2017 DODGE JOURNEY automatic transmission fluid

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
STARTING PROCEDURES .................325
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................325
▫ Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition .............326
▫ Normal Starting ....................... .326
▫ Extreme Cold Weather (Below –22°F Or 30°C) .327
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ..................327
▫ After Starting ......................... .328
 ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . . .328
 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ..............329
▫ Ignition Park Interlock ...................330
▫ Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock System . . . .330
▫ Four-Speed Or Six-Speed Automatic
Transmission ......................... .330
▫ Gear Ranges ......................... .331
AUTOSTICK .......................... .336
▫ Operation ........................... .336
 ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) — IF EQUIPPED . . .337
 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES ..........337
▫ Acceleration .......................... .337
▫ Traction ............................ .338
 DRIVING THROUGH WATER ..............338
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ...................338
▫ Shallow Standing Water ..................339
 POWER STEERING ..................... .340
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ...............340
 PARKING BRAKE ...................... .341
 BRAKE SYSTEM ....................... .343
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM .....343
5

DRIVE (D)
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and downshifts,
and the best fuel economy. The transmission automatically
upshifts through all forward gears. The DRIVE position
provides optimum driving characteristics under all normal
operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting occurs (such as when
operating the vehicle under heavy loading conditions, in
hilly terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or while
towing a heavy trailer), use the AutoStick shift control
(refer to “AutoStick” in this section for further information)
to select a lower gear. Under these conditions, using a
lower gear will improve performance and extend transmis-
sion life by reducing excessive shifting and heat buildup.
If the transmission temperature exceeds normal operating
limits, the powertrain controller will modify the transmis-
sion shift schedule and expand the range of torque con-
verter clutch engagement. This is done to prevent trans-
mission damage due to overheating.
During cold temperatures, transmission operation may be
modified depending on engine and transmission tempera-
ture as well as vehicle speed. This feature improves warmup time of the engine and transmission to achieve maxi-
mum efficiency. Engagement of the torque converter clutch
is inhibited until the transmission fluid is warm (refer to
the “Note” under “Torque Converter Clutch” in this sec-
tion). During extremely cold temperatures (-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 operation will resume once
the transmission temperature has risen to a suitable level.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored electronically for ab-
normal 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.
334 STARTING AND OPERATING

In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission can
be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Shift into the desired gear range. If the problem is nolonger detected, the transmission will return to normal
operation.
NOTE: Even if the transmission can be reset, we recom-
mend that you visit your authorized dealer at your earliest
possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has diagnos-
tic equipment to determine if the problem could recur.
If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes an electronically con-
trolled Overdrive (top gear). The transmission will auto-
matically shift into Overdrive if the following conditions
are present:
• The gear selector is in the DRIVE position.
• The transmission fluid has reached an adequate tem-
perature.
• The engine coolant has reached an adequate tempera-
ture.
• The vehicle speed is sufficiently high.
• The driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
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 automatically
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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 335

NOTE:The torque converter clutch will not engage until
the transmission fluid and engine coolant are warm (usu-
ally 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 transmission is suffi-
ciently warm, will demonstrate that the transmission is
able to shift into and out of Overdrive.
AUTOSTICK
AutoStick is a driver-interactive transmission feature pro-
viding manual shift control, giving you more control of the
vehicle. AutoStick allows you to maximize engine braking,
eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and im-
prove overall vehicle performance. This system can also
provide you with more control during passing, city driv-
ing, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving, trailer
towing, and many other situations.
Operation
When the gear selector 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 gear selector to the left (-) triggers a downshift and to the right (+) an upshift. The
current gear will be displayed in the instrument cluster.
In AutoStick mode, the transmission will shift up or down
when the driver moves the gear selector to the right (+) or
left (-), unless an engine lugging or overspeed condition
would result. It will remain in the selected gear until
another upshift or downshift is chosen, except as described
below.
•
The transmission will automatically upshift when nec-
essary to prevent engine over-speed.
• The transmission will automatically downshift as the
vehicle slows (to prevent engine lugging) and will
display the current gear.
• The transmission will automatically downshift to first
gear when coming to a stop. After a stop, the driver
should manually upshift (+) the transmission as the
vehicle is accelerated.
• You can start out, from a stop, in any gear except top
gear. Tapping (+) (at a stop) will allow starting in second
gear. Starting out in second gear can be helpful in snowy
or icy conditions.
• If a requested downshift would cause the engine to
over-speed, that shift will not occur.
336 STARTING AND OPERATING

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

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 2.4L ...........429
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 3.6L ...........430
 ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II . . .430
▫ Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)
Cybersecurity ........................ .431
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message .............431
 EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS .......................... .432
 REPLACEMENT PARTS ...................433
 DEALER SERVICE ...................... .433
 MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES .............434
▫ Engine Oil .......................... .434
▫ Engine Oil Filter ...................... .437
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter .................437
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .................437 ▫
Air Conditioner Maintenance ..............438
▫ A/C Air Filter — If Equipped .............439
▫ Body Lubrication ..................... .441
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades .................441
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ...................443
▫ Exhaust System ....................... .443
▫ Cooling System ....................... .445
▫ Brake System ........................ .449
▫ Automatic Transmission ..................451
▫ Rear Drive Assembly (RDA) – AWD Models
Only .............................. .454
▫ Power Transfer Unit (PTU) – AWD Models
Only .............................. .454
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion ........................... .454
7

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

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