We have the same issue .dealership is zero help. They want $$ to diagnose. We have been through a couple of batteries. No luck. Bought a new car to be dependable for our family. Looks like we need a new car. Tired of going through this. Another recall on this car. I wish dodge would just admit that this line of cars was a failure and do an all out recall. Build some faith in your line dodge. I don't want to sell the car privately as I can't pass this car on in good conscious. I am beyond frustrated.

 

A Follow-up. I finally took my Journey to the dealer. (Initially took to reputable local auto electrical shop and they could not find the cause). Dealer found the HVAC controller was bad and caused a 7 amp constant draw on battery. They replaced the controller and battery (weakened after multiple complete draw-downs to where it would not take a full charge). Cost $800 for repair, but 2 weeks later no recurrences. Even let car set for 3 days as a test, working fine now.

 

Thanks for the followup. Certainly useful information for others with the same issue.

 

Hi John Thompson,
We're very sorry that your concern has not been resolved yet. Please send us a private message if you are continuing to pursue a resolution to this with your dealer. We would be happy to get a case escalated in order to help find a potential solution.
Lydia
Dodge Social Care Specialist

 

I purchased my 2011 Dodge Journey Crew new. Within the first year, the brakes and rotors had to be replaced and the battery was dying. I took it back to the dealership, was told it was the radio draining the battery. There were some TSB they downloaded and it seemed to fix the problem. Last winter the battery was dying again. Had the battery replaced and it seemed to be fixed. Now this winter I'm having the same problem. I had the battery tested and the battery health is fine but isn't fully charged. I took it to the local mechanic who performed an electrical test and determined that the radio is not shutting off when the car is turned off. They sent it to the local Dodge dealership to have another TSB downloaded to the radio. It dropped the draw on the battery but there is still a draw. They are recommending replacing the radio with a brand new Chrysler radio. Can someone tell me if this is actually going to fix the battery draw? Have they completely fixed this issue? After multiple brake pad and rotor replacements, a recent radiator replacement, I am done sinking money into this car just to have to spend more. I love this car and it only has 60k miles on it and is in good condition but it's so frustrating to have this issue when it's a known problem and Chrysler doesn't take ownership of it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.



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Yes I have the same problem. 10 boosts and 2 new batteries in 2 years. Also since fixing the steering column wire our phones wont connect.
Does Dodge stand behind their product? I was told the journey does not have a hidden drain so whats up with that?

 

Summary follow-up:
Initial problem dead battery 5/21/18. Replaced by local repair shop.
9/10/18 dead battery. Battery replaced by local shop under warranty.
10/1/18 dead battery. No problem found by reputable electrical shop.

Kept recharging battery until it was dying after car only set for 2/3 days.
11/11/18. Dealer replaced HVAC stack module and battery.
11/17/18 Battery dead again Dealer replaced alternator and battery.
1/22/19 Battery dead, dealer replaced intermittent hands free module. Took week in shop to diagnose. That seemed to correct battery problem, finally.

4/8/19 headlights flickering at idle. Electrical shop said bad alternator, so replaced again. Did not resolve, so back to dealer who reflashed ECM with latest update. Finally all seems resolved.

Total time 5/21/18 to 4/18/19. 5 Batteries, 2 alternators, and 2 modules replaced. Car in 3 shops at least 8 times. Total investment $2968. But all seems well now, finally.

 

Mine does the same thing.

 

Wait whats an ECM? Sad because I love the Journey , the comfort the size and the power of my V6

 

Engine Control Module. The "brains" of the electrical system. $3-400 to replace. They were able to download the newest software package without replacing it and that has resolved my headlight problem. ECM tells alternator to charge and not charge, among other responsibilities, which was causing my headlights to flicker as the alternator was turning on and off every few seconds.