2012 DODGE JOURNEY engine overheat

If frequent jump-starting is required to start your vehicle,
you should have the battery and charging system in-
spected at your authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
Accessories that can be plugged into the vehicle
power outlets draw power from the vehicle’s battery,
even when not in use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.).
Eventually, if plugged in long enough, the vehicle’s
battery will discharge sufficiently to degrade battery
life and/or prevent the engine from starting.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between DRIVE
and REVERSE. Using the least accelerator pedal pressureto maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels may lead to
transmission overheating and failure. Allow the en-
gine to idle with the shift lever in NEUTRAL for at
least one minute after every five rocking-motion
cycles. This will minimize overheating and reduce
the risk of transmission failure during prolonged
efforts to free a stuck vehicle.
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Con-
trol, turn the system OFF before attempting to
“rock” the vehicle. Refer to “Electronic Stability
Program (ESP)” in “Starting and Operating”
for further information.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 487

CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by moving be-
tween DRIVE and REVERSE, do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
•Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure.
It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the
wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no
transmission shifting occurring).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or
even failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your vehi-
cle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stop-
ping when you are stuck and do not let anyone near
a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE
If a malfunction occurs and the shift lever cannot be
moved out of the PARK position, you can use the
following procedure to temporarily move the shift lever:
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Open the center console and remove the shift lever
override access cover.
488 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition.
In the event of engine malfunction, particularly
involving engine misfire or other apparent loss of
performance, have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and
vehicle.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage. NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune-up to manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition,
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 517

Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
recovery bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when the
engine is overheated. Do not loosen or remove the
cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat causes
pressure to build up in the cooling system. To
prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the pres-
sure cap while the system is hot or under pressure.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposal
rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers or allow it
to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child
or pet, seek emergency assistance immediately. Clean up
any ground spills immediately.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 521

Jump Starting....................... 483
Overheating ........................ 469
Towing ............................ 490
Emission Control System Maintenance ......... 500
Engine ............................. 89,497
Air Cleaner ......................... 506
Block Heater ........................ 372
Break-In Recommendations .............. 89
Checking Oil Level ................... 503
Compartment .................... 497,498
Compartment Identification ............. 498
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................ 518,549
Cooling ........................... 518
Exhaust Gas Caution ..............43,91,443
Fails to Start ........................ 371
Flooded, Starting ..................... 371
Fuel Requirements .................... 439
Jump Starting ....................... 483
Oil ......................... 503,548,549Oil Change Interval
................ 291,504
Oil Filler Cap .................... 497,505
Oil Filter ........................... 506
Oil Filter Disposal .................... 506
Oil Selection ..................... 504,548
Oil Synthetic ........................ 505
Operation ........................... 89
Overheating ........................ 469
Starting ........................... 368
Temperature Gauge ................... 281
Engine Oil Viscosity ...................... 505
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ................. 505
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 71
Entry System, Illuminated .................. 20
Ethanol ............................... 440
Event Data Recorder ...................... 75
Exhaust Gas Caution ................. 43,91,443
Exhaust System ....................... 91,515
Exterior Folding Mirrors ................... 104
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INDEX 583

Occupant Restraints................... 43,67,72
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ...........64,65,67,70
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) ............439,549
Odometer ............................. 276
Oil Change Indicator .................. 277,291
Oil Change Indicator, Reset ..............277,291
Oil Filter, Change ........................ 506
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... 506
Oil, Engine ......................... 503,549
Capacity ........................... 548
Change Interval ................... 291,504
Checking .......................... 503
Dipstick ........................... 503
Disposal ........................... 506
Filter .......................... 506,549
Filter Disposal ....................... 506
Identification Logo ................... 504
Materials Added to ................... 506
Recommendation .................. 504,548Synthetic
.......................... 505
Viscosity ........................ 505,548
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............499,500
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink®) ........... 230
Operating Precautions .................... 499
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors .................. 102
Overhead Console ....................... 227
Overheating, Engine ................ 281,469,470
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,573
Paint Care ............................. 529
Panic Alarm ............................ 23
Park Sense System, Rear ................... 216
Parking Brake .......................... 396
Passenger Seat Back Tilt (Easy Entry System) .... 195
Passing Light ........................... 206
Pets .................................. 89
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 414
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INDEX 591