2020 DODGE JOURNEY check transmission fluid

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 233
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 And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for fluid specifications. It is
important to maintain the transmission fluid at
the correct level using the recommended fluid.
NOTE:
No chemical flushes should be used in any
t r

ansmission; only the approved lubricant
should be used.
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 supplemental additives.
T h

erefore, 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.

Fluid Level Check
Use the following procedure to check the
transmission fluid level properly:

1. P ark the vehicle on level ground.

2
. R un the engine at normal idle speed for at
l
east 60 seconds, and leave the engine
running for the rest of this procedure. 3. F
ully apply the parking brake, and press the
b
rake pedal.
4. P lace the gear selector momentarily into
e
ach gear position (allowing time for the
transmission to fully engage in each
position), ending with the transmission in
PARK.
5. W ipe the area around the dipstick clean to
p
revent dirt from entering the transmission.
6. R emove the dipstick and determine if the
f
luid is hot or cold. You can also read the
transmission fluid temperature using the
instrument cluster. Refer to "Instrument
Cluster Display" in "Getting To Know Your
Instrument Panel" for further information.
Hot fluid is approximately 180°F (82°C),
which is the normal operating temperature
after the vehicle is driven at least 15 miles
( 2

4 km). Hot fluid cannot be held
c o

mfortably between the fingertips. Cold
fluid is at a temperature of approximately
80°F (27°C).
CAUTION!

Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’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 And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for fluid specifications.

CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your
transmission as the chemicals can damage
your transmission components. Such damage
is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
7

234 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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
d i

pstick tube to bring it to the proper level. Do
not overfill. After adding any quantity of oil
through the dipstick tube, wait at least two
minutes for the oil to fully drain into the trans -
mission before rechecking the fluid level.

NOTE:
If it is necessary to check the transmission
b e

low the operating temperature, the fluid level
should be between the two COLD (lower) holes
on the dipstick with the fluid at approximately
80°F (27°C). If the fluid level is correctly estab -lished at 80°F (27°C), it should be between the
HO

T (upper) reference holes when the transmis -
sion reaches 180°F (82°C). Remember it is
b e

st to check the level at the normal operating
temperature.
8. C heck for leaks. Release the parking brake.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” in “Servicing
and Maintenance” for the proper maintenance
intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the fluid
be

comes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if
the transmission is disassembled for any
reason.
RAISING THE VEHICLE
In the case where it is necessary to raise the
vehicle, go to an authorized dealer or service
station.
TIRES
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire safety information will cover aspects of the
following information: Tire Markings, Tire
Identification Numbers, Tire Terminology and
Definitions, Tire Pressures, and Tire Loading.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturer’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 And Lubri -
cants” in “Technical Specifications” for
f l

uid 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.

384
INDEX
A
About Your Brakes...............................160, 256Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)...............229Adding Fuel....................................................176Adding Washing Fluid....................................221Additives, Fuel...............................................258Adjust
Down...........................................................30Forward.......................................................30Rearward.....................................................30Up................................................................30Air Bag...........................................................131Air Bag Operation......................................133Air Bag Warning Light................................131Driver Knee Air Bag...................................133Enhanced Accident Response.........137, 215Event Data Recorder (EDR).......................215If Deployment Occurs................................136Knee Impact Bolsters................................133Maintaining Your Air Bag System..............138Maintenance.............................................138Side Air Bags.............................................134Transporting Pets......................................154Air Bag Light...............................100, 131, 155Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner
Filter).............................................................224
Air Conditioner Maintenance........................224Air Conditioner Refrigerant..................224, 225Air Conditioner System.................................224Air Conditioning................................................70Rear.............................................................53Air Conditioning Filter.......................................72Air Conditioning, Operating Tips.......................71Air Filter........................................................224Air Pressure Tires.........................................................243AlarmPanic...........................................................11Security Alarm....................................18, 101Alterations/ModificationsVehicle...........................................................8Antifreeze (Engine Coolant).................229, 261Disposal...................................................230Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)......................109Anti-Lock Warning Light................................105Assist, Hill Start.............................................114Auto Down Power Windows.............................73Automatic Climate Controls.............................58Automatic Dimming Mirror...............................37Automatic Door Locks......................................20Automatic Headlights.......................................41
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC).......58, 70Automatic Transmission.......................161, 234Adding Fluid............................233, 234, 264Fluid And Filter Change.............................234Fluid Change.............................................234Fluid Level Check......................................233Fluid Type.................................................264Special Additives......................................233Autostick.......................................................166Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet)..........87
B
Back-Up Lights..............................................192Battery.................................................102, 221Charging System Light..............................102Keyless Key Fob Replacement....................11Location....................................................221Belts, Seat....................................................155BluetoothPhone..................296, 297, 327, 328, 336Body Mechanism Lubrication........................226B-Pillar Location............................................239Brake Assist System.....................................110Brake Control System, Electronic..................110Brake Fluid....................................................264

385
Brake System......................................232, 256Fluid Check.....................................232, 264Master Cylinder.........................................232Parking......................................................160Warning Light............................................100Brake, Parking...............................................160Brake/Transmission Interlock.......................162Brakes...........................................................256Brightness, Interior Lights................................43Bulb Replacement.........................................189Bulbs, Light..........................................156, 189
C
Camera, Rear................................................175Capacities, Fluid............................................261Caps, FillerOil (Engine)......................................220, 223Power Steering..........................................168Radiator (Coolant Pressure)......................230Car Washes...................................................253Carbon Monoxide Warning..................154, 260CargoVehicle Loading..................................78, 177Cargo Area Cover.............................................78Cargo Compartment........................................78Luggage Carrier...........................................91Cargo Load Floor.............................................78Cargo Management System............................78Rollaway Tonneau Cover.............................78
Tri-Fold Load Floor.......................................78
Cargo Tie-Downs..............................................79Cellular Phone..............................................376Certification Label.........................................177Chains, Tire...................................................250Changing A Flat Tire......................................234Chart, Tire Sizing...........................................236Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light).............................................................108Checking Your Vehicle For Safety.................154Checks, Safety..............................................154Child Restraint..............................................139Child Restraints Booster Seats...........................................142Child Seat Installation..............................151How To Stow An unused ALR Seat Belt....148Infant And Child Restraints.......................141Locating The LATCH Anchorages..............146Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children..144Older Children And Child Restraints.........141Seating Positions......................................143Using The Top Tether Anchorage..............153Clean Air Gasoline.........................................258CleaningWheels.....................................................249Climate Control................................................47Automatic....................................................58Manual........................................................47Rear......................................................53, 64Coin Holder......................................................85
Cold Weather Operation...............................159
Compact Spare Tire......................................247ConsoleFloor............................................................85Contract, Service...........................................381Cooling Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap)............230Cooling System.............................................228Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)......................229Coolant Level...................................228, 231Cooling Capacity.......................................261Disposal Of Used Coolant.........................230Drain, Flush, And Refill.............................229Inspection.................................................231Points To Remember................................231Pressure Cap............................................230Selection Of Coolant
(Antifreeze).........................229, 261, 262Corrosion Protection.....................................252Cruise Light...................................................106Cupholders.............................................86, 255Customer Assistance....................................380Customer Programmable Features...............266Cybersecurity................................................265
D
Daytime Brightness, Interior Lights..................43Daytime Running Lights...................................41Dealer Service...............................................222Defroster, Windshield...................................155Delay (Intermittent) Wipers..............................45
Diagnostic System, Onboard.........................107
11

386
Dimmer Switch
Headlight..............................................40, 41DipsticksAutomatic Transmission............................233Oil (Engine)................................................221Power Steering..........................................168Disabled Vehicle Towing................................212DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant).......................230Door Ajar........................................................103Door Ajar Light...............................................103Door LocksAutomatic....................................................20Doors...............................................................19Driver’s Seat Back Tilt.....................................25DrivingThrough Flowing, Rising, Or Shallow
Standing Water
.....................................187DVD Player (Video Entertainment System)....365
E
Electric Brake Control System Anti-Lock Brake System
.............................109Electronic Roll Mitigation...........................115Electric Remote Mirrors...................................38Electronic Brake Control System...................110Electronic Stability Control (ESC)...................111Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light......102
Emergency, In Case OfFreeing Vehicle When Stuck.....................211Hazard Warning Flasher...........................189Jacking............................................199, 234Jump Starting...........................................206Towing......................................................212Emission Control System Maintenance........108Engine...........................................................220Air Cleaner................................................224Block Heater.............................................159Break-In Recommendations.....................160Checking Oil Level....................................221Compartment...........................................220Coolant (Antifreeze).........................228, 262Cooling.....................................................228Exhaust Gas Caution.......................154, 260Fails To Start............................................159Flooded, Starting......................................159Fuel Requirements...................................257Jump Starting...........................................206Oil...........................................223, 261, 262Oil Filler Cap....................................220, 223Oil Filter....................................................224Oil Reset......................................................96Oil Selection....................................223, 261Oil Synthetic.............................................223Overheating..............................................209Starting............................................157, 158Engine Oil Viscosity.......................................223
Enhanced Accident Response
Feature................................................137, 215Ethanol..........................................................258Exhaust Gas Cautions..........................154, 260Exhaust System...................................154, 227Exterior Lights........................................40, 156
F
Filters Air Cleaner
................................................224Air Conditioning...........................................72Engine Oil........................................224, 262Engine Oil Disposal...................................224Flashers........................................................189Hazard Warning........................................189Turn Signals..............................42, 106, 156Flash-To-Pass...................................................41Flooded Engine Starting................................159Floor Console...................................................85Fluid Capacities............................................261Fluid Leaks....................................................156Fluid Level ChecksAutomatic Transmission...........................233Brake...............................................232, 264Cooling System.........................................228Engine Oil.................................................221Power Steering................................168, 264Fluid, Brake...................................................264Fluids And Lubricants....................................262
Fog Lights..............................................42, 192