2015 Dodge Journey OBD & OBD2 Codes: Your Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system in your 2015 Dodge Journey is crucial for maintaining your vehicle’s health and ensuring it runs efficiently. This guide will delve into the specifics of OBD and OBD2 codes for your 2015 Dodge Journey, helping you understand what these codes mean, how they affect your vehicle, and how to address them. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a Dodge Journey owner looking to be more informed, this article will provide you with the knowledge you need to navigate the complexities of your vehicle’s diagnostic system.

Decoding OBD & OBD2 for Your 2015 Dodge Journey

The OBD system is essentially your car’s self-diagnostic tool. Introduced in the late 1980s and standardized as OBD2 in the mid-1990s, this system monitors various components of your vehicle, particularly those related to emissions control. For a 2015 Dodge Journey, you’re working with an advanced OBD2 system designed to detect malfunctions and alert you through the “Check Engine Light” or Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on your dashboard.

When the OBD system detects an issue, it generates a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). These codes are standardized across the automotive industry, allowing mechanics and vehicle owners to identify problems using an OBD2 scanner. Understanding these codes is the first step in diagnosing and resolving issues with your Dodge Journey.

Locating the OBD2 Port in Your 2015 Dodge Journey

Before you can read any OBD2 codes, you need to locate the OBD2 port in your 2015 Dodge Journey. Thankfully, it’s usually in an easily accessible location. In most vehicles, including the Dodge Journey, the OBD2 port is located under the dashboard on the driver’s side. Look for a 16-pin connector, often near the steering column or around the fuse box area. Consulting your 2015 Dodge Journey owner’s manual will provide the exact location if you’re having trouble finding it.

This image shows a generic OBD2 port location, similar to where you might find it in your 2015 Dodge Journey.

Understanding Readiness Monitors and Smog Checks

OBD2 systems play a vital role in vehicle emissions testing, commonly known as Smog Checks. Readiness monitors are self-tests performed by your 2015 Dodge Journey’s OBD system to confirm that emission control systems are functioning correctly. These monitors run in the background during normal driving conditions.

For a Smog Check to pass, certain readiness monitors must be completed. The number of incomplete monitors allowed depends on the vehicle’s model year and fuel type. According to official guidelines, for a gasoline vehicle like the 2015 Dodge Journey:

• For model year 2000 and newer gasoline vehicles: Only the Evaporative system monitor can be incomplete to pass the OBD test portion of a Smog Check.

This means that most emission-related monitors, such as the catalyst monitor, oxygen sensor monitor, and EGR monitor, need to be in a “ready” or “completed” state for your 2015 Dodge Journey to pass a Smog Check.

It’s important to note that if you’ve recently disconnected your car battery or had emission-related repairs, the readiness monitors might reset to “not ready.” You may need to perform a “drive cycle” to allow the monitors to complete their tests. Drive cycles involve specific driving conditions (speed, acceleration, deceleration, etc.) that can trigger the monitors to run. While the exact drive cycle for a 2015 Dodge Journey might be found in repair industry service literature or OEM manuals, general driving over time usually completes these monitors.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and OBD2 Testing

The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), or “Check Engine Light,” is a key component of the OBD system. During a Smog Check, the MIL’s behavior is checked as part of the OBD test:

• Key On, Engine Off (KOEO): The MIL should illuminate when the key is turned to the “on” position but the engine is not running. This confirms the MIL is functional.
• Key On, Engine Running (KOER): The MIL should turn off once the engine is started and running, provided there are no active emission-related faults.

If the MIL does not illuminate during KOEO or stays illuminated during KOER when there are emission-related DTCs present, your 2015 Dodge Journey will fail the OBD test portion of a Smog Check.

Common OBD2 Codes and Potential Issues for 2015 Dodge Journey

While a comprehensive list of all possible OBD2 codes is extensive, understanding common categories and potential issues related to your 2015 Dodge Journey can be beneficial.

Keep in mind that the original document we are referencing lists vehicles with known OBD test issues. While a 2015 Dodge Journey isn’t specifically listed in Section D (OIS Vehicles of Interest) for general OBD communication or readiness issues, it is mentioned in Section E (Permanent Diagnostic Trouble Code Vehicles of Interest).

Permanent Diagnostic Trouble Codes (PDTCs) and Your 2015 Dodge Journey

Section E highlights that certain 2011-2015 Dodge Journey models (specifically with 2.4L and 3.6L engines) may have an issue with Permanent Diagnostic Trouble Codes (PDTCs). The issue is: “Permanent Fault Codes will not clear.” and the recommended remedy is: “Reflash per Recall V51.”

PDTCs are similar to regular DTCs but cannot be cleared by simply using a scan tool or disconnecting the battery. They are designed to ensure that a fault is truly resolved before the code is cleared. PDTCs will only clear themselves after the OBD system verifies that the problem is no longer present over a series of drive cycles.

According to the original document, for 2010 and newer vehicles:

• Vehicles fail when a PDTC is present.

However, there are exceptions:

• PDTC presence is ignored if the vehicle has completed at least 15 warm-up cycles and been driven at least 200 miles since its OBD information was last cleared.
• BAR (Bureau of Automotive Repair) is aware of some vehicles that have trouble properly clearing certain PDTCs and may ignore these codes in the OIS (Smog Check inspection system).

For 2015 Dodge Journey owners, especially those experiencing persistent “Check Engine Light” issues or Smog Check failures related to PDTCs, it is crucial to be aware of Recall V51. This recall involves a software reflash that addresses the issue of permanent fault codes not clearing. If your 2015 Dodge Journey is experiencing PDTC problems, contacting a Dodge dealership and inquiring about Recall V51 is a necessary step.

A lit “Check Engine Light” on your 2015 Dodge Journey dashboard indicates a potential OBD2 code and the need for diagnosis.

Other Potential OBD2 Code Categories for 2015 Dodge Journey

Beyond PDTC issues, other common categories of OBD2 codes you might encounter in your 2015 Dodge Journey include:

• P0xxx (Powertrain Codes): These are the most common codes and relate to engine and transmission issues. Examples include misfires (P0300-P0309), fuel system problems (P0171, P0174 – lean conditions), oxygen sensor issues (P0131, P0134), and catalytic converter inefficiency (P0420).
• Bxxxx (Body Codes): These codes relate to body control systems, such as power windows, door locks, and airbags. While less directly related to emissions, some body codes can interact with the OBD system.
• Cxxxx (Chassis Codes): These codes are associated with chassis systems like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), traction control, and suspension.
• Uxxxx (Network Communication Codes): These codes indicate communication issues between different electronic control modules (ECMs) in your vehicle. The U0140 code mentioned in Section E for some Dodge vehicles (though not specifically the Journey for U0140, but related to general Chrysler/Dodge PDTC issues) falls into this category and indicates “Lost Communication With Body Control Module.”

Note: While the original document provides valuable information about known issues for specific vehicle makes and models, it’s not an exhaustive troubleshooting guide for every possible OBD2 code. For specific codes retrieved from your 2015 Dodge Journey, you should:

1. Use an OBD2 scanner to read the exact code(s).
2. Consult a reliable OBD2 code database or repair manual to understand the specific meaning of the code.
3. Perform further diagnostics to pinpoint the root cause of the problem, as a single OBD2 code can have multiple potential causes.
4. Seek professional help from a qualified mechanic if you are not comfortable diagnosing and repairing the issue yourself.

Troubleshooting OBD2 Codes on Your 2015 Dodge Journey

When you encounter a “Check Engine Light” and retrieve OBD2 codes from your 2015 Dodge Journey, consider these troubleshooting steps:

1. Record the Codes: Write down all the codes retrieved by your scanner. Note the code numbers and any descriptions provided by the scanner.
2. Research the Codes: Use a reputable online OBD2 code database (like those from websites such as the OBD-II Clearinghouse or automotive parts retailers) or a repair manual specific to your 2015 Dodge Journey to understand the meaning of each code.
3. Visual Inspection: Check for any obvious issues, such as loose gas caps, disconnected vacuum lines, damaged wiring, or fluid leaks. Sometimes, a simple visual inspection can reveal the problem.
4. Address Simple Issues First: If the code indicates a simple problem like a loose gas cap (often triggering evaporative emission codes), tighten it and see if the code clears or if the “Check Engine Light” goes off after a short drive cycle.
5. Consider Recent Repairs: If the “Check Engine Light” appeared after recent maintenance or repairs, double-check the work performed to ensure everything was done correctly and no connections were missed.
6. Use Diagnostic Tools (Carefully): If you are comfortable working on cars, you can use diagnostic tools like a multimeter, scan tool with live data capabilities, or a smoke machine (for evaporative leaks) to further investigate the problem. However, exercise caution and follow proper procedures.
7. Seek Professional Help: If you are unsure about the diagnosis or repair, or if the problem seems complex, it’s always best to consult a qualified mechanic. They have the expertise, tools, and experience to accurately diagnose and repair OBD2-related issues on your 2015 Dodge Journey.

Utilizing OBD2 Scanners with Your 2015 Dodge Journey

OBD2 scanners are essential tools for reading and interpreting OBD2 codes. There are various types of scanners available, ranging from basic code readers to advanced professional-grade scan tools.

• Basic Code Readers: These are inexpensive and easy to use. They can read and clear DTCs. For basic troubleshooting, a simple code reader can be sufficient.
• Mid-Range Scanners: These scanners offer more features, such as live data streaming (allowing you to see real-time sensor readings), freeze frame data (showing vehicle conditions when a code was set), and sometimes enhanced diagnostic capabilities for specific makes and models.
• Professional-Grade Scan Tools: These are used by mechanics and offer the most comprehensive features, including advanced diagnostics, bidirectional controls (allowing you to command certain vehicle functions), and access to manufacturer-specific information.

For most 2015 Dodge Journey owners, a basic or mid-range OBD2 scanner will be adequate for reading codes and performing basic diagnostics.

Steps to Use an OBD2 Scanner:

1. Locate the OBD2 port in your 2015 Dodge Journey.
2. Turn the ignition to the “on” position (do not start the engine for initial code reading in most cases, unless scanner instructions say otherwise).
3. Plug the OBD2 scanner into the port.
4. Follow the scanner’s instructions to read DTCs. The scanner will typically display the codes and often provide a brief description.
5. Record the codes.
6. After diagnosis and repair, you can use the scanner to clear the codes. However, be aware that simply clearing codes without fixing the underlying problem will only result in the “Check Engine Light” coming back on.

Important Note: Clearing codes before a Smog Check is generally not recommended. If you clear codes, you will likely reset the readiness monitors to “not ready,” and your vehicle may fail the OBD portion of the Smog Check. Allow sufficient drive time after repairs to ensure readiness monitors are complete before testing.

Conclusion: Staying Informed About Your 2015 Dodge Journey’s OBD System

Understanding the OBD and OBD2 systems in your 2015 Dodge Journey empowers you to be a more informed vehicle owner. By knowing how to locate the OBD2 port, interpret codes, and understand readiness monitors, you can proactively address potential issues, maintain your vehicle’s emissions system, and ensure it passes Smog Checks. Remember to consult reliable resources, consider professional help when needed, and stay informed about potential recalls or known issues like the PDTC issue and Recall V51 for certain 2011-2015 Dodge Journey models. Taking these steps will help keep your 2015 Dodge Journey running smoothly and efficiently for years to come.