2014 DODGE JOURNEY brakes

Towing With HSA
HSA will provide assistance when starting on a grade
when pulling a trailer.
WARNING!
•If you use a trailer brake controller with your
trailer, your trailer brakes may be activated and
deactivated with the brake switch. If so, when the
brake pedal is released there may not be enough
brake pressure to hold the vehicle and trailer on a
hill and this could cause a collision with another
vehicle or object behind you. In order to avoid
rolling down the hill while resuming acceleration,
manually activate the trailer brake prior to releas-
ing the brake pedal. Always remember the driver is
responsible for braking the vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•HSA is not a parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when leaving your vehicle.
Also, be certain to leave the transmission in PARK.
• Failure to follow these warnings may cause the
vehicle to roll down the incline and could collide
with another vehicle, object or person, and cause
serious or fatal injury. Always remember to use the
parking brake while parking on a hill and that the
driver is responsible for braking the vehicle.
NOTE: The HSA system may also be turned on and off if
the vehicle is equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your Instru-
ment Panel” for further information.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 449

Figure out the weight on the front and rear of the vehicle
separately. It is important that you distribute the load
evenly over the front and rear axles.
Overloading can cause potential safety hazards and
shorten useful service life. Heavier axles or suspension
components do not necessarily increase the vehicle’s
GVWR.
Loading
To load your vehicle properly, first figure out its empty
weight, axle-by-axle and side-by-side. Store heavier items
down low and be sure you distribute their weight as
evenly as possible. Stow all loose items securely before
driving. If weighing the loaded vehicle shows that you
have exceeded either GAWR, but the total load is withinthe specified GVWR, you must redistribute the weight.
Improper weight distribution can have an adverse effect
on the way your vehicle steers and handles and the way
the brakes operate.
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer, carefully
review this information to tow your load as efficiently
and safely as possible.
To maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage,
follow the requirements and recommendations in this
manual concerning vehicles used for trailer towing.
496 STARTING AND OPERATING

Perform the maintenance listed in the “Maintenance
Schedule”. Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further
information. When towing a trailer, never exceed the
GAWR, or GCWR, ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to a collision. Follow these
guidelines to make your trailer towing as safe as
possible:
•Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and that it will not shift during travel. When
trailering cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic
load shifts can occur that may be difficult for the
driver to control. You could lose control of your
vehicle and have a collision.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can
cause a loss of control, poor performance, or dam-
age to brakes, axle, engine, transmission, steering,
suspension, chassis structure, or tires.
• Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to
the frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch.
Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow
enough slack for turning corners.
• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. When parking, apply the parking brake on
the tow vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic
transmission in PARK. Always, block or chock
the trailer wheels.
• GCWR must not be exceeded.
(Continued)
504 STARTING AND OPERATING

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).
WARNING!
•Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hydrau-
lic 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.
•Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of
you. Failure to do so could result in a collision.
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.
506 STARTING AND OPERATING

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping,
and backing up the trailer in an area located away from
heavy traffic.
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in DRIVE, use the
Autostick® shift control to manually select a lower gear.
NOTE:Using a lower gear while operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
If you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than 45
minutes of continuous operation, then change the trans-
mission fluid and filter as specified for “police, taxi, fleet,
Seven-Pin Connector
1 — Battery 5 — Ground
2 — Backup Lamps 6 — Left Stop/Turn
3 — Right Stop/Turn 7 — Running Lamps
4 — Electric Brakes 508 STARTING AND OPERATING

Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly a collision. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Master Cylinder — Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the “Brake Warning Light” indicates system failure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the fluid level up to
the requirements described on the brake fluid reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake pads wear.
Brake fluid level should be checked when pads are
replaced. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 573

About Your Brakes........................434
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) ................438
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) ............569
Adding Fuel ............................ .492
Adding Washer Fluid ..................... .563
Additives, Fuel .......................... .486
Airbag ..................................65
Airbag Deployment ........................76
Airbag Light .............................73
Airbag Maintenance ........................78
Airbag, Side ..............................68
Airbag, Window (Side Curtain) ................69
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . .554
Air Conditioner Maintenance .................557
Air Conditioning Filter .....................404
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ..............405
Air Conditioning, Rear Zone .................385
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .................557
Air Conditioning System ....................557 Air Pressure, Tires
........................ .462
Alarm Light ............................ .310
Alarm, Panic .............................24
Alarm (Security Alarm) ......................18
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ................18
All Wheel Drive (AWD) .....................429
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ...............7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ..................568
Disposal ............................. .571
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ................438
Anti-Lock Warning Light ....................309
Appearance Care ........................ .580
Arming System (Security Alarm) ...............18
Assist, Hill Start ..........................448
Auto Down Power Windows ..................42
Automatic Dimming Mirror ..................119
Automatic Door Locks ......................33
Automatic Headlights ..................... .226
Automatic Oil Change Indicator ...............320
626 INDEX

Automatic Transmission....................417
Adding Fluid ..........................576
Fluid and Filter Changes ..................578
Fluid Level Check .......................576
Fluid Type ............................605
Gear Ranges .......................... .421
Special Additives .......................575
Autostick ...............................427
Auto Unlock, Doors ........................34
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet) ........269
Auxiliary Power Outlet .....................269
Back-Up Lights .......................... .598
Battery .................................555
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ........25
Location ............................. .555
Belts, Seat ...............................51 Bluetooth®
Connecting To A Particular Mobile Phone Or
Audio Device After Pairing ................156
Connect Or Disconnect Link Between the
Uconnect® Phone And Mobile Phone .........143
Pair (Link) Uconnect® Phone To A Mobile
Phone ...............................129
Body Mechanism Lubrication .................560
B-Pillar Location ..........................456
Brake Assist System .......................441
Brake Control System, Electronic ..............439
Brake Fluid ............................ .605
Brake, Parking .......................... .434
Brakes .................................437
Brake System ............................437
Anti-Lock (ABS) ........................438
Fluid Check .......................... .573
Master Cylinder ........................573
10
INDEX 627