2017 DODGE JOURNEY Owners Manual

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. However,
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 performance
and extend transmission life by reducing excessive 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 transmission
fluid and filter as specified for “police, taxi, fleet, or
frequent trailer towing”. Refer to the “Maintenance Sched-
ule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE: Check the four-speed automatic transmission fluid
level before towing. The six-speed transmission does not
require a fluid level check before towing. If, however, you
notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction, see your
authorized dealer immediately for assistance.
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped
• Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
• When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
• Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
AutoStick
• When using the AutoStick shift control, select the high-
est gear that allows for adequate performance and
avoids frequent downshifts. For example, choose “4” if
the desired speed can be maintained. Choose “3” or “2”
if needed to maintain the desired speed.
• To prevent excess heat generation, avoid continuous
driving at high RPM. Reduce vehicle speed as necessary
to avoid extended driving at high RPM. Return to a
higher gear or vehicle speed when grade and road
conditions allow.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 399

Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission overheat-
ing, take the following actions:
City Driving
When stopped for short periods, shift the transmission into
NEUTRAL and increase engine idle speed.Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
Towing Condition Wheel OFF the Ground
FWD ModelsAWD Models
Flat Tow NONENOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
Dolly Tow FrontOKNOT ALLOWED
Rear NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED
On Trailer ALLOKOK
NOTE: When towing your vehicle, always follow applicable state and provincial laws. Contact state and provincial Highway Safety offices for additional details.
400 STARTING AND OPERATING

Recreational Towing — Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Mod-
els
Recreational towing is allowedONLYif the front wheels
are OFF the ground. This may be accomplished using a tow
dolly or vehicle trailer. If using a tow dolly, follow this
procedure:
1. Properly secure the dolly to the tow vehicle, following the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Drive the front wheels onto the tow dolly.
3. Firmly apply the parking brake. Place the transmission in PARK.
4. Properly secure the front wheels to the dolly, following the dolly manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Release the parking brake.
CAUTION!
• DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the drive-
train will result. If this vehicle requires towing,
make sure the drive wheels are OFF the ground.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe transmission damage. Dam-
age from improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Recreational Towing — All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Models
Recreational towing (with all four wheels on the ground, or
using a towing dolly) is NOT ALLOWED. The only
acceptable method for towing this vehicle (behind another
vehicle) is on a vehicle trailer with all four wheels OFFthe
ground.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle with ANY of its wheels on the
ground can cause severe transmission and/or power
transfer unit damage. Damage from improper towing
is not covered under the New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 401

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS ............404
 IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS .............404
▫ 2.4L Engine — If Equipped ................405
 WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . .405
▫ Torque Specifications ....................405
 JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING ...........407
▫ Jack Location ........................ .407
▫ Spare Tire Location .....................407
▫ Preparations For Jacking .................407
▫ Spare Tire Removal .....................408
▫ Spare Tire Stowage ..................... .409
▫ Jacking Instructions .....................410
▫ Road Tire Installation ....................415 
JUMP-STARTING ....................... .417
▫ Preparations For Jump-Start ...............418
▫ Jump-Starting Procedure ..................419
 FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE ..............420
 GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE ..............421
 TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE ............423
▫ All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Models ............424
▫ Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Models ...........424
 ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS) .............................. .425
 EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) ............425
6

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located in the
instrument panel switch bank, above the climate controls.Push the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher. When the switch is activated, all directional
turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming traffic
of an emergency. Push the switch a second time to turn off
the Hazard Warning flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not be
used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flashers will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position.
NOTE: With extended use the Hazard Warning flashers
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate action.
• On the highways — slow down. •
In city traffic — while stopped, place the transmission in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C
system adds heat to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
• You can also turn the temperature control to maximum
heat, the mode control to floor and the blower control to
High. This allows the heater core to act as a supplement
to the radiator and aids in removing heat from the
engine cooling system.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If you
see or hear steam coming from under the hood, do not
open the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap when
the radiator or coolant bottle is hot.
404 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage your
vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H,” safely pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the A/C
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 for service.
2.4L Engine — If Equipped
On hot days the engine oil temperature may become too
hot during sustained high-speed driving or if towing a
trailer up long grades. If this happens, a HOTOIL message
will flash in the odometer and the vehicle speed will be
reduced to 48 mph (77 km/h) maximum until the engine
oil temperature is reduced.
NOTE:The maximum vehicle speed is reduced to 48 mph
(77 km/h), you may reduce vehicle speed further as
needed. Once the engine oil temperature is reduced, you
may continue to drive normally
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Proper lug nut/bolt torque is very important to ensure that
the wheel is properly mounted to the vehicle. Any time a
wheel has been removed and reinstalled on the vehicle the
lug nuts/bolts should be torqued using a properly cali-
brated torque wrench.
Torque Specifications
Lug Nut/Bolt Torque **Lug Nut/ Bolt SizeLug Nut/
Bolt
Socket Size
100 Ft-Lbs (135 N·m) M12 x 1.5 19 mm
**Use only your Authorized Dealer recommended lug
nuts/bolts and clean or remove any dirt or oil before
tightening.
Inspect the wheel mounting surface prior to mounting the
tire and remove any corrosion or loose particles.6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 405

Tighten the lug nuts/bolts in a star pattern until each
nut/bolt has been tightened twice.After 25 miles (40 km) check the lug nut/bolt torque to be
sure that all the lug nuts/bolts are properly seated against
the wheel.
WARNING!
To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do
not tighten the lug nuts fully until the vehicle has been
lowered. Failure to follow this warning may result in
personal injury.
Wheel Mounting SurfaceTorque Patterns
406 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES