Sorry for your troubles. Our 09 was an absolute blast. Few minor things here and there, but nothing major, very reliable. We loved the DJ so much we just bought a new one! Every car has problems. Good luck with whatever you decide. Dodge DID listen.....brakes are a huge improvement now, as are the headlights, fit and finish and overall look of the vehicle. $8000 in repairs in 1.5 years sounds like you used the dealer. I do myb own work unless warranty covers it, keeps the cost of ownership under control.

 

We also had trouble with the car not starting. We took the car in and they said it was the starter - replaced it. 2 days later the car would not start took it back - they said faulty starter - replaced it again. 1 week later it would not start. My wife searched on the internet and saw people talking about the neutral safety switch. (the car was thinking it was in neutral and would not start). We told the dealership about it and they told us it was the starter. Finally after basically get a little upset they said "we contacted dodge and it's the neutral safety twitch" . Anyway -- replaced the neutral safety switch and the car is fine. That was over 5 months ago.

 

It's actually called a "range switch" but yeah, we've done a few.

 

We've had the same issue on our 09 Journey. Actually the day after we picked it up used from the dealer it happened. The problem with this is that it's a fleeting problem and doesn't tend to last, so it's difficult to diagnose. That said, a quick search on the web shows that this issue is far from unheard of. One of the common complaints people have had on this thread (and elsewhere online where this issue is discussed) is that the in particular the Dodge dealership shops have never heard of it. I think that a lot of the frustration is due to that glaring lapse. Known issues like this really should be brought to the attention of local Dodge/Chrysler shops so that they can deal with them in a timely manner.

To those who have questioned whether this is actually a potential danger to customers, it most certainly is. If you live in a northern climate where temperatures in the winter dip down to -30, being stranded in the elements can be a serious and even deadly issue. Throw a young child in the mix, and yes, this is a customer safety issue in my opinion. So far my family has been lucky never to have been stranded in the winter, but we are also dealing with the issue (still) at random times, making our vehicle essentially unreliable.

A couple points regarding the specifics of our case, so that others can compare. When the "key" is inserted, all power appears to work. Windows, radio, lights. But it just doesn't start. Jiggling the shifter doesn't do anything, nor does attempting to start it in neutral, etc. Only time fixes it. Sometimes an hour, sometimes a couple days. One other thing is that it's never happened when the engine is cold (starting from the house) and only happens when we've already been driving and turn the engine off

 

Well, I must say the problem is completely gone since we changed the starter a year ago. Never happened again.

 

How is replacing the trans range sensor going to fix the issue? Is it because the original range sensor has a factory defect? or had been damaged over time (wear & tear)?

 

The trans range sensor tells the computer
when the car is in park or neutral etc and
when it's ok to start.
I have seen posts where it is dirty/worn
and needs cleaning or replacement.

 

montoya13,

I'm happy to hear the starter replacement was a success and you've been able to enjoy your Journey!

 

bigtsr,

I have had a chance to do a little more digging on my end in regards to the intermittent no start issues being described. I have found that in some cases the replacement of the range sensor did successfully address the concern.

The trans range sensor is a function within the Powertrain Control Module, which is responsible for many engine and vehicle operations including park and neutral.

 

Hi TNTech,

I'm having the same problem for about 2 years now, where it wont start but when I move the shifter, it will start after 2-3 attempts. Then yesterday, I cycled the key and it shows an error code on the OBD, code: P0706, the thing, the MIL wasn't lit at all, I would've not seen the error if I didn't cycle the key.

I talked to a Dodge technician and he said it's still safe to drive as long as the vehicle won't get stuck on 2nd gear whichever, and it won't cause any further damage to the vehicle, pretty much he's saying that I can live with it. Is that completely true? I just need another opinion.

Btw, the trans range sensor costs $80 and the labor is around $600... Ouch!
Mine is a 2009 SXT 6.5L V6 (FWD)

Thanks.