2015 DODGE JOURNEY brake fluid

Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid (if
equipped), or brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause
should be located and corrected immediately.
108 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

if the driver’s seat belt remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt
Reminder Light will illuminate and the chime will sound.
Refer to “Occupant Restraints” in “Things To Know
Before Starting Your Vehicle” for further information.
12. Brake Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system reservoir.
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been
disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the
master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake
hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the
Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
In this case, the light will remain on until the condition
has been corrected. If the problem is related to the brake
booster, the ABS pump will run when applying the brake
and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 303

▫Traction............................426
!DRIVING THROUGH WATER.............427
▫Flowing/Rising Water..................427
▫Shallow Standing Water.................427
!POWER STEERING.....................429
▫Power Steering Fluid Check..............430
!PARKING BRAKE......................431
!BRAKE SYSTEM.......................433
!ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . .434
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............434
▫Brake Assist System (BAS)...............437
▫Traction Control System (TCS)............437
▫Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)..........438
▫Electronic Stability Control (ESC)..........439
▫ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESC OFF Indicator Light................441
▫Trailer Sway Control (TSC)..............442
▫Hill Start Assist (HSA).................443
!TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION.............446
▫Tire Markings........................446
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)...........449
▫Tire Terminology And Definitions..........451
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........452
!TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION........457
▫Tire Pressure........................457
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................458
404 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!(Continued)
•Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and a collision.
•Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-
ing your vehicle or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also, be certain to leave the transmission in
PARK. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to roll
and cause damage or injury.
CAUTION!
If the “Brake Warning Light” remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system malfunction
is indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately.
BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with dual hydraulic
brake systems. If either of the two hydraulic
systems loses normal capability, the remaining
system will still function. However, there will
be some loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be
evident by increased pedal travel during application and
greater pedal force required to slow or stop the vehicle. In
addition, if the malfunction is caused by a leak in the
hydraulic system, the “Brake Warning Light” will turn on
as the brake fluid level drops in the master cylinder.
In the event power assist is lost for any reason (i.e.,
repeated brake applications with the engine OFF) the
brakes will still function. However, the effort required to
brake the vehicle will be much greater than that required
with the power system operating.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 433

▫Brake System........................567
▫Automatic Transmission................570
▫Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) –
AWD Models Only....................574
▫Power Transfer Unit (PTU) –
AWD Models Only....................574
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................575
▫Cleaning The Cupholders...............581
!FUSES..............................581
▫Interior Fuses........................582
▫Underhood Fuses (Power Distribution Center) . .585
!REPLACEMENT BULBS.................589
!BULB REPLACEMENT..................591
▫Front Low/High Beam Headlamp, Turn
Signal/Park Lamp, And Side Marker Lamp . .591
▫Front Fog Lamp......................592
▫Rear Turn Signal And Backup Lamp........593
▫License Plate Lamp....................596
!FLUID CAPACITIES....................597
!FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE
PA R T S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..598
▫Engine.............................598
▫Chassis............................601
540 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.4L
1 — Engine Coolant Reservoir7 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)2 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir8 — Air Cleaner Filter3 — Engine Oil Fill9 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick (4–Speed Only)4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir10 — Washer Fluid Reservoir5 — Remote Jump Start (Positive Battery Post)11 — Coolant Reservoir Cap6 — Remote Jump Start (Negative Battery Post)12 — Engine Oil Dipstick
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 541

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L
1 — Engine Coolant Reservoir5 — Air Cleaner Filter2 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir6 — Washer Fluid Reservoir3 — Brake Fluid Reservoir7 — Engine Oil Dipstick4 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)8 — Engine Oil Fill
542 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 reser-
voir.
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.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.
568 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE