maintenance DODGE JOURNEY 2009 1.G User Guide

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. Refer to “Cooling System”
under “Maintenance Procedures” and to “Fluids, Lubri-
cants, and Genuine Parts” in Section 7 for information
pertaining to the cooling system and coolant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during Winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
Vacation Storage
Anytime 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 settings. 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 blower speed.
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.
NOTE: Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods as fogging may occur.
300 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is located at each end of
the instrument panel. These non-adjustable outlets direct
air toward the side windows when the system is in the
Floor, Mix, or Defrost mode. The air is directed at the area
of the windows through which you view the outside
mirrors.
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 — If Equipped
The A/C Air Filter will reduce, but not eliminate, diesel
and agricultural smells. The filter acts on air coming from
outside the vehicle and recirculated air within the pas-
senger compartment. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures”
in Section 7 for A/C Air Filter service information or see
your authorized dealer for service. Refer to the Mainte-
nance Schedule in Section 8 for filter service intervals.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 301
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Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) —
If Equipped ...........................355
▫ Base System — If Equipped ..............358
▫ Premium System — If Equipped ..........360
▫ General Information ...................363
 Flexible Fuel— 2.7L Engines Only
(Except California Emission States) ..........364
▫ E-85 General Information ................364
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) ....................365
▫ Fuel Requirements ....................365
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles .......366
▫ Starting ............................367
▫ Cruising Range .......................367 ▫
Replacement Parts .....................367
▫ Maintenance .........................367
 Fuel Requirements ......................368
▫ 2.4L And 2.7L Engines ..................368
▫ 3.5L Engine .........................368
▫ Reformulated Gasoline .................369
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ..............369
▫ MMT In Gasoline .....................370
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ................371
▫ Fuel System Cautions ..................371
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ..............372
 Adding Fuel ..........................372
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............372
STARTING AND OPERATING 305
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CAUTION!
•The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system
operation or sensor damage may result when us-
ing replacement equipment that is not of the same
size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can
cause sensor damage. Do not use aftermarket tire
sealants or balance beads if your vehicle is
equipped with a TPMS, as damage to the sensors
may result.
•After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure,
always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will
prevent moisture and dirt from entering the valve
stem, which could damage the Tire Pressure Moni-
toring Sensor.NOTE:
•The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care
and maintenance, or to provide warning of a tire
failure or condition.
•The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure gauge
while adjusting your tire pressure.
•Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
•The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure using an accurate tire pressure
gauge, even if under-inflation has not reached the
level to trigger illumination of the Tire Pressure Moni-
toring Telltale light.
STARTING AND OPERATING 357
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STARTING
The characteristics of E-85 fuel make it unsuitable for use
when ambient temperatures fall below 0°F (-18°C). In the
range of 0°F (-18°C) to 32°F (0°C), you may experience an
increase in the time it takes for your engine to start, and
a deterioration in driveability (sags and/or hesitations)
until the engine is fully warmed up.
CRUISING RANGE
Because E-85 fuel contains less energy per gallon than
gasoline, you will experience an increase in fuel con-
sumption. You can expect your fuel economy and driving
range to decrease by about 30% compared to gasoline
operation.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Many components in your Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) are
designed to be compatible with ethanol. Always be sure
that your vehicle is serviced with correct ethanol com-
patible parts.
CAUTION!
Replacing fuel system components with non-ethanol
compatible components can damage your vehicle.
MAINTENANCE
CAUTION!
Do not use ethanol mixture greater than 85% in your
vehicle. It will cause difficulty in cold starting and
may affect driveability.
STARTING AND OPERATING 367
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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
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Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transaxle
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, select
the “3” range for 4-speed automatic or the “5” range for
6-speed automatic.
NOTE:Using the “3” or “5” range while operating the
vehicle under heavy operating conditions will improve
performance and extend transaxle life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45
minutes of continuous operation, then change the auto-
matic transaxle fluid and filter according to the interval
specified for “police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer tow-
ing” in the Maintenance Schedule.
7-Pin Connector
390 STARTING AND OPERATING

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

NOTE:Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7
for information on accessing the battery for service or
replacement.
WARNING!
Any procedure other than above could result in:
1. Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting out
the battery vent;
2. Personal injury or property damage due to battery
explosion;
3. Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or
of immobilized vehicle.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between RE-
VERSE and 1st gear. Usually the least accelerator pedal
pressure to maintain the rocking motion without spin-
ning the wheels is most effective.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Con-
trol, turn the system OFF before attempting to
“rock” the vehicle. Refer to “Partial Off Mode”
under “Electronic Stability Program (ESP)” in
Section 5.
410 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
2.4L Engine Compartment ................418
 2.7L Engine Compartment ................419
 3.5L Engine Compartment ................420
 Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ........421
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............421
 Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................422
 Replacement Parts ......................423
 Authorized Dealer Service ................424 
Maintenance Procedures ..................424
▫ Engine Oil ..........................424
▫ Engine Oil Filter ......................428
▫ Drive Belts — Check Condition And Tension . . 428
▫ Spark Plugs .........................429
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ................429
▫ Catalytic Converter ....................429
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery ................431
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance .............433
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