weight DODGE JOURNEY 2020 User Guide

150 SAFETY
Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Child Restraints With Seat Belts
What is the weight limit (child’s weight +
weight of the child restraint) for using the
Tether Anchor with the seat belt to attach a
forward facing child restraint? Weight limit of the Child Restraint
Always use the tether anchor when using the seat belt to
i
n
stall a forward facing child restraint, up to the
recommended weight limit of the child restraint.
Can the rear-facing child restraint touch the
b a

ck of the front passenger seat? YesContact between the front passenger seat and the child
r
e
straint is allowed, if the child restraint manufacturer also
allows contact.
Can the rear head restraints be removed? YesAll second row head restraints are removable if they interfere
w
i

th the installation of the child restraint.
Refer to “Head Restraints” in “Getting To Know Your Vehicle”
f o

r further information.
Can the buckle stalk be twisted to tighten the
s e

at belt against the belt path of the child
restraint? Yes – CINCH
No – ALRIn positions with cinching latch plates (CINCH), the buckle
st
alk may be twisted up to 3 full turns. Do not twist the
buckle stalk in a seating position with an ALR retractor.

STARTING AND OPERATING 177
(Continued)
NOTE:
Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking”
s o

und. This is an indication that the gas cap is
tightened properly. The MIL in the instrument
cluster may turn on if the gas cap is not secured
properly. Make sure that the gas cap is tight -
ened each time the vehicle is refueled.
LOOSE FUEL FILLER CAP MESSAGE
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that
the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly installed,
or damaged, a ”gASCAP” message will display in
the odometer or a “Check Gascap” message will
display in the instrument cluster. If this occurs,
tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
Trip Odometer button to turn off the message. If
the problem continues, the message will appear
the next time the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel
f i

ller cap may also turn on the MIL.
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
W e

ight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR).
VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL
Your vehicle has a Vehicle Certification Label
affixed to the drivers side B-pillar or 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
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) rear
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Type of vehicle
Month, Day, and Hour of manufacture (MDH)
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
serious injury or death.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emissions
control system could result from using an
improper fuel tank filler tube cap.
A poorly fitting fuel filler cap could let impu -
rities into the fuel system.

A poorly fitting fuel filler cap may cause the
“Malfunction 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.
CAUTION! (Continued)
5

178 STARTING AND OPERATING
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.
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
v e

hicle 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.

Figure out the weight on the front and rear of
t h

e vehicle separately. It is important that you
distribute the load evenly over the front and rear
axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards
a n

d shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or
suspension components do not necessarily
increase the vehicle's GVWR.
LOADING

To load your vehicle properly, first figure out
its empty weight, axle-by-axle and side-by-side.
S t
ore heavier items down low and be sure you
distribute their weight as evenly as possible. Stow
all loose items securely before driving. If weighing
the loaded vehicle shows that you have exceeded
either GAWR, but the total load is within the
specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight. Improper weight distribution can have an
adverse effect on the way your vehicle steers and
handles and the way the brakes operate.

TRAILER TOWING

In this section you will find safety tips and
information on limits to the type of towing you can
reasonably do with your vehicle. Before towing a
trailer, carefully review this information to tow
your load as efficiently and safely as possible.

To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty
c
o

verage, follow the requirements and
recommendations in this manual concerning
vehicles used for trailer towing.
COMMON TOWING DEFINITIONS
The following trailer towing related definitions
will assist you in understanding the following
information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your
vehicle. This includes driver, passengers, cargo
and tongue weight. The total load must be
limited so that you do not exceed the GVWR.
Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certification
Label” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.
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 a collision.

STARTING AND OPERATING 179
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the
weight of all cargo, consumables, and
equipment (permanent or temporary) loaded in
or on the trailer in its "loaded and ready for
operation" condition.
The recommended way to measure GTW is to
pu

t 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 allowable weight of your
vehicle and trailer when weighed in
combination.
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 Certification Label” in
“Starting And Operating” for further
information.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The Tongue Weight is the downward force
exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer. You must
consider this as part of the load on your vehicle.
Trailer Frontal Area

The frontal area is the maximum height multiplied
by the maximum width of the front of a trailer.

Trailer Sway Control — Electronic
Refer to “Safety Features/Trailer Sway Control
(TSC)” in “Safety” for further information.
Trailer Sway Control — Mechanical
The Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is a telescoping
link that can be installed between the hitch
receiver and the trailer tongue that typically
provides adjustable friction associated with the
telescoping motion to dampen any unwanted
trailer swaying motions while traveling.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the trailer
Tongue Weight, just as if it were luggage located
at a hitch ball or some other connecting point of
the vehicle. These kinds of hitches are the most
popular on the market today and they are
commonly used to tow small and medium sized
trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch

A weight-distributing system works by applying
leverage through spring (load) bars. They are
typically used for heavier loads to distribute
trailer Tongue Weight to the tow vehicle's front
axle and the trailer axle(s). When used in
accordance with the manufacturer's directions, it
provides for a more level ride, offering more
consistent steering and brake control thereby
enhancing towing safety. The addition of a
friction/hydraulic sway control also dampens
sway caused by traffic and crosswinds and
contributes positively to tow vehicle and trailer
stability. Trailer sway control and a weight
distributing (load equalizing) hitch are
recommended for heavier Tongue Weights (TW)
and may be required depending on vehicle and
trailer configuration/loading to comply with Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) requirements.

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 a collision.
5

180 STARTING AND OPERATING
TRAILER HITCH CLASSIFICATION
The following chart provides the industry
standard for the maximum trailer weight a given
trailer hitch class can tow and should be used to
assist you in selecting the correct trailer hitch
for your intended towing condition.
WARNING!
An improperly adjusted Weight Distributing
Hitch system may reduce handling,
stability, braking performance, and could
result in a collision.
Weight Distributing Systems may not be
compatible with Surge Brake Couplers.
Consult with your hitch and trailer manufac -
turer or a reputable Recreational Vehicle
d e

aler for additional information.
Trailer Hitch Classification Definitions
Class Max. Trailer Hitch Industry Standards
Class I - Light Duty 2,000 lbs (907 kg)
Class II - Medium Duty 3,500 lbs (1,587 kg)
Class III - Heavy Duty 6,000 lbs (2,721 kg)
Class IV - Extra Heavy Duty 10,000 lbs (4,535 kg)
Refer to the “Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)” chart for the Maximum Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) towable for your given
d r

ivetrain.
All trailer hitches should be professionally installed on your vehicle.

STARTING AND OPERATING 181
TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain:
NOTE:
The trailer Tongue Weight must be consid -
ered as part of the combined weight of occu -
pants and cargo, and should never exceed
t h

e weight referenced on the Tire and
Loading Information placard. Refer to “Tires”
in “Servicing And Maintenance” for further
information.
TRAILER AND TONGUE WEIGHT
Never exceed the maximum Tongue Weight
stamped on your bumper or trailer hitch.

Weight Distribution

Engine/Transmission GCWR (Gross Combined
Wt
. Rating) Frontal Area
Max. GTW (Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt.
2.4L/Automatic6,000 lbs (2,721 kg)22 sq ft (2.0 sq m)1,000 lbs (453 kg) which includes up to
5
persons & Luggage 100 lbs (45 kg)
CAUTION!
Always load a trailer with 60% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% of the
GTW on the tow hitch of your vehicle. Loads
balanced over the wheels or heavier in the
rear can cause the trailer to sway severely
side to side which will cause loss of control of
the vehicle and trailer. Failure to load trailers
heavier in front is the cause of many trailer
collisions.
5

182 STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
Consider the following items when computing
the weight on the rear axle of the vehicle:
The Tongue Weight of the trailer.
The weight of any other type of cargo or
equipment put in or on your vehicle.
The weight of the driver and all passengers.
NOTE:
Remember that everything put into or on
the trailer adds to the load on your vehicle.
Also, additional factory-installed options or
d e

aler-installed options must be considered as
part of the total load on your vehicle. Refer to
the “Tire And Loading Information” placard for
the maximum combined weight of occupants
and cargo for your vehicle.
TOWING REQUIREMENTS
To promote proper break-in of your new vehicle
drivetrain components the following guidelines
are recommended:
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow
these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the
trailer and that it will not shift during travel.
When trailering cargo that is not fully
secured, dynamic load shifts can occur that
may be difficult for the driver to control. You
could lose control of your vehicle and have
a collision.
When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do
not overload your vehicle or trailer. Over -
loading can cause a loss of control, poor
p e

rformance, or damage to brakes, axle,
engine, transmission, steering, suspension,
chassis structure, or tires.
Safety chains must always be used
between your vehicle and trailer. Always
connect the chains to the frame or hook
retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow
enough slack for turning corners.
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked
on a grade. When parking, apply the
parking brake on the tow vehicle. Put the
tow vehicle automatic transmission in
PARK. Always block or "chock" the trailer
wheels.
Total weight must be distributed between
the tow vehicle and the trailer such that the
following four ratings are not exceeded:
GVWR
GCWR
GAWR
Tongue weight rating for the trailer
hitch utilized.
WARNING! (Continued)

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 239
Tire Loading And Tire Pressure
NOTE:
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed
o n

the driver’s side B-pillar or the rear edge of
the driver's side door.
Check the inflation pressure of each tire,
i n

cluding the spare tire (if equipped), at least
monthly and inflate to the recommended
pressure for your vehicle.

Example Tire Placard Location (Door) Example Tire Placard Location (B-pillar)

Tire And Loading Information Placard

Tire And Loading Information Placard
This placard tells you important information
a
b

out the:

1. N umber of people that can be carried in
t
he vehicle.

2. T otal weight your vehicle can carry.
3
. T ire size designed for your vehicle.
4
. C old tire inflation pressures for the front,
r
ear, and spare tires.
Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not
exceed the load carrying capacity of the tire on
your vehicle. You will not exceed the tire's load
carrying capacity if you adhere to the loading
conditions, tire size, and cold tire inflation
pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information placard in “Vehicle Loading” in
“Starting And Operating” for further
information.
NOTE:
Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
g r

oss axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front
and rear axles must not be exceeded.
7

240 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
For further information on GAWRs, vehicle
loading, and trailer towing, refer to “Vehicle
Loading” in “Starting And Operating” for further
information.

To determine the maximum loading conditions
of your vehicle, locate the statement “The
c o

mbined weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on the Tire and
Loading Information placard. The combined
weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and trailer
tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed
the weight referenced here.

Steps For Determining Correct Load
Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The combined
we
ight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your
vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of
th
e driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle. (3) Subtract the combined weight of the
dr
i

ver and passengers from XXX kg or
XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the
av
ailable amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if “XXX”
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there
will be five 150 lb passengers in your
ve
hicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5x150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of
lu
ggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
lo
ad from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.
Metric Example For Load Limit
For example, if “XXX” amount equals 635 kg
a n

d there will be five 68 kg passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 295 kg (635-340
(5x68) = 295 kg) as shown in step 4.
NOTE:
If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load
from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. The following table shows examples
on how to calculate total load, cargo/
luggage, and towing capacities of your
vehicle with varying seating configurations
and number and size of occupants. This table
is for illustration purposes only and may not
be accurate for the seating and load carry
capacity of your vehicle.
For the following example, the combined
weight of occupants and cargo should never
exceed 865 lbs (392 kg).

387
Fog Lights, Service.........................................192Fold-Flat Seats.................................................25Folding Rear Seats...................................26, 29Four-Way Hazard Flasher...............................189Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................................211Fuel...............................................................257Additives...................................................258Clean Air....................................................258Ethanol......................................................258Gasoline....................................................257Materials Added........................................258Methanol...................................................258Octane Rating.................................257, 262Requirements...........................................257Specifications............................................262Tank Capacity............................................261Fueling...........................................................176Fuses.............................................................193
G
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink)....................80Gasoline, Clean Air........................................258Gasoline, Reformulated.................................258Gear Ranges..................................................163Gear Selector Override..................................210Glass Cleaning...............................................255Gross Axle Weight Rating.....................178, 179Gross Vehicle Weight Rating..........................178GVWR............................................................178
H
HazardDriving Through Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow St
anding Water....................................187Hazard Warning Flashers..............................189Head Restraints...............................................32HeadlightsAutomatic....................................................41Bulb Replacement....................................191Cleaning...................................................253Delay...........................................................41High Beam................................................191High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch..........41Lights On Reminder.....................................42On With Wipers............................................41Passing........................................................41Switch..........................................................40Time Delay...................................................41Heated Mirrors.................................................39Heated Seats...................................................31Heater, Engine Block....................................159
High Beam/Low Beam Select (Dimmer) Switch......41
Hill Start Assist..............................................114HitchesTrailer Towing...........................................180Holder, Coin.....................................................85Holder, Cup......................................................86HomeLink (Garage Door Opener).....................80Hood Prop........................................................76
Hood Release..................................................76
I
Ignition.............................................................12Switch..........................................................12Immobilizer (Sentry Key)..................................16Inside Rearview Mirror..............................36, 37Instrument Cluster...........................................94Descriptions..............................................106Display..................................................95, 96Engine Oil Reset..........................................96Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning...................254Interior Appearance Care..............................254Interior Fuses................................................193Interior Lights...................................................43Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers)..................45Introduction.......................................................7InverterPower...........................................................89iPod/USB/MP3 Control.................................364
J
Jack Location................................................199Jack Operation.....................................201, 234Jacking Instructions......................................201Jump Starting................................................206
11