Journeyman425

Congratulations and welcome to the Journey family! It's hard not to be enthusiastic about this great car.

I never realized that the Conquest was the bigger seller. In the Westchester area, especially in the early/mid 1980's, imported cars were selling like crazy. People would tend to choose the Mitsu over the Chrysler just because of the "import" perception even though they were the same. It was a sign of the day... Ironically, I have been working for a Chrysler dealership in a small town for nearly ten years and there are simply none of these cars in our area. I'm curious to see just how many we actually sold back in the day. Interestingly, the Journey is not a huge seller around here either. My town loves Grand Cherokees. I have the only Copper Pearl Journey in town. Thanks for the compliment on the color!

Try the customer support number. Lebowski may be correct about the 4.3 screen; I read that disclaimer also. However, that may be a disclaimer for vehicles that are equipped with the 4.3. When you click the "Vehicle Applications" tab for this accessory, it lists the 2012 R/T as a suitable application, and as far as I know, 8.4 is standard on the R/T - 4.3 is not available. Complete consumer support: 877-855-8400

Wow. The Conquest is even more rare than the Starion - especially these days. I remember the Starion selling pretty well around the Westchester, NY area where I grew up. There were far fewer Conquests around, and it was hard to tell the difference until you got close enough to notice the badging. Couldn't quite make it out in your photo but thought it might have been the tri-diamond badge. Very cool car and high performance for the day

There is no ECO mode for the 3.6 V6 in the Journey. Only the Hemi V8 has multiple displacement (MDS) so your engine is unequivocally NOT shutting off three cylinders at any point in its operation. The 3.6 minivans have an ECO mode as do the Grand Cherokees; this alters the shift points for maximum fuel economy but in no way alters engine performance or shuts off cylinders. The information you have been given is incorrect. Based on what I am reading and with my own experience with our Journey, I suspect there is an exhaust system issue - either a damper is loose or a muffler baffle or heat shield is loose or defective. Our Journeys with the 3.6 behave much like the minivans when their "ECO" button is activated - shifting early into higher gears for maximum fuel economy. The engine tends to lug under certain speed and throttle conditions. I occasionally hear what I believe to be an exhaust resonance when the engine RPM and vehicle speed are at a particular point - and I can't be specific about it because I've only heard it a few times but that was what immediately came to mind when I heard it. The engine speed was very low - less than 1500 RPM - and once the engine picks up a few more revs the sound disappears. There are no service bulletins currently for your issue but I will monitor the STAR (service tech assistance requests) cases for any new developments.

Welcome and congratulations - helluva nice car you have there! Is that a Starion lurking in your garage?

Ordered ours from the factory. 8400 miles and no trouble at all to date. The last couple of Journeys that we sold did not sit for very long on the lot and they have not been back for anything other than routine maintenance. Come to think of it, most of the Journeys we have sold since 2011 have been nearly trouble-free with the exception of the first 2011. That one was an early 2011 Lux and it had a faulty exhaust cam phaser which was an issue with the first 3.6's - but we didn't know it yet and it took a couple of trips back to my shop to figure it out. The most common problem I see with vehicles that sit on our lot for an extended period of time is warped brake rotors. Yes, they do indeed warp just sitting there! Not just Journeys, either.

Print this out and bring it to your dealership: STAR Case Contact the STAR Center for assistance if no solution is found Chrysler Group LLC Version 1 Case Number: S1108000159 Release Date: 04/02/2013 Symptom/Vehicle Issue: Daytime Running Lamps Inoperative Diagnosis: Owners may complain that the daytime running lamps are inoperative. Repair Procedure: Daytime running lamps will not operate. No DTC’s in any modules. Select the radio settings menu and select lighting, select Daytime Running Lamps (enable or disable feature). If the radio option is not available, review the vehicle configuration to make sure the vehicle is equipped with the daytime running lamps sales code. Adding the sales code LMK and performing a vehicle restoration will add the feature. Verification: Test the operation to complete.

http://www.mopar.com/part/82213152?s=335642&i=2206607&b=dodge

Rolly is my Copper Pearl soulmate!

Congratulations and good choice! The R/T is a natural progression from a high performance car like the SRT4 Caliber. The Journey is a true driver's car for people like us who need a vehicle with room but don't want a car that performs as if it's on Novocaine. We have a 300M which is also a driver's car and went with the Journey in part because it performs and handles as closely to a sport sedan as you can get in a SUV without going to something extreme like a Jeep SRT8. Enjoy!

Gary - you will need the Hands Free Module at the least. Not sure if the wiring is there or not - you can open up the steering column to check first if you wish. I think Mcgusto is right about the mirror - the mic is integrated into it unless they all have it and it is simply not enabled. I have attached descriptions and pictures of the HFM and the Rearview Mirror for you to check out: 08 - Electrical/8E - Electronic Control Modules/MODULE, Hands Free/Description DESCRIPTION The Hands Free Module (HFM) (3) (also known as the Bluetooth™ module) is found in vehicles equipped with the optional Uconnect® Hands-Free System. This module is located beneath the instrument panel and above the steering column. The HFM hardware and circuitry is contained and protected within a molded black plastic housing that has two integral mounts (2) and an integral locating pin (1). The HFM is positioned to a stamped metal steering column mounting bracket by the locating pin, then secured to the bracket by two screws. The HFM has three integral connector receptacles that are oriented toward the dash panel when it is installed in the vehicle. The two largest receptacles (5 and 6) connect the HFM to the vehicle electrical system through dedicated take outs and connectors of the instrument panel wire harness. The smallest connector (4) accepts a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable connector that connects the HFM to the Radio Receiver Module (RRM) (also known as the radio or the head unit). The internal circuitry of the HFM includes a microcontroller, flash memory and a Bluetooth™ module. The module also includes sophisticated Voice Recognition (VR) software. The HFM software is flash programmable. The HFM cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if damaged or ineffective, the entire HFM must be replaced. 23 - Body/Interior/MIRROR, Rearview/Removal REMOVAL Labor Operations: Click to display a list of Labor Operations associated with this procedure Primary LOP Related LOP Description Skill Level Skill Category 23121001 - Mirror, inside rear view Standard mirror 0 - Low Skilled 1C 23121002 - Mirror, inside rear view Auto dimmimg/map lighting/smartbeam 1 - Semi Skilled 1C 23121003 - Mirror, inside rear view Courtesy/map/read lamp / U connect / PASS 0 - Low Skilled 1C If the vehicle is equipped with either the electrochromic (automatic dimming) or the telematic (hands-free phone) mirror option, disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. If the vehicle is so equipped, disconnect the electrochromic mirror takeout and connector (1) and/or the telematic mirror takeout and connector (2) of the headliner wire harness from the connector receptacle on the back (windshield side) of the mirror housing (3).

08 - Electrical/8E - Electronic Control Modules/MODULE, Hands Free/Description DESCRIPTION The Hands Free Module (HFM) (3) (also known as the Bluetooth™ module) is found in vehicles equipped with the optional Uconnect® Hands-Free System. This module is located beneath the instrument panel and above the steering column. The HFM hardware and circuitry is contained and protected within a molded black plastic housing that has two integral mounts (2) and an integral locating pin (1). The HFM is positioned to a stamped metal steering column mounting bracket by the locating pin, then secured to the bracket by two screws. The HFM has three integral connector receptacles that are oriented toward the dash panel when it is installed in the vehicle. The two largest receptacles (5 and 6) connect the HFM to the vehicle electrical system through dedicated take outs and connectors of the instrument panel wire harness. The smallest connector (4) accepts a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable connector that connects the HFM to the Radio Receiver Module (RRM) (also known as the radio or the head unit). The internal circuitry of the HFM includes a microcontroller, flash memory and a Bluetooth™ module. The module also includes sophisticated Voice Recognition (VR) software. The HFM software is flash programmable. The HFM cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if damaged or ineffective, the entire HFM must be replaced. 08 - Electrical/8E - Electronic Control Modules/MODULE, Hands Free/Removal REMOVAL Labor Operations: Click to display a list of Labor Operations associated with this procedure NOTE: The Hands Free Module (HFM) (1) is mounted above the steering column (3) and against the dash panel (4) to the underside of the instrument panel column support bracket. Disconnect and isolate the negative cable from the battery. Remove the knee blocker from the instrument panel steering column opening. (Refer to 23 - Body/Instrument Panel/KNEEBLOCKER - Removal) . Remove the brake pedal assembly from the dash panel (4). (Refer to 05 - Brakes/Hydraulic/Mechanical/PEDAL(S) , Brake and/or Accelerator - Removal). NOTE: One of the HFM mounting screws is concealed between the forward (connector) side of the module and the dash panel. Remove the two screws (2) that secure the Hands Free Module (HFM) (1) to the underside of the instrument panel column support bracket. Lower the HFM far enough to access and disconnect the three wire harness connections (5) from the module connector receptacles. Remove the HFM from above the steering column (3) and under the instrument panel.

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!

http://www.dodgejourneyforum.com/index.php?app=forums&module=extras&section=stats&do=leaders

I'm not so sure I concur on the overboost theory. Once the driver learns to modulate the brake pedal, it will only apply as much braking force as the driver commands. The minivans and Journeys from 2008-2010 all suffered premature brake wear issues primarily due to undersized components. Friction=heat. Heat must be dissipated from the rotor or else it will warp, which is exactly what has been happening. Plus, the brake pad size and composition was insufficient for a vehicle of the Journey/Caravan/T&C's weight. Once those components were upgraded to the proper size, premature brake wear claims dropped precipitously. Good to hear that you had two problem-free years of braking!

Good diagnostics on your part. Sounds like you found the root cause - I hope it is repaired.

Beautiful color! Looks great - I LOVE a clean car...

The brake system upgrade is a significant one indeed. While I did not own a Journey prior to my 2013 Crew, I work for a dealership and saw how many came back for brake vibration issues. And while our 2013 only has 7800 miles on it, there isn't any hint of brake vibration and I'm really impressed with the power of the brake system. Much more impressive than our 300M which we ordered from the factory with Performance Handling Group which includes higher-friction brake pads and upgraded calipers. That car stops well, but the same amount of brake pedal input on the Journey will launch you through the windshield! Best of luck with you Limited. My Crew is the same as your Limited, but they have finally given it a proper name. "Crew" sounds much more appropriate for a work truck than a luxury CUV.

Wasn't there a recent post asking forum members if anyone was interested in becoming a moderator?

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.

There is no way you should have been responsible for any cost associated with this repair. What size are your tires? The Kumho Solus has been a good quality tire overall. Years ago, there were vibration issues with the 225/55/17 Goodyear Eagle LS that came on the 300M. They switched to Michelin as the OEM tire in 2001 and that was the end of it. Your case qualifies for lemon law protection. You might consider using that at this point. No one has yet to diagnose your problem, and they have been given too many chances to do so up to now.