Dodge Journey Battery Replacement: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Navigating the path of car maintenance can be daunting, especially when it comes to crucial components like a battery. The Dodge Journey heralded for its robust performance and reliability, is no exception to the occasional necessity of battery replacement. This step-by-step guide on the (2008-2020 model years) Dodge Journey battery replacement ensures you are well-equipped for this essential maintenance task.
Now be warned that Dodge Journey battery replacement can sometimes be challenging because our beloved engineers designed your battery to be located by the wheel well, requiring you to remove your driver-side wheel to complete the job and for more accessibility.
Identifying the Need for Battery Replacement
The Dodge Journey often provides clear indicators when a battery replacement becomes imminent, such as dimming headlights, slow engine cranks, or an illuminated battery warning light. Also, frequent electrical issues and the need to jump-start the vehicle consistently are telltale signs. Addressing these warnings promptly ensures the longevity and optimal functioning of your car.
Choosing the Right Battery for Your Dodge Journey
An optimal battery involves considering size, reserve capacity, and cold cranking amps (CCA). The Dodge Journey typically requires a Group Size 86 battery.
Step-by-Step Guide to Battery Replacement
Here, we present a meticulous step-by-step procedure to facilitate a smooth battery replacement process for your Dodge Journey. This guide will use a 2010 Dodge Journey as an example.
All model years (2008-2020) should follow the same procedure.
Tools you will need
10mm and 13mm wrench
Wheel removal tools such as lug wrench/tire iron
A car jack and stand jack
PB blaster/WD40 (optional: great for rusted nuts/dried plastic)
Mini prybar to remove plastic clips
Recommended Battery for 2010 Dodge Journey
We recommend the Interstates Battery MTP-86 line, with 650CCA and 30 month warranty.
Step 1: Safety First
Always prioritize safety. Ensure the vehicle is on a flat surface, turned off, and in the park position. Don safety gloves and goggles to protect yourself from potential acidic corrosion.
Step 2: Locate and Access the Battery
The battery in a 2010 Dodge Journey is located by the front driver-side wheel well.
Loosen your tire lug nuts first before you start jacking up your vehicle. We recommend adding jack stands and placing your wheel under your car.
Remove your wheel and place it under your vehicle, and now remove the wheel well cover; behold, your dead battery is in sight.
Step 3: Disconnecting the Battery
Always start by disconnecting the negative (-) terminal, followed by the positive (+) terminal to avoid short circuits. If your Dodge Journey has a battery sensor, also disconnect it. Use a 10mm socket wrench to loosen the terminal nuts and ensure you store them safely.
Pro tip: Use your new batteries battery cap to cover each terminal to avoid any sparks or shorts.
Step 4: Removing the Old Battery
Now remove your hold-down bracket with a 13mm socket wrench or ratcheting wrench.
Carefully lift the old battery out of the compartment.
Batteries are hefty; employing safe lifting techniques is crucial to avoid injury.
Step 5: Installing the New Battery
Gently place the new battery into the compartment, ensuring that the positive and negative terminals are oriented correctly.
Pro tip: Pre-install your hold-down bracket for an easier install and put it aside.
Step 6: Reconnecting the Terminals
First, connect the positive (+) terminal and secure it tightly with a wrench. Follow this by connecting the negative (-) terminal.
Step 7: Secure the Battery
Ensure the battery is secured firmly in the compartment to prevent movement during transit and secure your hold-down bracket. This safeguards against potential damage to your battery, as vibrations may sometimes reduce the lifespan of your battery.
Step 8: Final Checks
Before reinstalling your wheel cover, start your dodge journey and check its charging output. A reading over 13.5 volts on an excellent alternator now varies from vehicle to vehicle. Check your owner's manual for its specific reading.
Once that's all good, reinstall your wheel and torque them to spec.
Pro tip: After 100kms of driving, we recommend retorquing your wheel again to spec.
Post-Replacement Guidelines
After successfully replacing the battery, observing for any electrical irregularities is prudent and ensuring that all settings (radio, clock, etc.) are configured as desired.
It is worth noting that the onboard computer may need to relearn some parameters, which it will do automatically as you drive. A few driving cycles should restore optimal functioning.
Conclusion
The battery is the lifeblood of your 2010 Dodge Journey, ensuring every start is smooth and powering all the electronic components efficiently.
FAQ for Dodge Journey
Tackle some common questions and concerns encountered during the battery replacement of a 2010 Dodge Journey.
Q1: Can I replace the battery myself?
Yes, replacing your Dodge Journey battery can be a great weekend job (wink, wink) with the right tools and determination.
Q2: What is the cost of a new battery?
The cost can range from $170 CAD to $300 CAD, depending on the brand and specifications of the chosen battery.
Q3: Does MobileBattery replace Dodge Journey Batteries?
Yes, we do! Our technicians are all certified and trained to replace your Dodge Journeys battery.
We service over 50+ Canadian cities across Canada.
Book online today at mobilebattery.ca!