2009 DODGE JOURNEY service indicator

These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 in (2 mm). When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced.
Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this
point.
Life of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including, but not limited to:
•Driving style
•Tire pressure
•Distance driven
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to
follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure.
You could lose control and have an accident resulting
in serious injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed. (Refer to the paragraph on
352 STARTING AND OPERATING

“Tread Wear Indicators”). Refer to the “Tire and Loading
Information” placard for the size designation of your tire.
The service description and load identification will be
found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend
that you contact your original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.WARNING!
DO NOT use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change suspension
dimensions and performance characteristics, result-
ing in changes to steering, handling, and braking of
your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable handling
and stress to steering and suspension components.
You could lose control and have an accident resulting
in serious injury or death. Use only the tire and
wheel sizes with load ratings approved for your
vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 353
5

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
transaxle control systems. When these systems are oper-
ating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent per-
formance and fuel economy, as well as engine emissions
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 emissions control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability.
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 in 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
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 421
7

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.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of this vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) is functioning and is not on
when the engine is running, and that the OBD II system
is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if the vehicle was recently serviced, recently had a dead battery, or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, the vehicle may fail the test.
This vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if this vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Insert the ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn the ignition key to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
422 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed inbold type,
must be done at the times or mileages specified to ensure
the continued proper functioning of the Emissions Con-
trol System. These, and all other maintenance services
included in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service should also be done anytime a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE: Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-
sions control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part that has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles, “Oil Change Required” will be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles, “Change Oil” will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that ser-
vice is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 mi (805
km).
478 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Illuminated Entry....................... 20
Instrument Cluster .................. 146,205
Intensity Control ....................... 152
Interior .......................... 151,152
License ............................. 470
Lights On Reminder .................... 148
Low Fuel ......................... 205,207
LowTire ............................ 213
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........ 215
Map Reading ......................... 151
Oil Pressure .......................... 211
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness) .......... 153
Park ............................. 146,466
Passing ............................. 150
Rear Servicing ..................... 466,468
Rear Tail ............................ 468
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 208
Service ........................... 465,466
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 215 Side Marker
.......................... 466
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ........213,355
Traction Control ................. 215,332,334
Turn Signal ............. 81,146,149,207,466,468
Vanity Mirror .......................... 91
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 205
Load Floor, Cargo ....................... 188
Loading Vehicle ...................... 375,376
Capacities ........................... 376
Tires ............................... 341
Locks ................................. 28
Auto Unlock .......................... 31
Automatic Door ........................ 30
Child Protection ........................ 32
Door ................................ 28
Power Door ........................... 30
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 355
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) ............................ 71,73
508 INDEX

Lubrication, Body....................... 437
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack) ................. 196
Lumbar Support ........................ 127
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 431
Maintenance, General ..................... 424
Maintenance Procedures ................... 424
Maintenance Schedule .................... 478
Maintenance, Sunroof ..................... 173
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 215,422
Manual, Service ......................... 492
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 151
Marker Lights, Side ...................... 466
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 447
Methanol ............................. 369
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 226
Mirrors ............................. 88,163
Automatic Dimming ..................... 89
Electric Powered ....................... 90 Electric Remote
........................ 90
Exterior Folding ........................ 90
Heated .............................. 91
Outside .............................. 89
Rearview ............................. 88
Vanity ............................... 91
Mode Fuel Saver ........................... 226
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 355
Mopar Parts ......................... 423,491
MP3 Player ......................... 234,266
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 369
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 146
Navigation Radio ........................ 266
Navigation System ....................... 266
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 77
INDEX 509
10

Security Alarm (Theft Alarm).............18,208
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ..........441,474
Selection of Oil ......................... 426
Sentry Key (Immobilizer) ................... 15
Sentry Key Programming ................... 17
Sentry Key Replacement ................... 16
Service Assistance ....................... 487
Service Contract ......................... 489
Service Engine Soon Light
(Malfunction Indicator) .................... 215
Service Manuals ........................ 492
Setting the Clock ................ 236,240,255,267
Settings, Personal ........................ 230
Shifting Automatic Transaxle .................... 311
Shoulder Belt Upper Anchorage .............. 46
Shoulder Belts ........................... 41
Side Airbag ........................... 52,58
Side Curtain (Window Airbag) ............... 52Side View Mirror Adjustment
................ 89
Side Window Demisters (Defrosters) .......... 301
Signals, Turn ................... 81,149,207,468
Sirius Backseat TV™ ..................... 276
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On ............... 320
Snow Chains (Tire Chains) ................. 355
Snow Tires ............................ 355
Sound Systems (Radio) .................234,266
Spare Tire ....................... 349,350,397
Spark Plugs ......................... 429,474
Specifications Fuel (Gasoline) ........................ 474
Oil .............................. 426,474
Speed Control (Cruise Control) .............. 159
Speedometer ........................... 207
Starting ............................. 27,307
Automatic Transmission ................. 308
Cold Weather ......................... 309
Emergency (Jump Starting) ............... 407
514 INDEX