2020 DODGE JOURNEY tow

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 61
Front Defrost Button
Press and release the Front Defrost button on the touchscreen, or push and release the button on the faceplate, to change
th

e current airflow setting to Defrost mode. The Front Defrost indicator illuminates when Front Defrost is on. Air comes from
the windshield and side window demist outlets. When the defrost button is selected, the blower level may increase. Use
Defrost mode with maximum temperature settings for best windshield and side window defrosting and defogging. When
toggling the front defrost mode button, the climate system will return to the previous setting.
Rear Defrost Button
Press and release the Rear Defrost button on the touchscreen, or push and release the button on the faceplate, to turn on
th
e rear window defroster and the heated outside mirrors (if equipped). The Rear Defrost indicator illuminates when the
rear window defroster is on. The rear window defroster automatically turns off after 15 minutes.
Rear Climate Control Button
Press and release this button on the touchscreen to access the rear climate controls. The rear climate indicator illuminates
w h

en the rear climate controls are on.
NOTE:
The REAR CLIMATE button is only available on the touchscreen.
Driver And Passenger Temperature Up And Down Buttons
Provides the driver and passenger with independent temperature control. Push the red button on the faceplate or
t o

uchscreen or press and slide the temperature bar towards the red arrow button on the touchscreen for warmer
temperature settings. Push the blue button on the faceplate or touchscreen or press and slide the temperature bar towards
the blue arrow button on the touchscreen for cooler temperature settings.
Icon Description
2

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 77
LIFTGATE
OPENING
The liftgate can be unlocked or locked pushing
the unlock or lock button on the Remote
Keyless Entry key fob, the Keyless Enter-N-Go
(Passive Entry) lock/unlock button underneath
the left side of the accent bar, which is located
on the liftgate below the glass, or by activating
the power door lock switch located on either
front door trim panel. Refer to “Keyless Enter-N-Go — Passive Entry” in
“
D

oors” in this chapter for further information
on Keyless Enter-N-Go (Passive Entry).
NOTE:
The liftgate cannot be unlocked or locked with
th
e manual door locks on the door trim panels
or the door lock cylinder on the driver's door.
To open the unlocked liftgate, squeeze the
h a

ndle and pull the liftgate toward you. Gas
props will raise and support the liftgate in the
open position.

Liftgate Release
NOTE:

Because the gas pressure drops with tempera -
ture, it may be necessary to assist the props
w h

en opening the liftgate in cold weather.
CAUTION!
To prevent possible damage:
Before closing hood, make sure the hood
prop rod is fully seated into its storage
retaining clips.
Do not slam the hood to close it. Use a firm
downward push at the center front edge
of the hood to ensure that both latches
e n

gage. Never drive your vehicle unless the
hood is fully closed, with both latches
engaged.
WARNING!
Driving with the liftgate open can allow
poisonous exhaust gases into your vehicle.
You and your passengers could be injured
by these fumes. Keep the liftgate closed
when you are operating the vehicle.
If you are required to drive with the liftgate
open, make sure that all windows are
closed, and the climate control blower
switch is set at high speed. Do not use the
recirculation mode.
2

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE 79
(Continued)
3. Insert the spring-loaded post on the opposite end of the cover housing into the
attachment point on the opposite side of
the vehicle.
4. Grab the cover handle and pull it toward y
ou. As the cover nears the liftgate opening,
guide the rear attachment posts (on both
ends of the cover) into the notches in the
trim panels. Lower the cover to position the
posts into the bottom of the notches and
release the handle.

Positioning Retractable Cargo Area Cover

Cargo Tie-Downs
Cargo tie-downs are located on both rear trim
panels. These tie-downs should be used to
secure loads safely when the vehicle is moving.
Cargo Tie-Downs

WARNING!
In a collision, a loose cargo cover in the
vehicle could cause injury. It could fly around
in a sudden stop and strike someone in the
vehicle. Do not store the cargo cover on the
cargo floor or in the passenger compartment.
Remove the cover from the vehicle when
taken from its mounting. Do not store it in the
vehicle.
WARNING!
Cargo tie-downs are not safe anchors for a
child seat tether strap. In a sudden stop or
collision, a tie-down could pull loose and
allow the child seat to come loose. A child
could be badly injured. Use only the anchors
provided for child seat tethers.
WARNING!
The weight and position of cargo and
passengers can change the vehicle center of
gravity and vehicle handling. To avoid loss of
control resulting in personal injury, follow
these guidelines for loading your vehicle:
Do not carry loads that exceed the load
limits described on the label attached to
the left door or left door center pillar.
Always place cargo evenly on the cargo
floor. Put heavier objects as low and as far
forward as possible.
2

94 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS

1. Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (RPM x 1000).
2. I nstrument Cluster Display
When the appropriate conditions exist,
this display shows the instrument cluster
display messages. Refer to “Instrument
Cluster Display” in this chapter for further
information.
3. S peedometer
Indicates vehicle speed.
4. F uel Gauge
The pointer shows the level of fuel in the
fuel tank when the Keyless Push Button
Ignition is in the ON/RUN position.
 The fuel pump symbol points
to the side of the vehicle where
t h

e fuel door is located. 5. T
emperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine
coolant temperature. Any reading within
the normal range indicates that the
engine cooling system is operating satis
-
factorily.
The gauge pointer will likely indicate a
higher temperature when driving in hot
weather, up mountain grades, or when
towing a trailer. It should not be allowed
to exceed the upper limits of the normal
operating range.
NOTE:
The hard telltales will illuminate for a bulb check
w h

en the ignition is first cycled.
WARNING!

A hot engine cooling system is dangerous.
You or others could be badly burned by steam
o r

boiling coolant. You may want to call an
authorized dealer for service if your vehicle
overheats. If you decide to look under the hood
yourself, see “Servicing And Maintenance.”
Follow the warnings under the Cooling System
Pressure Cap paragraph.

CAUTION!

Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge
reads “H,” pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle
the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off
until the pointer drops back into the normal
range. If the pointer remains on the “H,” turn
the engine off immediately and call an
authorized dealer for service.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 99
BATTERY SAVER ON/BATTERY SAVER
M
ODE MESSAGE — ELECTRICAL LOAD
R
EDUCTION ACTIONS — IF EQUIPPED
This vehicle is equipped with an Intelligent
Battery Sensor (IBS) to perform additional
monitoring of the electrical system and status
of the vehicle battery.
In cases when the IBS detects charging system
f a

ilure, or the vehicle battery conditions are
deteriorating, electrical load reduction actions
will take place to extend the driving time and
distance of the vehicle. This is done by reducing
power to or turning off non-essential electrical
loads.
Load reduction is only active when the engine is
r u

nning. It will display a message if there is a
risk of battery depletion to the point where the
vehicle may stall due to lack of electrical supply,
or will not restart after the current drive cycle.
When load reduction is activated, the message
“B
attery Saver On” or “Battery Saver Mode” will
appear in the instrument cluster.
These messages indicate the vehicle battery
h a

s a low state of charge and continues to lose
electrical charge at a rate that the charging
system cannot sustain. NOTE:
The charging system is independent from
load reduction. The charging system
performs a diagnostic on the charging
system continuously.
If the Battery Charge Warning Light is on it
may indicate a problem with the charging
system. Refer to “Battery Charge Warning
Light” in “Getting To Know Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
The electrical loads that may be switched off
(if equipped), and vehicle functions which can
b e

affected by load reduction:
Heated Seat/Vented Seats/Heated Wheel
Rear Defroster And Heated Mirrors
HVAC System
115 Volts AC Power Inverter System
Audio and Telematics System
Loss of the battery charge may indicate one or
m o

re of the following conditions:
The charging system cannot deliver enough
electrical power to the vehicle system
because the electrical loads are larger than the capability of charging system. The
charging system is still functioning properly.

Excess vehicle electrical loads are turned on
(e.g. HVAC on max settings, exterior and inte
-
rior lights, overloaded power outlets +12 Volts,
1 1

5 Volts AC, USB ports) during certain driving
conditions (city driving, towing, frequent stop -
ping, etc.).

Installed options (additional lights, upfitter
electrical accessories, audio systems, alarms
and similar devices.
Unusual driving cycles (short trips separated
by long parking periods).
The vehicle was parked for an extended
period of time (weeks, months).
The battery was recently replaced and was
not charged completely.
The battery was discharged by an electrical
load left on when the vehicle was parked.
The battery was used for an extended period
with the engine not running to supply radio,
lights, chargers, +12 Volts portable appli -
ances like vacuum cleaners, game consoles
a n

d similar devices.
3

102 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call
for service.

Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “In Case
Of

Emergency” for further information.
Transmission Temperature Warning Light
— If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to
warn of a high transmission fluid
te

mperature. This may occur with
strenuous usage such as trailer
towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle and
run the engine at idle or slightly faster, with the
transmission in PARK or NEUTRAL, until the
light turns off. Once the light turns off, you may
continue to drive normally.
Battery Charge Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the battery is not charging properly. If
i t
stays on while the engine is running,
there may be a malfunction with the
charging system. Contact an authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
This indicates a possible problem with the
e l

ectrical system or a related component.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to
indicate low engine oil pressure. If the
li
ght turns on while driving, stop the
vehicle, shut off the engine as soon as
possible, and contact an authorized dealer.
A chime will sound when this light turns on.
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is
c o

rrected. This light does not indicate how
much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level
must be checked under the hood.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning
Light

This warning light will illuminate to
indicate a problem with the Electronic
T h

rottle Control (ETC) system. If a
problem is detected while the vehicle is
running, the light will either stay on or flash
depending on the nature of the problem. Cycle the
ignition when the vehicle is safely and completely
stopped and the transmission is placed in the PARK
position. The light should turn off. If the light
remains on with the vehicle running, your vehicle
will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized
dealer for service as soon as possible.

NOTE:
This light may turn on if the accelerator and
b r

ake pedals are pressed at the same time.
If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is
r u

nning, immediate service is required and you
may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle, or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing. The light will come
on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or
ACC/ON/RUN position and remain on briefly as
a bulb check. If the light does not come on
during starting, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when
the Transmission Temperature Warning Light
is illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil
over, come in contact with hot engine or
exhaust components and cause a fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission
Temperature Warning Light illuminated will
eventually cause severe transmission
damage or transmission failure.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 103
Electric Power Steering Fault Warning
Light
This warning light will turn on when
there's a fault with the Electric Power
St

eering (EPS) system. Refer to
“Power Steering” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
Door Open Warning Light — If Equipped
This indicator will illuminate when a
door is ajar/open and not fully closed.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a
s i

ngle chime.
Liftgate Open Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when
the liftgate is open.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a
s i

ngle chime.
YELLOW WARNING LIGHTS
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator
Warning Light (MIL)
The Engine Check/Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) is a part of an
On

board Diagnostic System called
OBD II that monitors engine and
automatic transmission control systems. This
warning light will illuminate when the ignition
is in the ON/RUN position before engine start.
If the bulb does not come on when turning the
i g

nition switch from OFF to ON/RUN, have the
condition checked promptly. Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing
g
a

s cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate
the light after engine start. The vehicle should
be serviced if the light stays on through several
typical driving styles. In most situations, the
vehicle will drive normally and will not require
towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash
t o

alert serious conditions that could lead to
immediate loss of power or severe catalytic
converter damage. The vehicle should be
serviced by an authorized dealer as soon as
possible if this occurs.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist
could pose a safety risk to yourself and
others. Service should be obtained as soon
as possible.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as
referenced above, can reach higher
temperatures than in normal operating
conditions. This can cause a fire if you drive
slowly or park over flammable substances
such as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc.
This could result in death or serious injury to
t h

e driver, occupants or others.
3

106 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Low Washer Fluid Warning Light — If
Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when
the windshield washer fluid is low.
Refer to “Engine Compartment” in “Servicing
A n

d Maintenance” for further information.
GREEN INDICATOR LIGHTS
Park/Headlight On Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate
when the park lights or headlights are
tu

rned on.
Refer to “Exterior Lights” in “Getting To Know
Y o

ur Vehicle” for further information.
Front Fog Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate
when the front fog lights are on.
Refer to “Exterior Lights” in “Getting To Know
Y o

ur Vehicle” for further information.
Turn Signal Indicator Lights
When the left or right turn signal is
activated, the turn signal indicator
will flash independently and the
c o

rresponding exterior turn signal
lamps will flash. Turn signals can be activated
when the multifunction lever is moved down
(left) or up (right).
NOTE:
A continuous chime will sound if the vehicle is
driven more than 1 mile (1.6 km) with either
t u

rn signal on.
Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if
either indicator flashes at a rapid rate.
Cruise Control Set Indicator Light — If
Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate
when the cruise control is set to the
d e

sired speed. Refer to “Speed
Control” in “Starting And Operating”
for further information.
WHITE INDICATOR LIGHTS
Cruise Control Ready Indicator

This indicator light will illuminate when
the cruise control is ready, but not set.
R e

fer to “Speed Control” in “Starting
And Operating” for further information.

BLUE INDICATOR LIGHTS
High Beam Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate to
indicate that the high beam
h e

adlights are on. With the low beams
activated, push the multifunction
lever forward (toward the front of the vehicle) to
turn on the high beams. Pull the multifunction
lever rearward (toward the rear of the vehicle) to
turn off the high beams. If the high beams are
off, pull the lever toward you for a temporary
high beam on, "flash to pass" scenario.