DODGE JOURNEY 2012 1.G Owners Manual

Headliner ModeAir comes from the outlets in the headliner. Each of
these outlets can be individually adjusted to direct
the flow of air. Moving the air vanes of the outlets to one
side will shut off the airflow.
Bi-Level Mode Air comes from both the headliner outlets and the
floor outlets.
NOTE: In many temperature positions, the BI-LEVEL
mode is designed to provide cooler air out of the head-
liner outlets and warmer air from the floor outlets.
Floor Mode Air comes from the floor outlets.Operating Tips
NOTE: Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A solution of 50% ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant and 50% water is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during Winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 359

Vacation Storage
Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower setting. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem, increase the blower
speed. Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild
but rainy or humid weather.
NOTE:Recirculation mode without A/C should not be
used for long periods, as fogging may occur.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter
The climate control system filters outside air containing
dust, pollen and some odors. Strong odors cannot be
totally filtered out. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for filter replacement
instructions.
360 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Manual Control Setting Suggestions For Various Weather Conditions
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 361

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 368
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 368
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go ................... 369
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 369
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below –20°F Or 29°C)............... 370
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 371
▫ After Starting ....................... 371
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 372
Automatic Transmission ................. 372
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ............. 373
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . 374
▫ Four-Speed Automatic Transmission – 2.4L
Engine ............................ 374
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 375
▫ Six-Speed Automatic Transmission – 3.6L
Engine ............................ 382
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 383
5

AutoStick — If Equipped ............... 390
▫ Operation ......................... 390
▫ General Information .................. 390
 All Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped ...... 391
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 392
▫ Acceleration ........................ 392
▫ Traction ........................... 392
 Driving Through Water ................. 393
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 393
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 393
 Power Steering ....................... 395
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 395
 Parking Brake ........................ 396 
Brake System ........................ 399
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 400
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 400
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 400
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 403
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 403
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ......... 404
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ......... 405
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
And ESC Off Indicator Light ............ 406
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ............. 407
 Tire Safety Information ................. 408
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 408
364 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 412
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 413
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 414
 Tires — General Information ............. 418
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 418
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 419
▫ Radial-Ply Tires ..................... 421
▫ Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped Tire
And Wheel – If Equipped .............. 422
▫ Compact Spare Tire – If Equipped ........ 422
▫ Full Size Spare – If Equipped ............ 423
▫ Limited-Use Spare – If Equipped ......... 423
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 424 ▫
Tread Wear Indicators ................. 425
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 425
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 426
 Tire Chains .......................... 427
 Snow Tires .......................... 429
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 430
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 431
▫ Base System ........................ 433
▫ Premium System – If Equipped .......... 435
▫ General Information .................. 438
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 439
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 439
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 440
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STARTING AND OPERATING 365

▫E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 440
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 441
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 441
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 442
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 443
 Flexible Fuel (3.6L Engine Only) —
If Equipped .......................... 443
▫ E-85 General Information ............... 443
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) ................... 445
▫ Fuel Requirements ................... 445
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles ...... 446
▫ Starting ........................... 446
▫ Cruising Range ...................... 446 ▫
Replacement Parts ................... 447
▫ Maintenance ........................ 447
 Adding Fuel ......................... 447
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 447
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 449
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 449
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 449
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ...... 450
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ........ 450
▫ Overloading ........................ 450
▫ Loading ........................... 451
 Trailer Towing ........................ 451
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 451
366 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 456
▫ Trailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings) ........ 457
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 458▫
Towing Requirements ................. 459
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 464
 Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 465
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STARTING AND OPERATING 367

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Children should be warned
not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal or the
shift lever. Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle, and do not leave the ignition in the in the
ACC or RUN position. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
Automatic Transmission
The shift lever must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting into any driving gear.
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
•Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
•Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.
•Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL
into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.
•Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.
368 STARTING AND OPERATING