Originally Posted By: B25urgandy
Originally Posted By: LotI
Originally Posted By: B25urgandy
He only uses a flush right after our winter is over (MI). He says he's done it with all of his cars. I told him there is no use to do the flush but he insists that he has always done it and never had a problem so he attributes that to using the flush. He always uses a Synthetic oil be it Pennzoil, Mobile 1, Supertech. He isn't much of a car guy but at least knows to use synthetic over dino. After that report he says he will no longer do the flush now.
My guess is he's always run 10w-30 too? I would think Chrysler would spec a 5w-30 or maybe even xW-20 for that year. It sure would be easier to start in MI winters with a 0w or 5w.
Believe it or not for '10 they specs 10W30, then they changed to 5w30. I told him to run 5w30 since it's really cold here in the winter. (today was as low as 38 believe it or not. But he's super strict on following the manual and won't put in the 5w30. And yes always 10w30 synthetic of different brands.
Personally unless the '11+s have a different transmission I would not recommend a Dodge Journey. Reverse into drive or drive into reverse. or even neutral to drive or reverse results in a really really loud thud that as well as audible you can feel it jolt the whole car. I've spoken to dodge and they ignore the problem and say there is no problem, at least the dealership says there is as well but they can't do anything because Chrysler says no. I'm going to change the transmission fluid soon and take a sample and send it in, I expect a great deal of metal and wear due to the really violent transmission shift changes.
Might I suggest going to drive another Journey with the same drivetrain? If it's normal, you'll have the same clunk while shifting the demo vehicle.
Glad your Dad saw the wisdom of not doing flushes all the time ...