2010 DODGE JOURNEY Owners Manual

Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
Winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter — If Equipped
The A/C Air Filter will reduce, but not eliminate, diesel
and agricultural smells. The filter acts on air coming from
outside the vehicle and recirculated air within the pas-
senger compartment. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for A/C Air Filter service
information or see your authorized dealer for service.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedules” for filter service
intervals.
288 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 289

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 295
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 295
▫ Normal Starting (Tip Start) ............. 296
▫ Extreme Cold Weather (Below 20°F Or
29°C) ............................ 296
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 296
▫ After Starting ....................... 297
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 297
 Automatic Transmission ................. 298 ▫
Key Ignition Park Interlock ............. 300
▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock System ...... 300
▫ Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock
System ............................ 301
▫ Four-Speed Or Six-Speed Automatic
Transmission ....................... 301
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 301
 AutoStick — If Equipped ............... 305
▫ Operation ......................... 305
▫ General Information .................. 306
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All Wheel Drive (AWD) — If Equipped ...... 307
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 307
▫ Acceleration ........................ 307
▫ Traction ........................... 308
 Driving Through Water ................. 308
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 309
 Power Steering ....................... 311
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 312
 Parking Brake ........................ 312
 Brake System ........................ 315
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 316
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 317
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 317▫
Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 319
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 320
▫ Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ......... 320
▫ Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ........ 321
▫ ESP/BAS Warning Light And ESP/TCS
Indicator Light ...................... 324
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ............. 324
 Tire Safety Information ................. 325
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 325
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 330
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 331
 Tires — General Information ............. 335
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 335
292 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 336
▫ Radial-Ply Tires ..................... 338
▫ Compact Spare Tire ................... 338
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 339
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 340
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 341
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 341
 Tire Chains .......................... 343
 Snow Tires .......................... 343
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 343
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 344
▫ Base System ........................ 347
▫ Premium System – If Equipped .......... 349▫
General Information .................. 352
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 353
▫ 2.4L Engine ........................ 353
▫ 3.5L Engine ........................ 353
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 354
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 354
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 355
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 355
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 355
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 356
 Adding Fuel ......................... 357
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 357
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 359
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STARTING AND OPERATING 293

Vehicle Loading ...................... 359
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 359
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ...... 360
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ........ 360
▫ Overloading ........................ 360
▫ Loading ........................... 361
 Trailer Towing ........................ 361
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 361
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 366 ▫
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..................... 367
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 369
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 370
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 375
 Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 377
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground) ........................... 377
294 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key fob in
the ignition switch. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
Automatic Transmission
The shift lever must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting into any driving gear.
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
•Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
•Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.
•Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL
into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.
•Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 295