checking oil DODGE JOURNEY 2012 1.G Owners Manual

Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the seat belt system periodically, checking for
cuts, frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be
replaced immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the
system.Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the seat belt.
Air Bag Warning Light
The light should turn on and remain on for four to six
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, or if the
light stays on, flickers, or turns on while driving, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
92 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after afully warmed engine is shut off. Do not check oil level
before starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking engine oil level when the engine is cold will
give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of
the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. Either the range mark-
ings consist of a crosshatch zone marked SAFE or a
crosshatch zone marked with MIN at the low end of the
range and MAX at the high end of the range. Adding
1.0 qt (1.0 l) of oil when the reading is at the low end of
the range marking will raise the oil level to the high end
of the range marking.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 503

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. Your autho-
rized dealer can check your transmission fluid level
using a special service dipstick.
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.
Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) – AWD Models Only
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended fluid. Refer
to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintain-
ing Your Vehicle” for further information.
Fluid Level Check
Visually inspect the unit at each oil change for leakage. If
leakage is detected, check the fluid level by removing the
fill plug. The fluid level should be maintained between
the bottom of the fill hole to 1/8 in (4 mm) below the fill
hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
528 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicle’s
oil if it has been six months since your last oil change,
even if the oil change indicator message is NOT
illuminated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
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.
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 553

Brightness, Interior Lights.................. 207
Bulb Replacement ..................... 541,542
Bulbs, Light .......................... 94,541
Camera, Rear ........................... 225
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 548
Caps, Filler Fuel .............................. 447
Oil (Engine) ..................... 497,505
Power Steering ...................... 395
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............. 521
Car Washes ............................ 530
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............91,443
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................258,449
Cargo Area Cover ....................... 260
Cargo Area Features ...................... 257
Cargo Compartment ...................... 257
Light ............................. 257
Luggage Carrier ..................... 265 Cargo Load Floor
........................ 258
Cargo Management System ................. 258
Rollaway Tonneau Cover ............... 260
Tri-Fold Load Floor ................... 258
Cargo Tie-Downs ........................ 259
Cellular Phone .......................... 344
Certification Label ....................... 449
Chains, Tire ............................ 427
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 471
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 410
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) .............274,500
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 90
Checks, Safety ........................... 90
Child Booster Seat ........................ 78
Child Restraint .................. 76,77,80,84,86
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............82,84
Child Safety Locks ........................ 32
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 439
580 INDEX

Jump Starting....................... 483
Overheating ........................ 469
Towing ............................ 490
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 500
Engine ............................. 89,497
Air Cleaner ......................... 506
Block Heater ........................ 372
Break-In Recommendations .............. 89
Checking Oil Level ................... 503
Compartment .................... 497,498
Compartment Identification ............. 498
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 518,549
Cooling ........................... 518
Exhaust Gas Caution ..............43,91,443
Fails to Start ........................ 371
Flooded, Starting ..................... 371
Fuel Requirements .................... 439
Jump Starting ....................... 483
Oil ......................... 503,548,549Oil Change Interval
................ 291,504
Oil Filler Cap .................... 497,505
Oil Filter ........................... 506
Oil Filter Disposal .................... 506
Oil Selection ..................... 504,548
Oil Synthetic ........................ 505
Operation ........................... 89
Overheating ........................ 469
Starting ........................... 368
Temperature Gauge ................... 281
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... 505
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ................. 505
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 71
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 20
Ethanol ............................... 440
Event Data Recorder ...................... 75
Exhaust Gas Caution ................. 43,91,443
Exhaust System ....................... 91,515
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 104
10
INDEX 583

Occupant Restraints................... 43,67,72
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ...........64,65,67,70
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ............439,549
Odometer ............................. 276
Oil Change Indicator .................. 277,291
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..............277,291
Oil Filter, Change ........................ 506
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... 506
Oil, Engine ......................... 503,549
Capacity ........................... 548
Change Interval ................... 291,504
Checking .......................... 503
Dipstick ........................... 503
Disposal ........................... 506
Filter .......................... 506,549
Filter Disposal ....................... 506
Identification Logo ................... 504
Materials Added to ................... 506
Recommendation .................. 504,548Synthetic
.......................... 505
Viscosity ........................ 505,548
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............499,500
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®) ........... 230
Operating Precautions .................... 499
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 102
Overhead Console ....................... 227
Overheating, Engine ................ 281,469,470
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,573
Paint Care ............................. 529
Panic Alarm ............................ 23
Park Sense System, Rear ................... 216
Parking Brake .......................... 396
Passenger Seat Back Tilt (Easy Entry System) .... 195
Passing Light ........................... 206
Pets .................................. 89
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 414
10
INDEX 591