2014 DODGE JOURNEY trailer

ParkSense® System Usage Precautions
NOTE:
•Ensure that the rear bumper is free of snow, ice, mud,
dirt and debris to keep the ParkSense® system oper-
ating properly.
• Jackhammers, large trucks, and other vibrations could
affect the performance of ParkSense®.
• When you turn ParkSense® off, the EVIC will display
“PARK ASSIST SYSTEM OFF.” Furthermore, once you
turn ParkSense® off, it remains off until you turn it on
again, even if you cycle the ignition key.
• When you move the shift lever to the REVERSE
position and ParkSense® is turned off, the EVIC will
display the “PARK ASSIST SYSTEM OFF” message for
as long as the vehicle is in REVERSE. •
Clean the ParkSense® sensors regularly, taking care
not to scratch or damage them. The sensors must not
be covered with ice, snow, slush, mud, dirt or debris.
Failure to do so can result in the system not working
properly. The ParkSense® system might not detect an
obstacle behind the fascia/bumper, or it could provide
a false indication that an obstacle is behind the fascia/
bumper.
• Ensure the ParkSense® system is OFF if objects such as
bicycle carriers, trailer hitches, etc., are placed within
12 in (30 cm) from the rear fascia/bumper. Failure to
do so can result in the system misinterpreting a close
object as a sensor problem, causing the “SERVICE
PARK ASSIST SYSTEM” message to be displayed in
the EVIC.
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 249

17. Vehicle Security Light — If EquippedThis light will flash at a fast rate for approxi-
mately 15 seconds, when the vehicle security
alarm is arming, and then will flash slowly
until the vehicle is disarmed.
18. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads
“H” pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle
with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer
drops back into the normal range. If the pointer
remains on the “H” and you hear continuous chimes,
turn the engine off immediately and call an autho-
rized dealer for service.
310 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

If the light remains lit with the engine running, your
vehicle will usually be drivable. However, see an autho-
rized dealer for service as soon as possible. If the light is
flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is
required. You may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may
require towing.
•Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. As temperatures rise and the gauge ap-
proaches H,this indicator will illuminate and a single
chime will sound after reaching a set threshold. Further
overheating will cause the temperature gauge to pass H,
the indicator will continuously flash and a continuous
chime will occur until the engine is allowed to cool. If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also,
shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the ve-
hicle. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service. Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “What To
Do In Emergencies” for more information.
•
Transmission Temperature Warning Light
This light indicates that the transmission fluid
temperature is running hot. This may occur
with severe usage, such as trailer towing. If this
light turns on, safely pull over and stop the
vehicle. Then, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and
run the engine at idle or faster until the light turns off.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 319

▫Traction ............................430
 DRIVING THROUGH WATER .............431
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ..................431
▫ Shallow Standing Water .................431
 POWER STEERING .....................433
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ..............434
 PARKING BRAKE ..................... .434
 BRAKE SYSTEM .......................437
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............438
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . .439
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............439
▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) ...............441
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ............442▫
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) ..........442
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ..........443
▫ ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESC OFF Indicator Light ................446
▫ Trailer Sway Control (TSC) ..............447
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) .................448
 TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION .............450
▫ Tire Markings ........................450
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ...........453
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ..........455
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ...........456
 TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION ........460
▫ Tire Pressure ........................460
408 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Fuel System Cautions ...................487
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings .............488
 FLEXIBLE FUEL (3.6L ENGINE ONLY) — IF
EQUIPPED .......................... .488
▫ E-85 General Information ...............488
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E-85) ....................490
▫ Fuel Requirements ....................490
▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles .......491
▫ Starting ............................491
▫ Cruising Range .......................491
▫ Replacement Parts ....................492
▫ Maintenance ........................492
 ADDING FUEL ........................492 ▫
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............492
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............494
 VEHICLE LOADING ....................494
▫ Vehicle Certification Label ...............494
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) .......495
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) .........495
▫ Overloading ........................ .495
▫ Loading ............................496
 TRAILER TOWING .....................496
▫ Common Towing Definitions .............497
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification ...............500
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..................... .501
410 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Trailer And Tongue Weight ..............502
▫ Towing Requirements ..................503
▫ Towing Tips ........................ .508
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) ...................510
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle . .510
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STARTING AND OPERATING 411

while towing heavy trailers), use the AutoStick® shift
control (refer to “AutoStick®” in this section for further
information) to select a lower gear. Under these condi-
tions, using a lower gear will improve performance and
extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operat-
ing limits, the powertrain controller will modify the
transmission shift schedule and expand the range of
torque converter clutch engagement. This is done to
prevent transmission damage due to overheating.
During cold temperatures, transmission operation may
be modified depending on engine and transmission
temperature as well as vehicle speed. This feature im-
proves warm up time of the engine and transmission to
achieve maximum efficiency. Engagement of the torque
converter clutch is inhibited until the transmission fluid
is warm (refer to the “Note” under “Torque ConverterClutch” in this section). During extremely cold tempera-
tures (-16°F [-27°C] or below), operation may briefly be
limited to only second gear (for four-speed transmission)
or third gear (for six-speed transmission). Normal opera-
tion will resume once the transmission temperature has
risen to a suitable level.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for
abnormal conditions. If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Transmission Limp Home
Mode is activated. In this mode, the transmission remains
in second gear (for four-speed transmission) or third gear
(for six-speed transmission) regardless of which forward
gear is selected. PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will
continue to operate. The Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) may be illuminated. Limp Home Mode allows the
vehicle to be driven to an authorized dealer for service
without damaging the transmission.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 425

Torque Converter Clutch
A feature designed to improve fuel economy has been
included in the automatic transmission on your vehicle.
A clutch within the torque converter engages automati-
cally at calibrated speeds. This may result in a slightly
different feeling or response during normal operation in
the upper gears. When the vehicle speed drops or during
some accelerations, the clutch automatically disengages.
NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage until
the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm
(usually after 1 to 3 miles [2 to 5 km] of driving). Because
the engine speed is higher when the torque converter
clutch is not engaged, it may seem as if the transmission
is not shifting into Overdrive when cold. This is normal.
Using the AutoStick® shift control, when the transmis-
sion is sufficiently warm, will demonstrate that the
transmission is able to shift into and out of Overdrive.
AUTOSTICK®
AutoStick® is a driver-interactive transmission feature
providing manual shift control, giving you more control
of the vehicle. AutoStick® allows you to maximize en-
gine braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts and down-
shifts, and improve overall vehicle performance. This
system can also provide you with more control during
passing, city driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain
driving, trailer towing, and many other situations.
Operation
When the shift lever is in the AutoStick® position (below
the DRIVE position), it can be moved from side to side.
This allows the driver to manually select the transmission
gear being used. Moving the shift lever to the left (-)
triggers a downshift and to the right (+) an upshift. The
current gear will be displayed in the instrument cluster.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 427