2009 DODGE JOURNEY coolant temperature

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Coolant Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge indicates engine coolant tem-
perature. Any reading within the normal range indicates
that the cooling system is operating satisfactorily. The
gauge pointer will likely indicate a high temperature
when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades, in
heavy traffic, or when towing a trailer. If the pointer rises
to the “H” mark, safely pull over and stop the vehicle. If
the Air Conditioning A/C system is on, turn it off. Also,
shift the transaxle into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If
the needle remains on the “H” mark, turn the engine OFF
immediately and call for service. (See page 394 for more
information.)
NOTE:The gauge pointer will remain near its last
reading when the engine is turned off. It will return to a
true reading when the engine is restarted.
CAUTION!
Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the en-
gine running, as you would not be able to react to the
temperature indicator light if the engine overheats.
2. Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge shows the level of fuel in the tank when
ignition switch is in the ON position.
3. Fuel Cap Indicator This symbol indicates the side of the vehicle
where the fuel filler cap is located.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 205
4

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

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.
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 over-
heats. If you decide to look under the hood yourself,
refer to Section 7 and follow the warnings under the
Cooling System Pressure Cap paragraph.
Engine Oil Overheating — 2.4L Gas and 2.0L
Diesel Engines Only (If Equipped)
On hot days the engine oil temperature may become too
hot during sustained high-speed driving or if towing a
trailer up long grades. If this happens, a HOTOIL mes-
sage will flash in the odometer and the vehicle speed will
be reduced to 48 mph (77 km/h) maximum until the
engine oil temperature is reduced.
NOTE:Although the maximum vehicle speed is re-
duced to 48 mph (77 km/h), you may of course reduce
vehicle speed further as needed.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 395
6

Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant that allows extended maintenance intervals. This
coolant can be used up to five years or 100,000 mi (160
000 km) before replacement. To prevent reducing this
extended maintenance period, it is important that you
use the same coolant throughout the life of your vehicle.
Please review these recommendations for using Hybrid
Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) coolant.
When adding coolant:
•The manufacturer recommends using Mopar
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology).
•Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine coolant
and distilled water. Use higher concentrations (not to
exceed 70%) if temperatures below34°F (37°C) are
anticipated.
•Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant
solution. The use of lower quality water will reduce
the amount of corrosion protection in the engine
cooling system.
Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE: Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent coolant
changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
coolant, and to ensure that coolant will return to the
radiator from the coolant recovery bottle.
442 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to
cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to
build up in the cooling system. To prevent scald-
ing or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while
the system is hot or under pressure.
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children,
do not store ethylene glycol-based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
ground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
Four Cylinder Engines —the coolant bottle provides a
quick visual method for determining that the coolant
level is adequate. With the engine idling and warm to
normal operating temperature, the level of the coolant in
the bottle should be between the “ADD” and “FULL”
lines, shown on the bottle.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 443
7

Six Cylinder Engines —the level of the coolant in the
pressurized coolant bottle should be between the
“COLD” and “FULL” range on the bottle when the
engine is cold.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise your
service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only
be checked once a month. When additional coolant is
needed to maintain the proper level, it should be added
to the coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
Points to Remember
NOTE: When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles
(kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant to
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
•If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
444 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Console, Overhead....................... 162
Contract, Service ........................ 489
Converter, Catalytic ...................... 429
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 442
Cooler, Beverage ........................ 180
Cooling System ......................... 440
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 442
Coolant Capacity ...................... 472
Coolant Level ...................... 440,443
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 443
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 441
Inspection ........................... 443
Points to Remember .................... 444
Pressure Cap ......................... 442
Radiator Cap ......................... 442
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ......441,472,474
Temperature Gauge ..................... 205
Corrosion Protection ..................... 452
Cruise Control (Speed Control) .............. 159Cruise Light
........................... 212
Cup Holder ......................... 178,457
Customer Assistance ..................... 487
Customer Programmable Features ............ 230
Data Recorder, Event ...................... 63
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights ........... 153
Daytime Running Lights ................... 148
Dealer Service .......................... 424
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 195
Defroster, Windshield ................80,286,287
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 155
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 421
Digital Video Disc (DVD) Player ..........234,266
Dimmer Control ........................ 152
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 150
Dipsticks Automatic Transaxle .................... 449
Oil (Engine) .......................... 424
500 INDEX

Air Cleaner.......................... 429
Block Heater ......................... 311
Break-In Recommendations ................ 77
Checking Oil Level ..................... 424
Compartment ......................... 418
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 440,474
Cooling ............................. 440
Exhaust Gas Caution ................ 39,79,372
Fails to Start .......................... 310
Flooded, Starting ...................... 310
Fuel Requirements ..................... 368
Jump Starting ......................... 407
Oil ........................... 424,472,474
Oil Change Interval ...............210,225,426
Oil Filler Cap ................. 418,419,420,427
Oil Filter ............................ 428
Oil Filter Disposal ...................... 428
Oil Selection ....................... 426,472
Oil Synthetic ......................... 427 Operation
............................ 77
Overheating .......................... 394
Starting ............................. 307
Temperature Gauge ..................... 205
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... 427
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 61
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 20
Ethanol ............................... 369
Event Data Recorder ...................... 63
Exhaust Gas Caution ..............39,79,372,439
Exhaust System ....................... 79,439
Express Down Windows ................... 25
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 90
Exterior Light Service ..................... 466
Exterior Lights ........................ 81,466
Fabric Care ......................... 454,455
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 372
502 INDEX