2009 DODGE JOURNEY sensor

Airbag System Components
The airbag system consists of the following:
•Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
•Side Remote Pressure and Acceleration Sensors
•Airbag Warning Light
•Driver Airbag
•Front Passenger Airbag
•Supplemental Side Curtain Airbags
•Supplemental Front Seat Mounted Side Airbags
•Steering Wheel and Column
•Instrument Panel
•Interconnecting Wiring
•Seat Belt Reminder Light
•Knee Impact Bolsters
•Front Acceleration Sensors
•Front Seat Belt Retractor Pretensioners
•Front Seat Track Position Sensors
How the Airbag System Works
•
TheOccupant Restraint Controller (ORC) determines
if a frontal collision is severe enough to require the
airbags to inflate. If airbags are required, the ORC
determines the necessary rate of airbag inflation for
that event.
•The ORC determines if a side impact is severe enough
to deploy the supplemental side curtain airbag and
supplemental front seat mounted side airbag.
•The ORC detects rollover.
56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:Perchlorate Material — special handling may
apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
Airbag Warning Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to
inflate for your protection in an impact. While
the airbag system is designed to be mainte-
nance free, if any of the following occurs, have an
authorized dealer service the system promptly:
•The Airbag Warning Light does not come on or flickers
during the four to six seconds when the ignition
switch is first turned ON.
•The light remains on or flickers after the four to six
second interval.
•The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.
Event Data Recorder (EDR)
In the event of an accident, your vehicle is designed to
record up to five seconds of specific vehicle data param-
eters (see the following list) in an event data recorder
prior to the moment of airbag deployment, or near
deployment, and up to a quarter second of high-speed
deceleration data during and/or after airbag deploy-
ment. EDR data are ONLY recorded if an airbag deploys,
or nearly deploys, and are otherwise unavailable.
NOTE:
1. A near-deployment event occurs when the airbag
sensor detects severe vehicle deceleration usually indica-
tive of a crash, but not severe enough to warrant airbag
deployment.
2. Under certain circumstances, EDR data may not be
recorded (e.g., loss of battery power).
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 63
2

When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the sys-
tem may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure
as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale light after replacing one or
more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS
to continue to function properly. (See page 355 for more
information.)CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use aftermarket tire sealants
or balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result. (Refer to
“Tire Inflation Pressures” under “Tires — General
Information” and to “Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS)” in Section 5 for more information).
214 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

this display. Press and release the button once to turn on
the display. Press and release it again to turn off the
display.
Setting Compass Variance (Mid Line Cluster Only)
Compass Variance is the difference between magnetic
North and geographic North. To allow the compass
module to compensate for that difference and ensure
accuracy, you can set the variance in the compass module
to the zone where the vehicle is located according to the
Compass Variance Map. To set the variance, perform the
following procedure.
NOTE:
•Magnetic materials should be kept away from the top
of the instrument panel, as this is where the compass
sensor is located.
•The shift lever must be in PARK to enter the variance
setting mode.
To set the variance, first, turn the ignition switch to the
ON position. Next, press and hold the COMPASS/
TEMPERATURE DISPLAY button until the current
variance zone number displays (approximately 10
seconds). Then, press and release the button to incre-
ment the variance value by one, until the proper
variance zone is selected according to the map. Finally,
turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position to exit
this mode.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 219
4

Compass Variance
Compass Variance is the difference between magnetic
North and geographic North. To allow the compass
module to compensate for that difference and ensure
accuracy, you can set the variance in the compass module
to the zone where the vehicle is located according to the
Compass Variance Map. To set the variance, perform the
following steps.
NOTE:
•The default variance setting is Zone 8. When setting
the variance, the numbering will wrap around from
Zone 15 to Zone 1.
•Magnetic materials should be kept away from the top
of the instrument panel, as this is where the compass
sensor is located.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 229
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

WARNING!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road condi-
tions, and driving conditions, influence the chance
that wheel lift or rollover may occur. ERM cannot
prevent all wheel lift or rollovers, especially those
that involve leaving the roadway or striking objects
or other vehicles. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an
ERM-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner, which could jeopar-
dize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESP cor-
rects for over-steering and under-steering the vehicle byapplying the brake of the appropriate wheel. Engine
power may also be reduced to help the vehicle maintain
the desired path.
The ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the path
that the driver intends to steer the vehicle and compares
it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual path
does not match the intended path, the ESP applies the
brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting
the condition of over-steer or under-steer.
•Over-steer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
•Under-steer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
ESP/TCS Indicator Light
The ESP/TCS Indicator Light located in the
instrument cluster, starts to flash as soon as the
tires lose traction and the ESP system becomes
332 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:
•The ESP/TCS Indicator Light and the ESP/BAS Mal-
function Indicator Light will turn on momentarily
each time the ignition switch is turned ON.
•Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
•The ESP Control System will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds
will stop when ESP becomes inactive following the
maneuver that caused the ESP activation.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
TSC uses sensors in the vehicle to recognize an exces-
sively swaying trailer. TSC activates automatically once
the excessively swaying trailer is recognized. When TSC
is functioning, the ESP/TCS Indicator Light will flash,
the engine power will be reduced, and you will feel the
brake being applied to individual wheels in an attempt to
stop the trailer from swaying.NOTE:
The TSC is disabled when the ESP system is in
the “Partial Off” mode.
WARNING!
•TSC cannot stop all trailers from swaying. Always
use caution when towing a trailer and follow the
tongue weight recommendations. Refer to ”Ve-
hicle Loading” and “Trailer Towing” in this sec-
tion for more information before towing a trailer
with your vehicle.
•If TSC activates while towing a trailer, stop the
vehicle at the nearest safe location and adjust the
trailer load to eliminate the trailer sway.
•Failure to follow these warnings can result in an
accident or serious personal injury.
STARTING AND OPERATING 335
5