2009 DODGE JOURNEY heating

15. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven. The trip odometer shows individual trip
mileage. Refer to “Trip Odometer button” for additional
information.
NOTE:U.S. Federal regulations require upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify the mileage the
vehicle has been driven. Therefore, if the odometer
reading is changed because of repair or replacement, be
sure to keep a record of the reading before and after the
service so that the correct mileage can be determined.
Vehicle Warning Messages
When the appropriate conditions exist, messages such as
“hood” (hood ajar), “door” (door ajar), “gATE” (liftgate
ajar), “LoCOOL” (low engine coolant), “LoWASH” (low
washer fluid), “gASCAP” (fuel cap fault), “ESPOFF” (ESP in partial off mode), “NoFUSE” (IOD fuse out),
“HotOIL” (2.4L engine oil temp too hot), or “CHANgE
OIL” will display in the odometer.
NOTE:
If the instrument cluster is equipped with the
optional Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC),
then most warnings will display in the EVIC. (See page
221 for more information.)
Hot Oil — 2.4L Engine
Refer to “Engine Oil Overheating — 2.4L Engine Only”
under “If Your Engine Overheats” in Section 6.
Fuel Cap Fault 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. Then press the TRIP ODOMETER button to turn
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CLIMATE CONTROLS
The air conditioning and heating system is designed to
make you comfortable in all types of weather. For infor-
mation about basic climate control functions, refer to
“General Climate Control Functions — All Systems.” For
more detailed information about the climate controls in
your vehicle, refer to “Single-Zone Manual Air Condi-
tioning and Heating System,” “Two- and Three-Zone
Manual Air Conditioning and Heating Systems,” or
“Two- and Three-Zone Automatic Temperature Control
(ATC) Systems.”
General Climate Control Functions — All Systems
Blower Control
Use this control to regulate the amount of air forced
through the ventilation system in any mode.
Temperature Control
Use this control to regulate the temperature of the air
inside the cabin.
Air Conditioning (A/C) Control
Use this control to engage and disengage the A/C.
NOTE:
•The A/C compressor will not engage until the engine
has been running for about 10 seconds.
•If A/C performance seems lower than expected, check
the front of the A/C condenser (located in front of the
radiator) for an accumulation of dirt or insects. Clean
with a gentle water spray from behind the radiator
and through the condenser. Fabric front fascia protec-
tors may reduce airflow to the condenser, reducing air
conditioning performance.
Mode Control (Air Direction)
Use these controls to choose from several patterns of air
distribution.
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4

Single-Zone Manual Air Conditioning and Heating
System
1. Blower Control
The blower speed increases as you move the control to
the right from the “O” (Off) position. There are four
blower speeds.2. Temperature Control
Turn left for cooler or right for warmer temperature
settings.
3. Mode Control
Turn to select either a primary mode as identified by the
symbols on the control, or a blend of two of these modes.
The closer the setting is to a particular symbol, the more
air distribution you receive from that mode. See Note
1
and2
4. Electric Rear Window Defroster Control
Refer to “Rear Window Features” in Section 3 for more
information.
5. A/C Control
Press and release to change the current setting. The
indicator illuminates when ON. See Note
3
Single-Zone Manual Climate Control
288 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

6. Recirculation Mode Control
Press and release to change the current setting. The
indicator illuminates when ON.
Note
1-The A/C compressor operates in Mix and
Defrost, or a blend of these modes, even if the A/C
control is not pressed. This dehumidifies the air to help
dry the windshield. To improve fuel economy, use these
modes only when necessary.
Note
2- The A/C will engage automatically to prevent
fogging when the Recirculation button is pressed and the
Mode control is set to Panel or Panel/Floor. The A/C can
be deselected manually without disturbing the Mode
control selection.
Note
3- For maximum cooling, use A/C and recirculation
at the same time. If economy mode is desired, turn OFF
the A/C and turn the Temperature control to the desired
temperature setting.
Two- and Three-Zone Manual Air Conditioning
and Heating Systems — If Equipped
1. Left Front Temperature Control
Provides left front seat occupant with independent tem-
perature control. Turn left for cooler or right for warmer
temperature settings.
Two-Zone Manual Climate Control
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4

maintain for each zone. On Three-Zone ATC systems, if
so desired, push and release the SYNC button. Then turn
the Left Front Temperature Control to dial in the tem-
perature that you want the system to maintain for all
three zones.
Once the comfort level is selected, the system will main-
tain that level automatically using the heating system.
Should the desired comfort level require A/C, the system
will automatically make the adjustment. You will expe-
rience the greatest efficiency by simply allowing the
system to function automatically. 72°F (22°C) is the
recommended setting for maximum comfort for the
average person; however, this may vary.
NOTE:
•The temperature setting can be adjusted at anytime
without affecting automatic operation.
•Pressing the A/C button, or adjusting the blower
speed, or changing the mode of air distribution while
in AUTO mode will cancel automatic operation.
Automatic Operation — Rear-Zone ATC
1. Press the REAR button on the Three-Zone ATC in the
instrument panel to turn ON the Rear-Zone ATC in the
overhead console.
2. Turn the Rear Blower control on the Rear-Zone ATC in
the overhead console to the AUTO position.
3. Turn the Rear Temperature control on the Rear-Zone
ATC in the overhead console to dial in the temperature
that you want the system to maintain in the rear cabin.
NOTE:
•The temperature setting can be adjusted at anytime
without affecting automatic operation.
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4

Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. Refer to “Cooling System”
under “Maintenance Procedures” and to “Fluids, Lubri-
cants, and Genuine Parts” in Section 7 for information
pertaining to the cooling system and coolant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during Winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower settings. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem, increase blower speed.
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.
NOTE: Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods as fogging may occur.
300 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the key in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows, other
controls, or move the vehicle.
• Do not leave animals or children inside parked ve-
hicles in hot weather; interior heat buildup may cause
serious injury or death.
• Be sure to turn OFF the engine and remove the key
from the ignition switch if you want to rest or sleep in
your car. Accidents can be caused by inadvertently
moving the shift lever. Accidents can also be caused
by pressing the accelerator pedal. This may cause
excessive heat in the exhaust system, resulting in
overheating and vehicle fire, which may cause serious
or fatal injuries.
STARTING AND OPERATING 307
5

“3” (Drive) — 4-Speed Transaxle
This range eliminates shifts into “D” (Overdrive). The
transaxle will operate normally in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd while
in this range. The “3” (Drive) range should also be used
when descending steep grades to prevent brake system
distress.
NOTE:Using the “3” (Drive) range while operating the
vehicle under heavy operating conditions will improve
performance and extend transaxle life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up.
“L” (Low) — 4-Speed Transaxle
This range should be used for engine braking when
descending very steep grades. In this range, upshifts will
occur only to prevent engine overspeed while downshifts
occur earlier than other gear range selections.CAUTION!
If the transaxle operating temperature exceeds ac-
ceptable limits, the vehicle computer will override
“D” (Overdrive) and “5” range (for 6-speed
AutoStick transaxle) and “3” range (for 4-speed auto
transaxle) by changing shift points. This is done to
prevent transaxle damage due to overheating.
Reset Mode - Electronic Transaxle
The transaxle is monitored electronically for abnormal
conditions. If a condition is detected that could cause
damage, the transaxle automatically shifts into 2nd gear
(3rd gear for 6-speed). The transaxle remains in 2nd gear
(3rd gear for 6-speed) despite the forward gear selected.
316 STARTING AND OPERATING