2010 DODGE JOURNEY check engine

humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) 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 the engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in
the radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If
engine coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, the
contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be pro-
tected against freezing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine, which contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 429

WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in an accident.
Automatic Transmission
The automatic transmission and differential assembly are
contained within a single housing.
The fluid level in the automatic transmission should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transmission and the fluid.
Fluid Level Check – 2.4L Engine
Use the following procedure to check the automatic
transmission fluid level properly:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.2. Run the engine at curb idle speed for a minimum of
60 seconds.
3. Apply the parking brake fully.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily in each gear position
ending with the lever in PARK.
5. Wipe the area around the dipstick clean to eliminate
the possibility of dirt entering the transmission.
6. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or cold. Hot fluid is approximately 180°F (82°C), which is
the normal operating temperature after the vehicle is
driven at least 15 miles (24 km). Hot fluid cannot be held
comfortably between the fingertips. Cold fluid is at a
temperature below 80°F (27°C).
7. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated. Then,
remove dipstick and note the reading.
432 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Fluid Level Check – 3.5L Engine
The automatic transmission has no dipstick and is dealer
serviced only.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the transmission
is disassembled for any reason.
Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer ’s recommended transmis-
sion fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion. It is important that the transmission fluid be main-
tained at the prescribed level using the recommended
fluid. No chemical flushes should be used in any trans-
mission; only the approved lubricant may be used.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
434 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil
if it has been 6 months since your last oil change even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT illumi-
nated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other
than your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC)/Oil Change Required” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” or under “In-
strument Cluster Description/Odometer/Trip Odom-
eter” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 461

Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
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S462 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

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

Anti-Lock Brake System................. 316
Brake Assist System .................... 319
Electronic Roll Mitigation ................ 320
Electronic Stability Program ............... 321
Traction Control System ................. 320
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ............. 320
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 134
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) .........194,321
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ...... 189
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) ............................. 137,202
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............... 396
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 380
Jacking ............................. 381
Jump Starting ......................... 392
Overheating .......................... 380
Towing ............................. 398
Emission Control System Maintenance ......406,460 Engine
.......................... 83,403,404
Air Cleaner .......................... 412
Block Heater ......................... 297
Break-In Recommendations ................ 83
Checking Oil Level ..................... 409
Compartment ......................... 403
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 424,456
Cooling ............................. 424
Exhaust Gas Caution ................ 39,85,356
Fails to Start .......................... 296
Flooded, Starting ...................... 296
Fuel Requirements ..................... 353
Jump Starting ......................... 392
Oil ........................... 409,455,456
Oil Change Interval ...............188,205,410
Oil Filler Cap ................... 403,404,411
Oil Filter ............................ 412
Oil Filter Disposal ..................... 412
Oil Selection ....................... 410,455
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INDEX 493

Oil Synthetic......................... 411
Operation ............................ 83
Overheating .......................... 380
Starting ............................. 295
Temperature Gauge .................... 183
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... 411
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 65
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 18
Ethanol ............................... 354
Exhaust Gas Caution ................. 39,85,356
Exhaust System ....................... 85,421
Express Down Windows ................... 23
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 96
Exterior Light Service ..................... 450
Exterior Lights ........................ 88,450
Fabric Care ............................ 438
Filler Location Fuel ...................... 357 Filters
Air Cleaner .......................... 412
Air Conditioning .................... 288,416
Automatic Transaxle .................... 434
Engine Oil ........................ 412,456
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 412
Flashers Hazard Warning ....................... 380
Turn Signal ...................... 88,126,185
Flash-To-Pass ........................... 127
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 296
Floor Console .......................... 158
Fluid, Brake ........................... 457
Fluid Capacities ......................... 455
Fluid Leaks ............................. 88
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transaxle ................. 432,434
Brake ............................ 430,457
Cooling System ....................... 424
494 INDEX