Journeyman425

So do I!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i Love the color

Hasn't rained in three weeks here - everything is parched. Detailed the car last night; an hour later it rains - just enough to get the car wet and spotted. God loves me! Had to quick wipe it down again at lunch. The obsession continues. Getting harder though, with kids in school, practices and games, and less and less daylight with each passing day. I dread winter!

Thanks Journeyman, I looked for some info on it but I guess I was looking in the wrong place.

Took delivery 5-18-13 - LOVE this car!

While I agree with the statement that a vibration does not make the car itself a lemon, your case/situation warrants protection under lemon laws which provide consumer buyback or vehicle replacement if there have been multiple, documented, repeated and failed attempts to repair a particular problem within a specified period of time and mileage. As a new car customer, based on what you have reported to us here, you have been subject to more than your fair share of repair attempts for one specific issue, and also have bore some of the expense of which you should not be responsible for - unless the change in tire brand was your choice and not something that was done without your authorization. Nevertheless, I am reading that as something that you decided to do based on professional dealership advice. Addicted To Dodge is correct in that the problem has not been properly diagnosed. When the first set of tires and rims were replaced, the car was obviously not properly quality controlled before returning it to you. If a mechanical inspection on the lift did not reveal anything obvious, we would have taken another Journey off the lot with the same wheel/tire combination, switched all four wheels and tires and driven both to see if the problem follows the wheels and tires to the other car. If the car still exhibits the same symptoms, then we know the wheels and tires are not likely the cause and further mechanical diagnosis is required. Then, provide alternate transportation to the customer, and stay with it until it's nailed down. This is a would have/could have/should have scenario now of which it's too late. Four times at two different dealerships in three months/6000 miles is more than a manufacturer has the right to ask of you.
Your frustration is warranted and your patience has been exhausted, but the fact of the matter is you are the owner of a vehicle with a problem that still must be resolved in some manner, unfortunately. Take a deep, collective breath and let's figure out what action to take next. Have you met with the dealer principal (owner) and / or the service manager? Perhaps a meeting can be arranged with both present to discuss your situation and let them decide how they are going to help you. Do you have a case/reference/CAIR number from Chrysler? A CAIR is a Customer Assistance Information Request. Have that and ALL of your documented repair orders pertaining to this case with you when you meet. It is the dealerships' and Chryslers' responsibility to see that this gets resolved. It is going to require yet some additional time on your part to get it done, unfortunately, but there is no other way around it save from simply walking away from the car, and that should not be necessary. The Journey, as most members here will attest to, is a superb vehicle in so many respects and should provide you with many years and thousands of miles of enjoyment for you and your family. I'm sure you will see it that way once this is resolved. And there's really no reason why it should not be. Patience and perserverance must be employed by the technician on the case. It is the service manager's job to assign the right person to the job and keep him/her there until it is done. Keep us posted.

Here is the maintenance schedule for a 2011 Journey with a 3.6 sold in the North American market. Miles and Kilometers are both represented. As mentioned in the above posts - most of what they are recommending is not needed at your mileage. Please see Service Bulletin following this maintenance schedule about fluid flushes. And induction services are nothing more than a way to separate your cash from your wallet. If I can find the bulletin from Chrysler which discourages dealerships from doing so, I'll post it. Feel free to print this out and bring it with you if you wish.
04 - Vehicle Quick Reference/Maintenance Schedules/Description MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES - NAFTAThe Scheduled Maintenance services listed in this manual must be done at the times or mileages specified to protect your vehicle warranty and ensure the best vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent maintenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip driving. Inspection and service should also be done anytime a malfunction is suspected.
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) equipped vehicles “Oil Change Required” will be displayed in the EVIC and a single chime will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles “Change Oil” will flash in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change indicator message will illuminate, this means that service is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).


NOTE: The oil change indicator message will not monitor the time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil if it has been 6 months since your last oil change even if the oil change indicator message is NOT illuminated. Change your engine oil more often if you drive your vehicle off-road for an extended period of time. Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 8,000 miles (13 000 km) or six months, whichever comes first.

OIL CHANGE INDICATOR - RESETYour vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change indicator system. The “Oil Change Required” message will flash in the EVIC display for approximately 10 seconds after a single chime has sounded to indicate the next scheduled oil change interval. The engine oil change indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the engine oil change interval may fluctuate dependent upon your personal driving style.
Unless reset, this message will continue to display each time you turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position. To turn off the message temporarily, press and release the Menu button. To reset the oil change indicator system (after performing the scheduled maintenance) perform the following procedure:
Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position (Do not start the engine). Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three times within 10 seconds.
Turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK” position.

NOTE: If the indicator message illuminates when you start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not reset. If necessary repeat this procedure.


At Each Stop for Fuel Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark. Check the windshield washer solvent and add if required. Once a Month Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or damage. Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals as required. Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed. Check all lights and other electrical items for correct operation. At Each Oil Change Change the engine oil filter. Inspect the brake hoses and lines. CAUTION: Failure to perform the required maintenance items may result in damage to the vehicle. Proper operation of four-wheel drive vehicles depends on tires of equal size, type and circumference on each wheel. Any difference in tire size can cause damage to the transfer case. Tire rotation schedule should be followed to balance tire wear.

Required Maintenance IntervalsRefer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following pages for the required maintenance intervals.
Perform Maintenance Every Maintenance Items (Where time and mileage are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.) Miles Kilometers Months 8000 13000 6 Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 8,000 miles (13 000 km). 16000 26000 12 Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 16,000 miles (26 000 km). If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the engine air cleaner filter; replace if necessary. Replace the air conditioning filter. Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary. Inspect exhaust system. Perform the first inspection at 16,000 miles (26 000 km) or 12 months. Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary. 24000 39000 18 Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 24,000 miles (39 000 km). Inspect the CV joints. Inspect exhaust system. 32000 52000 24 Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 32,000 miles (52 000 km). Replace the spark plugs (2.4L Engine). Replace the engine air cleaner filter. Replace the air conditioning filter. Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary. Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary. 40000 65000 30 Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 40,000 miles (65 000 km). 48000 78000 36 Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 48,000 miles (78 000 km). If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the engine air cleaner filter; replace if necessary. Replace the air conditioning filter. Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary. Inspect the CV joints. Inspect exhaust system. Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary. 56000 91000 42 Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 56,000 miles (91 000 km). 64000 104000 48 Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 64,000 miles (104 000 km). Replace the spark plugs (2.4L Engine). Replace the engine air cleaner filter. Replace the air conditioning filter. Inspect the brake linings; replace if necessary. Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter(s) if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer towing. Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary. 72000 117000 54 Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 72,000 miles (117 000 km). Inspect the CV joints. Inspect exhaust system. 80000 130000 60 Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 80,000 miles (130 000 km). If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the engine air cleaner filter; replace if necessary. Replace the air conditioning filter. Flush and replace the engine coolant if not done at 104,000 miles (169 000 km). Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary. Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary. 88000 143000 66 Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 88,000 miles (143 000 km). 96000 156000 72 Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 96,000 miles (156 000 km). Replace the spark plugs (2.4L Engine). Replace the spark plugs (3.6L Engine). Inspect and replace PCV Valve if necessary.† Replace the engine air cleaner filter. Replace the air conditioning filter. Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary. Inspect the CV joints. Inspect exhaust system. Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary. 104000 169000 78 Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 104,000 miles (169 000 km). Flush and replace the engine coolant if not done at 60 months. 112000 182000 84 Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 112,000 miles (182 000 km). If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the engine air cleaner filter; replace if necessary. Replace the air conditioning filter. Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary. Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary. 120000 195000 90 Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 120,000 miles (195 000 km). Inspect the CV joints. Inspect exhaust system. Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter(s). Replace the accessory drive belt(s). 128000 208000 96 Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 128,000 miles (208 000 km). Replace the spark plugs (2.4L Engine). Replace the engine air cleaner filter. Replace the air conditioning filter. Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary. Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary. 136000 221000 102 Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 136,000 miles (221 000 km). 144000 234000 108 Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 144,000 miles (234 000 km). If using your vehicle for any of the following: Dusty or off-road conditions. Inspect the engine air cleaner filter; replace if necessary. Replace the air conditioning filter. Inspect the brake linings, replace if necessary. Inspect the CV joints. Inspect exhaust system. Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends and boot seals for cracks or leaks and all parts for damage, wear, improper looseness or end play; replace if necessary. 152000 247000 114 Change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Rotate the tires, rotate at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 152,000 miles (247 000 km). † This maintenance is recommended by the manufacturer to the owner, but is not required to maintain emissions warranty.
WARNING:
SUBJECT:
Fluid Flushing Requirements
MODELS:
2011 - 2012 (D2) Ram Truck (3500 Pick Up)
2011 - 2012 (DD) Ram Truck (3500 Chassis Cab)
2011 - 2012 (DJ) Ram Truck (2500 Pick Up)
2011 - 2012 (DP) Ram Truck (4500 / 5500 Chassis Cab)
2011 - 2012 (DS) Ram Truck (1500)
2012 (FF) Fiat 500
2011 - 2012 (JC) Journey
2011 - 2012 (JK) Wrangler
2011 - 2012 (JS) Avenger/200
2011 - 2012 (KK) Liberty
2011 (KA) Nitro
2011 - 2012 (LC) Challenger
2011 - 2012 (LD) Charger
2011 - 2012 (LX) 300
2011 - 2012 (MK) Compass/Patriot
2011 (ND) Dakota
2013 (PF) Dart
2011 - 2012 (PM) Caliber
2011 - 2012 (RT) Town & Country/Grand Caravan
2011 - 2012 (WD) Durango
2011 - 2012 (WK) Grand Cherokee
DISCUSSION:
Chrysler Group vehicle fluid systems do
NOT require regular flushing. These systems
include: engine oil, transmission oil, axle lube, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and
refrigerant. The only exceptions to this requirement are published in the vehicle
maintenance schedules, e.g. engine coolant.
NUMBER:
26-004-12
GROUP:
Miscellaneous
DATE:
June 06, 2012
Exceptions to this recommendation include only those instances where a malfunction has
occurred and/or the system has become compromised, contaminated or overheated
beyond the normal operating range.
Chrysler Group does
NOT recommend aftermarket chemicals to flush the engine,
transmission, brake or steering systems. Chemicals contained in these products can
damage the system elastomeric components, and contaminate the component fluid,
leading to loss of system/component durability and service life. When necessary, only the
original approved system fluid should be used to flush these components using teamPSE®
approved equipment.
If the engine coolant contains a considerable amount of sediment, clean and flush with
Mopar Cooling System Flush, p/n 04856977, or equivalent. Follow with a thorough rinsing
to remove all deposits and chemicals. Refill with a minimum of a 50% mixture of the
specified coolant and distilled water.
POLICY:
Information Only
26-004-12 -2-

Mine was in the bodyshop for only five days and it made me nuts.

Washed it...again!!

After much trepidation I am the owner of a 2013 V6 Journey SXT AWD. My wife and I thought long and hard about what to get for our soon to be family of four. We wanted 7 passenger seating as somehow our 4 year old son already has friends we are hauling to and fro and with a second child on the way our Focus would no longer be able to meet our needs.
We looked long and hard at vehicles like the Crosstrek, Flex, Outlander, Journey, etc... To be honest I was pretty sold on an Outlander but we are in semi rural Iowa and the closest Mitsubishi dealer is over 60 miles away. This gave me some hesitation which my usual mechanic confirmed as far as repair should the need arise. After somewhat setting the Outlander aside the Journey really did grow on me, especially the storage options, and when a 2013 in the color, trim, and powertrain we had been considering in a new Journey showed up at the local dealer and took a test drive on Saturday, we bit the bullet, signed the papers, and picked it up yesterday.
I had heard some horror stories about the Journey but those seemed mostly focused on pre 2011 models. Here's hoping to a long and fruitful partnership between me and ol Coppertone.

Thanks Journeyman!

Camber and caster adjustments are possible but should not be needed in most cases. Toe is adjustable. From the service manual:
FRONT CAMBER AND CASTER

NOTE: There are service struts available that have elongated bottom holes for front camber adjustment.
Front camber and caster settings on this vehicle are determined at the time the vehicle is designed, by the location of the vehicle's suspension components. This is referred to as Net Build. The result is no required adjustment of camber and caster after the vehicle is built or when servicing the suspension components. Thus, when performing a wheel alignment, caster and camber are not normally considered adjustable angles but some adjustment can be made. Camber and caster should be checked to ensure they meet vehicle specifications. (Refer to 02 - Front Suspension/Wheel Alignment - Specifications)
If individual front camber or caster is found not to meet alignment specifications, each can be adjusted by shifting the front crossmember or by using an available service adjustment bolt package. If an adjustment bolt package installation is necessary, inspect the suspension components for any signs of damage or bending first.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to adjust the vehicle's wheel alignment by heating or bending any of the suspension components.
TOE
Center the steering wheel and lock it in place using a steering wheel clamp.


NOTE: When setting toe, make sure to set rear toe to the preferred specifications before setting front toe to the preferred specifications

Remove the steering wheel clamp.
Remove the alignment equipment.
Road test the vehicle to verify the steering wheel is straight and the vehicle does not pull or wander. REAR TOE

NOTE: Perform the following at each rear wheel as necessary.

While holding the cam bolt head (4) stationary, loosen the toe link mounting cam bolt nut (3). Rotate the cam bolt head (4) left or right until the rear wheel toe for that rear wheel is set to the preferred specification. (Refer to 02 - Front Suspension/Wheel Alignment - Specifications)
While holding the cam bolt head (4) stationary, tighten the toe link mounting cam bolt nut (3) to 100 N·m (74 ft. lbs.).
FRONT TOE

NOTE: Perform the following at each front wheel as necessary.
CAUTION: Do not twist the inner tie rod-to-steering gear boot (bellows) while turning the inner tie rod during front toe adjustment. It may be necessary to remove the clamp where the boot meets the inner tie rod.

Loosen the tie rod adjusting jam nut (1). Grasp the inner tie rod (3) and rotate it one way or the other until the front wheel toe is set to the preferred specification. (Refer to 02 - Front Suspension/Wheel Alignment - Specifications)
Tighten the tie rod adjusting jam nut to of 75 N·m (55 ft. lbs.).
Make sure the inner tie rod-to-steering gear boot is not twisted. If removed, reinstall the clamp where the boot meets the inner tie rod. These are excerpts from the manual but should give you an idea of the procedure. If you don't have irregular tire wear or pulling, let it be.

Copper Pearl on fire!

Clicking the vimeo logo at the bottom right will take you to vimeo.com and the video works much better. Some sort of buffering lag if you click the play button in the post. Also, make sure HD is on and the speedo is more clear.
Peace.

That is not insignificant. Every time you get in your new car and breathe in that wonderful new car smell, you are reminded that you do indeed have a new car, accompanied by that short wave of pride and joy that goes along with it. My kids love the new car smell. There is still hint of it in our three month old Journey but it's beginning to fade. To have it robbed from you really is a shame. You are preaching to a very empathic choir here!

Less than two thousand miles to wear the inside edge of the tire off? Something is drastically wrong, and I'm frankly shocked that two complete replacement sets of wheels and tires were authorized to try and correct the condition. The district manager should be fully involved at this point if he/she is not already. Please keep us posted.

Well we have had our 2012 R/T now for 1 year. Last week went to the Maritimes put on 5000 kms in a week. I am NOT disappointed with vehicle. During the road trip the fuel mileage was excellent. In the 35mpg range depending on terrain and speed. During the same week I had the opportunity to put 600 kms on a 2011 Ford Explorer. No comparison. Journey had it all over the Ford in comfort, ride, interior noise and fuel economy. We have had 0 issues with our truck since we bought it so reliability seems to be there in spite of some of the postings here to the contrary and ours has 24,000 kms on the clock now. I am extremely happy with the choice we made. Real pleasure to drive.

No problem. I am a firm believer in preventative maintenance. I live by it. As a service manager, I have to be. But I hate to see people charged for services that are a complete waste of money. That is one of them.

Thats the advantage of being in the forum and having a service manager in the forum!! Thanks journeyman425 we appreciate every input you share! It helps us first brand new owners! :-)

No problem. I am a firm believer in preventative maintenance. I live by it. As a service manager, I have to be. But I hate to see people charged for services that are a complete waste of money. That is one of them.

Re-reading many of these posts, it sounds to me like there is a basic issue with the amplifier's crossover network - as if there is a gap between the lowest frequencies the 6x9's in the door speakers can reproduce and the highest frequencies the sub can produce. Let's say, for example, the 6x9's low frequency response goes down to 300Hz and the sub's frequency response extends up to 300Hz. The crossover should direct any frequencies below 300Hz to the sub and not the 6x9's. Based on what I'm reading, the crossover is not directing the upper bass frequencies to the sub and instead the 6x9's are trying to reproduce them but cannot. Meanwhile, the sub sits idle because nothing is being directed to it except the very lowest frequencies. Now, I'm definitely armchair QB-ing this issue since I don't even own the car yet - but I'd be willing to bet there is a basic flaw in the crossover network's architecture based solely on the consistency of the complaints I've read. I should really reserve judgement until I hear it for myself, though...

Welcome to the Forum, Francesco - and there is no need to apologize for your English - many people in our country butcher the language quite badly, as a matter of fact. Enjoy your Journey and we look forward to your share of Journey experience. Your 2.0 CRD powertrain is not available here in the US so I would find your feedback very interesting.

Got taken care of the issue today......all 4 rotors were replaced.

Not seeing a backorder on that part number - Marysville, Michigan parts depot currently has 43 of that part number. Sorry...

I'm disappointed to read the comments about the poor sound. Despite the fact that I work for a dealer, I've never had the opportunity to sit in one of the newer Journeys and actually listen to the sound. We currently do not have any in stock and the last one was not equipped with the upgrade. Honestly, if it were a stand-alone option I would have skipped it because its not that important to my family who will be riding in it most times while I'm at work. We wanted navigation and the ParkSense system with the camera and the Alpine system is bundled with it. I was excited to sit and listent to some music in the car once we get it (any day now) but now my expectations have been lowered somewhat. I rechecked TSB's for my VIN and I am current with all software, so this latest TSB does not apply to me. I'll let you all know how mine sounds.