Doug D

Actually, according to the manual, it recommends regular 87 Octane and states that there is no benefit from using a higher grade.

From my 2010 owner's manual (pg 353):

FUEL REQUIREMENTS

2.4L Engine

All engines are designed to meet all emissions

regulations and provide excellent

fuel economy and performance when using

high-quality unleaded “regular” gasoline

having an octane rating of 87. The use

of premium gasoline is not recommended,

as it will not provide any benefit over regular gasoline in

these engines.

3.5L Engine

The 3.5L engine is designed to meet all

emissions regulations and provide satisfactory

fuel economy and performance when

using high-quality unleaded gasoline having

an octane range of 87 to 89. The manufacturer

recommends the use of 89 octane

for optimum performance. The use of premium gasoline

is not recommended, as it will not provide any benefit

over regular gasoline in these engines.

Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to

your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at

high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is

required. Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such

as hard starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experience

these symptoms, try another brand of gasoline

before considering service for the vehicle.

So let me rephrase - if you have the 2.4L engine then yes, 87 octane is the recommended grade of fuel. 89 octane is the recommended fuel for the 3.5L V6.

The 3.6L Pentastar may have different fuel requirements. I am not familiar with the fuel requirements of the 3.6L.

FWIW - there is negligible cost difference between 87 and 89 octane. In our area, the price difference is usually 10 cents per gallon. So for a 20 gallon fillup, 89 octane would only be $2 more. 89 octane is the recommended fuel grade in my Hemi-powered Ram. I use 89 in the Hemi. My last fillup was ~$55 with 89. 87 would have been $53. Big deal.

By premium, I assume Chrysler is referring to 91+ octane, not mid-grade.

And you do know most fueling stations do not have a underground tank of 89. 89 is a blend of 87 and 91 octane.

Yes, most, if not all, modern fuel injected engines have the fuel pump in the fuel tank.

I can't quite believe a fuel pump has failed or needs replacement already.....

That said, you should not let the fuel get low (below 1/8 tank) on a consistent basis. The fuel actually helps keep the fuel pump cool. Running with low fuel levels can burn the pump up.

With the state safety inspection due this month it was time for new tires. The Kumho's were worn down to 3/32 tread depth at 42K miles.

Ended up with Firestone Affinity Touring (70K warranty) for $550. This was for P225/65/R17's. Thank goodness I don't have 19" wheels. Normally priced at $150 each, I managed to get them for $112 each - Firestone had a sale on the Affinity's (buy 3 get 1 free or buy 1, get 50% off the 2nd one).

I did check with TireRack and the same tire was $115 each plus shipping and still more to mount and balance.

The sale on the Affinity's ended yesterday - I bought mine last Saturday (2/25), but I think Firestone has another brand on special.

I don't think I'll ever get Kumho's. I was really disappointed on how fast they wore out. Grip in dry/wet weather was okay, but their longevity is not there.

DID YOU EVER,EVER READ THE OWNERS MANUAL??

The sad thing is 80% of car owners never open the owner's manual and actually READ it. It's the first thing I do once I get the vehicle home. I sit in the vehicle while I go through the owner's manual and familiarize myself with everything. Though I haven't done this, it's a good idea to highlight the options your vehicle does have as you go though the manual.

As to the keys - it's just common sense to not wash a battery operated key fob though I know "things do happen". As an alternative, there are online retailers where replacement fobs can be purchased for far less than the dealer. My wife bought an extra key fob (she was always misplacing hers.....) for about $55 and we programmed it ourselves (you can do that as long as you have all the keys programmed to the vehicle - if you're missing even one, then the dealer has to do it).

Don't complain too much about the cost - my co-worker has a Pontiac G8 which is manufactured in Australia by Holden. He was informed by the salesman to not lose his keys - $500 to replace.

Thanks for the input! We tried starting the car and it went dead. Bought new battery in hopes everything would be fine. Put new battery in, car started fine but then... all the same things started occurring. What else can it be???

Had the exact same thing occur in our previous Journey (2009 SXT). The CAN C bus (Cabin Area Network module) has failed and is in default mode. Ours had 47K on it when this happened so we were out of warranty. Ended up trading it in for a 2010 SXT. Unless you're under warranty I'm not sure on the cost to fix as we ended up trading it. I think the service writer estimated $800-$1000, but I never really followed up on it.

My wife swore "Christine" invaded it.

Update - the '10 Journey SXT (3.5L V6) is averaging 20-21 mpg in local driving and I have observed 26 mpg on the highway with the cruise set at 70 mph and AC on. If I have the car top carrier on top it drops to 24 mpg.

flickjour1 - Yeah, I know about the winds in Kansas. Back in '95 we were driving from VA to CO via I-70 and it seemed I always had the steering wheel pulled slightly to the left the entire time I traveled through Kansas. On a positive note, our '92 Acclaim we had at the time averaged 26 mpg for the entire trip (4,000 miles). Not bad for it being fully loaded with a car top carrier and a bike rack on the back along with the wife and 3 kids.

I used to work in banking - we also sold insurance for certain products. 95% of insurance plans never pay out. It's ridiculously profitable and that's why so many retailers have jumped into the extended warranty business.

I look at it this way. I've got 3 year bumper-to-bumper and 5 year powertrain included. So, really the extended warranty would be just to extend the bumper-to-bumper coverage to 5 years. Is $2000 worth of stuff going to go wrong with the vehicle - that's not in the powertrain - within that 2 years?

PTM - it's a gamble you take or not. I view extended warranties as insurance. Nice to have if something breaks or fails. It's more or less for 'peace of mind'. Yes, the manufacturers have run the numbers and extended warranties are indeed big profit otherwise they would not offer them.

Alternatively you could sock away the amount you pay for the warranty in a CD or other investment vehicle, but how many would actually do that? I know it would not be easy for me.

We paid $1600 for the Add Care extended warranty on our '10 Journey SXT - good for 7 years or 85K miles (works out to $22/month). After the our '09 Journey SXT suffered a CAN C bus failure at 47K ($800 repair), it was a no brainer to get the extended warranty with the '10.

Looking back I wish I had opted for the extended warranty on my Ram. At 40K the pinion seal blew ($300 repair), then the pinion/carrier bearings went at 83K (another $800). Two of the HVAC doors have failed (estimated $800-$1000 repair) and have yet to fix. So even had I paid $2K for the extended warranty, I would have basically broke even. I'm guessing that an extended warranty at the time of purchase would have added $20-$25/month to the payment.

In general, extended warranties are a gamble, but on a $20K+ purchase I don't mind. On the other hand I'm not paying $5 for a extended warranty on a $50 dvd player. I'll just buy another cheap dvd player.

You pays your money (or not) and take your chances.

As for my Journey, the only thing I can't figure out is why there is no dipstick for the XMSN. There is a plug where the dipstick should be and according to the owners manual - there isn't one.

Has to do with many shops/dealers/owner using the incorrect transmission fluid (Dexron/Mercon is death to Chrysler electronically controlled transmissions - use ATF+4 only). Chrysler wanted better control of the fluids put in the transmission - hence no dipstick. More or less it's basically a sealed transmission (except for the pan and selenoid pack).

FYI - Chrysler is not the only manufacture to do this. Other manufactures are doing this as well.

It does not say what Average fuel Eco. you need to make to get this indicator to turn on though?...Anybody know?

I don't think there's a specific avg fuel economy you have to meet. It comes on when your driving in a 'fuel efficient manner' - ie, highway cruising, light acceleration (though I've never seen mine come on with any type of acceleration). At least that's what I've noticed.

As to the Pentastar engine - I believe a MDS (Mutiple Displacement Service) type system (the Hemi has this in the 1500 Ram's) will come in the future. In the Hemi, it goes into 4 cylinder mode when cruising or light pedal/light load conditions. From experience with mine, any sort of acceleration or crusing over 70 mph and it's back in full V8 mode.

As to the rear hatch - I think what he meant was the fob fully 'unlocks' all doors including the rear hatch. It doesn't actually "open".

Is there a reason you guys are putting higher octane or premium fuel in your Journey when the owner's manual specifically recommends regular 87 fuel?

Also, I'm pretty sure that ALL gas in the USA and Canada has the 10% ethanol content as it is mandated by the feds. The biggest difference between regular and premium fuel is that premium has more detergent additives to clean your engine.

89 octane is the recommended fuel for the 3.5L V6 in the 2009 & 2010 Journey's. You can use 87, but hp will be less (not that you can notice it....).

I've had two Journey's - an '09 and now a '10 (long story). I've never had a problem filling either one. The pumps would click off just as I began to hear gurgling and the gauge always read full afterwards. Every once in a while it shuts off when I first start pumping, but I found repositioning the nozzle slightly solves the issue.

There were some Ram's that had issues with the pump clicking off early or late and it turned out to be a problem with the gas tank itself.

If you're having such problems I suggest you visit your local dealer and have it checked out. Especially if you're still under warranty.

It is important to resist the urge to round up when filling. Once the pump clicks off, then don't add anymore. As mentioned you could cause damage to the vehicle's fuel EVAP system.

The 3.5L V6 is rated at 235 hp in the '09-'10 Journey's. It's cammed differently than the 3.5L in the Charger and Challenger.

Did you check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder? If it gets low the brake light on the dash can illuminate. Our '00 T&C Ltd did this when the brakes were almost worn out and the fluid had dropped as the pads wore. Might want to check the brake pads for wear. They may be almost worn out.

7) My daughter (8 next week) needs to learn how climate controls works. She was driving my wife an I bonkers with her controls. She'd crank the heat full, fan full, and then we'd get hot up front, turning our controls down. Then she'd crank the heat all the way over to cold ... so we'd have to turn ours up to compensate. It was only after it started to get light out that I noticed it was always just after her arm would reach up, we'd have to change our temps. LOL So she got quickly schooled in how to choose a comfortable temperature and LEAVE IT THERE!!! No problems with wildly changing temps after that.

You can solve this by putting the controls on "your" control and not hers - then it won't matter if she does do anything with the controls. At least we could in our '09 & '10 SXT's.

Have a safe trip home.

Hello all,

We are looking into getting a 2012 version, probably crew, was wondering if anyone tried to put two chaild seats next to each other?

Do they fit?

Thanks

Deasun

The Journey utilizes the LATCH system for car seats (reference your owner's manual) which works quite well. You won't be able to get 3 seats in the 2nd row. Two seats are doable. I wouldn't put a child seat in the 3rd row as it's not designed for it (the LATCH is only 2nd row); it's not as safe as the 3rd row and it would be difficult getting a child in and out of car seat in the 3rd row. You can use non-latch car seats that utilize the seat belt. I have an older car seat in my Ram (which also has the LATCH system) and I can use the seat belt with no problem.

Then explain why the brake dust was significantly less with the new pads once they were replaced.

Yes, the battery is below the air filter, but can be accessed from the left front tire well.

Later this week I will be hauling a 1990 Chevy Covair twelve hours using a tow dolly. What gears should I use? I know with my dad's truck you just hit a button for towing, but with this car it's different. I was thinking 6 on the straight and 5 on the hills. Please help.

Ummmmmm......I hope that is a typo as Chevrolet hasn't produced the Corvair since the mid-60's. Or did you mean Camaro or Corvette?

As to what gear unless it's absolutely flat I'd just leave it in 5th or 4th as needed.

after all you are driving a vehicle that weighs 5,000lbs or 2.5 tons. engines have to work hard to haul that much weight.

5,000 lbs for a Journey? My '06 Ram weighs 5,200 lbs empty and it's nearly 1/3 bigger though the Hemi does just fine hauling it around. Try about 3,800 lbs for a Journey.

Also asked them to look at the rear fascia and the way the corners below the tail lights are popping out. They said they fixed it but when I went outside the passenger side was out about 1/4 inch again. I went back inside and complained. They had a body shop guy come look and this is apparently something very common on the Journey as there's only one clip further down on the corner. He told the service guy to order a few more clips and they'd install them next time I've got it in. I have to bring it back in for the above mentioned "Amp" anyway.

I've got a similar issue on our '10, but it may be from previous damage (found out after we bought it that it had been in a slight rear end collision). On ours it's only on the driver's side - pokes out about 1/4" - push it back in and pops out in a few minutes. Never noticed it on our previous '09 Journey SXT.

Regarding the wheels, I's stay with 17's as the tires for the 19's are very hard to find from what I've read. There is (as far as I know) only one manufacturer (Kumho) and the 19 tires seemed to be on perpetual back order.

Got the letter on this over the weekend. Says to wait until Mid-July to call so that dealers can get the parts on hand, if they decide yours needs replaced.

Same here. Received the letter about a week ago or so. Now we have two recalls on our '10:

1) Customer Satisfaction Notication K37 - Occupant Restrain Controller Module

2) Safety Recall L25 - Wireless Ignition Node Module Detents - Parts not available until 7/15/2011.

I recently received a letter from Chrysler regarding the brakes on my 2009 R/T. The letter indicated that if I put brakes on my Journey prior to 24,000, they would provide a refund less $50 deductable. I fit into that category, completed the form and I recieved a check in the mail from Chrysler for $244 which included the price for the front pads and rotors.

Anyone else recieve this letter? I was amazed at the promt response plus a phone call from Chrysler.

Ed

I got the letter after we traded our '09 in for a '10 SXT. And I did better than the letter. I had the front brakes serviced when it only had 22K on it. Chrysler eventually reimbursed me in full for the brake service - no deductible.

Just joined the forum. The wife and I just bought a used (15k miles) 2010 Journey SXT. We have looked for around a year at all sorts of crossovers to escape the minivan stigma that's here in the States. The ride is excellent, compared to our 2000 Saturn LS2 4-door, and we are excited, albeit reservedly so. We read a bit about tranny problems with the 2009 models so the dealer we went through offers a Unlimited Mileage, Unlimited Time drive train warranty (with regular service through them, of course).

Instantly we noticed the sluggish nature of the V6 engine. Gunning it on the highway was underwhelming, but this will be my wife and 2 kids' daily driver and she reasons that, "Com'on it's not a Viper".

We will be taking this vehicle on a road trip from Oklahoma to Idaho and back (roughly 2790 miles/4490 km). I think we'll get a good range of hills/mountians, temperatures (still getting down around 40 F in Idaho and 100 F in Oklahoma), and straight highway driving for entire tanks at a time. I will update this topic on our findings and review.

We're on our 2nd Journey. Back in March of '08 we bought a '09 Journey SXT 3.5L new and had it for 3 years and put 47K miles on it. No problems with the transmission or engine. We traded it for a lightly used '10 Journey SXT due to a CAN C bus issue (all the warning lights on the dash were cycling on/off).

I've had zero transmission issues with with either vehicle. The '10 has about 34K on it (had just under 31K when we bought it). IMHO, the 3.5L does just fine though you really need to get over 2K rpms to feel it's true power - she loves to rev. We just took ours on a 390 mile round trip (it's first real hwy trip) to Lynchburg, VA and averaged 26 mpg while cruising at 70 mph on the interstates and 60-65 on US 29 and used the AC the entire time. To really get the needed power on long grades it had to shift down to 4th for a time but it did fine.

If you think the V6 is sluggish, just be glad you didn't get the 4 cylinder. IMHO, the Journey is a tad to heavy for the 4 cylinder and fuel mileage isn't much better.

We had the same problem on our 2009 SXT (bought new in March 2008) at the 47K mile mark. At the time there was an open recall for the door harness. Took it in and ended up trading it for a '10 Journey SXT (slightly used). I've yet to find out what the "problem" and solution was. My research showed it had something to do with the CAN C bus (communications controller). Either the CAN C bus itself failed or there was a short somewhere causing the issue. I hope to find out what the issue was the next time I'm at the dealer. I asked the service manager the last time I was there with my Ram, but he simply couldn't remember - they service 85 vehicles a week. I'm not sure if the door wiring recall solved the issue or not.