2010 DODGE JOURNEY automatic transmission

“3” (Drive) — Four-Speed Transmission
This range eliminates shifts into “D” (Overdrive). The
transmission will operate normally in first, second, and
third gear while in this range. The “3” (Drive) range
should also be used when descending steep grades to
prevent brake system distress.
NOTE:Using the “3” (Drive) range while operating the
vehicle under heavy operating conditions will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat build up.
“L” (Low) — Four-Speed Transmission
This range should be used for engine braking when
descending very steep grades. In this range, upshifts will
occur only to prevent engine overspeed while downshifts
occur earlier than other gear range selections.
CAUTION!
If the transmission operating temperature exceeds
acceptable limits, the vehicle computer will override
“D” (Overdrive) and “5” range (for six-speed
AutoStick transmission) and “3” range (for four-
speed auto transmission) by changing shift points.
This is done to prevent transmission damage due to
overheating.
Reset Mode - Electronic Transmission
The transmission is monitored electronically for abnor-
mal conditions. If a condition is detected that could cause
damage, the transmission automatically shifts into sec-
ond gear (third gear for six-speed). The transmission
remains in second gear (third gear for six-speed) despite
the forward gear selected. PARK, REVERSE, and NEU-
TRAL will continue to operate. This Reset feature allows
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and to the right (+) an upshift. The gear position will
display in the instrument cluster on the transmission
range indicator.
NOTE:In AutoStick mode, the transmission will only
shift up or down when the driver moves the shift lever to
the right (+) or left (-). AutoStick is deactivated when the
shift lever is moved out of the AutoStick (+/-) position.
General Information
•
You can launch the vehicle from a stop in any gear
except top gear. The system will ignore attempts to
upshift into top gear at too low of a vehicle speed.
(sixth for six-speed, fourth for four-speed).
•If a ratio other than first is selected, and the vehicle is
brought to a stop, the transmission control logic will
automatically select the first gear ratio.
•Starting out in second gear is helpful in snow or icy
conditions.
•Avoid using speed control when AutoStick is en-
gaged.
•The transmission will automatically shift up when
maximum engine speed is reached while AutoStick is
engaged.
•Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when
AutoStick is engaged.
•If a low range is selected and the engine accelerates to
the rev limit, the transmission will automatically select
the next higher ratio.
•If a downshift would cause the engine to over-speed,
that shift will not occur until it is safe for the engine.
•Mostly the transmission will stay in the manually
selected ratio, however:
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If the system detects powertrain overheating, the
transmission will revert to the automatic shift mode
and remain in that mode until the powertrain cools off.
If the system detects a problem, it will disable the
AutoStick mode and the transmission will return to
the automatic mode until the problem is corrected.
ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) — IF EQUIPPED
This feature provides on-demand All-Wheel Drive
(AWD). The system is automatic with no driver inputs or
additional driving skills required. Under normal driving
conditions, the front wheels provide most of the traction.
If the front wheels begin to lose traction, power is shifted
automatically to the rear wheels. The greater the front
wheel traction loss, the greater the power transfer to the
rear wheels. Additionally, on dry pavement under heavy throttle
input (where one may have no wheel spin), torque will be
sent to the rear in a pre-emptive effort to improve vehicle
launch and performance characteristics.
CAUTION!
All wheels must have the same size and type tires.
Unequal tire sizes must not be used. Unequal tire
size may cause failure of the power transfer unit.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the front wheels to pull errati-
cally to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when
there is a difference in the surface traction under the front
(driving) wheels.
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The foot operated parking brake is located below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel. To apply the
park brake, firmly push the park brake pedal fully. To
release the parking brake, press the park brake pedal a
second time and let your foot up as you feel the brake
disengage.When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch ON, the “Brake Warning Light” in the instrument
cluster will illuminate.
NOTE:
•When the parking brake is applied and the transmis-
sion is placed in gear, the “Brake Warning Light” will
flash. If vehicle speed is detected, a chime will sound
to alert the driver. Fully release the parking brake
before attempting to move the vehicle.
•This light only shows that the parking brake is ap-
plied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade. For vehicles equipped
with an automatic transmission, apply the parking brake
before placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise the load
on the transmission locking mechanism may make it
Parking Brake
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Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/TransmissionGCWR (Gross Com
-
bined Wt. Rating) Frontal AreaMax. GTW (Gross
Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt.
2.4L/Automatic 6,000 lbs (2 722 kg) 22 sq ft (2.0 sq m) 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
which includes up to
5 persons & Luggage 100 lbs (45 kg)
3.5L/Automatic
(without Trailer Tow
Prep Package 7,300 lbs (3 311 kg) 32 sq ft (3.0 sq m)
2,000 lbs (907 kg)
which includes 1 to 2
persons & Luggage 200 lbs (91 kg)
7,300 lbs (3 311 kg) 32 sq ft (3.0 sq m) 1,500 lbs (680 kg)
which includes 3 to 4
persons & Luggage 150 lbs (68 kg)
7,300 lbs (3 311 kg) 32 sq ft (3.0 sq m) 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
which includes 5 to 7
persons & Luggage 100 lbs (45 kg) *Ex
-
cept for AWD mod- els.
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Engine/TransmissionGCWR (Gross Com
-
bined Wt. Rating) Frontal AreaMax. GTW (Gross
Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt.
3.5L/Automatic
(with Trailer Tow
Prep Package 8,300 lbs (3 765 kg) 40 sq ft (3.7 sq m)
3,500 lbs (1 588 kg)
which includes 1 to 2
persons & Luggage 350 lbs (159 kg)
8,300 lbs (3 765 kg) 40 sq ft (3.7 sq m) 3,000 lbs (1 361 kg)
which includes 3 to 4
persons & Luggage 300 lbs (136 kg)
8,300 lbs (3 765 kg) 40 sq ft (3.7 sq m) 2,500 lbs (1 134 kg)
which includes 5 to 6
persons & Luggage 250 lbs (113 kg) *Ex
-
cept for AWD mod- els.
8,300 lbs (3 765 kg) 40 sq ft (3.7 sq m) 2,500 lbs (1 134 kg)
which includes 7
persons & Luggage 100 lbs (113 kg) *Ex
-
cept for AWD mod- els.
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WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
•Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and that it will not shift during travel. When
trailering cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic
load shifts can occur that may be difficult for the
driver to control. You could lose control of your
vehicle and have an accident.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance, or dam-
age to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering,
suspension, chassis structure, or tires.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to
the frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch.
Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and
allow enough slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on
the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic
transmission in PARK. Always, block or chock
the trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
(Continued)
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Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, select
the “3” range for four-speed automatic or the “5” range
for six-speed automatic.
NOTE:Using the “3” or “5” range while operating the
vehicle under heavy operating conditions will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45 min-
utes of continuous operation, then change the transmis-
sion fluid and filter according to the interval specified for
Seven-Pin Connector
1 — Battery 5 — Ground
2 — Backup Lamps 6 — Left Stop/Turn
3 — Right Stop/Turn 7 — Running Lamps
4 — Electric Brakes
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