warning DODGE JOURNEY 2020 Owners Manual

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 221
CHECKING OIL LEVEL
To ensure 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 a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking engine oil
level when the engine is cold will give you an
incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level
gr

ound 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
markings 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 Quart (1 Liter) 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.
ADDING WASHER FLUID
The windshield washer and the rear window
washer share the same fluid reservoir. The fluid
reservoir is located in the engine compartment.
Be sure to check the fluid level in the reservoir
at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with
windshield washer solvent (not radiator
antifreeze) and operate the system for a few
seconds to flush out the residual water.
When refilling the washer fluid reservoir, apply
s o

me washer fluid to a cloth or towel and wipe
the wiper blades clean. This will help blade
performance.
To prevent freeze-up of your windshield washer
s y

stem in cold weather, select a solution or
mixture that meets or exceeds the temperature
range of your climate. This rating information
can be found on most washer fluid containers. The fluid reservoir will hold nearly 1 Gallon

(4 Liters) of washer fluid when the message
“ Lo

WASH” appears in the instrument cluster.
MAINTENANCE-FREE BATTERY

Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free
battery. You will never have to add water, nor is
periodic maintenance required.

NOTE:
The battery is stored in a compartment that is
lo
cated behind the left front fender and is
accessible through the wheel well. The wheel
and tire assembly do not need to be removed to
access the compartment. Remote battery termi -
nals are located in the engine compartment for
j u

mp starting. Refer to “Jump Starting Proce -
dure” in “In Case Of Emergency” for further
i n

formation.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill the engine with oil. Overfilling
the engine with oil will cause oil aeration,
which can lead to loss of oil pressure and an
increase in oil temperature. This loss of oil
pressure and increased oil temperature could
damage your engine.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer
solvents are flammable. They could ignite and
burn you. Care must be exercised when filling
or working around the washer solution.
7

222 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
To access the battery, turn the steering wheel
fully to the right and remove the access panel
from the inner fender shield.
PRESSURE WASHING
DEALER SERVICE
An authorized dealer has qualified service
personnel, special tools, and equipment to
perform all service operations in an expert
manner. Service Manuals are available which
include detailed service information for your
vehicle. Refer to these Service Manuals before
attempting any procedure yourself.
NOTE:

Intentional tampering with emissions control
s y

stems may void your warranty and could result
in civil penalties being assessed against you.

WARNING!
Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and
can burn or even blind you. Do not allow
battery fluid to contact your eyes, skin, or
clothing. Do not lean over a battery when
attaching clamps. If acid splashes in eyes
or on skin, flush the area immediately with
large amounts of water.
Battery gas is flammable and explosive.
Keep flame or sparks away from the
battery. Do not use a booster battery or any
other booster source with an output greater
than 12 Volts. Do not allow cable clamps to
touch each other.
Battery posts, terminals, and related acces -
sories contain lead and lead compounds.
W a

sh hands after handling.
CAUTION!
It is essential when replacing the cables on
the battery that the positive cable is
attached to the positive post and the nega -
tive cable is attached to the negative post.
B a

ttery posts are marked positive (+) and
negative (-) and are identified on the battery
case. Cable clamps should be tight on the
terminal posts and free of corrosion.
If a “fast charger” is used while the battery
is in the vehicle, disconnect both vehicle
battery cables before connecting the
charger to the battery. Do not use a “fast
charger” to provide starting voltage.
CAUTION!
Cleaning the engine compartment with a high
pressure washer is not recommended.
Precautions have been taken to safeguard

all parts and connections however, the
p r

essures generated by these machines is
such that complete protection against water
ingress cannot be guaranteed.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or
around a motor vehicle. Only do service work
for which you have the knowledge and the
proper equipment. If you have any doubt
about your ability to perform a service job,
take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.

224 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil
Filters
Care should be taken in disposing of used
engine oil and oil filters from your vehicle.
Used oil and oil filters, indiscriminately
d i

scarded, can present a problem to the
environment. Contact an authorized dealer,
service station or governmental agency for
advice on how and where used oil and oil filters
can be safely discarded in your area.
ENGINE OIL FILTER
The engine oil filter should be replaced with a
new filter at every engine oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
This manufacturer's engines have a full-flow
ty
pe disposable oil filter. Use a filter of this type
for replacement. The quality of replacement
filters varies considerably. Only high quality
filters should be used to ensure most efficient
service. Mopar engine oil filters are high quality
oil filters and are recommended.
ENGINE AIR CLEANER FILTER
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in “Servicing
and Maintenance” for the proper maintenance
intervals.
NOTE:
Be sure to follow the “Severe Duty Conditions”
ma
intenance interval if applicable.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement engine air cleaner
f i

lters varies considerably. Only high quality
filters should be used to ensure most efficient
service. Mopar engine air cleaner filters are a
high quality filter and are recommended.
AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE
For best possible performance, your air
conditioner should be checked and serviced by
an authorized dealer at the start of each warm
season. This service should include cleaning of
the condenser fins and a performance test.
Drive belt tension should also be checked at
this time.
WARNING!

The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses,
etc.) can provide a measure of protection in the
case of engine backfire. Do not remove the air
induction system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.)
unless such removal is necessary for repair or
maintenance. Make sure that no one is near
the engine compartment before starting the
vehicle with the air induction system (air
cleaner, hoses, etc.) removed. Failure to do so
can result in serious personal injury.

WARNING!
Use only refrigerants and compressor lubri -
cants approved by the manufacturer for
y o

ur air conditioning system. Some unap -
proved refrigerants are flammable and can
e x

plode, injuring you. Other unapproved
refrigerants or lubricants can cause the
system to fail, requiring costly repairs.
Refer to Warranty Information Book, for
further warranty information.
The air conditioning system contains refrig -
erant under high pressure. To avoid risk of
p e

rsonal injury or damage to the system,
adding refrigerant or any repair requiring
lines to be disconnected should be done by
an experienced technician.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 225
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling —
R-1234yf

R-1234yf Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a
hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) that is endorsed by
the Environmental Protection Agency and
is an ozone-friendly substance with a low
g l

obal-warming potential. The manufacturer
recommends that air conditioning service be
performed by an authorized dealer using
recovery and recycling equipment.

NOTE:
Use only manufacturer approved A/C system
P A

G compressor oil, and refrigerants.
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT INSPECTION
When inspecting accessory drive belts, small
cracks that run across the ribbed surface of the
belt from rib to rib, are considered normal.
These are not a reason to replace the belt.
However, cracks running along a rib (not across)
are not normal. Any belt with cracks running
along a rib must be replaced. Also have the belt
replaced if it has excessive wear, frayed cords
or severe glazing.
Accessory Belt (Serpentine Belt)

Conditions that would require replacement:
Rib chunking (one or more ribs has sepa -
rated from belt body)
Rib or belt wear
Longitudinal belt cracking (cracks between
two ribs)
Belt slips
“Groove jumping" (belt does not maintain
correct position on pulley)
Belt broken (Identify and correct problem
before new belt is installed)
Noise (objectionable squeal, squeak, or
rumble is heard or felt while drive belt is in
operation)
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air
conditioning system as the chemicals can
damage your air conditioning components.
Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.WARNING!
Do not attempt to inspect an accessory
drive belt with vehicle running.
When working near the radiator cooling fan,
disconnect the fan motor lead. The fan is
temperature controlled and can start at any
time regardless of ignition mode. You could
be injured by the moving fan blades.
You can be badly injured working on or
around a motor vehicle. Only do service
work for which you have the knowledge and
the proper equipment. If you have any
doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a compe -
tent mechanic.
7

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 227
(Continued)
3. Grab the bottom of the wiper blade and rotate it forward to unsnap the blade pivot
pin from the wiper blade holder.

Removing The Wiper Blade

4. I nstall the wiper blade pivot pin into the
w
iper blade holder at the end of the wiper
arm, and firmly press the wiper blade until it
snaps into place.
5. Lower the wiper blade and snap the pivot c
ap into place.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
The best protection against carbon monoxide
entry into the vehicle body is a properly
maintained engine exhaust system.

If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust
sy

stem; or if the exhaust fumes can be detected
inside the vehicle; or when the underside or rear
of the vehicle is damaged; have an authorized
technician inspect the complete 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, have the exhaust
system inspected each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.

1 — Wiper Blade
2 — Blade Pivot Pin
3 — Wiper Arm
4 — Wiper Blade Holder
WARNING!

Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless
and odorless. Breathing it can make you
unconscious and can eventually poison you.
To avoid breathing CO, refer to “Safety Tips”
in “Safety” for further information.

A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you
park over materials that can burn. Such
materials might be grass or leaves coming
into contact with your exhaust system.
Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
w h

ere your exhaust system can contact
anything that can burn.
CAUTION!
The catalytic converter requires the use of
unleaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will
destroy the effectiveness of the catalyst as
an emissions control device and may seri -
ously reduce engine performance and
c a

use serious damage to the engine.

Damage to the catalytic converter can result
if your vehicle is not kept in proper operating
condition. In the event of engine malfunc -
tion, particularly involving engine misfire or
o t

her apparent loss of performance, have
your vehicle serviced promptly. Continued
operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to
overheat, resulting in possible damage to
the converter and vehicle.

WARNING! (Continued)
7

228 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic
converter will not require maintenance. However,
it is important to keep the engine properly tuned
to ensure proper catalyst operation and prevent
possible catalyst damage.

NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
s y

stems can result in civil penalties being
assessed against you.

In unusual situations involving grossly
m a

lfunctioning engine operation, a scorching odor
may suggest severe and abnormal catalyst
overheating. If this occurs, stop the vehicle, turn off
the engine and allow it to cool. Service, including a
tune-up to manufacturer's specifications, should be
obtained immediately.

To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter
d a

mage:
Do not interrupt the ignition when the trans -
mission is in gear and the vehicle is in
m o

tion.
Do not try to start the vehicle by pushing or
towing the vehicle.
Do not idle the engine with any ignition
components disconnected or removed, such
as when diagnostic testing, or for prolonged
periods during very rough idle or malfunc -
tioning operating conditions.
COOLING SYSTEM
Coolant Checks

Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection
every 12 months (before the onset of freezing
w e
ather, where applicable). If the engine coolant
(antifreeze) is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed, and refilled
with fresh engine coolant (antifreeze). Check the
front of the A/C condenser for any accumulation
of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically
down the face of the condenser.

Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for
b r

ittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, and
tightness of the connection at the bottle and
radiator. Inspect the entire system for leaks.
WARNING!

You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your
radiator. If you see or hear steam coming from
under the hood, do not open the hood until the
radiator has had time to cool. Never open a
cooling system pressure cap when the radiator
or coolant bottle is hot.

Keep hands, tools, clothing, and jewelry
away from the radiator cooling fan when
the hood is raised. The fan starts automati -
cally and may start at any time, whether the
e n

gine is running or not.
When working near the radiator cooling fan,
disconnect the fan motor lead or turn the
ignition to the OFF mode. The fan is
temperature controlled and can start at any
time the ignition is in the ON mode.
WARNING!
The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a
safety precaution. Never add engine
coolant (antifreeze) when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the
cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat
causes pressure to build up in the cooling
system. To prevent scalding or injury, do not
remove the pressure cap while the system
is hot or under pressure.

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 229
Cooling System — Drain, Flush And Refill
NOTE:
Some vehicles require special tools to add
c o

olant properly. Failure to fill these systems
properly could lead to severe internal engine
damage. If any coolant is needed to be added to
the system please contact your local authorized
dealer.
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
c o

ntains visible sediment, have an authorized
dealer clean and flush with OAT coolant
(antifreeze) (conforming to MS.90032).
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in (Servicing
a n

d Maintenance” for the proper maintenance
intervals.
Selection Of Coolant
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information.
NOTE:

Mixing of engine coolant (antifreeze) other
than specified Organic Additive Technology
(OAT) engine coolant (antifreeze), may result in
engine damage and may decrease corrosion
protection. Organic Additive Technology (OAT)
engine coolant is different and should not be
mixed with Hybrid Organic Additive Technology
(HOAT) engine coolant (antifreeze) or any
“globally compatible” coolant (antifreeze). If a
non-OAT engine coolant (antifreeze) is intro -
duced into the cooling system in an emer-
gency, the cooling system will need to be
d r

ained, flushed, and refilled with fresh OAT
coolant (conforming to MS.90032), by an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.

Do not use water alone or alcohol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not
use additional rust inhibitors or antirust prod -
ucts, as they may not be compatible with the
r a

diator engine coolant and may plug the
radiator.
This vehicle has not been designed for use
with propylene glycol-based engine coolant
(antifreeze). Use of propylene glycol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) is not recom -
mended.
Some vehicles require special tools to add
coolant properly. Failure to fill these systems
properly could lead to severe internal engine
damage. If any coolant is needed to be added
to the system please contact an authorized
dealer.
Adding Coolant

Your vehicle has been built with an improved
engine coolant (OAT coolant conforming to
MS.90032) that allows extended maintenance
intervals. This engine coolant (antifreeze)
can be used up to ten years or 150,000 miles
( 2

40,000 km) before replacement. To prevent
r e

ducing this extended maintenance period, it is
important that you use the same engine coolant
(OAT coolant conforming to MS.90032)
throughout the life of your vehicle.

Do not use a pressure cap other than the
one specified for your vehicle. Personal
injury or engine damage may result.
WARNING! (Continued)
7

230 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Please review these recommendations for
using Organic Additive Technology (OAT)
engine coolant (antifreeze) that meets the
r e

quirements of FCA Material Standard
MS.90032. When adding engine coolant
(antifreeze):

We recommend using Mopar Antifreeze/
Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km)
F o

rmula OAT (Organic Additive Technology)
that meets the requirements of FCA Material
Standard MS.90032.

Mix a minimum solution of 50% OAT engine
coolant that meets the requirements of FCA
Material Standard MS.90032 and distilled
water. Use higher concentrations (not to
exceed 70%) if temperatures below −34°F
(−37°C) are anticipated. Please contact an
authorized dealer for assistance.
Use only high purity water such as distilled or
deionized water when mixing the water/
engine coolant (antifreeze) solution. The use
of lower quality water will reduce the amount
of corrosion protection in the engine cooling
system. NOTE:
It is the owner's responsibility to maintain the
proper level of protection against freezing
according to the temperatures occurring in
the area where the vehicle is operated.
Some vehicles require special tools to add
coolant properly. Failure to fill these systems
properly could lead to severe internal engine
damage. If any coolant is needed to be added
to the system, please contact a local autho
-
rized dealer.
Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types is
not recommended and can result in cooling
system damage. If HOAT and OAT coolant are
mixed in an emergency, have a authorized
dealer drain, flush, and refill with OAT coolant
(conforming to MS.90032) as soon as
possible.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss
of engine coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure
that engine coolant (antifreeze) will return to
the radiator from the coolant recovery bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if
t h

ere is any accumulation of foreign material on
the sealing surfaces.
Disposal Of Used Coolant

Used ethylene glycol-based coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal.
Check with your local authorities to determine the
disposal rules for your community. To prevent
ingestion by animals or children, do not store
ethylene glycol-based coolant in open containers
or allow it to remain in puddles on the ground.
If ingested by a child or pet, seek emergency
as
sistance immediately. Clean up any ground
spills immediately.

WARNING!
The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a
safety precaution. Never add engine
coolant (antifreeze) when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the
cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat
causes pressure to build up in the cooling
system. To prevent scalding or injury, do not
remove the pressure cap while the system
is hot or under pressure.
Do not use a pressure cap other than the
one specified for your vehicle. Personal
injury or engine damage may result.

232 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
BRAKE SYSTEM

In order to ensure brake system performance, all
brake system components should be inspected
periodically. Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in
“Servicing and Maintenance” for the proper
maintenance intervals.

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
wh

en performing underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before
r e

moving the cap. If necessary, add fluid to
bring the fluid level up to the requirements
described on the brake fluid reservoir. Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because
i
t

may cause leaking in the system.
Fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
p a

ds 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
fl
uid. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in
“Technical Specifications” for further
information.WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure
and possibly a collision. 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.
WARNING!

Use only manufacturer's recommended
brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants”
in “Technical Specifications” for further infor-
mation. Using the wrong type of brake fluid
c a

n severely damage your brake system
and/or impair its performance. The proper
type of brake fluid for your vehicle is also
identified on the original factory installed
hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.

To avoid contamination from foreign matter
or moisture, use only new brake fluid or
fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container. Keep the master cylinder reser -
voir cap secured at all times. Brake fluid in
a

open container absorbs moisture from
the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly
d u

ring hard or prolonged braking, resulting
in sudden brake failure. This could result in
a collision.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine
parts, causing the brake fluid to catch fire.
Brake fluid can also damage painted and
vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to
avoid its contact with these surfaces.
Do not allow petroleum based fluid to
contaminate the brake fluid. Brake seal
components could be damaged, causing
partial or complete brake failure. This could
result in a collision.
WARNING! (Continued)

242 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the
safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle.
Four primary areas are affected by improper tire
pressure:
Safety
Fuel Economy
Tread Wear
Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability Safety
Both underinflation and overinflation affect the
st

ability of the vehicle and can produce a feeling
of sluggish response or over responsiveness in
the steering.
NOTE:
Unequal tire pressures from side to side may
cause erratic and unpredictable steering
response.
Unequal tire pressure from side to side may
cause the vehicle to drift left or right.
Fuel Economy
Underinflated tires will increase tire rolling
r e

sistance resulting in higher fuel consumption.
Tread Wear

Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause
ab
normal wear patterns and reduced tread life,
resulting in the need for earlier tire replacement.

Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a
c o

mfortable ride. Overinflation produces a
jarring and uncomfortable ride.
WARNING!

Overloading of your tires is dangerous.
Overloading can cause tire failure, affect
vehicle handling, and increase your stopping
distance. Use tires of the recommended load
capacity for your vehicle. Never overload them.
WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and
can cause collisions.
Underinflation increases tire flexing and
can result in overheating and tire failure.
Overinflation reduces a tire's ability to
cushion shock. Objects on the road and
chuckholes can cause damage that result
in tire failure.
Overinflated or underinflated tires can
affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, resulting in loss of vehicle
control.
Unequal tire pressures can cause steering
problems. You could lose control of your
vehicle.
Unequal tire pressures from one side of the
vehicle to the other can cause the vehicle
to drift to the right or left.
Always drive with each tire inflated to the
recommended cold tire inflation pressure.