look under the hood yourself,
refer to Section 7 and follow the warnings under the
Cooling System Pressure Cap paragraph.
Engine Oil Overheating — 2.4L Gas and 2.0L
Diesel Engines Only (If Equipped)
On hot days the engine oil temperature may become too
hot during sustained high-speed driving or if towing a
trailer up long grades. If this happens, a HOTOIL mes-
sage will flash in the odometer and the vehicle speed will
be reduced to 48 mph (77 km/h) maximum until the
engine oil temperature is reduced.
NOTE:Although the maximum vehicle speed is re-
duced to 48 mph (77 km/h), you may of course reduce
vehicle speed further as needed.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 395
6

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Without The Ignition Key
Front Wheel Drive (FWD)
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. Flat bed towing
is the preferred towing method. However, if a flat bed
towing vehicle is not available, a wheel lift towing
vehicle may be used. Furthermore, rear towing is not
recommended with the front wheels on the ground, as
transaxle damage can result. If rear towing is the only
alternative, a front end dolly must be used. Proper
towing equipment is necessary to prevent damage to the
vehicle.
All Wheel Drive (AWD)
Your vehicle must be transported on a flat bed truck.
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat
Towing With The Key In The Ignition And All Four
Wheels On The Ground)
CAUTION!
•If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the ON position, not in
the LOCK or ACC position.
•Do not attempt to tow this vehicle from the front
with sling type towing equipment. Damage to the
front fascia will result.
•Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
axle may result.
412 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

If you must use the accessories (wipers, defrosters, etc.)
while being towed, the key must be in the ON position,
not the ACC position. Make certain the transaxle remains
in NEUTRAL.
Front Wheel Drive (FWD)
Your vehicle may be towed under the following condi-
tions: The shift lever must be in NEUTRAL, the distance
to be traveled must not exceed 15 mi (25 km), and the
towing speed must not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
Exceeding these towing limits may cause a transaxle
failure. If the transaxle is not operative, or if the vehicle is
to be towed more than 15 mi (25 km), the vehicle must be
transported either with a flat bed truck or with the front
wheels off the ground.
All Wheel Drive (AWD)
Your vehicle may be towed under the following condi-
tions: The shift lever must be in NEUTRAL, the distance
to be traveled must not exceed 15 mi (25 km), the towingspeed must not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h), and both front
and rear wheels must be on the ground. Exceeding these
towing limits may cause a transaxle failure. If the trans-
axle is not operative, or if the vehicle is to be towed more
than 15 mi (25 km), the vehicle must be transported on a
flat bed truck.
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle With
A Tow Dolly
Front Wheel Drive (FWD)
Rear towing is not recommended
with the front wheels
on the ground, as transaxle damage can result. If rear
towing is the only alternative, a front end dolly must be
used. Proper towing equipment is necessary to prevent
damage to the vehicle.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 413
6

All Wheel Drive (AWD)
CAUTION!
The manufacturer does not recommend towing an
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on a tow dolly. Vehicle
damage may occur.
414 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated Onboard
Diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transaxle control systems. When these systems are oper-
ating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent per-
formance and fuel economy, as well as engine emissions
well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emissions control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
The vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap in loose, improperly installed, or damaged, the
word “gASCAP” will display in the odometer. If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap until a “clicking” sound
is heard and press the TRIP ODOMETER button to turn
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 421
7

In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, safely
bring the vehicle to a complete stop, shut the engine OFF,
and allow the vehicle to cool. Thereafter, obtain service,
including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifications im-
mediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut OFF the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any ignition coil connec-
tors disconnected for prolonged periods.
Maintenance-Free Battery
You will never have to add water, nor is periodic main-
tenance required.
NOTE:The battery is stored in a compartment that is
located behind the left front fender and is accessible
through the wheel well. The wheel and tire assemble do
not need to be removed to access the compartment.
Remote battery terminals are located in the engine com-
partment for jump-starting.
To access the battery, turn the steering wheel fully to the
right and remove the access panel from the inner fender
shield.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 431
7

Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items MilesKilometers or Months
Replace the spark plugs on 2.4L and 2.7L engines. 30,00050 000 30
Change Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) fluid. 60,000100 000 60
Change Power Transfer Unit (PTU) fluid. 60,000100 000 60
Change the automatic transaxle fluid and filter if us-
ing your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi,
fleet, or frequent trailer towing. 60,000
100 000 60
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. † 90,000150 000 90
Flush and replace the engine coolant. 102,000170 000 60
Replace the spark plugs on 3.5L engines. 102,000170 000 102
Replace the timing belt on 3.5L engines. 102,000170 000 102
Change the automatic transaxle fluid and filter. 120,000200 000 120
Replace the accessory drive belt on 2.4L and 2.7L en-
gines. 120,000
200 000 120
482 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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