2014 DODGE JOURNEY check engine

Coolant Checks
Check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or
rusty in appearance, the system should be drained,
flushed, and refilled with fresh engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Check the front of the A/C condenser for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the condenser.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts, and tightness of the connection
at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
Cooling System — Drain, Flush And Refill
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is dirty or contains
visible sediment, have an authorized dealer clean and
flush with OAT coolant (antifreeze) (conforming to
MS-12106).
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
NOTE:Some vehicles require special tools to add coolant
properly. Failure to fill these systems properly could lead
to severe internal engine damage. If any coolant is
needed to be added to the system please contact your
local authorized dealer.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 567

Disposal Of Used Engine 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 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.
Coolant Level
2.4L Engine —The coolant bottle provides a quick visual
method for determining that the coolant level is ad-
equate. With the engine idling and warm to normal
operating temperature, the level of the coolant in the
bottle should be between the “ADD” and “FULL” lines,
shown on the bottle. 3.6L Engine —
The level of the coolant in the pressurized
coolant bottle should be between the “COLD” and
“FULL” range on the bottle when the engine is cold.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
coolant freeze point or replacing engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Advise your service attendant of this. As long as
the engine operating temperature is satisfactory, the
coolant bottle need only be checked once a month. When
additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to main-
tain the proper level, it should be added to the coolant
bottle. Do not overfill.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 571

Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
• Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
•
Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (antifreeze)
needs to be added, the contents of the coolant expansion
bottle must also be protected against freezing.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure tested
for leaks.
•
Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to MS-12106)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine which contains aluminum components.
• Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
•
Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install ONLY
the correct type thermostat. Other designs may result in
unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze) performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
572 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Fluid Level Check — Four-Speed Automatic
Transmission
Use the following procedure to check the transmission
fluid level properly:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Run the engine at normal idle speed for at least 60seconds, and leave the engine running for the rest of
this procedure.
3. Fully apply the parking brake, and press the brake pedal. 4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi-
tion (allowing time for the transmission to fully en-
gage in each position), ending with the transmission in
PARK.
5. Wipe the area around the dipstick clean to prevent dirt from entering the transmission.
6. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot or cold. You can also read the transmission fluid
temperature using the Vehicle Information display in
the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) in
the instrument cluster. Refer to Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC) inUnderstanding Your
Instrument Panel for further information. Hot fluid is
approximately 180°F (82°C), which is the normal op-
erating temperature after the vehicle is driven at least
15 miles (24 km). Hot fluid cannot be held comfortably
between the fingertips. Cold fluid is at a temperature
of approximately 80°F (27°C).
576 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip:
•Check engine oil level.
• Check windshield washer fluid level.
•
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear,
even if it occurs before the oil indicator system turns on.
• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission (2.4L
engine only) and fill as needed.
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
Required Maintenance Intervals.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
page for the required maintenance intervals.
At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil Change Indicator System:
•Change oil and filter.
• Rotate the tires. Rotate at the first sign of irregu-
lar wear, even if it occurs before the oil indicator
system turns on.
• Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as
required.
• Inspect automatic transmission fluid if equipped
with dipstick.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses
and park brake.
• Inspect engine cooling system protection and
hoses.
• Inspect exhaust system.
• Inspect engine air cleaner if using in dusty or
off-road conditions.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 609

Parking............................. .434
Warning Light ........................ .307
Brake/Transmission Interlock .................419
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........106
Brightness, Interior Lights ...................230
Bulb Replacement ........................ .594
Bulbs, Light .............................111
Camera, Rear ............................251
Capacities, Fluid ..........................602
Caps, Filler Fuel .................................492
Oil (Engine) .......................... .545
Power Steering ........................ .434
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ................570
Carbon Monoxide Warning ..................108
Cargo Area Cover ........................ .287
Cargo Area Features .......................284
Cargo Compartment .......................284 Light
............................... .284
Luggage Carrier ........................293
Cargo Load Floor ........................ .285
Cargo Management System ..................285
Rollaway Tonneau Cover ..................287
Tri-Fold Load Floor ..................... .285
Cargo Tie-Downs ........................ .286
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ....................285
Car Washes ............................ .580
Cellular Phone .......................... .375
Certification Label ........................ .494
Chains, Tire ............................ .471
Changing A Flat Tire .......................518
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ .451
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . .302
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ..............107
Checks, Safety .......................... .107
Child Restraint ............................80
628 INDEX

Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)........239
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..............443
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) ......251
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ................537
Hazard Warning Flasher ..................515
Jacking ...............................518
Jump Starting ..........................532
Overheating .......................... .515
Towing ............................. .539
Emission Control System Maintenance ..........548
Engine .................................106
Air Cleaner .......................... .554
Block Heater ..........................417
Break-In Recommendations ................106
Checking Oil Level ..................... .551
Compartment ..........................545
Compartment Identification ................546
Coolant (Antifreeze) .....................567 Cooling
............................. .566
Exhaust Gas Caution .....................46
Fails to Start .......................... .415
Flooded, Starting .......................415
Fuel Requirements ..................... .483
Jump Starting ..........................532
Oil..................................551
Oil Change Interval ..................... .320
Oil Filler Cap ..........................545
Oil Selection .......................... .552
Oil Synthetic ..........................554
Operation ............................ .106
Overheating .......................... .515
Starting ............................. .412
Temperature Gauge ..................... .310
Engine Oil Viscosity .......................553
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ...................553
Enhanced Accident

Response Feature............76
Entry System, Illuminated ....................21
10
INDEX 631

Ethanol............................... .484
Event Data Recorder ........................79
Exhaust Gas Caution ........................46
Exhaust System .......................... .108
Exterior Folding Mirrors ....................123
Exterior Lighting ..........................225
Exterior Lights ...........................111
Fabric Care ............................. .583
Filler Location Fuel ........................309
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... .554
Air Conditioning .......................404
Engine Oil ............................554
Engine Oil Disposal .....................554
Flashers Hazard Warning ........................515
Turn Signal ............................111
Flash-To-Pass ............................230 Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range ........................ .491
Engine Oil ............................491
Fuel Requirements ..................... .488
Maintenance .......................... .492
Replacement Parts .......................492
Starting ............................. .491
Flooded Engine Starting ....................415
Floor Console ............................278
Fluid, Brake ............................ .605
Fluid Capacities ..........................602
Fluid Leaks ..............................111
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transmission ..................576
Brake ............................... .573
Cooling System ........................ .567
Engine Oil ............................551
Power Steering ........................ .434
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts ...........603
632 INDEX