fuel cap DODGE JOURNEY 2012 1.G Owners Manual

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Tachometer
The red segments indicate the maximum permissible
engine revolutions per minute (RPM x 1000) for each gear
range. Before reaching the red area, ease up on the
accelerator.
2. Air Bag Warning LightThis light will turn on for four to eight seconds
as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned to ON/RUN. If the light is either not on
during starting, stays on, or turns on while
driving, have the system inspected at an authorized
dealer as soon as possible. Refer to “Occupant Restraints”
in “Things To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for
further information. 3. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic system, called OBD, that
monitors engine and automatic transmission con-
trol systems. The light will illuminate when the key is in
the ON/RUN position, before engine start. If the bulb
does not come on when turning the key from OFF to
ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
274 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•Service TPM System (with a single chime). Refer to
information on “Tire Pressure Monitor” in “Starting
And Operating”.
•Channel # Transmit
•Channel # Training
•Channel # Trained
•Clearing Channels
•Channels Cleared
•Did Not Train
•Check Gascap (refer to “Adding Fuel” in “Starting
And Operating”)
•Oil Change Due (with a single chime)
EVIC White Indicators
This area will show reconfigurable white caution tell-
tales. These telltales include:
•Shift Lever Status
The shift lever status “P,R,N,D,L,5,4,3,2,1” are displayed
indicating the shift lever position. Telltales “5,4,3,2,1”
indicate the Autostick™ feature has been engaged and
the gear selected is displayed. For further information on
Autostick™, refer to “Starting And Operating.”
•Electronic Speed Control ON This light will turn on when the electronic
speed control is ON. For further information,
refer to “Electronic Speed Control” in “Under-
standing The Features Of Your Vehicle.”
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 287

▫E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 440
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 441
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 441
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 442
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 443
 Flexible Fuel (3.6L Engine Only) —
If Equipped .......................... 443
▫ E-85 General Information ............... 443
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) ................... 445
▫ Fuel Requirements ................... 445
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles ...... 446
▫ Starting ........................... 446
▫ Cruising Range ...................... 446 ▫
Replacement Parts ................... 447
▫ Maintenance ........................ 447
 Adding Fuel ......................... 447
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 447
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 449
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 449
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 449
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ...... 450
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ........ 450
▫ Overloading ........................ 450
▫ Loading ........................... 451
 Trailer Towing ........................ 451
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 451
366 STARTING AND OPERATING

the other sections of this manual for information on
features that are common between Flexible Fuel and
gasoline-only powered vehicles.CAUTION!
Only vehicles with the E-85 fuel filler door label can
operate on E-85.
E-85 Fuel Cap
E-85 Badge
444 STARTING AND OPERATING

Ethanol Fuel (E-85)
E-85 is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel ethanol and
15% unleaded gasoline.
WARNING!
Ethanol vapors are extremely flammable and could
cause serious personal injury. Never have any smok-
ing materials lit in or near the vehicle when remov-
ing the fuel filler tube cap (gas cap) or filling the
tank. Do not use E-85 as a cleaning agent and never
use it near an open flame.
Fuel Requirements
Your vehicle will operate on both unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating of 87, or E-85 fuel, or any mixture of
these two. For best results, a refueling pattern that
alternates between E-85 and unleaded gasoline should be
avoided.When you do switch fuel types it is recommended that:
•you do not switch when the fuel gauge indicates less
than 1/4 full
•you do not add less than 5 gallons (19 Liters) when
refueling
•you operate the vehicle immediately after refueling for
a period of at least 5 minutes
Observing these precautions will avoid possible hard
starting and/or significant deterioration in driveability
during warm up.
NOTE:
•When the ambient temperature is above 90° F (32° C),
you may experience hard starting and rough idle
following start up even if the above recommendations
are followed.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 445

Replacement Parts
Many components in your Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) are
designed to be compatible with ethanol. Always be sure
that your vehicle is serviced with correct ethanol com-
patible parts.
CAUTION!
Replacing fuel system components with non-ethanol
compatible components can damage your vehicle.
Maintenance
CAUTION!
Do not use ethanol mixture greater than 85% in your
vehicle. It will cause difficulty in cold starting and
may affect driveability.
ADDING FUEL
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is located behind the fuel filler door on the
left side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged,
be sure the replacement cap has been designed for use
with this vehicle.
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 447

NOTE:When removing the fuel filler cap, lay the cap
tether in the hook, located on the fuel filler door rein-
forcement.
CAUTION!
•Damage to the fuel system or emissions control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap).
•A poorly fitting gas cap could let impurities into
the fuel system.
•A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the “Malfunc-
tion Indicator Light (MIL)” to turn on.
•To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling. When the fuel
nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank is full.
WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank is being filled.
•Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
•A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
•Failure to follow this warning may result in seri-
ous injury or death.
NOTE:
•Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking” sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is tightened
properly. The MIL in the instrument cluster may turn
448 STARTING AND OPERATING

on if the gas cap is not secured properly. Make sure
that the gas cap is tightened each time the vehicle is
refueled.
•When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, the
word “gASCAP” will display in the odometer. If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap until a “clicking” sound
is heard and press the TRIP ODOMETER button to turn
off the message. If the problem persists, the message will
appear the next time the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the MIL. Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic
System” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
VEHICLE LOADING
The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is shown on
the “Vehicle Certification Label.” This information
should be used for passenger and luggage loading as
indicated.
Do not exceed the specified Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
Vehicle Certification Label
Your vehicle has a Vehicle Certification Label affixed to
the rear of the driver’s door.
The label contains the following information:
•Name of manufacturer
•Month and year of manufacture
•Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
•Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front
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STARTING AND OPERATING 449

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 2.4L ............. 497
 Engine Compartment — 3.6L ............. 498
 Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ...... 499
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 499
 Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................ 500
 Replacement Parts ..................... 501
 Dealer Service ........................ 501 
Maintenance Procedures ................. 502
▫ Engine Oil ......................... 503
▫ Engine Oil Filter ..................... 506
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... 506
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .............. 507
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............ 509
▫ A/C Air Filter – If Equipped ............ 510
▫ Body Lubrication .................... 512
▫ Wiper Blades ....................... 512
7

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light” (MIL). It
will also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and drivability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
•If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running,
severe catalytic converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, the
word “gASCAP” will display in the odometer. If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap until a “clicking” sound
is heard and press the TRIP ODOMETER button to turn
off the message. If the problem persists, the message will
appear the next time the vehicle is started.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 499