2009 DODGE JOURNEY child seat

Installing the LATCH-Compatible Child Restraint
System
We urge you to follow the manufacturer’s directions
carefully when installing your child restraint. Not all
child restraint systems will be installed as described here.
Again, carefully follow the installation instructions that
are provided with the child restraint system.The lower anchors are round bars located at the
rear of the seat cushion where it meets the
seatback and are just visible when you lean
into the rear seat to install the child restraint.
You will easily feel them if you run your finger along the
intersection of the seatback and seat cushion surfaces.
In addition, there are tether strap anchors located behind
each rear seatback, near to the floor. Many, but not all restraint systems will be equipped with
separate straps on each side, with each having a hook or
connector for attachment to the lower anchor and a
means of adjusting the tension in the strap. Forward-
facing toddler restraints and some rear-facing infant
restraints will also be equipped with a tether strap, a
Tether Strap Anchors
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 73
2

hook for attachment to the tether strap anchor and a
means of adjusting the tension of the strap.
You will first loosen the adjusters on the lower straps and
on the tether strap so that you can more easily attach the
hooks or connectors to the vehicle anchors. Next, attach
the lower hooks or connectors over the top of the
seatcover material. Then attach the tether strap to the
anchor directly behind the seat where you are placing the
child restraint, being careful to route the tether strap to
provide the most direct path between the anchor and the
child restraint, preferably between the head restraint
posts underneath the head restraint. Finally, tighten all
three straps as you push the child restraint rearward and
downward into the seat, removing slack in the straps
according to the child restraint manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.NOTE:
•Ensure that the tether strap does not slip into the
opening between the seatbacks as you remove slack in
the strap.
•When using the LATCH attaching system to install a
child restraint, please ensure that all seat belts not
being used for occupant restraints are stowed and out
of reach of children. It is recommended that before
installing the child restraint, buckle the seat belt so the
seat belt is tucked behind the child restraint. This
should stow the seat belt out of the reach of an
inquisitive child. Remind all children in the vehicle
that the seat belts are not toys and that they should not
play with them. In addition, never leave unattended
children in the vehicle.
74 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Improper installation of a child restraint to the
LATCH anchorages can lead to failure of an infant or
child restraint. The child could be badly injured or
killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly
when installing an infant or child restraint.
Installing Child Restraints Using the Vehicle Seat
Belt
The seat belts in the passenger seating positions are
equipped with either an Automatic Locking Retractor
(ALR) or a cinching latch plate or both. Both types of seat
belts are designed to keep the lap portion of the seat belt
tight around the child restraint so that it is not necessary
to use a locking clip. The ALR will make a ratcheting
noise if you extract the entire belt from the retractor andthen allow the belt to retract into the retractor. For
additional information on ALR, refer to “Automatic
Locking Mode” in this section.
To install a child restraint, first, pull enough of the seat
belt webbing from the retractor to route it through the
belt path of the child restraint and slide the latch plate
into the buckle. Next, extract all the seat belt webbing out
of the retractor and then allow the belt to retract into the
retractor. Finally, pull on any excess webbing to tighten
the lap portion around the child restraint. Any seat belt
system will loosen with time, so check the belt occasion-
ally, and pull it tight if necessary.
To attach a child restraint tether strap:
•
Route the tether strap to provide the most direct path
for the strap between the anchor and the child seat,
preferably between the head restraint posts underneath
the head restraint.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 75
2

•If necessary, move the seat forward to provide better
access to the tether anchor. •
Attach the tether strap hook of the child restraint to the
tether anchor and remove slack in the tether strap
according to the child restraint manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.
Tether Strap MountingSeat Track Release Lever
76 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:Ensure that the tether strap does not slip into the
opening between the seatbacks as you remove slack in
the strap.
WARNING!
An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to
increased head motion and possible injury to the
child. Use only the anchor positions directly behind
the child seat to secure a child restraint top tether
strap.
Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision. Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 mi (500 km). After
the initial 60 mi (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80
or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy-conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. For
the recommended viscosity and quality grades, refer to
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 77
2

WARNING!
Be certain that the seatback is locked securely into
position. Otherwise, the seat will not provide the
proper stability for child seats and/or passengers. An
improperly latched seat could cause serious injury.
Forward and Rearward Adjustment
The control lever is on the outboard side of the seat. Lift
the lever to move the seat forward or rearward. Release
the lever once the seat is in the position desired. Then,
using body pressure, move forward and rearward on the
seat to be sure that the seat adjusters have latched.
Manual Seat Adjustment
136 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Raise the 20% seatback/armrest and lock it in place when
not in use or when additional seating area is required.
WARNING!
Keep the latch clean and free of objects and be
certain that the seatback is locked securely into
position. Otherwise, the seat will not provide the
proper stability for child seats and/or passengers. An
improperly latched seat could cause serious injury.
Stadium Tip ’n Slide™ (Easy Entry/Exit Seat) —
Seven Passenger Models
This feature allows passengers to easily enter or exit the
third-row passenger seats from either side of the vehicle.
To Move the Second-Row Passenger Seat Forward
NOTE:Raise the 20% seatback/armrest before moving
the 60% seat to allow for full seat travel. Move the control lever on the upper outboard side of the
seatback forward, and in one fluid motion, the seat
cushion flips upward and the seat moves forward on its
tracks.
Tip ’n Slide™ Control Lever
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 139
3

WARNING!
Do not drive the vehicle with the seat in this posi-
tion, as it is only intended for entering and exiting
the third row seats. Failure to follow this warning
may result in personal injury.
To Unfold and Move the Second-Row Passenger Seat
Rearward
1. Move the seatback rearward until it locks in place and
then continue sliding the seat rearward on its tracks until
it locks in place.
2. Push the seat cushion downward to lock it in place.
3. Adjust the seat track position as desired. Then, using
body pressure, move forward and rearward on the seat to
be sure that the seat adjusters have latched.
WARNING!
Be certain that the seatback and seat are locked
securely into position. Otherwise, the seat will not
provide the proper stability for child seats and/or
passengers. An improperly latched seat could cause
serious injury.
50/50 Split Third-Row Passenger Seats with
Fold-Flat Feature — Seven Passenger Models
To provide additional storage area, each third-row pas-
senger seat can be folded flat. This allows for extended
cargo space and still maintains some rear seating room if
needed.
NOTE: Prior to folding the third-row passenger seat,
make sure the second-row passenger seat is not in a
reclined position. This will allow the seat to fold easily.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 141
3