Dodge Journey was one of the most iconic vehicle models unveiled last 2009, then got its first revisions in 2011. Due to its good performance with regards to sales, Dodge Journey had several redesigns, and today the new 2019 is out in the market with the anticipated 2020 model about to make its breakthrough.
As one of the most budget-friendly SUVs today, the Dodge Journey has been very desirable for families. With its new interior and exterior improved, along with excellent performance, it sits at 22nd rank in the Midsize SUV rankings.
How much is a battery for a Dodge Journey? The average price of batteries suitable for a Dodge Journey is within the range of $135 to $350. That depends on the brand of the battery and the specifications that it offers.
However, replacing its battery will depend on various factors, including the price of the replacement battery, how the battery is replaced, and the fees involved if the installation will be done on shops and dealer centers.
In case you are going to purchase a replacement battery on an authorized dealer and have them install the new unit you purchased, there will be service fees involved, making it a bit more expensive.
If you are the one to install the battery yourself, that will save some money because of all you have to pay for the replacement cell. This option will require you a lot of work, especially getting rid of the old battery, since it has to be disposed of properly.
Are you looking for the ideal battery replacement for your Dodge Journey and figuring out how much it will cost you? I mentioned the average price earlier and also stated that it would be dependent on several factors. That’s just for the price of the battery.
If you are to pay for the replacement cell installation, that will also add to your expenses since there will be fees.
Since the Dodge Journey is an SUV that came in different trims, five of them, to be exact. It is imperative that you know what’s the trim of your midsize SUV.
Although some of these trims are discontinued today, most of them are still road-worthy, considering these trims are still advisable to get the right battery for them.
List of Dodge Journey Trims and the Recommended Batteries
All Dodge Journey models and trims use group size 86 or 26 automotive batteries with cold-cranking amps measuring at 525 amperes. A brand new midsize SUV is always equipped with a size 86 OEM battery, then can be replaced base on the preference of owners. Batteries from group 26 are the often alternative option for Dodge Journey.
Since the vehicle comes in various models and trims to suit various needs and driving styles, it is possible to improve the performance of a Dodge Journey by selecting the ideal battery to complement its model and trim. When a particular trim and model of the SUV is paired with the ideal battery, it will boost its performance according to its trim.
To understand this better, let’s take a look at each trim of the Journey and then see what are the recommended batteries for them.
1. Dodge Journey SE Trim
SE is the Dodge Journey base trim, which is considered the standard based on the original concept of midsize SUV. This trim features a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine capable of producing up to 173 horsepower and torque measured at 166 pounds-feet. The engine is paired with a four-stroke, automatic transmission in a front-wheel-drive setting.
The trim also comes with excellent features, especially on the electronics part, like its sound system sporting six speakers as well as its touchscreen interface. With the performance it offers, along with the features that have a good, reliable battery, it will come a long way.
Recommended batteries for this trim, apart from the OEM battery, are group 86 or 26 batteries with at least 525 cold-cranking amps and 650 cranking amps. Batteries with higher specs than this are also great but expect them to be pricey.
2. Dodge Journey SXT Trim
The Journey’s SXT trim is almost similar to the SE trim, but here there’s an option to equip the SUV with a powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine. Choosing the all-wheel-drive option will also upgrade the default engine to the V6.
The features of this trim are also similar to the SE, but this trim also has an option to upgrade the 4.3-inch touchscreen interface to an 8.4-inch interface. When the trim is equipped with the V6 engine, and its interface is upgraded, the SUV will have a slightly increased power demands.
However, even with its slight upgrade, the OEM battery of Dodge Journey is still capable of supporting the added power demand. So other battery recommendations for this trim are cells from the same group sizes with a minimum output of 650 CA and 525 CCA. Batteries with higher specs are also welcome if the price is affordable.
3. Dodge Journey Crossroad Trim
The crossroad trim of the Dodge Journey is a slightly higher package compared to the SXT. It comes with the V6 engine, and what makes it stand out is its bigger tires designed to take on more challenging terrains.
But the most noticeable upgrade on this trim is the amenities that it offers. On that note, the crossroad trim’s interior is on the deluxe level, allowing it to deliver more convenient and comfortable rides.
The OEM battery of Dodge Journey is still well capable of supporting the needs of the crossroad trim. However, equipping the crossroad trim with compatible batteries with better specs will significantly boost its overall performance.
If you equip it with group 26 or 86 battery with a CCA higher than 525 amperes, it will not have any problem starting even extreme cold climates.
4. Dodge Journey GT Trim
Dodge Journey’s GT trim is the only build that features the V6 engine paired with the six-speed auto transmission. It also has a bigger set of wheels and packed with deluxe interior features as well as electrical components.
In terms of performance, this is the trim that has the best. Although its power requirements are the same as the other trims, the performance that it offers and the amenities it has would perform a lot better with a higher-specs battery.
Recommended batteries that will boost this particular Dodge Journey trim include size 26 and 86 power cells with a minimum of CCA greater than 525 amperes and CA higher than 650 amperes.
Those are the different builds of the Dodge Journey midsize SUV. By viewing each of them, you may say that all of them need the same kind of battery, however, if you are to unleash the full potential of the vehicle.
Equipping it with a slightly powerful unit will come a long way, and it will also be noticeable since the driving experience will be taken to the next level.
Replacing the Battery of a Dodge Journey Midsize SUV
However, this will require you to exert time and effort, along with the proper set of tools. It will also require you to get rid of the old battery right way.
Suppose you don’t know how to replace the battery of a Dodge Journey. Here’s a guide that will walk you through each and every step.
Step 1: Procurement of Replacement Battery and Tools
Before you can replace the old battery of your midsize SUV, the first thing you have to do is to purchase the right battery for your Dodge Journey.
Remember that you have to look for a battery from group 86 or 26. It should also have a minimum of CCA is 525 amperes to make sure your SUV will don’t have any problem starting during cold days.
Step 2: Prepare the Car for the Process
Park the SUV on a workplace with enough room to allow you to move freely and then turn off the engine. You also have to determine where the battery is placed by checking the vehicle manual. This is just to make sure you are following the right process.
Step 3: Access the Battery of the SUV and Disconnect the Cables
Once you determine where the battery is, access it and then get the bolt holding the black cable, which is connected with the negative terminal.
Keep in mind that you have to do this first to avoid shorting the entire circuit. Remove the cable by twisting it a little and then pulling it.
Do the same with the red cable connected with the positive terminal. Loosen the bolt with a wrench and then disconnect it by twisting it and pulling it.
Step 4: Detaching the Battery from the Tray
The old battery will be held in place with a clamp. You will then need to locate it and then use a ratchet or the wrench to remove it. This will be free the battery from the tray, and it will be easy to remove.
Lift the battery carefully and remember that it will be heavy, so be sure to do it carefully to avoid damaging it. And then place the battery on a secured place where it can be the cause of any harm.
Step 5: Cleaning the Tray and Installing the Replacement
Once the old battery is removed, you can clean the tray and get rid of any buildups of dirt and corrosion. You can either use a cleaning solution or a mixture of warm water and baking soda, along with a wire brush to clean.
After that, apply a small amount on the terminals of the replacement battery to protect it from corrosion. And then, place the battery in the tray, secure it with clamp and start reconnecting the cables on the appropriate terminals.
Finish it up by fasting the bolts using the wrench.
