2010 DODGE JOURNEY checking oil

damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the seat belt system periodically, checking for
cuts, frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be
replaced immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the
system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the seat belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should turn on and remain on for four to six
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, or if the
light stays on, flickers, or turns on while driving, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit the foot well of
your vehicle. Use only floor mats that leave the pedal
area unobstructed and that are firmly secured so that
86 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after afully warmed engine is shut off. Do not check oil level
before starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking engine oil level when the engine is cold will
give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of
the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. Either the range mark-
ings consist of a crosshatch zone marked SAFE or a
crosshatch zone marked with MIN at the low end of the
range and MAX at the high end of the range. Adding
1.0 qt (1.0 l) of oil when the reading is at the low end of
the range marking will raise the oil level to the high end
of the range marking.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 409

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

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

Navigation Radio (Uconnectgps)........... 251
Navigation System (Uuconnect gps)....... 137,251
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 83
Occupant Restraints ................... 39,61,66
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ...........57,58,61,64
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ............353,456
Odometer Trip ............................. 190,197
Oil Change Indicator .................. 188,205
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..............188,205
Oil, Engine ......................... 409,456
Capacity ............................ 455
Change Interval .................. 188,205,410
Checking ............................ 409
Dipstick ............................. 409
Disposal ............................ 412
Filter ............................ 412,456
Filter Disposal ........................ 412 Identification Logo
..................... 410
Materials Added to ..................... 411
Recommendation ................... 410,455
Synthetic ............................ 411
Viscosity .......................... 41 1,455
Oil Filter, Change ........................ 412
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... 412
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............405,406
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 140
Operating Precautions .................... 405
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 95
Overdrive .......................... 186,303
Overhead Console ....................... 139
Overheating, Engine ................... 184,380
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .......... 483
Paint Care ............................. 435
Panic Alarm ............................ 23
Parking Brake .......................... 312
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INDEX 501