2009 DODGE JOURNEY Owners Manual

The seatback can also be locked in a reclined position. To
do so, pull the latch release-loop located at the top of the
seatback upward, allow the seatback to recline, and
release the release-loop.WARNING!
•Be certain that the seatback is locked securely into
position. Otherwise, the seat will not provide the
proper stability for passengers. An improperly
latched seat could cause serious injury.
•Do not allow a passenger to sit in a third row seat
without having the head restraint unfolded and
locked in place. Failure to follow this warning may
result in personal injury to the passenger in the
event of an accident.
•Do not allow a passenger to sit in a third row seat
with the second row seatback(s) folded flat. In a
collision, the passenger could slide underneath the
seat belt and be seriously or even fatally injured.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 143
3

TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD
Two latches must be released to open the hood. First, pull
the hood release lever located under the left side of the
instrument panel.Outside of the vehicle, locate the safety latch lever near
the center of the grille between the grille and hood
opening. Push the safety latch lever to the right and then
raise the hood.
Hood ReleaseUnderhood Safety Latch
144 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Use the hood prop rod to secure the hood in the open
position. Place the upper end of the prop rod in the hole
on the underside of the hood.To prevent possible damage:
•Before closing hood, make sure the hood prop rod is
fully seated into its storage retaining clips.
•Do not slam the hood to close it. Use a firm downward
push at the center front edge of the hood to ensure that
both latches engage. Never drive your vehicle unless
the hood is fully closed, with both latches engaged.
WARNING!
If the hood is not fully latched, it could fly up when
the vehicle is moving and block your forward vision.
Be sure all hood latches are fully latched before
driving. Failure to follow this warning may lead to an
accident resulting in serious injury or death.
Hood Prop Rod
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 145
3

LIGHTS
Exterior and Interior Lighting Control
The multifunction lever on the left side of the
steering column controls the operation of the
headlights, parking lights, turn signal lights, in-
strument panel lights, instrument panel light dimming,
interior lights, and fog lights (if equipped).
Headlights and Parking Lights
Turn the end of the multifunction lever to the first detent
for parking light operation. Turn the end of the lever to
the second detent for headlight operation.
Headlight Switch
146 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Automatic Headlights — If Equipped
This system automatically turns the headlights on or off
according to ambient light levels. To turn the system ON,
turn the end of the multifunction lever to the AUTO
position (third detent). When the system is on, the
headlight time delay feature is also on. This means the
headlights will stay on for up to 90 seconds after you turn
the ignition switch to the LOCK position. To turn the
Automatic System OFF, turn the end of the multifunction
lever out of the AUTO position.
NOTE:The engine must be running before the head-
lights will turn on in the automatic mode.
Headlights with Wipers (Available with Auto
Headlights Only)
When this feature is active, the headlights will turn on
approximately 10 seconds after the wipers are turned ON
if the multifunction lever is placed in the AUTO position. In addition, the headlights will turn off when the wipers
are turned OFF if they were turned ON by this feature.
The Headlights with Wipers feature can be turned on or
off through the Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) (if equipped). Refer to ”Headlights With Wipers,”
under “Personal Settings (Customer Programmable Fea-
tures)” under “Electronic Vehicle Information Center” in
Section 4.
Headlight Time Delay — If Equipped
This feature is particularly useful when exiting your
vehicle in an unlit area. It provides the safety of headlight
illumination for up to 90 seconds after turning the
ignition switch to the LOCK position.
To activate the delay, turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK position while the headlights are still on. Then,
turn OFF the headlights within 45 seconds. The delay
interval begins when you turn OFF the headlights. Only
the headlights will illuminate during this time.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 147
3

If you turn the headlights, or parking lights, or ignition
switch ON again, the system will cancel the delay.
If you turn the headlights OFF before the ignition, they
will turn off in the normal manner.
The headlight delay time is programmable on vehicles
equipped with the EVIC. Refer to “Headlight Off Delay,”
under “Personal Settings (Customer Programmable Fea-
tures),” under “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)” in Section 4.
Daytime Running Lights (DRL) — If Equipped
The high beam headlights will turn on as Daytime
Running Lights (DRL) and operate at DRL (lower) inten-
sity, whenever the ignition is ON, the engine is running,
the HEADLIGHT switch is off, the parking brake is off,
the turn signal is off, and the shift lever is in any position
except PARK.NOTE:
The Daytime Running Lights will turn off
automatically when the turn signal is in operation and
turn on again when the turn signal is not operating.
Lights-On Reminder
If the headlights or parking lights are on after the ignition
is turned to the LOCK position, a chime will sound to
alert the driver when the driver’s door is opened.
Fog Lights — If Equipped
To activate the front fog lights, turn ON the
parking lights or the low beam headlights and pull
out on the end of the multifunction lever.
148 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:The front fog lights will only operate with the
headlights on low beam. Selecting high beam headlights
will turn off the front fog lights.
Turn Signals
Move the multifunction lever upward or downward and
the corresponding turn signal indicator on the instru-
ment panel will flash to show proper operation of the
front and rear turn signal lights.
Front Fog Light
Turn Signal Control
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You can signal a lane change by moving the lever upward
or downward partially without moving beyond the de-
tent.
NOTE:If either turn signal indicator has a very fast
flash rate, check for an inoperative outside light bulb. If
an indicator fails to light when the lever is moved, see
your authorized dealer for service.
Highbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch
Push the multifunction lever away from you to switch
the headlights to HIGH beam. Pull the Lever toward you,
to switch the headlights back to LOW beam.
Flash to Pass
You can signal another vehicle with your headlights by
lightly pulling the multifunction lever toward you. This
will cause the headlights to turn on at high beam and
remain on until the lever is released.
Highbeam Control
150 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE