Snow_Runner

I had a short drive this morning, still dark out and the trip is only about 20km return. I live in the country, so drive about 80-90k most of the way, have a stop sign at the end, then another few minutes coming into town. I dropped off my son, then returned home. When I got out of the vehicle, i could smell burnt brakes, and I looked at the drivers side rear and the rotor was red hot, and popping. I checked all the others, and they were cool to the touch. I have smelled the brake smell before, but just thought alot of stop and go, but there wasn't really any stopping??? Also the outside temperature was at around 0C, (Some snow on the roof) I could only imagine if this happened on a long trip, or what kind of damage it would cause to the bearings and seals?? I have done some searching about this problem, and there has been some mention of the stability system which controls each brake independently could have some type of failure, keeping the brake on all the time just a bit. To me this could cause a very serious safety issue on a highway if there was a need to stop in bad weather. The brake fade on the one wheel could really throw the sensors off?? I have to take the same leisurely trip in tomorrow morning, I am going to take my vid camera for the whole trip. RP

My wife had the Journey in for an oil change, and when she came home she told me that the "Change Oil" indication was still there. So out I go with manual in hand for about an hour, and it would not reset?? I looked at the receipt from the dealer and noticed that the oil quantity was half a litre less than every other oil change. Took it to the dealer the next day and showed him the oil quantity, and they added the difference, and voila, I was able to reset the oil change indicator first try?? Is it possible that it will not reset if the oil level is not correct after the oil is dumped and refilled? If you were to change your oil at home, and you were parked on a sloped driveway, maybe it wouldn't reset? Any thoughts?? RP

Sorry about the info, after picking up the Journey and talking to the service manager in person, the problem was that he was unable to order the original part number from the existing PTO, and after talking to the engineers at Chrysler he found that there was a new number issued to that part. Therefore I actually had the "new" PTO installed as the old part number is no longer available. I did get to look at the old unit on the bench, and I really don't see how this could have happened except that it was a hot day, and maybe the pressure built up too much???? Maybe there is a venting issue?? BTW, mine had 23000 km when it happened.

Same story, August 15th we were driving home from town on a very hot day, (20km) and just as we were getting close we could smell the oil. At first I thought the oil filter wasn't tight as it was just in for service and it was very hot out. I called my dealer Monday morning and told them what happened and had a tow bus pick it up. They wiped the oil off of the under carriage and had a quick look, but were short staffed to dig into it. I took a loaner car for the time being. In the meantime I checked this forum and what do you know!!! Same problem. I actually knew the problem well before the dealer did. I called them back on August 20th and they had figured out the problem, but same story, couldn't get the seals, had to order new unit. First one to fail in the area. Called back today, (21st) and they told me that they found one in Toronto and had it shipped up and were installing it. GOOD NEWS!! The bad news is that he said there are 2 part numbers for the GerTrac PTO unit. The "new" part number is not even in production yet, (Sounds like a future recall) so I ended up with the same unit installed. Who knows how long it will last??? Hopefully they identified this as a problem, and the "new" German GerTrac drivetrain is a solution to this obvious problem. RP

I think you are right about the vibration coming from outside the vehicle, on my trip home, depending on the direction I was travelling, (Tail wind, side wind, or head wind) head wind was the only time that there was a vibration. Rick.

I wasn't sure where to post this, but it mainly has to do with the Audio/Video, so here goes. Before our trip, I loaded some movies for the kids to watch, and one of the movies they brought was a copied movie. (I have copied some movies which I have bought because the kids are using them so much they become scratched beyond repair) The unit would not read the movie, and also lock up the DVD function. All other functions still worked. It would not play any movie at all. I shut everything down after removing all discs, locked the doors, and waited about 10 minutes. After that everything worked again. The other problem I had was listening to music by the pool at the hotel. Had Sirius on for abaout 2 hours, then it started cutting out so I shut it down. Tried to start the Journey, but it just clicked??? I thought that I read in the manual the battery could not be drained below a certain voltage to allow the vehicle to start up?? After I called roadside assistance, and the tow bus showed up, then I had to explain "what kinda' car is that"????? I went for a drive to charge the battery. The nav wouldn't come back on, and all my files weren't there. After 3 starts and stops, it finally came back on, except the presets on the radio. Just though I would post this info. Rick.

Thanks for the replies, I noticed on the way hom ethat it only downshifts on substantial downgrades which is okay as I am sure it would probably accelerate pretty good if it didn't downshift. I tried one of the hills without the cruise, and it really picked up speed. Better for fuel economy, but bad for the price of the speeding ticket!! Thanks again, Rick.

I finally heard this same noise on my trip back. 2400km on the clock. Driving on the highway for a few hours, and pulling into a rest stop for a stretch and making a moderate (not sharp) left turn into the parking area I heard the noise. I was NOT in a full left turn, but I was moving pretty fast. It didn't sound like a rub, but more of a vibration, or a cavitation as mentioned earlier. On the way out of the rest stop, I could not get it to do it again. I haven't heard it since. It doesn't do it with a full left turn though.?.?.? Rick.

Hmmmm, in that case I guess I will look into this further. Has anyone else noticed this? Rick.

During our first highway trip, I noticed with the cruise control on it would downshift to use a type of engine braking while going downhill to slow the vehicle down. I haven't had a vehicle with cruise control for many years, and I was just wondering if this is modern technology at work, or a common practice. My last vehicle with cruise just let me coast (accelerate) down hills. I can't see how this would improve fuel economy when the RPM is going up and down like that. Also during traffic (stop and go) I noticed that the tranny constantly shifts between 1st and 2nd. I guess with the 6 speed trans, and close ratios, that's what it needs to do. However having the autostick is certainly magical in these conditions as you can keep it in 2nd, and keep a steady speed in traffic. Rick.

I also have the same noise. I only noticed it during my trip while cruising between 110 - 120 km/h. It almost sounds like wind blowing across something causing it to vibrate. I will look into it when I get home. Rick.

I have to agree as well. We are currently in Niagara Falls for the week, and getting around to the various places is a breeze. Either entering the location, picking from the POI's, or voice command. Well worth having it built in with voice command, seeing as Ontario will be passing a law which states that any electronic device that is not operable by voice will not be allowed to be used while driving. The location entry using the rotary knob is easy as it blocks out letters of locationss that don't exist. It's a little hard to explain, but it "anticipates" the street you are looking for. Sort of like the text messaging utility on cell phones. If you have any more questions, let me know. Rick.

Yes, I do remember something about the ABS problem, but this switch is the one that is mounted on the reservoir for the brake fluid on the master brake cylinder. Rick.

Congrats Rob, looks good. Did you get the ATC HVAC?? I guess you get the record for the longest wait, but after all that I guess yours has less mileage on it!!!!! Enjoy, and have fun with it. Keep us updated. Rick.

I took the Journey to the dealership, and they were good enough to squeeze me in before the holiday tomorrow. The red brake light on the dash (not the ABS) came on and the dealer scanned the computer and found that the brake fluid switch had failed. They have ordered one, and it won't take long to install. He said that it was a first for them. mrdirt, what sensor was recalled? I don't remember seeing that. Rick.

I just had the brake warning light come on while driving last night. 1900km on the clock. I checked the obvious, fluid, parking brake, electrical switch on the resevoir, but it all seems okay. I connected my OBD2 reader, and there were no codes stored. I am taking it into the dealer today while I am in town. That figures.....We are going on a vacation this weekend. Thats usually when something goes wrong!!!!!!! I will keep everyone posted on the outcome. Rick.

Hey Rob, sorry for the delay in posting, but yes it does have the full automatic temp control. It is real nice when set to 'Auto' and you hit the remote start!!!! Nice and cool when you get in!! The controls are the same as the first (R/T) picture. Too bad it doesn't have the black bezel. Maybe it can be ordered?? Rick.

I noticed on two occasions where the yellow gas light came on, then once the 'DTE' readout showed 50kM, it went to low fuel. the yellow gas light came on at different times before the display showed 50kM, and I think the idiot light comes on at a specific fuel level in the tank, and the computer display is based on fuel consumption. Rick.

With regard to shifting into 'R' or 'P' while driving, I recall an episode of "Myth Busters" where they tried to shift an auto transmission into 'R' and 'P' while driving at 55 MPH. I believe the vehicle was a late model Crown Victoria, and from what I remember, there is a safety feature that does not allow the tranny to engage 'R' or 'P' while at certain speed. Seeing as the Journey has an electronically controlled transmission, I don't think that it would engage. Of course who is crazy to try it with their own vehicle!! Rick.

jaymista, when we first picked up ours, my wife noticed it right away!! Are you talking about the cloth headliner that runs inside along the top of the windshield? Ours is the same way as are the ones at the dealer. Rick.

Skittles, the radio will be activated for the one year period, however, I called Sirius anyway because I wanted to know if they were getting the NHL games back this season. She also took all my information to mail me a package, and to activate channels that are locked out. BTW they are expecting to get NHL channel back this season. (It went to XM radio last year) All you need is the SSID from the display. Rick.

My SXT AWD Journey ended up shipping with the ATC HVAC controls!! If anyone remembers back in March when I was looking to order, this option was not available except on the R/T, and it was one of the features I really wanted to have. I went ahead with the order anyway, and oddly enough, it was in the vehicle. The option list on the window sticker actually showed it as an option, of course with a price, but I didn't have to pay for it as I was already quoted the price before I ordered. Did anyone else get the ATC??? Rick.

Hey everyone, I picked up my Journey on May 23rd, but I had to replace my shingles all weekend by myself!!!! Needless to say, standing on top of my house looking down on that brand new vehicle with 18 Km on the clock and not being able to go for a nice drive was tough!! Oh well, the roof is done, I am burnt to a crisp, and can barely walk....Not to mention the massive amount of mosquito and black fly bites all over me!!! We did all go to the Dairy Queen for a drive with the kids. They were so excited!! I am very impressed with the vehicle, especially the Nav system. I am not familiar with the portable systems, but I played around with this one and if you set a destination in town, and take a different route, it will re calculate the route instead of telling you to "make a U-Turn" or "you are not on the correct road. There are a few issues with the settings that I will get into later, but other than that the U-connect works flawlessly, other than almost dialing 911 a few times by mistake!!!! Rob, I am glad to hear that you are still going ahead with your order, you will be glad you did. I see there are a few new members, welcome to all. I will try to catch up to all the new posts from the weekend through the week. Rick.

Gower, what didn't get welded on your Journey??? Was it a recall, or something really obvious that they found on the PDI? It would be interesting to check mine. Rick.

I am also in Ontario, and frfom the order date to delivery to dealership was 7 weeks, that is a fully loaded SXT AWD. Either there are too many customer orders, or they are running a diffeent model on the production line. Hang in there, you might me surprised!! Rick.