2009 DODGE JOURNEY air condition

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
2.4L Engine Compartment ................418
 2.7L Engine Compartment ................419
 3.5L Engine Compartment ................420
 Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ........421
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............421
 Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................422
 Replacement Parts ......................423
 Authorized Dealer Service ................424 
Maintenance Procedures ..................424
▫ Engine Oil ..........................424
▫ Engine Oil Filter ......................428
▫ Drive Belts — Check Condition And Tension . . 428
▫ Spark Plugs .........................429
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ................429
▫ Catalytic Converter ....................429
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery ................431
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance .............433
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Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an authorized dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should
include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this
time.WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to
Section 3 of the Warranty Information book for
further warranty information.
•The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced technician.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 433
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Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by authorized dealers or other
service facilities using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C system
sealers, stop leak products, seal conditioners, compressor
oil, and refrigerants.
A/C Air Filter — If Equipped
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule in Section 8 for A/C
air filter service intervals.
WARNING!
Do not remove the A/C air filter while the blower is
operating or personal injury may result.
The A/C air filter is located in the fresh air inlet behind
the glove box. Perform the following steps to replace the
filter:
1. Open the glove box and remove all contents.
2. Push the retaining tab on each side of the glove box
inward while gently pulling the glove box door outward
until both tabs clear the door opening in the instrument
panel.
434 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine, which contains
aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber
Pay particular attention to the hoses nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose rout-
ing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
Ensure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of wear or damage that could cause failure.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 445
7

Appearance Care and Protection from Corrosion
Protection of Body and Paint from Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-
body protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of
paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.The most common causes are:
•Road salt, dirt, and moisture accumulation.
•Stone and gravel impact.
•Insects, tree sap, and tar.
•Salt in the air near seacoast localities.
•Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
Washing
•
Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your ve-
hicle in the shade using Mopar
Car Wash or a mild
car wash soap, and rinse the panels completely with
clear water.
•If insects, tar, or other similar deposits have accumu-
lated on your vehicle, use Mopar Super Kleen Bug
and Tar Remover to remove.
452 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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Required Maintenance Intervals
Perform Maintenance Every(Where time and mileage
are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Maintenance Items MilesKilometers or Months
Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. 6,00010 000 6
Rotate the tires. 6,00010 000 6
If using your vehicle in dusty or off-road conditions,
inspect the engine air cleaner filter, and replace if nec-
essary. 12,000
20 000 12
Inspect the brake linings, and replace if necessary. 12,00020 000 12
Replace the air conditioning filter (if equipped). 12,00020 000 12
Inspect the CV Joints. Perform the first inspection at
12,000 mi (20 000 km) or 12 months. 24,000
40 000 24
Inspect the exhaust system. Perform the first inspec-
tion at 12,000 mi (20 000 km) or 12 months. 24,000
40 000 24
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot
seals, and replace if necessary. 24,000
40 000 24
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. 30,00050 000 30
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 481
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About Your Brakes.................... 323,326
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) .........215,327,328
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 442
Adding Fuel ........................... 372
Adding Rear Washer Fluid ................. 194
Adding Washer Fluid ...............157,194,438
Additives, Fuel ......................... 371
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 429
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 433
Air Conditioning ..................... 288,289
Air Conditioning Controls ...............288,289
Air Conditioning Filter .................301,434
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 302
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............433,434
Air Conditioning System ..........288,289,293,433
Air Pressure, Tires .................... 213,346
Airbag ................................ 50
Airbag Deployment ..................... 56,60
Airbag Light ..................... 57,63,80,218Airbag Maintenance
....................... 62
Airbag, Side .......................... 52,58
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) .............52,58
Alarm, Panic ............................ 24
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................18,208
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 18
Alignment and Balance ................... 354
All Wheel Drive (AWD) ................... 319
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 272
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........441,442,472
Disposal ............................ 443
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............327,328
Anti-Lock Warning Light .............215,328,329
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Anti-Theft System ....................... 208
Appearance Care ........................ 452
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm) ......... 18
Assistance Towing ....................... 106
496 INDEX