wheel DODGE JOURNEY 2009 1.G Service Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: DODGE, Model Year: 2009, Model line: JOURNEY, Model: DODGE JOURNEY 2009 1.GPages: 523
Page 362 of 523

5. Once you repair or replace the original road tire and
reinstall it on the vehicle in place of the compact spare,
the TPMS will update automatically and the TPMS
Telltale light will turn off, as long as no tire pressure is
below the low-pressure warning limit in any of the four
active road tires. The vehicle may need to be driven for
up to 10 minutes above 15 mph (25 km/h) in order for the
TPMS to receive this information.
Premium System — If Equipped
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses wireless
technology with wheel rim mounted electronic sensors to
monitor tire pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each
wheel as part of the valve stem, transmit tire pressure
readings to the receiver module.
NOTE:It is particularly important for you to check the
tire pressure in all of the tires on your vehicle monthly
and to maintain the proper pressure. The TPMS consists of the following components:
•Receiver module
•Four Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors
•Three Trigger modules (mounted in three of the four
wheel-wells)
•Various Tire Pressure Monitoring System messages,
which display in the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)
•Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale light
Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure Warnings
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale light will
illuminate in the instrument cluster and a chime
will sound when tire pressure is low in one or
more of the four active road tires. In addition, the
360 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 364 of 523

If the ignition key is cycled, this sequence will repeat,
providing the system fault still exists. If the system fault
no longer exists, the Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale
light will no longer flash, and theCHECK TPM SYS-
TEM message will no longer display, and a pressure
value will display in place of the dashes. A system fault
can occur due to any of the following: 1. Jamming due to electronic devices or driving next to
facilities emitting the same radio frequencies as the TPMS
sensors.
2. Installing some form of aftermarket window tinting
that affects radio wave signals.
3. Lots of snow or ice around the wheels or wheel
housings.
4. Using tire chains on the vehicle.
5. Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPMS sensors.
NOTE:
1. The compact spare tire does not have a tire pressure
monitoring sensor. Therefore, the TPMS will not monitor
the pressure in the compact spare tire.
2. If you install the compact spare tire in place of a road
tire that has a pressure below the low-pressure warning
limit, upon the next ignition key cycle, the TPMS Telltale
362 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 378 of 523

WARNING!
Because the front wheels steer the vehicle, it is
important that you do not exceed the maximum front
or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition can
result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose
control of the vehicle and have an accident.
Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory
service as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and the
front and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to ensure that
it is not over the GVWR.Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
separately. It is important that you distribute the load
evenly over the front and rear axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily increase the vehicle’s
GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight, axle-by-axle and side-by-side. Store heavier items
down low and be sure you distribute their weight as
evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely before
driving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is within
the specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
376 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 385 of 523

Engine/
Transaxle GCWR (Gross Com-
bined Wt. Rating) Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue
Wt.
3.5L (with
Trailer Tow
Prep Package (AHT) 8,300 lbs (3,765 kg) 40 sq ft (3.7 sq m)
3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) which in-
cludes 1 to 2 persons & Luggage350 lbs (159 kg)
8,300 lbs (3,765 kg) 40 sq ft (3.7 sq m) 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg) which in-
cludes 3 to 4 persons & Luggage300 lbs (136 kg)
8,300 lbs (3,765 kg) 40 sq ft (3.7 sq m) 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) which in-
cludes 5 to 6 persons & Luggage250 lbs (113 kg)
*Except for
AWD models.
8,300 lbs (3,765 kg) 40 sq ft (3.7 sq m) 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) which in-
cludes 7 persons & Luggage100 lbs (113 kg)
*Except for
AWD models.
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo,
and should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard. Refer to the Tire–
Safety Information Section in this manual.
NOTE: * For All Wheel Drive (AWD) models carrying 5 to 7 persons and luggage will exceed the rear Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) and therefore should not be attempted.
STARTING AND OPERATING 383
5
Page 386 of 523

Trailer and Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your
vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the
rear can cause the trailer to swayseverelyside to side
which will cause loss of control of the vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of
many trailer accidents.
Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on
your bumper or trailer hitch.
Consider the following items when computing the
weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
•The tongue weight of the trailer.
•The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment
put in or on your vehicle.
•The weight of the driver and all passengers.
384 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 388 of 523

WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and that it will not shift during travel. When traile-
ring cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load
shifts can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance, or damage to
brakes, axle, engine, transaxle, steering, suspension,
chassis structure, or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transaxle in
PARK. Always, block orchockthe trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
386 STARTING AND OPERATING