2011 DODGE JOURNEY Owners Manual

Cargo Tie-Downs
WARNING!
Cargo tie-downs are not safe anchors for a child seat
tether strap. In a sudden stop or collision, a tie-down
could pull loose and allow the child seat to come
loose. A child could be badly injured. Use only the
anchors provided for child seat tethers.
Cargo tie-downs are located on both rear trim panels.
These tie-downs should be used to secure loads safely
when the vehicle is moving.
Cargo Tie-Downs
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 247

WARNING!
The weight and position of cargo and passengers can
change the vehicle center of gravity and vehicle
handling. To avoid loss of control resulting in per-
sonal injury, follow these guidelines for loading your
vehicle:
•Do not carry loads that exceed the load limits de-
scribed on the label attached to the left door or left
door center pillar.
•Always place cargo evenly on the cargo floor. Put
heavier objects as low and as far forward as possible.
•Place as much cargo as possible in front of the rear
axle. Too much weight or improperly placed weight
over or behind the rear axle can cause the vehicle to
sway.
•Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the top of the
seatback. This could impair visibility or become a
dangerous projectile in a sudden stop or collision.
•To help protect against personal injury, passengers
should not be seated in the rear cargo area. The rear
cargo space is intended for load carrying purposes
only, not for passengers, who should sit in seats and
use seat belts.
Retractable Cargo Area Cover (If Equipped) — Five
Passenger Models
NOTE:The purpose of this cover is for privacy, not to
secure loads. It will not prevent cargo from shifting or
protect passengers from loose cargo.
The removable retractable cargo area cover mounts in the
cargo area behind the top of the rear seats.
248 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

The cover, when extended, covers the cargo area to keep
items out of sight. Notches in the trim panels near the
liftgate opening secure the extended cover in place.
The cover rolls away neatly inside its housing when not
in use. You can also remove the cover from the vehicle to
make more room in the cargo area.
To install the cover, position it in the vehicle so that the
flat side of the housing faces upward. Then, insert either
the left or the right spring-loaded post (located on the
ends of the cover housing) into the left attachment point
or the right attachment point (shown).Insert the spring-loaded post on the opposite end of the
cover housing into the attachment point on the opposite
side of the vehicle.
Installing Retractable Cargo Area Cover
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 249

Grab the cover handle and pull it toward you. As the
cover nears the liftgate opening, guide the rear attach-
ment posts (on both ends of the cover) into the notches in
the trim panels. Lower the cover to position the posts into
the bottom of the notches and release the handle.WARNING!
A cargo cover that is unsecured in the vehicle could
cause injury in a collision. It could become airborne
during a sudden stop and strike someone inside the
vehicle. Do not store the cargo cover on the cargo
floor or in the passenger compartment. Remove the
cover from the vehicle when taken from its mount-
ing. Do not store it in the vehicle.
REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
The rear window wiper/washer control is located on the
left side of the steering column.
Positioning Retractable Cargo Area Cover
250 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Rotate the switch upward to the first detent posi-
tion for rear wiper operation.
Rotate the switch upward past the first detent
position to activate the rear washer. The washerpump will continue to operate as long as the switch is
held. Upon release, the wiper will cycle three times
before returning to the set position.
If the rear wiper is operating when the ignition is turned
to the LOCK position, the wiper will automatically return
Rear Wiper/Washer
Rear Wiper/Washer Control
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 251

to the “Park” position. When the vehicle is restarted, the
wiper will resume function at whichever position the
switch is set at.
CAUTION!
•Turn the rear wiper off when driving through an
automatic car wash. Damage to the rear wiper may
result if the rear wiper switch is left in the on
position.
•In cold weather, always turn off the rear wiper
switch and allow the rear wiper to return to the
park position before turning off the engine. If the
rear wiper switch is left on and the rear wiper
freezes to the window, damage to the rear wiper
motor may occur when the vehicle is restarted.(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Always remove any buildup of snow that prevents
the rear wiper blade from returning to the park
position. If the rear wiper control is turned off and
the blade cannot return to the park position, dam-
age to the rear wiper motor may occur.
Rear Window Defroster
The rear window defroster button is located on the
climate control panel. Press this button to turn on
the rear window defroster and the heated outside mirrors
(if equipped). An indicator in the button will illuminate
when the rear window defroster is on. The rear window
defroster automatically turns off after approximately
10 minutes.
NOTE: To prevent excessive battery drain, use the rear
window defroster only when the engine is operating.
252 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage to
the heating elements:
•Use care when washing the inside of the rear
window. Do not use abrasive window cleaners on
the interior surface of the window. Use a soft cloth
and a mild washing solution, wiping parallel to
the heating elements. Labels can be peeled off
after soaking with warm water.
•Do not use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abra-
sive window cleaners on the interior surface of the
window.
•Keep all objects a safe distance from the window.
ROOF LUGGAGE RACK — IF EQUIPPED
The roof rack side rails on your vehicle are NOT designed
to carry a load without the addition of crossbars. Cross-
bars can be purchased from MOPARaccessories to
provide a functional roof rack system.
NOTE: Metal crossbars are offered by MOPAR acces-
sories. See your authorized dealer.
External racks do not increase the total load carrying
capacity of the vehicle. Be sure that the total occupant
and luggage load inside the vehicle plus the load on the
luggage rack do not exceed the maximum vehicle load
capacity.
The roof rack cross rails and side rails together are
designed to carry cargo weight. The load must not exceed
150 lbs (68 kg), and it should be distributed uniformly
over the cross rails.
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 253

CAUTION!
•To avoid damage to the roof rack and vehicle, do
not exceed the maximum roof rack load capacity of
150 lbs (68 kg). Always distribute loads as evenly
as possible and secure the load appropriately.
•Long loads, which extend over the windshield,
such as wood panels or surfboards, or loads with
large frontal area should be secured to both the
front and rear of the vehicle.
•Place a blanket or other protection between the
surface of the roof and the load.
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Travel at reduced speeds and turn corners care-
fully when carrying large or heavy loads on the
roof rack. Wind forces, due to natural causes or
nearby truck traffic, can add sudden upward lift to
loads. This is especially true on large flat loads
and may result in damage to the cargo or your
vehicle.
WARNING!
Cargo must be securely tied before driving your
vehicle. Improperly secured loads can fly off the
vehicle, particularly at high speeds, resulting in per-
sonal injury or property damage. Follow the Roof
Rack Cautions when carrying cargo on your roof
rack.
254 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE