2012 DODGE JOURNEY load capacity

on if the gas cap is not secured properly. Make sure
that the gas cap is tightened each time the vehicle is
refueled.
•When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, the
word “gASCAP” will display in the odometer. If this
occurs, tighten the fuel filler cap until a “clicking” sound
is heard and press the TRIP ODOMETER button to turn
off the message. If the problem persists, the message will
appear the next time the vehicle is started.
A loose, improperly installed, or damaged fuel filler cap
may also turn on the MIL. Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic
System” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
VEHICLE LOADING
The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is shown on
the “Vehicle Certification Label.” This information
should be used for passenger and luggage loading as
indicated.
Do not exceed the specified Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
Vehicle Certification Label
Your vehicle has a Vehicle Certification Label affixed to
the rear of the driver’s door.
The label contains the following information:
•Name of manufacturer
•Month and year of manufacture
•Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
•Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front
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STARTING AND OPERATING 449

•Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) rear
•Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
•Type of Vehicle
•Month Day and Hour of Manufacture (MDH)
The bar code allows a computer scanner to read the VIN.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, and cargo. The total
load must be limited so that you do not exceed the
GVWR.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear
axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles
evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or
rear GAWR.
WARNING!
Because the front wheels steer the vehicle, it is
important that you do not exceed the maximum front
or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition can
result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose
control of the vehicle and have a collision.
Overloading
The load carrying components (axle, springs, tires,
wheels, etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory
service as long as you do not exceed the GVWR and the
front and rear GAWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to ensure that
it is not over the GVWR.
450 STARTING AND OPERATING

exceed the GVWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle
Certification Label” in “Starting and Operating” for
further information.
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer plus the weight of all
cargo, consumables, and equipment (permanent or tem-
porary) loaded in or on the trailer in itsloaded and
ready for operation condition.
The recommended way to measure GTW is to put your
fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale. The entire weight
of the trailer must be supported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is the total permissible weight of your vehicle
and trailer when weighed in combination.
NOTE: The GCWR rating includes a 150 lbs (68 kg)
allowance for the presence of a driver.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity of the front and rear
axles. Distribute the load over the front and rear axles
evenly. Make sure that you do not exceed either front or
rear GAWR. Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle Certifica-
tion Label” in “Starting and Operating” for further
information.
WARNING!
It is important that you do not exceed the maximum
front or rear GAWR. A dangerous driving condition
can result if either rating is exceeded. You could lose
control of the vehicle and have a collision.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the
hitch ball by the trailer. In most cases, it should not be less
than 10% or more than 15% of the trailer load. You must
consider this as part of the load on your vehicle.
452 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Requirements – Tires

Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to
“Tires – General Information” in “Starting and Oper-
ating” for proper tire inflation procedures.
Check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation pres-
sures before trailer usage.
Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to “Tires – General
Information” in “Starting and Operating” for the
proper inspection procedure.
When replacing tires, refer to “Tires – General Infor-
mation” in “Starting and Operating” for informationon replacement tires and for the proper tire replace-
ment procedures. Replacing tires with a higher load
carrying capacity will not increase the vehicle’s GVWR
and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements – Trailer Brakes

Do
not interconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over
1,000 lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of
2,000 lbs (907 kg).
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STARTING AND OPERATING 461

CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes, and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
WARNING!
•Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s
hydraulic brake lines. It can overload your brake
system and cause it to fail. You might not have
brakes when you need them and could have a
collision.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Towing any trailer will increase your stopping
distance. When towing, you should allow for ad-
ditional space between your vehicle and the ve-
hicle in front of you. Failure to do so could result
in a collision.
Towing Requirements – Trailer Lights And Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stoplights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may include a four- and seven-
pin wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer har-
ness and connector.
NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
462 STARTING AND OPERATING

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
10
INDEX 591

Sway Control, Trailer.................. 407,453
Synthetic Engine Oil ...................... 505
System, Remote Starting .................... 25
Tachometer ............................ 274
Taillights .............................. 544
Telescoping Steering Column ............... 212
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC) ........ 353
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant .......... 281
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint ............... 82
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm) ................ 17
Theft System (Security Alarm) ............... 17
Tie Down Hooks, Cargo ................... 259
Tilt Steering Column ..................... 212
Time Delay, Headlight .................... 203
Tire and Loading Information Placard ......... 414
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ............. 412
Tire Markings .......................... 408
Tire Safety Information .................... 408 Tires ............................
94,418,575
Aging (Life of Tires) .................. 425
Air Pressure ........................ 418
Chains ............................ 427
Changing .......................... 471
Compact Spare ...................... 422
General Information .................. 418
High Speed ......................... 421
Inflation Pressures .................... 419
Jacking ............................ 471
Life of Tires ........................ 425
Load Capacity .................... 414,415
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ......... 431
Pressure Warning Light ................ 277
Quality Grading ..................... 575
Radial ............................ 421
Replacement ........................ 426
Rotation ........................... 430
Safety .......................... 408,418
596 INDEX