brwengel

The timing belt has been changed three times according to the maintenance schedule.  This car came with a Lifetime Powertrain Warranty and I’m not really a fan of extended warranties, but since it already had the powertrain warranty, the Chrysler Lifetime bumper-to-bumper warranty was only $1800 bucks more.  Since one of the requirements is you have to follow the scheduled maintenance schedule, I never miss a one, and the oil changed every 6,000 miles.  At my next oil change, I’ll be due for another tranny service, we’ll see what they say…..

Yep, I just had my 353,000 mile oil change yesterday……

Yep, I just had my 353,000 mile oil change yesterday……

So I just had my eighth battery in a car that 10 years old; I’d really be upset if six of them wouldn’t have been covered under warranty, but that’s another story.  So after I picked up from the dealer, I decided to look at the battery to see how old it was.  A quick inspection found the battery tray had corroded to the point of almost failing to hold the battery in place.  My biggest disappointment was that the dealer was always trying to sell me extras I didn’t need, but never suggested replacing my battery tray.  Much to my surprise, I found that it simply bolts in place and could easily be replaced.
 
So I ordered one, and ordered paint used to protect battery compartments on small aircraft, after a couple of coats with the special paint I had a new battery tray installed for about $150 (the paint is kinda expensive for a quart).  Since the battery on the Journey is tucked up in the drivers side wheel well, nobody hardly ever sees it.  Next time you have your wheel off, check your battery tray.
 
Happy Motoring.

Yes, this problem was solved by putting the dual piston calipers on from a 2012 or newer model.  You can only do this if you're wheels are large enough to allow the larger rotor and caliper to fit.  My '09 Journey has 19" wheels, so it wasn't a problem.  I think you can get away with the larger hardware if you have 17' wheels, but you should double check, definitely won't work with 16" wheels.  I think there is a thread pinned to the top for this problem, it's kinda long, but in there you'll find everything you need to know.  With the original calipers and rotors I was replacing pads and turning rotors twice a year.  Since I swapped out for the larger size, it's been four years and I'm almost ready to replace the pads.  I got my caliper at a junkyard and bought new rotors, it's an easy do-it-yourself project and doesn't cost very much.  I opted to only do the front ones, my back ones last pretty long.  Hope this helps, Happy Motoring......

I would try a junkyard.  For one thing you’d get a chance to see what another harness looks like (is it worn like yours)?   If it looks in good shape, then I’d buy it.  If it has the same problem as your harness, then you know there’s a problem and buying a new harness would end up with the same result......
 
Happy Motoring.....

I had a similar problem with my ‘09.  I’ve been through seven batteries in nine years and several starters.  The dealer really has no idea and the last time it happened, they addd a ground strap to the engine block.  I told them this can’t be the cause of my problems, if that extra ground strap was needed, it would’ve been there since new, and I, not sure how they came to that conclusion.  But I have to tell you, I haven’t had a starting problem since then.  Fingers crossed and we’ll see if the problem returns, I’ll keep you posted.

I had a similar problem with my ‘09.  I’ve been through seven batteries in nine years and several starters.  The dealer really has no idea and the last time it happened, they addd a ground strap to the engine block.  I told them this can’t be the cause of my problems, if that extra ground strap was needed, it would’ve been there since new, and I, not sure how they came to that conclusion.  But I have to tell you, I haven’t had a starting problem since then.  Fingers crossed and we’ll see if the problem returns, I’ll keep you posted.

While it is possible to add the third row seating, there are a lot of pieces affected.  Beside the seating itself, there are the rear plastic trim panels on both sides of the cargo area that need replaced.  In addition to that, there is the addition of seat belts for the third row and then the second row seating must fold up to allow access to the third row.  The seats that are in the second row, actually have the mechanism built in, but you'd need the handles and trim pieces to allow it to function.
 
I'm sure it could be done, just know what you're getting into before you start the project....and as someone already mentioned, having a donor vehicle really helps as long as all interior colors and fabrics match and have faded at the same rate as your vehicle.
 
Happy Motoring.....

Sorry to hear about your troubles, but they have millions of vehicles affects by the recall. I'm not taking up for the manufacturers, but it's just not possible to provide that many parts for a recall, while still keeping up with production parts. I'm sure NHTSB gives the manufacturer at least a year depending on how many million vehicles are affected by a recall. Someone has to be first, and someone is always going to be the last person too.....
Good Luck

So I'm just curious, do you not have a copy of your recall? While I don't have mine in front of me at the moment, I'm pretty sure that's where I saw the wording that stated they would replace all Fobiks, including any you may have purchased. I have my notice at home and I'll check this week-end...

So I'm just curious, do you not have a copy of your recall? While I don't have mine in front of me at the moment, I'm pretty sure that's where I saw the wording that stated they would replace all Fobiks, including any you may have purchased. I have my notice at home and I'll check this week-end...

Just to add my two cents on this matter...I've purchased several Key Fobs from eBay and have never had a problem, approximately $25-$35. Remember, you're buy new fobs not someones old used one. The merchant I've used and have had no problems with is The Keyless King:
http://www.ebay.com/usr/keylessking*?_trksid=p2047675.l2559
My car has remote start as well and so I took a chance and bought one without the Remote Stat button. My thought was that they were all the same inside and the only difference was the silk screened cover. But this was not the case, after programming, the blank remote start button did not work, so they must be different inside. It still worked for all the other functions, just not the remote start.
Keep in mind that with the new R03 Recall, the Win Module is replaced and you'll get new key fobs (if your car is covered by the latest recall).

I just did my upgrade on the front wheels of my '09 this past weekend. I got my calipers from a junkyard and put new factory rotors and new pads on. Bled the brakes until new fluid came out and I had great pedal immediately. Was a very easy upgrade and I worried about bleeding the anti-lock brakes for nothing......

I just did my upgrade on the front wheels of my '09 this past weekend. I got my calipers from a junkyard and put new factory rotors and new pads on. Bled the brakes until new fluid came out and I had great pedal immediately. Was a very easy upgrade and I worried about bleeding the anti-lock brakes for nothing......

I just did my upgrade on the front wheels of my '09 this past weekend. I got my calipers from a junkyard and put new factory rotors and new pads on. Bled the brakes until new fluid came out and I had great pedal immediately. Was a very easy upgrade and I worried about bleeding the anti-lock brakes for nothing......

I just did my upgrade on the front wheels of my '09 this past weekend. I got my calipers from a junkyard and put new factory rotors and new pads on. Bled the brakes until new fluid came out and I had great pedal immediately. Was a very easy upgrade and I worried about bleeding the anti-lock brakes for nothing......

Sorry, but my dealer can only work on cars that visit their shop. They are not set-up to ship things Internationally. Good Luck though, sorry I couldn't be of more help....

Just to add my two cents on this matter...I've purchased several Key Fobs from eBay and have never had a problem, approximately $25-$35. Remember, you're buy new fobs not someones old used one. The merchant I've used and have had no problems with is The Keyless King:
http://www.ebay.com/usr/keylessking*?_trksid=p2047675.l2559
My car has remote start as well and so I took a chance and bought one without the Remote Stat button. My thought was that they were all the same inside and the only difference was the silk screened cover. But this was not the case, after programming, the blank remote start button did not work, so they must be different inside. It still worked for all the other functions, just not the remote start.
Keep in mind that with the new R03 Recall, the Win Module is replaced and you'll get new key fobs (if your car is covered by the latest recall).

Sorry, but my dealer can only work on cars that visit their shop. They are not set-up to ship things Internationally. Good Luck though, sorry I couldn't be of more help....

Just another update on this never ending topic. After I had my R03 recall performed, I tried to program and new spare key and to my amazement you are no longer able to perform this procedure yourself. I assume this has something to do with the new Win Module. I'm searching for the reason, but have not received any answers yet....I'll keep you posted.

Just my two cents worth, but I too had problems with my remote, believing the battery was weak. A quick internet search will tell you there is definitely a design problem with the battery compartment. If you put pressure on the battery contact area of the case while trying to operate the remote will usually cause it to work properly. Since the remote is not covered under the warranty, ever, you're on your own.
Since you can program a new key fob on your own if you have two working remotes, the secret is to buy a new remote (from eBay) before one of them stops working. Otherwise you'll have to have the dealer program the new remote for you, and dealers charge anywhere from $50-$150 for this service. A new remote purchased from the Internet can be had for as little as $25 and then if you program it yourself, this is cheap insurance. But remember for this to work you have to do it while you have two working keys (most everyone waits till they need one) and then they're at the mercy of the dealer!
Hope this helps, and Happy Motoring.....

I have an '09, so I'm approaching my fifth year with this vehicle. Back when the car was new I purchased the XPEL headlight film and applied it myself. I was so pleased with this product that I found a local installer and had the front bumper and the side mirrors covered, I think the cost was $50 for the headlight covers and the bumper was $350. I have just over 165,000 miles and I can say the front bumper has hardly a scratch or rock ding on it.
Hope this helps, and Happy Motoring...