The 2018 Dodge Journey equipped with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine is a versatile mid-size crossover that demands high-quality lubrication to maintain its performance and longevity. Proper maintenance of this powertrain involves more than just an oil change; it requires a systematic approach to fluid management that covers the engine, transmission, cooling system, and drivetrain components. Using the correct viscosity and capacity is essential for ensuring optimal protection against wear, preventing overheating, and maintaining the vehicle’s fuel economy over time.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Offers unsurpassed engine protection for up to 25,000 miles or 1 year, with 75% more resistance against horsepower loss and wear compared to conventional oils.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides extended protection for up to 20,000 miles with 37% more cleaning power to help keep the engine running smoothly.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A cost-effective 100% synthetic option that fights sludge and deposits while protecting turbochargers effectively.
- AMSOIL 5W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specially formulated for vehicles with over 75,000 miles, featuring enhanced detergents to reduce sludge and boost cleaning power.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Delivers 99% filtering efficiency at 20 microns with lower restriction to keep engine parts properly lubricated and reduce wear.
- WIX Oil Filter – Features premium media that offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters for reliable service.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – An ethylene glycol 50/50 pre-mix formulation that exceeds OEM requirements and protects cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated formula that provides up to 150,000 miles of protection and greatly surpasses standards for metallic corrosion.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands heavy towing and elevated temperatures while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions for smooth, shudder-free shifts.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Resists harmful sludge and guards against leaks to promote reliable transmission performance.
- WIX Transmission Filter – Offers premium media improvements over OEM filters to ensure clean fluid circulation in the automatic transmission.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Advanced protection against wear and thermal runaway, ideal for limited-slip applications in differentials and transfer cases.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-110 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Provides superior protection against rust, corrosion, and operating temperatures for heavy-duty gear applications.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Delivers advanced protection with friction modifiers for limited-slip differentials, helping reduce operating temperatures.
- AMSOIL 75W-90 Long Life 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Specifically engineered for extended service life, offering better cold-weather shifting and improved seal life.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Provides a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range with excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness.
Maintaining the 2018 Dodge Journey 3.6L requires attention to specific fluid capacities and intervals to ensure the engine and drivetrain operate within factory specifications while maximizing the benefits of synthetic lubricants. The engine uses 5W-20 viscosity oil, which is critical for the V-6 powertrain’s timing chain tensioners and VVT (Variable Valve Timing) systems. When performing an oil change, you must account for a total capacity of 5.9 quarts when replacing the AMSOIL Oil Filter. This volume is essential for ensuring the oil pump can circulate fluid effectively to all critical components, from the cylinder head to the crankshaft bearings. After refilling, it is standard practice to check the oil level and allow the engine to settle before verifying the final reading on the dipstick. Proper torque specifications of 20 ft/lbs for the drain plug are also necessary to prevent leaks or stripped threads. For vehicles using E85 or M85 fuels, it is advisable to adhere to the recommended drain intervals or utilize AMSOIL oil analysis to safely extend service periods, as higher ethanol content can impact oil life.
Transmission and Drivetrain Protection
The automatic transmission in the 2018 Journey, specifically the 62TE 6-speed model, requires a robust fluid to handle the torque generated by the 3.6L engine. A total fill capacity for the transmission is 9 quarts, though an initial fill after a rebuild or flush is approximately 5.5 quarts. Using a high-performance synthetic transmission fluid is crucial for preventing the shudder issues that can sometimes affect this transmission platform. AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is formulated to provide reserve protection during heavy use, such as towing or mountain driving, ensuring the transmission remains fluid even in sub-zero temperatures. For the differential and transfer case, the vehicle utilizes GL-5 rated gear lubricants. The rear differential requires approximately 1.3 pints of fluid, while the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) needs about 1.7 pints. These components operate under high stress and generate significant heat; synthetic gear lubes like AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 75W-90 offer excellent thermal stability and rust protection to extend the life of the gears and bearings. A torque specification of 26 ft/lbs applies to both the drain and fill plugs for the transfer case.
Cooling and Brake Systems
The cooling system capacity varies depending on the specific radiator configuration, with options ranging from 13.1 quarts to 14.5 quarts. Maintaining the correct AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is vital for preventing corrosion and overheating, especially given the aluminum construction of the engine and transmission. AMSOIL antifreeze formulations use unique Organic Acid Technology (OAT) to protect all metals and rubber components without the use of silicates or nitrates. For the braking system, the 2018 Dodge Journey specifies a DOT 3 hydraulic AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid meeting Mopar specifications MS-4574. Switching to a synthetic brake fluid can improve pedal feel and prevent fade during hard stops, as synthetic fluids maintain a stable viscosity better than conventional fluids over a wide temperature range.
Vehicle Maintenance Best Practices
Regular maintenance of the 2018 Dodge Journey extends far beyond the engine oil change. Owners should consider adding an injector cleaner like AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver to restore horsepower and improve fuel economy, as direct injection engines can accumulate carbon deposits over time. For seasonal storage, using a AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer keeps fuel fresh for up to 12 months, protecting the engine from varnish and gum buildup. Additionally, using a silicone spray on rubber components can prevent drying and cracking, ensuring seals remain pliable and leak-free. Regular inspection of these fluids and components will help the vehicle maintain its value and performance characteristics for years to come.
About the Vehicle
The 2018 Dodge Journey sits firmly in the mid-size crossover segment, offering a practical blend of passenger car comfort and utility vehicle utility. Introduced earlier in the decade, the Journey was designed to bridge the gap between the smaller Dodge Caliber and the larger, more rugged Jeep Grand Cherokee. By the 2018 model year, the Journey had established itself as a staple for families seeking a spacious interior and a versatile platform for everyday driving. The vehicle is built on the Chrysler UG platform, a rear-wheel-drive-based architecture that was adapted to accommodate all-wheel-drive configurations, providing a stable and comfortable ride quality.
At the heart of the 2018 Journey is the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, designated by the code ERB. This engine is widely regarded as one of the most successful modern V-6 designs, known for its smooth power delivery and reasonable fuel efficiency for its displacement class. It produces approximately 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, offering ample power for passing maneuvers and towing smaller loads. The engine features variable valve timing (VVT) on both the intake and exhaust camshafts, which optimizes performance across the rev range. Drivers appreciate the smooth idle and the responsive acceleration that the V-6 provides, making it a superior choice over the smaller 2.4-liter four-cylinder option available in some trims.
As a family-oriented crossover, the 2018 Dodge Journey emphasizes interior volume. It typically features seating for seven or eight passengers, with the middle-row captain’s chairs available in higher trims to facilitate access to the third row. The vehicle’s design focuses on utility, with a rear cargo area that can be expanded by folding down the second and third rows, creating a large flat load floor. This makes it a popular choice for hauling groceries, sports equipment, or even large pets. The exterior styling of the 2018 model retains the bold, rugged look that characterized the Journey’s lifecycle, with a prominent grille and muscular fenders that give it a confident presence on the road.
Despite its many strengths, the 2018 Dodge Journey does have a few areas where owners often seek improvements. One common concern is the durability of the air conditioning compressor, which can fail prematurely in some units. Another issue reported by owners involves the transmission shudder, particularly during low-speed acceleration, which can often be mitigated or resolved through the use of high-quality synthetic transmission fluids that better handle the clutch plates. Additionally, some owners have noted issues with the power steering fluid pump, which can develop leaks or fail over time. Finally, the vehicle’s interior cabin can sometimes experience creaks and rattles from the dashboard or door panels as the vehicle ages. These problems, while annoying, are common in many vehicles of this era and can be managed effectively with premium lubricants and seal conditioners that prevent drying and degradation of rubber and plastic components.
The 2018 Dodge Journey represents a solid choice for those needing a reliable, spacious vehicle without the bulk of a full-size SUV. Its reputation for comfort and utility, combined with the robust performance of the Pentastar V-6, makes it a beloved model among fleet managers and family drivers alike. By adhering to a strict maintenance schedule using high-performance synthetic fluids, owners can ensure that their Journey continues to deliver the reliability and comfort that made it a standout in its segment.