2009 Dodge Journey R/T V6

[BrewBabe]

I purchased my 2009 Dodge Journey R/T v6 late 2008 with a lifetime powertrain warranty from the manufacturer. Its 2017 and I have 160,000 miles. 

 

I will be honest, between the less than favorable mileage on the tires and brakes we were not impressed during our first year. However, once Dodge made their recommendations on improvements on the breaks, and us never going for the low end replacement pads, we've not had any issues with the breaks. We wrote several letters to Dodge about the issues with the tires, 1. being hard to find in stock. 2 being so darned expensive, and 3. really poor quality, barely getting 40k on a set of tires. They finally responded with an alternate tire size which is easy to find and affordable. I put Michelins on our Journey and love the drive, handling and lack of road noise. I especially love the handling in wet weather.  We love how the car handles, the cargo space when the back two rows are folded down flat, and the leg/shoulder room of the passengers in the front and 2nd rows. This has met all of my needs.

 

The Journey has been paid off for a while now, and its nice not to have a car payment. I still love the car, the leather seats are in great condition. I'm a large dog owner and the car is used to take our dogs on trips, tailgating parties, camping, and long haul road trips. I average 22mpg on the highway.  Most expensive repair was the replacement of timing belt and water pump (both at same time). I didn't have the dealership do it as they wanted $1400. A local car shop took care of it for just under $900. I've had to replace engine mounts a couple of times, the air conditioning unit was replaced in our front yard by a retired mechanic and blows ice cold in hot Florida temperatures. I've had to replace all the struts and stabilizers. All in all, my repairs have been much less than paying a monthly car payment and I still have that powertrain warranty which really came in handy back in 2011. 

 

Recently the ESP BAS light has been activating on the dash. Dry roads sometimes in the neighborhood, sometimes on the highway. It doesn't seem to do anything, and of course resets when I turn the car off, then start it back up. I've got an appt at my local shop in hopes he can diagnose it and handle the repairs. I have no doubt that if I have to take it to the dealership it will be expensive. At this point I've invested 1300 in the car already this year. I was hoping to not have to deal with another repair before later this year. Here is crossing my fingers. If anyone has any good ideas I'm always interested in extending the life of the Journey.

[BrewBabe]

UPDATE: My local Car Shop said that the computer codes were indicating a faulty Break Switch. They changed it out for $89. They said if it didn't resolve the problem they would apply the repair towards my next visit. I drove it a few miles running errands and the ESP BAS warning has not appeared again. If it comes back I'll be sure to note it here. 

 

Sybil

Edited May 8, 2017 by BrewBabe
correction

[2late4u]

dont understand did changing the brake lights fix the problem or cause it????

 

[BrewBabe]

They said it was a Faulty Break Light Switch. They've replaced it. I'll let you know if it occurs again.

 

[2late4u]

54 minutes ago, BrewBabe said:

They said it was a Faulty Break Light Switch. They've replaced it. I'll let you know if it occurs again.

 

glad for the update as your org post about changing the bulbs was confusing as nothing was said about the brake light switch being the possible cause, good info.....