steering DODGE JOURNEY 2009 1.G Owner's Guide

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

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

▫A/C Air Filter — If Equipped ............434
▫ Power Steering — Fluid Check ............436
▫ Front Suspension Ball Joints ..............437
▫ Steering Linkage ......................437
▫ Body Lubrication .....................437
▫ Wiper Blades ........................437
▫ Windshield Washers/Rear Window Washer . . . 438
▫ Exhaust System ......................439
▫ Cooling System .......................440
▫ Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses .......445
▫ Fuel System .........................446
▫ Brake System ........................446
▫ Automatic Transaxle ...................449 ▫
Front And Rear Wheel Bearings ...........451
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion ...........................452
▫ Cleaning The Cupholders ...............457
 Fuses (Totally Integrated Power Module) ......457
 Vehicle Storage ........................464
 Replacement Bulbs ......................465
 Bulb Replacement ......................466
▫ Low Beam Headlight, High Beam Headlight,
Front Turn Signal/Park Light, Side
Marker Light ........................466
▫ Front Fog Light ......................467
▫ Tail/Stop Light, Rear Turn Signal Light,
Tail Light, Backup Light ................468
416 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

2.4L ENGINE COMPARTMENT
1 — Coolant Bottle8 — Remote Jump-Start Positive Battery Post
2 — Engine Coolant Reservoir 9 — Remote Jump-Start Negative Post
3 — Power Steering Fluid 10 — Fuses (Totally Integrated Power Module [TIPM])
4 — Engine Oil Dipstick 11 — Air Cleaner Filter
5 — Engine Oil Fill 12 — Washer Fluid Bottle
6 — Automatic Transaxle Dipstick 13 — Engine Coolant Cap
7 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
418 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

2.7L ENGINE COMPARTMENT
1 — Coolant Bottle7 — Brake Fluid Reservoir
2 — Coolant Pressure Cap 8 — Remote Jump-Start Positive Battery Post
3 — Power Steering Fluid 9 — Remote Jump-Start Negative Post
4 — Engine Oil Fill 10 — Fuses (Totally Integrated Power Module [TIPM])
5 — Engine Oil Dipstick 11 — Air Cleaner Filter
6 — Automatic Transaxle Dispstick 12 — Washer Fluid Bottle
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 419
7

3.5L ENGINE COMPARTMENT
1 — Coolant Bottle7 — Remote Jump-Start Positive Battery Post
2 — Coolant Pressure Cap 8 — Remote Jump-Start Negative Post
3 — Power Steering Fluid 9 — Fuses (Totally Integrated Power Module [TIPM])
4 — Engine Oil Fill 10 — Air Cleaner Filter
5 — Engine Oil Dipstick 11 — Washer Fluid Bottle
6 — Brake Fluid Reservoir
420 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

CAUTION!
The A/C air filter is labeled with an arrow to indicate
airflow direction through the filter. Failure to install
the filter properly will result in the need to replace it
more often.
7. Reinstall the glove box door. Make sure that the hinges
are seated fully as you raise the door. Otherwise, the door
latch will not align properly.
Power Steering — Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer. No chemical flushes should be used in any
power steering system; only the approved lubricant may
be used.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine OFF to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in this section for the correct fluid type.
436 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Front Suspension Ball Joints
There are two front suspension lower ball joints that are
permanently lubricated. Inspect these ball joints when
other maintenance is performed. A damaged seal and the
corresponding potentially damaged ball joint must be
replaced.
Steering Linkage
The tie rod end ball joints should be inspected for
external leakage and damage when other maintenance is
performed.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including seat tracks,
door hinges, liftgate hinges, and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating,
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particularattention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to ensure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism,
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as Mopar
Lock
Cylinder Lubricant or equivalent directly into the lock
cylinder.
Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield and rear window periodically with a sponge
or soft cloth and a mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will
remove accumulations of salt, waxes, or road film, and
help reduce streaking and smearing.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 437
7

Fuel System
The Electronic Fuel Injection high-pressure fuel system’s
hoses and fittings have unique material characteristics
that provide adequate sealing and resist attack by dete-
riorated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufacturer’s specified
hoses and fittings, or their equivalent in material and
specification, in any fuel system servicing. It is manda-
tory to replace any damaged hoses or fittings that have
been removed during service. Care should be taken with
installing fittings to ensure they are properly installed
and fully connected. See your authorized dealer for
service.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the “Mainte-
nance Schedule” in Section 8.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect the surface of the hoses and nylon tubing for
evidence of heat and mechanical damage. Hard and
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particu-
lar attention should be made to examining those hose
surfaces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
446 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE