2009 DODGE JOURNEY warning

NOTE:Make sure that objects inside the bin do not
interfere with the latch before closing the seat. Push the
seat cushion downward after closing it to make sure it
latches to the base.
WARNING!
Be certain that the seat cushion is locked securely
into position before using the seat. Otherwise, the
seat will not provide the proper stability for passen-
gers. An improperly latched seat cushion could cause
serious injury.
Second-Row Passenger Seat Temporary Storage
Bin
This is a temporary storage bin designed for use when
the 20% seatback/armrest is down. Be sure to remove all
items from this bin before raising the 20% seatback/
armrest.
Armrest Cubby Bin
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 185
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WARNING!
•Cargo tie-downs are not safe anchors for a child
seat tether strap. In a sudden stop or collision, a
tie-down could pull loose and allow the child seat
to come loose. A child could be badly injured. Use
only the anchors provided for child seat tethers.
•The weight and position of cargo and passengers
can change the vehicle center of gravity and ve-
hicle handling. To avoid loss of control resulting
in personal injury, follow these guidelines for
loading your vehicle:
•Do not carry loads that exceed the load limits de-
scribed on the label attached to the left door or left
door center pillar.
•Always place cargo evenly on the cargo floor. Put
heavier objects as low and as far forward as possible.
•Place as much cargo as possible in front of the rear
axle. Too much weight or improperly placed weight
over or behind the rear axle can cause the vehicle to
sway.
•Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the top of the
seatback. This could impair visibility or become a
dangerous projectile in a sudden stop or collision.
WARNING!
To help protect against personal injury, passengers
should not be seated in the rear cargo area. The rear
cargo space is intended for load carrying purposes
only, not for passengers, who should sit in seats and
use seat belts.
190 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Next, grab the cover handle and pull the cover toward
you. As the cover nears the liftgate opening, guide the
rear attachment posts (on both ends of the cover) into the
notches in the trim panels. Then, lower the cover to
position the posts into the bottom of the notches and
release the handle.WARNING!
A cargo cover that is unsecured in the vehicle could
cause injury in an accident. It could become airborne
during a sudden stop and strike someone inside the
vehicle. Do not store the cargo cover on the cargo
floor or in the passenger compartment. Remove the
cover from the vehicle when taken from its mount-
ing. Do not store it in the vehicle.
Positioning Retractable Cargo Area Cover
192 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
•Cross rails should remain equally spaced or parallel
at any luggage rack position for proper function.
Noncompliance could result in damage to the roof
rack, cargo, and vehicle.
• To avoid damage to the roof rack and vehicle, do not
exceed the maximum roof rack load capacity of 150
lbs (68 kg). Always distribute loads as evenly as
possible and secure the load appropriately.
• Long loads, which extend over the windshield, such
as wood panels or surfboards, or loads with large
frontal area should be secured to both the front and
rear of the vehicle.
• Place a blanket or other protection between the sur-
face of the roof and the load.
• Travel at reduced speeds and turn corners carefully
when carrying large or heavy loads on the roof rack.
Wind forces, due to natural causes or nearby truck
traffic, can add sudden upward lift to loads. This is
especially true on large flat loads and may result in
damage to the cargo or your vehicle.
WARNING!
Cargo must be securely tied before driving your
vehicle. Improperly secured loads can fly off the
vehicle, particularly at high speeds, resulting in per-
sonal injury or property damage. Follow the Roof
Rack Cautions when carrying cargo on your roof
rack.
198 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

4. Coolant Temperature Warning LightThis light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. If the light turns on while driving, safely pull
over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on,
turn it off. Also, shift the transaxle into NEUTRAL and
idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading does not
return to normal, turn the engine off immediately and
call for service. (See page 394 for more information.)
NOTE: As the coolant temperature gauge approaches
H, this indicator will illuminate and a single chime will
sound. Further overheating will cause the temperature
gauge to pass H.In this case, the indicator light will
flash continuously and a continuous chime will sound,
until the engine is allowed to cool.CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H,”
safely pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
with the A/C turned off until the pointer drops back
into the normal range. If the pointer remains on the
“H,” and you hear continuous chimes, turn the en-
gine OFF immediately, and call for service.
206 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to Section 7 and follow the
warnings under the Cooling System Pressure Cap
paragraph.
5. Front Fog Light Indicator Light — If Equipped This light shows when the fog lights are ON. (See
page 148 for more information.)
6. Low Fuel Warning Light This indicator lights when the fuel level drops to
approximately one-eighth tank. (See page 372 for
more information.) 7. Turn Signal Indicator Light
The left or right arrow will flash in unison with the
corresponding front and rear turn signal lights when
the turn signal switch is operated. (See page 149 for more
information.)
NOTE: A chime will sound if the vehicle is driven more
than 1 mi (1.6 km) with either turn signal on.
NOTE: Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if
either indicator flashes at a rapid rate.
8. High Beam Indicator Light This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Pull the multifunction lever on the left side
of the steering column toward you to switch to low beam.
(See page 150 for more information.)
9. Speedometer
Shows the vehicle speed.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 207
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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
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 209
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16. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light —
If EquippedThis light will turn on briefly as a bulb check
when the ignition switch is turned ON. This
light will also turn on while the engine is
running if there is a problem with the Elec-
tronic Throttle Control (ETC) system.
If the light turns on while the engine is running, safely
bring the vehicle to a complete stop as soon as possible,
place the shift lever in PARK, and cycle the ignition key.
The light should turn off. If the light remains lit with the
engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable.
However, see your authorized dealer for service as soon
as possible.
If the light is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required. In this case, you may
experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle
or engine stall, and your vehicle may require towing. Also, have the system checked by an authorized dealer if
the light does not turn on during starting.
17. Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light shows low engine oil pressure. The light
will turn on and remain on when the ignition
switch is turned from the LOCK or ACC position to the
ON position. The light will turn off after the engine is
started.
If the light does not turn on during starting, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer.
If the light turns on and remains on while driving, safely
bring the vehicle to a stop and shut off the engine. DO
NOT OPERATE THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE CAUSE IS
CORRECTED. This light does not show the quantity of
oil in the engine. The engine oil level must be checked
using the proper procedure. (See page 424 for more
information.)
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 211
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