check engine DODGE JOURNEY 2011 1.G Owner's Manual

humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in
the radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If
engine coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, the
contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be pro-
tected against freezing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine, which contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 477

WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.
Automatic Transmission
The automatic transmission and differential assembly are
contained within a single housing.
The fluid level in the automatic transmission should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transmission and the fluid.
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer ’s recommended transmis-
sion fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion. It is important that the transmission fluid be main-
tained at the prescribed level using the recommended
fluid. No chemical flushes should be used in any trans-
mission; only the approved lubricant may be used.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
480 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check – 2.4L Engine
Use the following procedure to check the automatic
transmission fluid level properly:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Run the engine at curb idle speed for a minimum of
60 seconds.
3. Apply the parking brake fully.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily in each gear position
ending with the lever in PARK.5. Wipe the area around the dipstick clean to eliminate
the possibility of dirt entering the transmission.
6. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or cold. Hot fluid is approximately 180°F (82°C), which is
the normal operating temperature after the vehicle is
driven at least 15 miles (24 km). Hot fluid cannot be held
comfortably between the fingertips. Cold fluid is at a
temperature below 80°F (27°C).
7. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated. Then,
remove dipstick and note the reading.
a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the
crosshatched area marked “HOT” (between the upper
two holes in the dipstick).
b. If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between
the lower two holes in the area marked “COLD.”
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 481

If the fluid level is low, add sufficient fluid through the
filler (dipstick) tube to bring it to the proper level. Do not
overfill.
CAUTION!
•Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-
facturer’s recommended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid
other than that recommended by the manufacturer
will result in more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information.(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Dirt and water in the transmission can cause
serious damage. To prevent dirt and water from
entering the transmission after checking or replen-
ishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap is
re-seated properly.
Fluid Level Check – 3.6L Engine
The automatic transmission has no dipstick and is dealer
serviced only.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the transmission
is disassembled for any reason.
482 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in
“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.At Each Stop For Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 509

Once A Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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S510 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 196
Bulb Replacement ..................... 495,497
Bulbs, Light .......................... 93,495
Camera, Rear ........................... 215
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 503
Caps, Filler Fuel .............................. 401
Oil (Engine) ..................... 451,459
Power Steering ...................... 349
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 475
Car Washes ............................ 484
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............90,397
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................246,403
Cargo Area Cover ....................... 248
Cargo Area Features ...................... 245
Cargo Compartment ...................... 245
Light ............................. 245
Luggage Carrier ..................... 253 Cargo Load Floor
........................ 246
Cargo Management System ................. 246
Rollaway Tonneau Cover ............... 248
Tri-Fold Load Floor ................... 246
Cargo Tie-Downs ........................ 247
Cellular Phone .......................... 310
Certification Label ....................... 403
Chains, Tire ............................ 380
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 425
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 363
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light) ............................. 259,454
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 89
Checks, Safety ........................... 89
Child Booster Seat ........................ 77
Child Restraint .................. 75,77,79,83,85
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............81,83
Child Safety Locks ........................ 31
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 393
534 INDEX

Emergency, In Case ofFreeing Vehicle When Stuck ............. 441
Hazard Warning Flasher ............... 423
Jacking ............................ 425
Jump Starting ....................... 437
Overheating ........................ 423
Towing ............................ 444
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 454
Engine ............................. 88,451
Air Cleaner ......................... 460
Block Heater ........................ 338
Break-In Recommendations .............. 88
Checking Oil Level ................... 457
Compartment .................... 451,452
Compartment Identification ............. 452
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 472,504
Cooling ........................... 472
Exhaust Gas Caution ..............42,90,397
Fails to Start ........................ 337 Flooded, Starting
..................... 337
Fuel Requirements .................... 393
Jump Starting ....................... 437
Oil ......................... 457,503,504
Oil Change Interval ................ 275,458
Oil Filler Cap .................... 451,459
Oil Filter ........................... 460
Oil Filter Disposal .................... 460
Oil Selection ..................... 458,503
Oil Synthetic ........................ 459
Operation ........................... 88
Overheating ........................ 423
Starting ........................... 334
Temperature Gauge ................... 266
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... 459
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ................. 459
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 71
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 20
Ethanol ............................... 394
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INDEX 537

Event Data Recorder...................... 74
Exhaust Gas Caution ................. 42,90,397
Exhaust System ....................... 90,469
Express Down Windows ................... 23
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 104
Exterior Light Service ..................... 497
Exterior Lighting ........................ 192
Exterior Lights ........................ 93,497
Fabric Care ............................ 487
Filler Location Fuel .................... 266,401
Filters Air Cleaner ......................... 460
Air Conditioning .................. 326,464
Automatic Transaxle .................. 482
Engine Oil ....................... 460,504
Engine Oil Disposal ................... 460
Flash-To-Pass ........................... 196 Flashers
Hazard Warning ..................... 423
Turn Signal .................... 93,195,261
Flexible Fuel Vehicles Cruising Range ...................... 400
Engine Oil ......................... 400
Fuel Requirements ................. 397,399
Maintenance ........................ 401
Replacement Parts .................... 401
Starting ........................... 400
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 337
Floor Console .......................... 239
Fluid Capacities ......................... 503
Fluid Leaks ............................. 93
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transaxle ...............481,482
Brake .......................... 478,505
Cooling System ...................... 472
Engine Oil ......................... 457
538 INDEX

Headlights On Reminder............... 194
Headlights On With Wipers ..........193,202
High Beam ...................... 196,497
High Beam Indicator .................. 261
High Beam/Low Beam Select ............ 196
Illuminated Entry ..................... 20
Instrument Cluster ................. 192,259
Intensity Control ..................... 196
Interior ............................ 196
License ............................ 501
Lights On Reminder .................. 194
Low Fuel .......................... 272
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ...... 259
Map Reading ....................... 198
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness) ........ 197
Park .............................. 497
Passing ............................ 196
Reading ........................... 198
Rear Servicing .................... 497,499Rear Tail
........................... 499
Seat Belt Reminder ................... 264
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ............ 266
Service ......................... 495,497
Service Engine Soon
(Malfunction Indicator) ................ 259
Side Marker ........................ 497
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ............ 266
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) .......262,383
Traction Control ..................... 360
Turn Signal ................. 93,195,497,499
Vanity Mirror ....................... 104
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . 259
Load Floor, Cargo ....................... 246
Loading Vehicle ...................... 403,405
Capacities .......................... 405
Tires .............................. 367
Locks ................................. 29
Auto Unlock ......................... 31
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INDEX 543