2010 DODGE JOURNEY brakes

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)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 371

WARNING! (Continued)
3. GAWR
4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized.
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight.)
Towing Requirements – Tires

Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to
“Tires – General Information” in “Starting and Oper-
ating” for proper tire inflation procedures.
Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres-
sures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires – General
Information” in “Starting and Operating” for the
proper inspection procedure.
When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Infor-
mation” in “Starting and Operating” for information
on replacement tires and for the proper tire replace-
ment procedures. Replacing tires with a higher load
carrying capacity will not increase the vehicle’s GVWR
and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements – Trailer Brakes

Donot interconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
372 STARTING AND OPERATING

actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes, and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
•Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You might not have
brakes when you need them and could have an
accident.
•Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing, you should allow for ad-
ditional space between your vehicle and the ve-
hicle in front of you. Failure to do so could result
in an accident.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 373

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
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 375

Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Master Cylinder – Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the “Brake Warning Light” indicates system failure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the fluid level up
to the requirements described on the brake fluid reser-
voir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake pads wear.
Brake fluid level should be checked when pads are
replaced. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
430 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

About Your Brakes.................... 312,315
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) .........193,316,317
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 426
Adding Fuel ........................... 357
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... 420
Additives, Fuel ......................... 355
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 412
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 414
Air Conditioning ..................... 270,274
Air Conditioning Controls ...............270,274
Air Conditioning Filter .................288,416
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 289
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone ................ 283
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............414,415
Air Conditioning System ..........270,274,277,414
Air Pressure, Tires .................... 191,336
Airbag .............................. 54,64
Airbag Deployment ....................... 66
Airbag Light ..................... 63,68,86,197Airbag Maintenance
....................... 67
Airbag, Side ........................ 57,61,64
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ...........58,61,64
Alarm, Panic ............................ 23
Alarm (Security Alarm) .................17,185
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 17
All Wheel Drive (AWD) ................... 307
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 257
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........425,426,455
Disposal ............................ 428
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............316,317
Anti-Lock Warning Light .............193,317,319
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 17
Anti-Theft System ....................... 185
Appearance Care ........................ 435
Arming Theft System (Security Alarm) ......... 17
Audio Systems (Radio) .................... 251
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 35
488 INDEX

Warning Light........................ 195
Brakes ............................. 315,430
Brake/Transaxle Interlock .................. 300
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 83
Bulb Replacement ..................... 449,450
Bulbs, Light .......................... 88,449
Calibration, Compass .................. 201,209
Camera, Rear ........................... 137
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 455
Caps, Filler Fuel ............................... 357
Oil (Engine) .................... 403,404,411
Power Steering ........................ 312
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 427
Car Washes ............................ 435
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............85,356
Cargo Area Cover ....................... 168
Cargo Area Features ...................... 165 Cargo Compartment
...................... 165
Light ............................ 128,165
Luggage Carrier ....................... 173
Cargo Light ............................ 128
Cargo Load Floor ........................ 166
Cargo Management System ................. 166
Rollaway Tonneau Cover ................ 168
Tri-Fold Load Floor ..................... 166
Cargo Tie-Downs ........................ 167
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................166,359
CD (Compact Disc) Player ................. 251
Cellular Phone .................. 98,251,252,269
Certification Label ....................... 359
Chains, Tire ............................ 343
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 381
Charging System Light .................... 190
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 327
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 406
490 INDEX

Power Door........................... 29
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 344
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH) ............................ 77,79
Lubrication, Body ....................... 417
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack) ................. 173
Lumbar Support ........................ 101
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 413
Maintenance, General ..................... 408
Maintenance Procedures ................... 408
Maintenance Schedule .................... 460
Maintenance, Sunroof ..................... 149
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 193,406
Manual, Service ......................... 483
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 127
Marker Lights, Side ...................... 450
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 430
Methanol ............................. 354 Mini-Trip Computer
................... 198,206
Mirrors ............................. 94,140
Automatic Dimming ..................... 95
Electric Powered ....................... 96
Electric Remote ........................ 96
Exterior Folding ........................ 96
Heated .............................. 97
Outside .............................. 95
Rearview ............................. 94
Vanity ............................... 97
Mode Fuel Saver ........................... 206
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 344
Mopar Parts ......................... 407,482
MP3 Player ............................ 251
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 354
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 121
500 INDEX