trailer DODGE JOURNEY 2009 1.G Owners Manual

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Coolant Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge indicates engine coolant tem-
perature. Any reading within the normal range indicates
that the cooling system is operating satisfactorily. The
gauge pointer will likely indicate a high temperature
when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades, in
heavy traffic, or when towing a trailer. If the pointer rises
to the “H” mark, safely pull over and stop the vehicle. If
the Air Conditioning A/C system is on, turn it off. Also,
shift the transaxle into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If
the needle remains on the “H” mark, turn the engine OFF
immediately and call for service. (See page 394 for more
information.)
NOTE:The gauge pointer will remain near its last
reading when the engine is turned off. It will return to a
true reading when the engine is restarted.
CAUTION!
Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the en-
gine running, as you would not be able to react to the
temperature indicator light if the engine overheats.
2. Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge shows the level of fuel in the tank when
ignition switch is in the ON position.
3. Fuel Cap Indicator This symbol indicates the side of the vehicle
where the fuel filler cap is located.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 205
4

Driving On Slippery Surfaces ..............320
▫ Acceleration .........................320
▫ Traction ............................320
 Driving Through Water ..................321
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ..................321
 Parking Brake .........................323
 Brake System ..........................326
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............327
 Electronic Brake Control System ............328
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............328
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ...............330
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ............331
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ..........331▫
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) .........332
▫ ESP/BAS Warning Light And ESP/TCS
Indicator Light .......................334
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ..............335
 Power Steering ........................336
 Tire Safety Information ...................337
▫ Tire Markings ........................337
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ...........341
 Tires — General Information ...............345
▫ Tire Pressure .........................345
 Tire Chains ...........................355
 Snow Tires ...........................355
304 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............374
 Vehicle Loading ........................375
▫ Vehicle Certification Label ...............375
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) .......375
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) .........375
▫ Overloading .........................376
▫ Loading ............................376
 Trailer Towing .........................377
▫ Common Towing Definitions .............377▫
Trailer Hitch Classification ...............381
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ......................382
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ..............384
▫ Towing Requirements ..................385
▫ Towing Tips .........................390
 Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 392
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle (Flat Towing With All Four Wheels
On The Ground) ......................392
306 STARTING AND OPERATING

NEUTRAL
The engine may be started in this range.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have an accident.
DRIVE — 6-Speed Transaxle
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,
and best fuel economy. However, use the AutoStick
mode and select the “5” range when frequent transaxle
shifting occurs while using the DRIVE range, such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, (i.e., in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds or while towing heavy trailers). Under these
conditions, using the “5” range will improve perfor-
mance and extend transaxle life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build-up.
“D” (Overdrive) — 4-Speed Transaxle
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,
and best fuel economy. However, select the “3” range
when frequent transaxle shifting occurs while using the
“D” (Overdrive) range, such as when operating the
vehicle under heavy loading conditions, (i.e., in hilly
terrain, traveling into strong head winds or while towing
heavy trailers). Under these conditions, using the “3”
range will improve performance and extend transaxle life
by reducing excessive shifting and heat build-up.
STARTING AND OPERATING 315
5

PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to oper-
ate. This Reset feature allows the vehicle to be driven to
an authorized dealer for service without damaging the
transaxle.
In the event of a momentary problem, the transaxle can
be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
4. Restart the engine.
5. Shift into the desired gear range and resume driving.
NOTE:Even if the transaxle can be reset, it is recom-
mended that you visit an authorized dealer at your earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.
If the transaxle cannot be reset, authorized dealer service
is required.
AUTOSTICK
— IF EQUIPPED
AutoStickis a driver-interactive transaxle that offers six
manual ratio changes to provide you with more control
of the vehicle. AutoStick allows you to maximize engine
braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts,
and improve overall vehicle performance. This system
can also provide you with more control during passing,
city driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving,
trailer towing, and many other situations.
STARTING AND OPERATING 317
5

NOTE:
•The ESP/TCS Indicator Light and the ESP/BAS Mal-
function Indicator Light will turn on momentarily
each time the ignition switch is turned ON.
•Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
•The ESP Control System will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds
will stop when ESP becomes inactive following the
maneuver that caused the ESP activation.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
TSC uses sensors in the vehicle to recognize an exces-
sively swaying trailer. TSC activates automatically once
the excessively swaying trailer is recognized. When TSC
is functioning, the ESP/TCS Indicator Light will flash,
the engine power will be reduced, and you will feel the
brake being applied to individual wheels in an attempt to
stop the trailer from swaying.NOTE:
The TSC is disabled when the ESP system is in
the “Partial Off” mode.
WARNING!
•TSC cannot stop all trailers from swaying. Always
use caution when towing a trailer and follow the
tongue weight recommendations. Refer to ”Ve-
hicle Loading” and “Trailer Towing” in this sec-
tion for more information before towing a trailer
with your vehicle.
•If TSC activates while towing a trailer, stop the
vehicle at the nearest safe location and adjust the
trailer load to eliminate the trailer sway.
•Failure to follow these warnings can result in an
accident or serious personal injury.
STARTING AND OPERATING 335
5

Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed
the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you
adhere to the loading conditions, tire size, and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information placard and in the “Vehicle Loading” section
of this manual.
NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded. For further information on
GAWRs, vehicle loading, and trailer towing, refer to
“Vehicle Loading” in this section.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs.” on the Tire and Loading Information placard. The combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed
the weight referenced here.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs”
on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas-
sengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if “XXX”
amount equals 1,400 lbs (635 kg) and there will be five
150 lb (68 kg) passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
342 STARTING AND OPERATING

available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs (295
kg) (since 5 x 150 = 750, and 1400 – 750 = 650 lbs [295 kg]).
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.NOTE:
The following table shows examples on how to
calculate total load, cargo/luggage, and towing capaci-
ties of your vehicle with varying seating configurations
and number and size of occupants. This table is for
illustration purposes only and may not be accurate for
the seating and load carry capacity of your vehicle.
NOTE: For the following example, the combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs (392
kg).
STARTING AND OPERATING 343
5

A loaded vehicle is shown in the illustration. Note that
neither the GVWR nor the GAWR capacities have been
exceeded.
EXAMPLE ONLY Front Axle Rear Axle
Empty Weight 2054 lbs
(932 kg) 1805 lbs
(819 kg)
Load (including driver,
passengers, and cargo) 271 lbs
(123 kg) 579 lbs
(263 kg)
Total 2325 lbs
(1055 kg) 2384 lbs
(1081 kg)
GAWR 2546 lbs
(1155 kg) 2708 lbs
(1228 kg)
NOTE: Refer to the “Vehicle Certification Label” affixed
to the rear of the driver’s door for your vehicle’s GVWR
and GAWRs. This table is only an example.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section, you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully
review this information to tow your load as efficiently
and safely as possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this manual concerning ve-
hicles used for trailer towing.
Common Towing Definitions
The following trailer towing related definitions will assist
you in understanding the following information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the total
allowable weight of your vehicle. This includes driver,
passengers, cargo, and tongue weight. The total load
must be limited so that you do not exceed the GVWR.
STARTING AND OPERATING 377
5

Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the weight of the
trailer plus the weight of all cargo, consumables, and
equipment (permanent or temporary) loaded in or on the
trailer in itsloaded and ready for operation condition.
The recommended way to measure GTW is to put your
fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight
of the trailer must be supported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the
total permissible weight of your vehicle and trailer when
weighed in combination. (Note that GCWR ratings in-
clude a 150 lbs (68 kg) allowance for the presence of a
driver.)
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the maximum
capacity of the front and rear axles. Distribute the load
over the front and rear axles evenly. Make sure that you
do not exceed either front or rear GAWR.
WARNING!
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.
Tongue Weight (TW)
Tongue weight (TW) is the downward force exerted on
the hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases, it should not be
less than 10% or more than 15% of the trailer load. You
must consider this as part of the load on your vehicle.
378 STARTING AND OPERATING