To downshift quickly "double tap" the gas pedal at the fixed speed.
Of course you can always use the alernative of of putting the 6spd
into manual mode and tap shift.

 

In our 2010 Journey we had slow down shifts but we found out its would shift a lot better if we took it out of ECO mode and noticed the same in our 2011 Dodge Van if we leave it in ECO mode it has slower down shift pattern like we had in the Journey, take it out of ECO mode and it shifts faster.

 

No "ECO" mode on the 2011 mdoels.

 

TSB #18-018-11 Flash update for 2011 Dodge Journey. Helps with shifting issues from 6 lock-up to 5th non-lock when driving up hills. After having this performed on my vehicle, shifts are smoother but transmission still shifts the same on hills. However it goes into 5th lock-up sooner and will hold it there instead of shifting back into 6 lock. Not sure why these transmissions can't go to 6 non-lock instead. With 283 HP there is ample power to negotiate except the steepest of hills with ease. It is more noticeable perhaps when the VVT is in 3 or 4 cyl mode and needs to get back to 6 cyl before going back to 5th lock-up?
Vehicle is nicely geared for putting trans in autostick 5th for speeds in hilly terrain between 45-55 mph. It would be nice while in this mode after stopping; the transmission would shift automatically all back through the gears to 5th without having to slap the stick over to upshift.
It would be nice if this model had a button similar to tow/haul for hilly country and one for economy. School buses have had this feature for several years.

 

Is there any more news on this
How do i tell my mechanic to adjust it
it drives me crazy when this happens

also when using cruise in a hilly area the motor will rev like crazy on the down hill
scarey **** that makes me turn off the cruise

 

The Motor is Reving like crazy because the vehicle detects a Down Hill decend, and keeping the trans in a lower gear. The Motor is NOT accelerating, it is engine braking for you so you don't ride the brake too much, which could cause a brake fade/failure.
It is working as designed, If you don't like the feature, you can turn off the Traction control. There is no way to adjust it, because every driver has a different preference.
But I prefer to keep the traction control feature over the risk of a brake fade in Hilly area driving.

 

Hi some update on my problem it turn out that the problem is not the down shift there is a big problem with de v6 engine block cylinder head in my 2011 Journey v6 after a year and half of frustration with the dealer (can not do anything no code on computer)the light motor came on and we finaly got some code from the the computer they have to change the two block cylinder head if you search on the internet you will find more information and it is true the replacement part are hard to find (back order) so we are not they only one Chrysler will change my cylinder head with better quality new cylinder head at no cost to me but it been over a month and still no part received. it look like over 7000 Journey to date have this problem.

 

Yes, head problems on # 2, 4, 6 cylinders. Engine light will come on and you will have a rough idle. Dealers should be aware of this. Soft valve seats is the problem and they are wearing out within 30k mi. My dealer has replaced 4 heads this year mainly on vans. New heads are supposed to be available but demand may be outpacing supply.

DID YOUR JOURNEY have a lot of excess moisture/water dripping from the right exhaust when parked?? Mine does this and wondering if it is related to the head problem. Other tailpipe is dry. Regardless, Chrysler is repairing all engines under warranty. Unfortunate but things like this happen.

 

Yes I notice on the driver side exhaust, At leasse with the error code that came out the dealer is much nicer with me before I had bad service they could noy fine anything wrong "It must be the way you drive" it was getting very hard on my moral every body that would get in the Journey with allways thell me what wrong with your car why is it doing this it a brand new car you should bring it back anyway I hope this will solve my problem it been a long year and half.....

 

I fail to see how water out one side would reflect
the fault as the dual exhaust(at least on my '11 SXT 3.6)
are fed by a common single pipe from the engine compartment.
Todate the only water I see is normal condensation exactly
the same as any car I have owned.