2020 DODGE JOURNEY check transmission fluid

4
SAFETY TIPS ...................................................... 154
Transporting Passengers .. ........................154
Exhaust Gas . . .............................................154
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle . .
..............................................155
Periodic Safety Checks You Should
Make Outside The Vehicle . .
...................... 156
STARTING AND OPERATING
STARTING THE ENGINE .................................... 157
Automatic Transmission .. .........................157
Normal Starting . . .......................................158
Keyless Enter-N-Go — Ignition . . .................158
Cold Weather Operation
(Below –22°F Or −30°C) . .
.......................159
If Engine Fails To Start . . ............................ 159
After Starting . . ............................................159
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED . . ...... 159
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS .. .... 160
PARKING BRAKE .. ............................................ 160
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.. .......................... 161
Ignition Park Interlock .. .............................162
Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock
System . ......................................................162
F
our-Speed Automatic Transmission . . .....163
Gear Ranges . . ...........................................163
POWER STEERING . . ........................................... 168
Power Steering Fluid Check .. ....................168SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED .
.
................. 168
To Activate.................................................. 169
T o Set A Desired Speed. . ........................... 169
To Vary The Speed Setting . . ...................... 169
To Accelerate For Passing . . ....................... 170
To Resume Speed . . ................................... 170
To Deactivate . . ........................................... 171
PARKSENSE REAR PARK ASSIST . . ................. 171
ParkSense Sensors .. ................................. 171
ParkSense Display . . ................................... 172
ParkSense Warning Display . . .................... 173
Enabling And Disabling ParkSense . . ........ 173
Service The ParkSense Rear Park
Assist System . .
........................................... 173
Cleaning The ParkSense System. . ............ 174
ParkSense System Usage Precautions . . .. 174
PARKVIEW REAR BACK UP CAMERA. . ............175
REFUELING THE VEHICLE .. ................................ 176
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message .. ............... 177
VEHICLE LOADING . . ..........................................177
Vehicle Certification Label .. ...................... 177
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) . . ..... 178
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) . . ......... 178
Overloading . . .............................................. 178
Loading . ..................................................... 178 T RAILER TOWING .
.
............................................ 178
Common Towing Definitions .. ................... 178
Trailer Hitch Classification . . ...................... 180
Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) . .
....................................... 181
Trailer And Tongue Weight . . ..................... 181
Towing Requirements . . ............................ 182
Towing Tips . . ............................................. 184
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.) . .
....................................... 186
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another
Vehicle . ....................................................... 186
D

RIVING TIPS . . ................................................... 187
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .. ................. 187
Driving Through Water . . ........................... 187
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS ...................... 189
BULB REPLACEMENT ........................................ 189
Replacement Bulbs .. ................................ 189
Replacing Exterior Bulbs . . ......................... 191
FUSES . ................................................................. 193
I nterior Fuses .. .......................................... 193
Underhood Fuses (Power Distribution
Center) . ...................................................... 196

5
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING........................ 199
Jack Location .. ...........................................199
Spare Tire Location And Removal . . ..........200
Preparations For Jacking. . .........................201
Jacking Instructions . . .................................201
Road Tire Installation . . ..............................205
Spare Tire Stowage. . ..................................206
JUMP STARTING ................................................ 2 0 6
Preparations For Jump Start .. ...................207
Jump Starting Procedure. . .........................208
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS . . ....................... 209
2.4L Engine — If Equipped .. ...................... 210
GEAR SELECTOR OVERRIDE . . .......................... 210
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE .. ........................... 211
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE .. ...................... 212
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Models.. ............213
Tow Eye Usage — If Equipped . . ................213
ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE
SYSTEM (EARS) . .
............................................... 215
EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) .. ..................... 215
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING ................................... 216
Maintenance Plan.. ....................................217
ENGINE COMPARTMENT . . ................................ 220
2.4L Engine .. ..............................................220
Checking Oil Level . . ................................... 221
Adding Washer Fluid . . ...............................221
Maintenance-Free Battery . . ...................... 221
Pressure Washing . . ....................................222 DEALER SERVICE .
.
............................................222
Engine Oil .................................................. 223
E ngine Oil Filter . . ........................................ 224
Engine Air Cleaner Filter . . ......................... 224
Air Conditioner Maintenance . . ................. 224
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection . . ............. 225
Body Lubrication . . ...................................... 226
Windshield Wiper Blades . . ........................ 226
Exhaust System . . ...................................... 227
Cooling System . . ....................................... 228
Brake System . . .......................................... 232
Automatic Transmission. . .......................... 233
RAISING THE VEHICLE . . .....................................234
TIRES....................................................................234 T ire Safety Information .. ........................... 234
Tires — General Information . . .................. 242
Tire Types . .................................................. 246
S pare Tires — If Equipped . . ....................... 247
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care . . .................. 249
Tire Chains and Traction Devices . . ........... 250
Tire Rotation Recommendations . . ........... 251
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES . .
...................................251
Treadwear .................................................. 251
T raction Grades . . ....................................... 251
Temperature Grades . . ............................... 252
BODYWORK . . ...................................................... 252
Protection From Atmospheric Agents..
..... 252
Body And Underbody Maintenance . . ........ 253
Preserving The Bodywork . . ........................ 253INTERIORS .
.
....................................................... 254
Seats And Fabric Parts .. ............................ 254
Plastic And Coated Parts. . ......................... 254
Leather Parts . . ........................................... 255
Glass Surfaces . . ........................................ 255
Cleaning The Cupholders . . ....................... 255
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
IDENTIFICATION DATA ...................................... 256
Vehicle Identification Number .. ................ 256
BRAKE SYSTEM . . ............................................... 256
WHEEL AND TIRE TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS ..
.............................................. 257
Torque Specifications.. .............................. 257
FUEL REQUIREMENTS . . .................................... 257
Reformulated Gasoline .. .......................... 258
Materials Added To Fuel . . ......................... 258
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends . . ................... 258
Do Not Use E-85 In Non-Flex Fuel
Vehicles . ..................................................... 259
C
NG And LP Fuel System Modifications . . 259
MMT In Gasoline. . ...................................... 259
Fuel System Cautions. . .............................. 259
Carbon Monoxide Warnings. . .................... 260
FLUID CAPACITIES . . ........................................... 261
FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS .. .............................. 262
Engine ....................................................... 262
C hassis . ..................................................... 264

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 101

If the light remains on when the parking brake has
been disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full
mark on the master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a
possible brake hydraulic system malfunction or that
a problem with the Brake Booster has been
detected by the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) /
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. In this
case, the light will remain on until the condition has
been corrected. If the problem is related to the
brake booster, the ABS pump will run when applying
the brake, and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt
during each stop.

The dual brake system provides a reserve
br

aking capacity in the event of a failure to a
portion of the hydraulic system. A leak in either
half of the dual brake system is indicated by the
Brake Warning Light, which will turn on when
the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is
c o

rrected.
NOTE:
The light may flash momentarily during sharp
c o

rnering maneuvers, which change fluid level
conditions. The vehicle should have service
performed, and the brake fluid level checked. If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is
n
e

cessary.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake
S y

stem (ABS) are also equipped with Electronic
Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the event of
an EBD failure, the Brake Warning Light will turn
on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair to
the ABS system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be
c h

ecked by turning the ignition switch from the
OFF position to the ON/RUN position. The light
should illuminate for approximately two
seconds. The light should then turn off unless
the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is
detected. If the light does not illuminate, have
the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking
b r

ake is applied with the ignition switch in the
ON/RUN position. NOTE:

This light shows only that the parking brake is
a p

plied. It does not show the degree of brake
application.
Vehicle Security Warning Light — If
Equipped
This light will flash at a fast rate for
approximately 15 seconds when the
v e

hicle security alarm is arming, and
then will flash slowly until the vehicle
is disarmed.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
Light
This warning light warns of an
overheated engine condition. If the
e n

gine coolant temperature is too
high, this indicator will illuminate and
a single chime will sound. If the temperature
reaches the upper limit, a continuous chime will
sound for four minutes or until the engine is
able to cool, whichever comes first.

If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over
a n

d stop the vehicle. If the Air Conditioning (A/C)
system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the
transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle.

WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is
dangerous. Part of the brake system may
have failed. It will take longer to stop the
vehicle. You could have a collision. Have the
vehicle checked immediately.
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.

160 STARTING AND OPERATING
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the
engine and drivetrain (transmission and axle) in
your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles
( 5

00 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km),
s p

eeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are
d e

sirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration
w i

thin the limits of local traffic laws contributes
to a good break-in. Wide-open throttle
acceleration in low gear can be detrimental and
should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the
fa
ctory is a high-quality energy conserving
type lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent
w i

th anticipated climate conditions under which
vehicle operations will occur. For the
recommended viscosity and quality grades,
refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications”. NOTE:

A new engine may consume some oil during its
fi
rst few thousand miles (kilometers) of opera -
tion. This should be considered a normal part of
t h

e break-in and not interpreted as a problem.
Please check your oil level with the engine oil
indicator often during the break in period. Add
oil as required.
PARKING BRAKE
Before exiting the vehicle, make sure that the
parking brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to
leave the transmission in PARK.
The foot operated parking brake is located
b e

low the lower left corner of the instrument
panel. To apply the parking brake, firmly push
the parking brake pedal fully. To release the
parking brake, press the parking brake pedal a
second time and let your foot up as you feel the
brake disengage.
Parking Brake

When the parking brake is applied with the
i g

nition switch ON, the “Brake Warning Light” in
the instrument cluster will illuminate.
NOTE:
When the parking brake is applied and the
transmission is placed in gear, the “Brake
Warning Light” will flash. If vehicle speed is
detected, a chime will sound to alert the
driver. Fully release the parking brake before
attempting to move the vehicle.
This light only shows that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake
application.
CAUTION!

Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight
Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may result.

STARTING AND OPERATING 185
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
u n

der 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
4 5

minutes of continuous operation, then
c h

ange the transmission fluid and filter as
specified for “police, taxi, fleet, or frequent
trailer towing”. Refer to the “Scheduled
Servicing” in “Servicing And Maintenance” for
the proper maintenance intervals.
NOTE:
Check the automatic transmission fluid level
b e

fore towing. If you notice fluid leakage or
transmission malfunction, see an authorized
dealer immediately for assistance.
Speed Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy
loads.
When using the Speed Control, if you experi -
ence speed drops greater than 10 mph
( 1

6 km/h), disengage until you can get back
t o

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 highest gear that allows for adequate
performance and avoids frequent down -
shifts. For example, choose “4” if the desired
s p

eed 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.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission
overheating, take the following actions:
City Driving
In city traffic — while stopped, place the
tr

ansmission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase
engine idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Temporarily turn off air conditioning.5

188 STARTING AND OPERATING
(Continued)
Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving
through shallow standing water, consider the
following Cautions and Warnings before doing
so.
WARNING!
Driving through standing water limits your
vehicle’s traction capabilities. Do not
exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving
t h

rough standing water.
Driving through standing water limits your
vehicle’s braking capabilities, which
increases stopping distances. Therefore,
after driving through standing water, drive
slowly and lightly press on the brake pedal
several times to dry the brakes.
Failure to follow these warnings may result
in injuries that are serious or fatal to you,
your passengers, and others around you.
CAUTION!
Always check the depth of the standing
water before driving through it. Never drive
through standing water that is deeper than
the bottom of the tire rims mounted on the
vehicle.
Determine the condition of the road or the
path that is under water and if there are any
obstacles in the way before driving through
the standing water.
Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when
dr
iving through standing water. This will
minimize wave effects.
Driving through standing water may cause
damage to your vehicle’s drivetrain compo -
nents. Always inspect your vehicle’s fluids
( i

.e., engine oil, transmission, axle, etc.) for
signs of contamination (i.e., fluid that is
milky or foamy in appearance) after driving
through standing water. Do not continue to
operate the vehicle if any fluid appears
contaminated, as this may result in further
damage. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine
can cause it to lock up and stall out, and
cause serious internal damage to the
engine. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION! (Continued)

216
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED SERVICING
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic
oil change indicator system. The oil change
i n

dicator 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
v e

hicle. 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
s e

rviced as soon as possible, within the next
500 miles (805 km).
An authorized dealer will reset the oil change
i
n

dicator message after completing the
scheduled oil change. If a scheduled oil change
is performed by someone other than an
authorized dealer, the message can be reset
by referring to the steps described under
“ I

nstrument Cluster Display” in “Getting To
Know Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil change
i n

tervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km),
1 2

months or 350 hours of engine run time,
w h

ichever 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) or
3 5

0 hours of engine run time if the vehicle is
operated in a dusty and off road environment or
is operated predominately at idle or only very
low engine RPM. 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.