Common 1st gen Dodge Journey problems include no heat and issues with the throttle body. Learn the common problems on the 1st generation of the Dodge Journey, years 2009 to 2020, and their symptoms, causes, and fixes.
Top 5 Issues with the 1st Gen Dodge Journey (2009 to 2020)
1. Heater Core Problems
Symptoms of Heater Core Problems
- No heat when the heat is turned on
- Heat temperature is lower than normal
Causes of a Bad Heater Core
The heater core can clog on the 1st gen Journey from sediment in the coolant.
How to Fix a Bad Heater Core
As a temporary fix you can flush out the heater core by disconnecting the coolant hoses that lead into the firewall and connect to the heater core.
Replacing the heater core includes removing the dash, the steering wheel, and electronics like the radio. The A/C evaporative core is also part of the heater box, so the A/C system will need to be recovered and recharged.
2. Throttle Body Problems
Symptoms of Throttle Body Problems on the 2009 to 2020 Dodge Journey
- High RPMs at idle
- Rough running engine at idle
- Check engine light for code P2112 or P2110
How to Fix Throttle Body Problems
Cleaning the throttle body will not fix these problems on the 2009 to 2020 Dodge Journey. The problem is an issue with the internal sensors and motor, so the throttle body will need to be replaced.
3. Key Fob Failure
Symptoms of a Bad Key Fob
- Vehicle won’t start
- Door locks don’t work
How to Fix a Key Fob
If there is another remote, see if it works. If it doesn’t, replacing the key fob battery usually fixes this issue.
4. Thermostat Failure
Symptoms of a Bad Thermostat
- No heat when the heat is turned on
- Check engine light for code P0652
How to Fix a Bad Thermostat
To replace the thermostat, the thermostat needs to be replaced with the housing as one piece. Since a bad heater core can also cause the symptom of no heat, if the temperature gauge is not in its usual position, the thermostat likely has an issue.
5. Wiper Relay
Symptoms of Wiper Problems
- Wiper speeds not working
- Windshield wipers not working
Causes of Windshield Wiper Problems
Windshield wiper problems on the 1st gen Dodge Journey tend to stem from issues with the wiper relay. If the wipers won’t turn on, it could be the motor relay, and if the wipers have issues with the settings, it could be the wiper speed relay.
How to Fix Wiper Problems
Remove the fuse box cover from the fuses in the engine bay.
Since the relays are the same part number, they could be swapped, so if the wipers are not turning on, try swapping them to see if it’s causing the issue.
If there is an issue with the wipers’ speed, the wiper speed relay will need to be swapped with a new relay to test it.
1st Generation Dodge Journey Model Years
- 2009 Dodge Journey
- 2010 Dodge Journey
- 2011 Dodge Journey
- 2012 Dodge Journey
- 2013 Dodge Journey
- 2014 Dodge Journey
- 2015 Dodge Journey
- 2016 Dodge Journey
- 2017 Dodge Journey
- 2018 Dodge Journey
- 2019 Dodge Journey
- 2020 Dodge Journey
Related Content
- Car Heater Not Working?
- Is Your Car Heater Not Blowing Air?
- How to Tell if a Relay is Bad in a Car, Truck, or SUV
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