2009 DODGE JOURNEY cooling

Lock Your Vehicle
Always remove the key from the ignition and lock all
doors when leaving the vehicle unattended, even in your
own driveway or garage. Try to park your vehicle in a
well-lit area and never invite theft by leaving articles of
value exposed.
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
•Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and
odorless. Breathing it can make you unconscious
and can eventually poison you. To avoid breathing
CO follow these safety tips:Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
If you are required to drive with the liftgate open, make
sure that all windows are closed, and the blower switch
on the climate control is set at high speed. DO NOT use
the recirculation mode.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 79
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Press and release the button on the door to open it. The
large door swings upward to allow easy access to the
compartment’s contents.
Beverage Cooler Operation
The blower speed setting on the climate control sets the
rate at which air flows into the compartment. The airflow
control valve inside the compartment determines how
much air flows into the compartment. Turning the valve
rearward increases the airflow, turning it forward de-
creases the airflow, and turning it all the way forward
turns off the airflow.The compartment cools when the airflow control valve is
open, the engine is running, and the Air Conditioning
(A/C) is on or the Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)
system (if equipped) is set for automatic operation. This
allows you to cool the compartment when the climate
control is in a cooling or heating mode.
Airflow Control Valve
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 181
3

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

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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6. Recirculation Mode Control
Press and release to change the current setting. The
indicator illuminates when ON.
Note
1-The A/C compressor operates in Mix and
Defrost, or a blend of these modes, even if the A/C
control is not pressed. This dehumidifies the air to help
dry the windshield. To improve fuel economy, use these
modes only when necessary.
Note
2- The A/C will engage automatically to prevent
fogging when the Recirculation button is pressed and the
Mode control is set to Panel or Panel/Floor. The A/C can
be deselected manually without disturbing the Mode
control selection.
Note
3- For maximum cooling, use A/C and recirculation
at the same time. If economy mode is desired, turn OFF
the A/C and turn the Temperature control to the desired
temperature setting.
Two- and Three-Zone Manual Air Conditioning
and Heating Systems — If Equipped
1. Left Front Temperature Control
Provides left front seat occupant with independent tem-
perature control. Turn left for cooler or right for warmer
temperature settings.
Two-Zone Manual Climate Control
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 289
4

4. Rear Mode Control
Turn to select Panel, Bi-Level, or Floor for the mode of
rear cabin air distribution.
Automatic Operation — Two- and Three-Zone ATC
The Two- and Three-Zone ATC systems automatically
maintain the climate in the cabin of the vehicle. To
accomplish this, the system gathers information from the
climate controls, from a dual sun-sensor located in the
top of the instrument panel, from an infrared sensor
located between the sun visors, and from various sensors
located throughout the vehicle.
•The climate controls provide the system with operator
input.
•The dual sun-sensor monitors sun load coming
through the windshield.
•The infrared sensor independently measures the sur-
face temperature of the driver and passengers.
•Other sensors take into account vehicle-speed, A/C
pressure, outside temperature, and engine cooling
temperature.
Using all of these inputs, the system automatically ad-
justs airflow temperature, airflow distribution, airflow
volume, and the amount of outside air recirculation. This
maintains a comfortable temperature even under chang-
ing conditions.
To select automatic operation, perform the following
steps:
1. Press and release the AUTO button and the ATC
displays the word “AUTO,” along with current settings
for temperature, mode, and blower speed. It also displays
the snowflake icon if the A/C is running.
2. Turn the Left Front Temperature Control, the Right
Front, and if so equipped, the Rear Temperature Control
to dial in the temperature that you want the system to
298 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. Refer to “Cooling System”
under “Maintenance Procedures” and to “Fluids, Lubri-
cants, and Genuine Parts” in Section 7 for information
pertaining to the cooling system and coolant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during Winter months
is not recommended because it may cause window
fogging.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower settings. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem, increase blower speed.
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.
NOTE: Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods as fogging may occur.
300 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL