Hit-By-Thunder

Nah, you can let her fool around with your stick first, let her get the feel of it... in my experience its always been better that way:)

... sorry I couldnt resist;)

I was thinking the same thing but did resist, barley

Rob

If you've shifted a motorcycle (or a formula one race car), you already have the basics on how it works.

Your instrument cluster has the typical P R N D on the lower right, with the gear circled. When you drop the shifter into the autostick position, number with the circle around it will appear to the right of the P R N D. The number indicates the current gear that the transmission is in. You can shift from drive into the autostick position at any speed, including stopped, and the autostick will be in whatever gear that the transmission was in when it was in D (fully automatic mode).

To use the autostick, momentarily push the stick to the right to make the transmission shift up a gear, or push it momentarily to the left to shift down a gear. If you want to shift down two gears, for example, then you have to push the stick to the left twice. The number on the instrument cluster will change to show what gear you're in. Just as with a manual transmission, 1 is the lowest gear, 6 is the highest gear.

One nice aspect, compared to a fully manual transmission is that the electronic control for the transmission is still watching over things, so you can't over rev the engine, nor stall it out, as it will make shifts for you if you top out in a gear. So don't be afraid to play with it...after the engine break-in.

During the break-in period (first 300 miles), just use D, pay attention to the tachometer, and take notice where the transmission likes to shift on its own under various conditions. It will help you get a little bit of a feel as to what engine speeds you'll want to shift gears for the situation at hand.

well written, I like it

Rob

I only put so much creedance the reviews. Those guys test so many cars that I think they pick out things I'd never notice. I read the reviews. Then I test drove the car. I also test drove a ford escape, a Rav-4, a Saturn Vue, a Potiac Vibe and a Honda Pilot.

The dodge may not have won in all of our "want this" categories, but it was the best fit and by far the best price.

Test drive a Journey and then decide

I agree, I test drove an AWD model and after the drive, I was sold. Dealer couldn't find what we wanted or color so an order was placed, March 14th

I too have read the reviews and after being on this forum with other owners, I know the reviews are crap. There is one owner here who has a "lemon" but I do believe it was never PDI'd or if it was it was a rushed one, whatever.

Read through some members posts who own the Journey here and you will see for yourself.

also there is a member here who traded there Durrango cause the fuel milage and are very happy with making the trade, member name slips my mind (like ever thing else )

Rob

Congrats on the new ride and the pictures are great.

Here's to many miles of happy driving

And the color is great. I like that as opposed to a forest type green

yup, can't say it any better than that so, ............... Dito for me too

Rob,

I apologize, I feel like that was rubbing salt in your Journey "wounds"

I'm pulling for you & your new car with every post I read about your ordeal

No worries, I think I have the longest order here yet

Taking all in good stride now ( what else can I do)

I am glad you are getting your ride right away, good on ya!!!!!!!!

Thanks for posting the e-mail too.

I think I will copy it, add my own name, and mail it to me

Rob

The 09s have been on the lot with 08s for months down here in MS. What a stupid excuse.

ya same here the Journey has been on the lots since April but just a few around.

I honestly think dealers tell you what you want to hear and if they do not know the answer, they will BS their way through it. Does not matter what kind of dealer Car or RV <------ let not go there

I believe it when I see it on the screen in the salesman office or when they give it to you in writting, period, the rest is just a smoke show

Rob

:D

Got my new Journey a week ago Monday and I am loving it! Technically the first new car I have ever had since beginning driving. Hopefully will last a long time!! Melbourne green color with tan fabric interior. Just a basic with toots and whistles, but on the Journey's what is basic for them costs extra for other vehicles. Just loving it!!

Course hubby chose to wash and wax it the day we brought it home. lol!!

Congrates on the new Journey, hope you enjoy it as much as the hubby is. Be sure to post pictures of you guys's new car

wow great pictures, thank you. I actually like this color now too. I love the shot of from the back

Rob

After using the camera a few times I agree with radon360. You can only see about 20 feet behind the vehicle but when the object looks close in the camera it is close for real. It works great for backing into a parking spot because you can really tell when you're close enought to the other vehicle or object. It's a great additional safety device but doesn't replace your mirrors. It's designed to detect lower objects behind the vehicle that you wouldn't otherwise see and it works great for that but I have changed my mind as to needing it any other time mostly due to the angle of the camera.

Keith

hey Keith, the camera is adjustable, I have the print out, I will look tomorrow for you

Rob

I even went to YouTube.com to watch some videos of the My Gig system. There is one that is 20 minutes long from Chrysler but it is not the REU remote navigation radio. Still a great how 2 video

Rob

Just got my Journey on Friday. It's red,SE model. I had a Silverado gas hog! So far,22 mpg! It may be just a 4 banger, but it's got just enough giddy-up! The check engine light went on and i was just down the street from the dealer. fixed it in 10 minutes! Fuel injector cable was loose. I am really suprised how much I like it. I thought I was settling for fuel economy, but I like this car!

that seems to be the norm, Test drive, Buy it people like it that much Congrates on your Journey, be sure to post some pictures for all of us.

welcome to the forum, from Alberta Canada to Clovis, CA

Rob

hey Thanks for the update, fix and the picture too. I will remember this and I will check it before I pick it up from the dealer When/if it comes in

thanks for taking the time to post. I really appreciate this one

Rob

my sxt has sticker on windshield," Nitro Safe by Symtech, this vehicle rides on nitrogen"

Hey Duradan, that is very interesting now is it Nitrogen shocks or nitrogen in the tires hmmmmmmmmm interesting

Rob

Seth I sent you a PM buddy

For more information about nitrogen use, please visit www.getnitrogen.org.

if you want to figure your EXACT MPG do this

fill your car up and wait for the nozzle to click off now stop there, DO NOT ADD ANY MORE GAS

drive down the highway at a set speed, then go back to the SAME gas station and SAME PUMP and fill the exact same way. let the nozzle click off and do not add anymore fuel. The distance you drove, used that many gallons of gas and figure from there. The further you drive the more accurate the test will be. This is how I figure my actual mileage out.

Rob

I made a deposit today so a dealer could bring in a 2009 Dodge Journey SXT tomorrow. It is only a 5 passenger with a tow package and I am not sure what else. It has a 3.5 v-6 engine and I think a 4 or 6 speed automatic transmission. Sorry I don't have all the details. I think the color is going to be either Silver Steel Metallic Clearcoat or Bright Silver Metallic Clearcoat. I just got the financing arranged this afternoon so it is a done deal except for some details as to how much the final price will be. My wife is most joyous as she did not want me buying a car where she sits so low, she could hardly see out the window.

Congratulations Jay, keep us posted on what all you get. If you get the 3.5 it will have the 6 speed autostick

Rob

On the SXT, Entertainment Group II includes:

Automatically-Dimming Rearview Mirror w/ Microphone

6 Infinity® Premium Speakers with Subwoofer

368-Watt Amplifier

Steering Wheel Mounted Audio Controls

MyGIG® Multimedia System w/GPS Navigation

UConnect® Hands-Free Communication

SIRIUS Traffic with 1-Year Service

Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel

ParkView® Rear Back-up Camera

Hard Disc Drive

You're looking for the Rear Seat Video Group, which has

6 Infinity® Premium Speakers with Subwoofer

368-Watt Amplifier

2nd-Row Overhead 8" Video Screen

Video Remote Control

Wireless Headphones (IR)

You'll notice that there is some overlap between the options (Audio Amplifier and Upgraded speakers). When you get the EGII, the RSVG is reduced by about $370 (US). Not sure if the list of items is the same on the R/T, but basically, the Entertainment Group II includes the fnacy sound system with NAV, and the Rear Seat Video Group includes the upgraded audio and the DVD screen. Also note that most of Entertainment Group II (MyGIG *without* NAV, UConnect, ParkView Camera) is also included in the Safe and Sound package.

well said Nicetrip

this is why we loaded up the SXT AWD the Entertainment group #2 is 2500 up here but it also included parts of other options so the 2500 is alot less. The 2500 is for the complete group not just the nav system.

Rob

So, today I was at a rest area at about 5700 miles. When I started up my car the "Change Oil" light finally came on.

I have done a lot of highway miles (I've owned the car for less than 2 months) and am planning on throwing Mobil 1 in the engine and changing ever 6000 miles as per owners manual.

Mobil 1 is going in ours as well after the first change

I'm not sure how everyone else is suppose to receive their Journey's before Sept...because I just got a call from my dealer and he said the one I ordered won't be here till Sept. Said something about the rep told him they don't want any 2009's on the lot with the 2008...until Sept. So if I want the one I ordered I have to wait till Sept. Is anyone else getting this from their dealers?

I heard that any new orders will not be recieved til the fall as well but it was because of suppliers tring to keep up with the demand, who knows I guess. I don't think it is the fact of 09's on the lots with 08's cause the 08 are already starting to be discounted. The 09 Ram should be hitting the foors up here in the fall as well. The 09 Challenger is on the road in the States but up here we are still waiting (so the store manager states)

Rob

hey lirulmex, welcome to the site what kind of info you looking for?

Great place here at the Journey Forum

Rob

some cars have a sweet spot for cruising, it sips the gas at a certain speed but as you go faster the car actually pushes through the air the faster you go, the harder it has to push. My little Cravan with a 3.0 and 3 speed tranny gets great mileage at 65 MPH any faster and it gulps the gas any slower and it stays the same.

This was a valuble lesson I learned the hard way. When I was younger bought a brand new travel trailer and tried to pull it with my car. Pulled great out of the dealer lot but once you tried to get up to highway speeds, forget it, the temperture moved like a second hand on a clock and the engine was pinging and rattling and could only get to 55 mph on level land that 8 foot wide by 9 foot tall trailer taught me a lesson

Driving at 75MPH will for sure use more gas

Rob

i didn't get my vin because they told me my order was cancelled....the dealer is looking for something similar .....i gave him today to find something....

sorry to hear that, I did send you a PM though I was typing it as you replied here

Rob

Thanks Rick and Keith I guess I lost the gentlemans bet I came in last place hell, I never even was in the race , you 2 took off out of the gates and ended the race and my ol mare is still in the gates

see blab about the car Rick and you get all burnt up, serves you right hehehe :slapfight: Did you eat your icecream or use it as a cooling lotion ;-)

Well after waiting for 64 days for my loaded SE I called the dealer and they told me that they will not make my car because there is not enough interest. I'm guessing its the SE with flex seating. So after 9 weeks I got nothing.....I'm pissed...

Hey Lagers, I think I am onto something.

first of all If it is an order, it will be built. they just don't say "cause there is not enough interest" in the vehicle. They build them in any rate meaning SE then R/T AWD then SXT AXD then SE and then they go through.

here is a sample

R/T AWD

SXT AWD

SXT AWD

R/T AWD

SXT AWD

SXT AWD

SXT FWD

SE FWD

SE FWD

R/T FWD

so as you can see, they are all over the place when they build

I have been really digging for information and doing some homework.

I went to the recall site and one of the VIN #s is now built. I have a list of 64 cars now 63 that I am watching out of 600 cars

Lagers, PM me your VIN, I am now figuring where abouts in production they are. I am excited as it keeps my mind off of waiting for the car. I am also working on deciffering(sp) the VIN #s like 3D4GG57V69TXXXXXX means

Like others have said to me, "Hang in there" and you know I know exactly how you feel. I went back to the dealer and said I will wait for the order cause of the great deal he gave me. I figure if I cancel, I have to start all over again.

Rob

I stubled on this, this is VERY interesting

went to the recall information to type in the VIN # 9T208467 which is the last 8 numbers of our VIN # and guess what happens,....

http://www.dodge.com/webselfservice/dodge/...%2Findex_en.jsp

now type in your VIN #

let me know the results pleas

Seems like 2 VIN# are like WTF

9T208466 SXT AWD

9T208467 Is Not A Valid VIN <------------ OURS

9T208468 Is Not A Valid VIN

9T208469 Good VIN R/T AWD

also interesting the first VIN I found was 9T138035 with a recall as well as 9T138050

"Drive Plate Bolts"

Rob

hey, just thought I would show you guys this, the VIN # 9T208468 is now a vailid VIN and a Jouney now exists. I think this means the car is not built yet if it shows "not a valid VIN"

VIN Number:

3D4GH57V2 9T208468

Vehicle Description:

DODGE JOURNEY SXT AWD HATCHBACK Model Year:

2009

No Incomplete Recalls or Customer Satisfaction Notifications Exist

so ours is still showing Not a valid VIN, I think I will keep a close eye on this and just see what happens in the next few days,....interesting.

Rob did you gry a different Vin from him. Or is it still the same

The original VIN (9T208467) shows up on his screen as being good. I think when you type in the VIN in the recall area the vehicle is built or going to be built but not invoiced to the dealer, maybe.

That's is another thing he said was he does not have an invoice yet from the plant.

Rob

Hmmm since their is a remote screne does the NAV show up on this remote screne on the top portion of the dash or in the location on the RER/REU unit above the shifter?

STL, the remote screen is where the cubby hole/storage area is at the top center of the dash. The REU radio does not have a screen as it is also a 6 disc/DVD radio.

there is a place to order a radio on e-bay but the the radio is hooked up to the computer as well and it is not just a simple swap out. The Starscan tool has to be used in order to sync it to the vehicle. The updates have to be done the same way as well I do believe. Seems like a lot of messing around to get around ordering without the nav. Maybe cheaper to order with it rater that learn an expensive lesson down the road. Another idea is to use a hand held/portable Nav/GPS unit like a Tom Tom

Just my 3 cents worth

Rob

well after a long talk with the "Store Manager". The Journey will remain on order. The status is still D1. Western Canada gets the worst for delieveries as for the density in population. Also the Flexable seating group is on restriction cause the supplier is unable to meet the demand. Hense, slower production. The Manager also mentioned that because our Journey is in D1 we will have the car shortly, just to be patient, he wants to sell the car to us just as bad as we want it, his hands are tied.

I also asked about tracking the Journey online, and he said he is unable to give me the tracking #. We would have to sign onto the Chrysler website and it is a security risk issue. He said to check in every Friday and either he or my salesman will gladly check for updates.

He found out I am a Journey member on a website and I have a binder full of info. Also told him it was going to be called the "CREW" and it was changed just before production to the "Journey". He did not know that so as an added bonus, he gave me all the literture he had on the Journey.

A DVD "3 minute drill"

Also a pocket guide to the Journey with competitor comparisons

all in all a very calming visit, so the order is still on

Rob