2017 DODGE JOURNEY transmission fluid

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.4L
1 — Engine Coolant Reservoir7 — Power Distribution Center (Fuses)
2 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir 8 — Air Cleaner Filter
3 — Engine Oil Fill 9 — Automatic Transmission Dipstick (4–Speed Only – If Equipped)
4 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Washer Fluid Reservoir
5 — Remote Jump Start (Positive Battery Post) 11 — Coolant Pressure Cap
6 — Remote Jump Start (Negative Battery Post) 12 — Engine Oil Dipstick
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 429

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed
“Maintenance Schedule”, there are other components
which may require servicing or replacement in the future.
CAUTION!
• Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or perform
repairs and service when necessary could result in
more costly repairs, damage to other components or
negatively impact vehicle performance. Immediately
have potential malfunctions examined by an autho-
rized dealer or qualified repair center.
• Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of your
vehicle and also allow extended maintenance inter-
vals. Do not use chemical flushes in these compo-
nents as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transmission, or air conditioning. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
flush is needed because of component malfunction,
use only the specified fluid for the flushing proce-
dure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must be
maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to
check the engine oil level is about five minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking engine oil level when
the engine is cold will give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground and
only when the engine is hot, will improve the accuracy of
the oil level readings. Maintain the oil level between the
range markings on the dipstick. Either the range markings
consist of a crosshatch zone marked SAFE or a crosshatch
zone marked with MIN at the low end of the range and
MAX at the high end of the range. Adding 1.0 quart (1.0
liter) of oil when the reading is at the low end of the range
marking will raise the oil level to the high end of the range
marking.
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WARNING!(Continued)
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing the
brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also damage
painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to
avoid its contact with these surfaces.
• Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in a collision.
Automatic Transmission
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to
ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use
only the manufacturer ’s specified transmission fluid. Refer
to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in this section
for fluid specifications. It is important to maintain the
transmission fluid at the correct level using the recom-
mended fluid. No chemical flushes should be used in any
transmission; only the approved lubricant should be used.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufactur-
er ’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration in
transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder, and will require more frequent fluid and
filter changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genu-
ine Parts” in this section for fluid specifications.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using any
special additives in the transmission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid additives
to the transmission. The only exception to this policy is the
use of special dyes for diagnosing fluid leaks. Avoid using
transmission sealers as they may adversely affect seals.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 451

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 gear selector momentarily into each gear position (allowing time for the transmission to fully
engage 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 tempera-
ture using the instrument cluster. Refer to Instrument
Cluster Display inUnderstanding Your Instrument
Panel for further information. Hot fluid is approxi-
mately 180°F (82°C), which is the normal operating
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 approxi-
mately 80°F (27°C).
7. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert it until seated. Then, remove the dipstick and note the fluid level on
both sides. The fluid level reading is only valid if there
is a solid coating of oil on both sides of the dipstick.
Note that the holes in the dipstick will be full of fluid if
the actual level is at or above the hole.
• If the fluid is hot, the fluid level should be in the
crosshatched area marked “HOT” (between the upper
two holes in the dipstick).
• If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between
the lower two holes in the area marked “COLD”.
If the fluid level is low, add fluid through the dipstick tube
to bring it to the proper level. Do not overfill. After adding
any quantity of oil through the dipstick tube, wait at least
452 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

two minutes for the oil to fully drain into the transmission
before rechecking the fluid level.
NOTE:If it is necessary to check the transmission below
the operating temperature, the fluid level should be be-
tween the two COLD (lower) holes on the dipstick with the
fluid at approximately 80°F (27°C). If the fluid level is
correctly established at 80°F (27°C), it should be between
the HOT (upper) reference holes when the transmission
reaches 180°F (82°C). Remember it is best to check the level
at the normal operating temperature.
8. Check for leaks. Release the parking brake.
CAUTION!
•Using a transmission fluid other than the manufactur-
er’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration in
transmission shift quality and/or torque converter shud-
der, and will require more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine
Parts” in this section for fluid specifications.
• Dirt and water in the transmission can cause serious
damage. To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid,
make sure that the dipstick cap is re-seated properly.
Fluid Level Check — Six-Speed Automatic
Transmission
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not require
adjustment under normal operating conditions. Routine
fluid level checks are not required, therefore the transmis-
sion filler tube is capped and no dipstick is provided. Your
authorized dealer can check your transmission fluid level
using a special service dipstick. If you notice fluid leakage
or transmission malfunction, visit your authorized dealer
immediately to have the transmission fluid level checked.
Operating the vehicle with an improper fluid level can
cause severe transmission damage.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit your autho-
rized dealer immediately. Severe transmission damage
may occur. Your authorized dealer has the proper tools
to adjust the fluid level accurately.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper main-
tenance intervals.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 453

In addition, change the fluid and filter if the fluid becomes
contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the transmission is
disassembled for any reason.
Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) – AWD Models Only
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended fluid. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information.
Fluid Level Check
Visually inspect the unit at each oil change for leakage. If
leakage is detected, check the fluid level by removing the
fill plug. The fluid level should be maintained between the
bottom of the fill hole to 1/8 inch (4 mm) below the fill
hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper main-
tenance intervals.
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) – AWD Models Only
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended fluid. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information.
Fluid Level Check
Visually inspect the unit at each oil change for leakage. If
leakage is detected, Check the fluid level by removing the
fill plug. The fluid level should be maintained between the
bottom of the fill hole to 1/8 inch (4 mm) below the fill
hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper main-
tenance intervals.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons are highly
454 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission Use only ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Failure to use ATF+4 fluid may affect the function or per-
formance of your transmission.
We recommend MOPAR ATF+4 fluid.
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) We recommend you use MOPAR Gear Lubricant 75W-90.
Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) We recommend you use MOPAR Gear Lubricant 75W-90.
Brake Master Cylinder We recommend you use MOPAR DOT 3, SAE J1703. If
DOT 3 brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is accept-
able.
Power Steering Reservoir We recommend you use MOPAR Power Steering Fluid +
4, or MOPAR ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate. This means that service
is required for your vehicle. Operating conditions such as
frequent short-trips, trailer tow, extremely hot or cold
ambient temperatures, and E-85 fuel usage will influence
when the “Change Oil” or “Oil Change Required” message
is displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can cause the
change oil message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles
(5,600 km) since last reset. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
Your authorized dealer will reset the oil change indicator
message after completing the scheduled oil change. If a
scheduled oil change is performed by someone other than
your authorized dealer, the message can be reset by
referring to the steps described under “Instrument Cluster
Display” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change inter-
vals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), twelve months or 350
hours of engine run time, whichever comes first. The 350
hours of engine run or idle time is generally only a concern
for fleet customers.
Severe Duty All Models
Change Engine Oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle
is operated in a dusty and off road environment or is
operated predominately at idle or only very low engine
RPM’s. This type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.
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 (4-
speed only) and fill as needed.
• Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
478 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES