StormGrayBlackTop13

I can attest to the fact they work my wife and I were stopped at a light when a guy going about 45 mph hit us directly from behind. We both suffer injuries but the headrest deployed and saved our necks from being broken. We are now trying to find out from dodge at what energy level a car that weighs a certain amount takes to deploy them. My wife was the first one to notice that they had deployed. So I for one am a big fan of them now.

If you sit in the seat, you'll notice that there is a space between the headrest and the back of your head. In a severe enough accident, that space can turn into an impact zone and serious injury by impact (concussion) or whiplash. The new headrests are designed to deploy and give your head nowhere to go; your head gets "sandwiched" between the new style head rest deployment and the air bags (the one in the steering wheel and the curtain back in the upper rail). Very similar to the system first used and, now improved, by the NASCAR racing circuit. They even go so far as to strap the driver's helmets to the headrest/cradle so that they can't move away from it. Concussive blows to the head are just now being recognized for how much more serious they are than what was believed in my "younger days" (pre-dinosaur if you ask my son...).

Pretty sure that active restraint headrests are now mandatory on all new vehicles... I would assume that means that the appropriate testing has been done to prove safety.

One of the most unread books in the auto industry is the actual car's owners manual, for the car OWNER to read and understand your car. Resetting the headrests is noted in there, in the 2013 owners manual it is noted on page 57 and up. If you don't have the owner's manual it can be down loaded from Dodge.com.

One of the most unread books in the auto industry is the actual car's owners manual, for the car OWNER to read and understand your car. Resetting the headrests is noted in there, in the 2013 owners manual it is noted on page 57 and up. If you don't have the owner's manual it can be down loaded from Dodge.com.

I know this person is no longer active, but, seriously, does no one reference their owners manual anymore??? Jeesh.

In snow, I try to not use my 4x4 in my Dakota. The thing to remember is that 4WD and AWD help you get going, but they don't help you stop! That's where the biggest problems are often realized.
Peace.

Again as I said "the driver makes the difference".
You can have the biggest,best awd in the world
and if you don't have experience to reference to you
will be a crappy driver in the element.

This is true. There were one or two times in Detroit's record winter snowfall last year where I wish my old Charger could send a little bit of its 390 ft-lbs to the front wheels. I didn't get stuck, but it would have been nice. I had to keep traction control turned off (or as "off" as the TC button granted me) just to get going from a stop light.
With the Journey this year I've driven in accumulated snow only once (rather worringly, it hasn't snowed significantly yet, which might be an omen of what's yet to come...) and I felt the AWD kick on a few times with a rear bias to help make turns onto the unplowed residential roads in the metro area. For kicks, I kept my foot in it coming out of the labs parking lot with no traffic and managed to powerslide a bit. I'll admit it, I'm a child from time to time...
On a side note, regarding driver skill, sometimes the opposite is true. Last winter I recall overtaking a Range Rover 4x4 in my RWD sport package Charger in several inches of snow, and I wasn't even trying to show off. A few years ago I drove a rented 2011 Ford Focus SES (the sport model) from Philly to Knoxville and back for Xmas. It snowed while were there, and naturally TN and that part of VA aren't equipped to plow the roads. Local drivers and their big 4x4 Tahoes, Durangos, Expeditions, Yukons, Higlanders, Titans, etc. were overly cautious in the slow lane. The fast lane was relatively untouched and snow covered, and I had no problems passing them in the Focus, which has relatively poor inclement weather motoring abilities (almost got stuck going uphill in a minor blizzard the week before in the same car). Other end of the spectrum, I suppose, proving that 4WD is not inherently superior to 2WD, absent the operator using the organ in their skull. I know, I know, that's asking too much of some people...

From the service manual it self: "The water pump draws coolant from the radiator and delivers it to the engine block. The coolant travels through the engine block into the cylinder head. Coolant exits the engine at the thermostat. If the coolant temperature is
less than 87°C (189°F) the thermostat directs all of the coolant back to the water pump. If the coolant temperature is between 87°C (189°F) and 102°C (216°F) the thermostat is in the mix mode and directs the coolant to the radiator and the water pump. If the coolant is greater than 102°C (216°F), the thermostat directs all of the coolant to the radiator." Also a good indication of high temps is excessive use of the fan on high speed frequently, starting and stopping... RADIATOR FAN OPERATION - 3.5L ENGINE Radiator Fan Control A/C Pressure A/C Off Low High Fan On: 102°C (215°F) 104°C (219°F) Fan Off: 98°C (208°F) 100°C (212°F) A/C On Low High Low High Fan On: 102°C (215°F) 104°C (219°F) 1,526 Kpa (221 psi) 1,932 Kpa (280 psi) Fan Off: 98°C (208°F) 100°C (212°F) 1,246 Kpa (180 psi) 1,666 Kpa (224 psi) if your indication is at the middle is normally and also you could say that close to 100 degrees Celsius is normal. to monitor this value very close you would need to plug one of those OBD2 to monitor. But as DodgeCares above says if you have any doubts take it to a dealer especially if it is under warranty.

Third rows are over-rated. They are for those emergency situations that you need to haul more people. If you NEED a third row, a cuv should not be your first choice. Minivans are for hauling people. If you have 4 kids, get a minivan. Or full size van. Or a small schoolbus. The journey is what it is... A good vehicle with tons of utility and a little attitude.
Peace.

Right. I wholeheartedly agree. Couldn't have said it better myself.
Peace.

Anything short of a massive increase in marketing of the Journey is a travesty. It's got to be the worst advertised vehicle with as much packed in to it for the best price I've ever seen. The "experts" who bash this vehicle have no idea what they're talking about.

I'm going to the meat market after work to see what they've got, but I'm thinking some spares and maybe a couple of fatties...
In case you're not aware of the all mighty fatty, it is basically a mix of ground sausages that are rolled out thin and topped with whatever you can imagine (favorites are buffalo chicken, breakfast, and cuban) and then rolled into a log. The log is then wrapped in a bacon weave and smoked for 3-4 hours. They are then cut into 1" slices and served with whatever other crap is on the smoker.
One of the most versatile and amazing things I've ever made on the smoker. You are only limited by your imagination...

I wish automatic headlights was standard. There are so many idiots on the road after dark without them.

My daylight is set to 10, nighttime is set to 7. If I want 7, I just rotate the dimmer down 1 notch (click). It is not automatic (I did not know that it was supposed to be), but I like having control over it.
Lights on with wipers is a safety issue to me. I always turn my lights on with my wipers. I did not know that there was a setting for this. I'm going out to find it right now!

Ditto on the "some states require them". I think more and more states (27 now at one count) are going that route, and I for one, agree with safety concept. I turned my lights on with the wipers back eons ago when first learning to drive. Any inclement weather, rain, snow, dust storms, etc., anything I can do to be more visible to other drivers is increasing my safety. While you may think that DRLs cover the bill, what about the back end of the vehicle? I suspect it won't be a lot longer before "lights on for safety" will be set from the factory and won't be able to be switched off, most motorcycles, IIRC, come that way now. I don't use my headlights on sunny days on the cars, probably should (I do have DRLs and won't own a car without them), but, the before I release the air brakes on the motorhome, the full set of lights go on. In fact, I wish that they were automatic...motor on, all lights on; it would save me having to remember (though it is automatic now).

My 2013 Storm Gray Pearl with the Black Top Package, 3.6L, FWD, 5 seater (didn't need the 7 seater or want the AWD (don't believe its necessary)) awesome extra storage room under the floor in the back without those additional seats.
Almost 5000 miles young. Absolutely love the vehicle, the ride, the 8.4inch info stack, and the space to carry larger items. The V6 has awesome power for its size.
The Journey fits because its right sized, slightly bigger then the much heralded small CUVs (which I don't see what's so great about them) but slightly smaller than the big ones. I was not a fan of the Daimler take over, as they pilfered Chrysler & left them to die, I would have to say this vehicle size was just right from that era. Didn't like that they dropped the Pacifica, which was ahead of it's time. I'll have to admit being a big Mopar fan so my bias will show.
Fortunately I have a short commute to work (6.5 miles one way, no thruway) but that also has a down side, as the car does not travel much over 50mph, with traffic lights, therefore impacts the gas mileage.
This past winter in Western NYS posed some serious weather conditions, from the down right cold days to many snowy ones as well. The heated seats & steering wheel worked flawlessly along with the remote starter. I wasn't looking for these items in the car when I purchased but so glad I had them this winter. Summertime this vehicle is just a joy to drive.
As everyone has posted many times about the OEM tires, in the snow are not the best, I would have enjoyed slightly more grip with a more aggressive tread pattern but you are supposed to drive to the conditions & not expect to set speed records. That being said, they worked fine for me & with only FWD, went through deep snow with ease.
So the gas mileage, I think the engine is still breaking in so I only believe it will get better. From day one I have yet to reset the MPG on the information center so as its stands today averaging 21.4MPG with a couple of longer trips of over 200 miles averaging around 27MPG, thruway. During the winter around 17MPG. When everything settles on I hoping somewhere upper teens to lower 20's.
One thing I which could be changed is the fuel filler door area, make it slightly larger or configure differently. Some how the gas pumps in this area have the anti splash shields which make it difficult to get the pump nozzle into the fuel filler neck.
Added items to the car, Curt trailer hitch for bicycle hitch mount, winter car mats, most recently added the SST door sill guards and the front bug deflector.
I hope all the fellow DJ owners have a great experience with their vehicles as I have so far with mine.
Mopar or No Car!!

My 2013 Storm Gray Pearl with the Black Top Package, 3.6L, FWD, 5 seater (didn't need the 7 seater or want the AWD (don't believe its necessary)) awesome extra storage room under the floor in the back without those additional seats.
Almost 5000 miles young. Absolutely love the vehicle, the ride, the 8.4inch info stack, and the space to carry larger items. The V6 has awesome power for its size.
The Journey fits because its right sized, slightly bigger then the much heralded small CUVs (which I don't see what's so great about them) but slightly smaller than the big ones. I was not a fan of the Daimler take over, as they pilfered Chrysler & left them to die, I would have to say this vehicle size was just right from that era. Didn't like that they dropped the Pacifica, which was ahead of it's time. I'll have to admit being a big Mopar fan so my bias will show.
Fortunately I have a short commute to work (6.5 miles one way, no thruway) but that also has a down side, as the car does not travel much over 50mph, with traffic lights, therefore impacts the gas mileage.
This past winter in Western NYS posed some serious weather conditions, from the down right cold days to many snowy ones as well. The heated seats & steering wheel worked flawlessly along with the remote starter. I wasn't looking for these items in the car when I purchased but so glad I had them this winter. Summertime this vehicle is just a joy to drive.
As everyone has posted many times about the OEM tires, in the snow are not the best, I would have enjoyed slightly more grip with a more aggressive tread pattern but you are supposed to drive to the conditions & not expect to set speed records. That being said, they worked fine for me & with only FWD, went through deep snow with ease.
So the gas mileage, I think the engine is still breaking in so I only believe it will get better. From day one I have yet to reset the MPG on the information center so as its stands today averaging 21.4MPG with a couple of longer trips of over 200 miles averaging around 27MPG, thruway. During the winter around 17MPG. When everything settles on I hoping somewhere upper teens to lower 20's.
One thing I which could be changed is the fuel filler door area, make it slightly larger or configure differently. Some how the gas pumps in this area have the anti splash shields which make it difficult to get the pump nozzle into the fuel filler neck.
Added items to the car, Curt trailer hitch for bicycle hitch mount, winter car mats, most recently added the SST door sill guards and the front bug deflector.
I hope all the fellow DJ owners have a great experience with their vehicles as I have so far with mine.
Mopar or No Car!!

Please people search for items on this board and/or do some research, many of the items have been posted especially for common items.
These are the OEM splashguards & part numbers for our Journey's, (I know this because I work for the company that makes these). I have posted this before.
Maybe this should be pinned.
See post: http://www.dodgejourneyforum.com/topic/5595-oem-molded-splashguardsmopar-part-numbers/
Re-post of content here:
OEM splashguards supplied through the dealer and/or Mopar stores, sold in pairs:
Front pair SGs, all years (2009 to present): 82210996AB
Rear pair SGs (2009 to 2011): 82210997AB (Rear bumper with NO reflector in the lower fascia, all body color)
Rear pair SGs (2012 to present): 822122865 (Rear bumper WITH the reflector in lower fascia, black color lower portion)

Honestly the sales are pretty good considering no advertising and no dealer support. There was only about one journey on the lot at a time all last year.
But who knows what fiat will do. I think they are killing off the dodge grand caravan with 134000 sales.

I don't read CR.
Cross-over Utility Vehicle. CUV's are built on car platforms (uni body construction). Tradition SUV's are built on truck platforms (body on frame construction). Although the lines are getting blurred. Even though technically wrong, most manufacturers end up calling them SUV's anyway because people don't associate with CUV's as terminology intended for their vehicle. And, most insurances don't really know how to classify them...lol. True SUV's are the ones like Tahoe, Yukon, Expedition, Excursion, Armada, etc, Built on frames originally meant for trucks (Silverado, F150, F250, Titan). The Ford Explorer is a good example, originally built on the Ranger truck frame, it was a true SUV in the beginning, now it is based off the Taurus car and is really a CUV, but Ford still calls it an SUV.

@silenze the numbers posted are from 2014, just posted within the last week.
@dhh3 Avenger numbers can be found at both sites listed above. www.goodcarbadcar.net is easier (right side of page) as you can specifically put in any model and it will search the database.
The internet and Google is your friend, do not be afraid to do these searches on your own, its not that difficult.

My 2013 Storm Gray Pearl with the Black Top Package, 3.6L, FWD, 5 seater (didn't need the 7 seater or want the AWD (don't believe its necessary)) awesome extra storage room under the floor in the back without those additional seats.
Almost 5000 miles young. Absolutely love the vehicle, the ride, the 8.4inch info stack, and the space to carry larger items. The V6 has awesome power for its size.
The Journey fits because its right sized, slightly bigger then the much heralded small CUVs (which I don't see what's so great about them) but slightly smaller than the big ones. I was not a fan of the Daimler take over, as they pilfered Chrysler & left them to die, I would have to say this vehicle size was just right from that era. Didn't like that they dropped the Pacifica, which was ahead of it's time. I'll have to admit being a big Mopar fan so my bias will show.
Fortunately I have a short commute to work (6.5 miles one way, no thruway) but that also has a down side, as the car does not travel much over 50mph, with traffic lights, therefore impacts the gas mileage.
This past winter in Western NYS posed some serious weather conditions, from the down right cold days to many snowy ones as well. The heated seats & steering wheel worked flawlessly along with the remote starter. I wasn't looking for these items in the car when I purchased but so glad I had them this winter. Summertime this vehicle is just a joy to drive.
As everyone has posted many times about the OEM tires, in the snow are not the best, I would have enjoyed slightly more grip with a more aggressive tread pattern but you are supposed to drive to the conditions & not expect to set speed records. That being said, they worked fine for me & with only FWD, went through deep snow with ease.
So the gas mileage, I think the engine is still breaking in so I only believe it will get better. From day one I have yet to reset the MPG on the information center so as its stands today averaging 21.4MPG with a couple of longer trips of over 200 miles averaging around 27MPG, thruway. During the winter around 17MPG. When everything settles on I hoping somewhere upper teens to lower 20's.
One thing I which could be changed is the fuel filler door area, make it slightly larger or configure differently. Some how the gas pumps in this area have the anti splash shields which make it difficult to get the pump nozzle into the fuel filler neck.
Added items to the car, Curt trailer hitch for bicycle hitch mount, winter car mats, most recently added the SST door sill guards and the front bug deflector.
I hope all the fellow DJ owners have a great experience with their vehicles as I have so far with mine.
Mopar or No Car!!

As most of us know the DJ battery is tucked into the front driver's side fender. Even with all the plastic well coverings the battery is exposed to harsh environments and even more so where the snow flies in the winter. I've had my DJ for just less than a year, and the main battery hold down rod/nut had a layer of rust only after one winter.
My advice is just get in there are get that rod/nut off and coat with Anti Seize compound and/or water resistance grease. Any nut or bolt I take off that is exposed to the elements, anti-seize always goes on. While at it coat the battery posts with corrosion prevention spray. When the day comes that battery is dead approx. three to five years, it should be much easier to get out..
I didn't take the wheel off, just turned it full left, got the push pins out and inner fender shields. Used plenty of PB Blaster to get the nut off and it still put up a fight. The rod bent slightly from the heat generated & the rust present. It took a good 1/2 hr to get the nut off because of the tight confines & wanted the PB Blaster to work at the rust.
Cleaned the rod with a wire brush, applied anti-seize, ran the nut up & down to coat, coated with water resistance grease as well & reassembled, applied more water resistance grease around the top of the expose rod & nut.
This should be a must "to do" for any DJ owner who plans on keeping their vehicle for any length of time, especially in the snowy parts with road salt & sand.