Scotty,
My wife and I bought a 2012 Dodge Journey 3.6L AWD a couple years ago and the AWD systems kicks when it shouldn't. It seems to do it mainly when you turn a corner from a complete stop. I pulled the AWD fuse so that it only ran in two-wheel and the issue went away but then of course it trips other systems and lights and disables cruise control and the like. I put the AWD fuse back in and the problem returns. From what I have read online, it sounds like the viscous coupler? I took it to a shop that I trust and that has taken care of me many times before and they said it's the rear end and that there are no individually replaceable parts (that was last year). As much as I usually trust them, I'm pretty sure that's not true. Other than cosmetic damage from a nasty hail storm back in April, we like the car and have only one other issue with it.
That other issue, every now and then the engine light will trip and it will go into "limp mode" with the code P06DD "Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Stuck Off". The first oil change I did on it, though I was very careful, that little black plastic filter bypass piece in the filter housing did break and fall down in but I'm pretty sure I got it all out. I know that the oil pressure sensor requires taking the intake off which I'm hoping is not the problem. What are your thoughts? Thanks again in advance and again, you are AWESOME!
Please try to create a new post for each different question. Thanks.
For the AWD binding, you could try replacing the transfer case fluid. You also need to make sure you have the same tires on all four corners, and they have to be worn evenly (to within 1/4")
Your mechanic could be right though. Viscous coupling units are sealed and not serviceable.
I don't know if I'm responding to this correctly. I did read something about the tires having to all be the same but we did have to get four new tires after it was happening and it still happens. Also tried draining the rear end and putting new fluid in and that didn't make a difference either. I will look into the transfer case idea.
Also, when I changed the differential fluid, I didn't see anything that mentioned requiring a special additive. Where would I find out if mine requires it? I did not add any.
fluids, capacities and additives are all specified in the owner's manual
https://www.mopar.com/en-us/my-vehicle/vehicle-information.html?redirect=om
I realized that the engine light part was not answered.
which is why you should put it in a separate topic
Sorry, your original comment about making a new post for each question didn't show for me before.
Until you have the solution to the 4x4 problem you could just run two wires from the 4x4 fuse holder and connect them to a two pole toggle switch and mount a toggle switch on the dash in of the blank switch plates. Put the same fuse value spliced into one wire between the original fuse holder and toggle switch. Then you have on demand 4x4 manual style until you get the problem resolved.
