capacity DODGE JOURNEY 2010 1.G User Guide

•Type of Vehicle
•Month Day and Hour of Manufacture (MDH)
The bar code allows a computer scanner to read the VIN.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, and cargo. The total
load must be limited so that you do not exceed the
GVWR.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The 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!
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.
360 STARTING AND OPERATING

exceed the GVWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle
Certification Label” in “Starting and Operating” for
further information.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all
cargo, consumables, and equipment (permanent or tem-
porary) 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 GCWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
and trailer when weighed in combination.
NOTE: The GCWR rating includes a 150 lbs (68 kg)
allowance for the presence of a driver.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The 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. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certifica-
tion Label” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.
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)
The tongue weight 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.
362 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING! (Continued)
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized.
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight.)
Towing Requirements – Tires

Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to
“Tires – General Information” in “Starting and Oper-
ating” for proper tire inflation procedures.
Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres-
sures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires – General
Information” in “Starting and Operating” for the
proper inspection procedure.
When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Infor-
mation” in “Starting and Operating” for information
on replacement tires and for the proper tire replace-
ment procedures. Replacing tires with a higher load
carrying capacity will not increase the vehicle’s GVWR
and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements – Trailer Brakes

Donot interconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
372 STARTING AND OPERATING

actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes, and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
•Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You might not have
brakes when you need them and could have an
accident.
•Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing, you should allow for ad-
ditional space between your vehicle and the ve-
hicle in front of you. Failure to do so could result
in an accident.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 373

Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.
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 would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Master Cylinder – Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the “Brake Warning Light” indicates system failure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the fluid level up
to the requirements described on the brake fluid reser-
voir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake pads wear.
Brake fluid level should be checked when pads are
replaced. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
430 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Checking Your Vehicle For Safety............. 84
Checks, Safety ........................... 84
Child Booster Seat ........................ 73
Child Restraint .................. 71,72,75,79,81
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............77,79
Child Safety Locks ........................ 32
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 354
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 437
Windshield Wiper Blades ................ 418
Climate Control ......................... 269
Clock ........................ 215,231,240,252
Coin Holder ........................... 158
Cold Weather Operation ................... 296
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 268
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 338
Compass ........................ 198,201,208
Compass Calibration .................. 201,209
Compass Variance .................... 200,209Computer, Trip/Travel
.................... 206
Connector UCI ................................ 263
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) ......... 263
Conserving Fuel ........................ 206
Console, Floor .......................... 158
Console, Overhead ....................... 139
Contract, Service ........................ 481
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 427
Cooling System ......................... 424
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 426
Coolant Capacity ...................... 455
Coolant Level ...................... 424,428
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 428
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 425
Inspection ........................... 428
Points to Remember .................... 428
Pressure Cap ......................... 427
Radiator Cap ......................... 427
10
INDEX 491

Engine Oil........................... 409
Power Steering ..................... 312,457
Fluids ................................ 456
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 456
Fog Light Service ........................ 451
Fog Lights .................... 121,125,184,451
Folding Rear Seat ..................... 1 17,109
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 396
Fuel ................................. 353
Adding ............................. 357
Additives ............................ 355
Clean Air ............................ 354
Conserving .......................... 206
Ethanol ............................. 354
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .................... 357
Gasoline ............................ 353
Gauge .............................. 183
Materials Added ....................... 355
Methanol ............................ 354 Octane Rating
...................... 353,456
Requirements ......................... 353
Saver Mode .......................... 206
Specifications ......................... 456
Tank Capacity ........................ 455
Fuel System Caution ..................... 358
Fueling ............................... 357
Fuses ................................ 440
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 140
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ...............357,405
Gas Gauge (Fuel Gauge) ................... 183
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 354
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 353
Conserving .......................... 206
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 354
Gauges Coolant Temperature ................... 183
Fuel ............................... 183
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INDEX 495

Navigation Radio (Uconnectgps)........... 251
Navigation System (Uuconnect gps)....... 137,251
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 83
Occupant Restraints ................... 39,61,66
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ...........57,58,61,64
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ............353,456
Odometer Trip ............................. 190,197
Oil Change Indicator .................. 188,205
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..............188,205
Oil, Engine ......................... 409,456
Capacity ............................ 455
Change Interval .................. 188,205,410
Checking ............................ 409
Dipstick ............................. 409
Disposal ............................ 412
Filter ............................ 412,456
Filter Disposal ........................ 412 Identification Logo
..................... 410
Materials Added to ..................... 411
Recommendation ................... 410,455
Synthetic ............................ 411
Viscosity .......................... 41 1,455
Oil Filter, Change ........................ 412
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... 412
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............405,406
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 140
Operating Precautions .................... 405
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 95
Overdrive .......................... 186,303
Overhead Console ....................... 139
Overheating, Engine ................... 184,380
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .......... 483
Paint Care ............................. 435
Panic Alarm ............................ 23
Parking Brake .......................... 312
10
INDEX 501

Chains.............................. 343
Changing ............................ 381
Compact Spare ........................ 338
General Information .................... 335
High Speed .......................... 337
Inflation Pressures ..................... 336
Jacking ............................. 381
Life of Tires .......................... 341
Load Capacity ..................... 331,332
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ........... 344
Quality Grading ....................... 485
Radial .............................. 338
Replacement ......................... 341
Rotation ............................ 343
Safety ........................... 325,335
Sizes ............................... 327
Snow Tires ........................... 343
Spare Tire ........................... 383
Spinning ............................ 339 Trailer Towing
........................ 372
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 340
To Open Hood .......................... 119
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 369
Towing ............................... 361
Behind a Motor Home .................. 377
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 398
Guide .............................. 367
Recreational .......................... 377
Weight .............................. 367
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motor Home ......... 377
Traction .............................. 308
Traction Control ...................... 193,320
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ................. 324
Trailer Towing .......................... 361
Cooling System Tips .................... 377
Hitches ............................. 366
Minimum Requirements ................. 370
Tips ................................ 375
10
INDEX 507