engine overheat DODGE JOURNEY 2009 1.G User Guide

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

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The HAZARD switch is located in the instrument panel
switch bank above the climate controls.Push and release the switch to turn on the hazard
warning flashers. When the hazard warning is
activated, all directional turn signals will flash on
and off to warn oncoming traffic of an emergency. Push
and release the switch a second time to turn off the
flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not
be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
hazard warning flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition switch is in the LOCK position. NOTE:
With extended use, the hazard warning flashers
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate action.
•On the highways — Slow down.
•In city traffic — While stopped, put the transaxle in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your Air Condition-
ing A/C system is on, turn it off. The A/C system adds
heat to the engine cooling system and turning off the
A/C system removes this heat. You can also turn the
Temperature control to maximum heat, the Mode control
to floor, and the Blower control to High. This allows the
heater core to act as a supplement to the radiator and aids
in removing heat from the engine cooling system.
394 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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

WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause axle and
tire damage or failure. A tire could explode and
injure someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels
faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30
seconds continuously without stopping when you
are stuck, and don’t let anyone near a spinning
wheel, no matter what the speed.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transaxle overheating and failure. It can
also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above
30 mph (48 km/h). Do not spin the wheels continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 411
6

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
430 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to
cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to
build up in the cooling system. To prevent scald-
ing or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while
the system is hot or under pressure.
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children,
do not store ethylene glycol-based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
ground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
Four Cylinder Engines —the coolant bottle provides a
quick visual method for determining that the coolant
level is adequate. With the engine idling and warm to
normal operating temperature, the level of the coolant in
the bottle should be between the “ADD” and “FULL”
lines, shown on the bottle.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 443
7

Disabled Vehicle Towing................... 412
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 443
Engine Oil ........................... 428
Door Locks ............................. 28
Door Locks, Automatic ..................30,31
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 163
Drive Belts ............................ 428
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................... 320
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ........................ 321
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™) .... 276
E-85 Fuel ............................. 364
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 90
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet) ...... 174
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 174
Electronic Brake Control System ............. 328Anti-Lock Brake System
................. 327
Brake Assist System .................... 330
Electronic Roll Mitigation ................ 331
Electronic Stability Program ............... 332
Traction Control System ................. 331
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ............. 331
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 159
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) .........216,332
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ...... 211
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 221
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............... 410
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 394
Jacking ............................. 396
Jump Starting ......................... 407
Overheating .......................... 394
Towing ............................. 412
Emission Control System Maintenance ......422,478
Engine ........................ 77,418,419,420
INDEX 501
10

Air Cleaner.......................... 429
Block Heater ......................... 311
Break-In Recommendations ................ 77
Checking Oil Level ..................... 424
Compartment ......................... 418
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 440,474
Cooling ............................. 440
Exhaust Gas Caution ................ 39,79,372
Fails to Start .......................... 310
Flooded, Starting ...................... 310
Fuel Requirements ..................... 368
Jump Starting ......................... 407
Oil ........................... 424,472,474
Oil Change Interval ...............210,225,426
Oil Filler Cap ................. 418,419,420,427
Oil Filter ............................ 428
Oil Filter Disposal ...................... 428
Oil Selection ....................... 426,472
Oil Synthetic ......................... 427 Operation
............................ 77
Overheating .......................... 394
Starting ............................. 307
Temperature Gauge ..................... 205
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... 427
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 61
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 20
Ethanol ............................... 369
Event Data Recorder ...................... 63
Exhaust Gas Caution ..............39,79,372,439
Exhaust System ....................... 79,439
Express Down Windows ................... 25
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 90
Exterior Light Service ..................... 466
Exterior Lights ........................ 81,466
Fabric Care ......................... 454,455
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 372
502 INDEX

Occupant Restraints....................... 39
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ............368,474
Odometer Trip ............................. 212,218
Oil Change Indicator .................. 210,225
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..............210,225
Oil, Engine ......................... 424,474
Capacity ............................ 472
Change Interval .................. 210,225,426
Checking ............................ 424
Dipstick ............................. 424
Disposal ............................ 428
Filter ............................ 428,474
Filter Disposal ........................ 428
Identification Logo ..................... 426
Materials Added to ..................... 427
Recommendation ................... 426,472
Synthetic ............................ 427
Viscosity .......................... 427,472Oil Filter, Change
........................ 428
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... 428
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............421,422
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 163
Operating Precautions .................... 421
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 89
Overdrive .......................... 208,315
Overhead Console ....................... 162
Overheating, Engine ................ 206,394,395
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .......... 492
Paint Care ............................. 452
Panic Alarm ............................ 24
Parking Brake .......................... 323
Parking On Hill ......................... 323
Passenger Seat Back Tilt (Easy Entry System) .... 139
Passing Light ........................... 150
Personal Settings ........................ 230
Pets .................................. 77
510 INDEX