09 Journey stays in first gear. In morning time it runs fine but in afternoon will not change out of first gear. What is going on is this a dealer only fix?

 

Have you checked the fluid levels??
Unless your a capable mechanic only a dealer
or good tranny shop are your only options.

 

3.5l transaxle. Dealer service only. Question is am I looking at big money here? Runs fine at items does not sound like anything mechanical is going wrong.

 

Then take it to a dealer.
First thing in am it's fine as it has sat all nite cooled down and
enough tranny fluid to operate the pressure mechanics and in the afternoon
not enough fluid has drained to pump pickup area for pressure needed.