2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER engine

The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
The warning words ªDO NOT OPEN HOTº on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add coolant when the engine is overheated.
Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool an over-
heated engine. Heat causes pressure to build up in
the cooling system. To prevent scalding or injury, do
not remove the pressure cap while the system is hot
or under pressure.
Coolant Level
The coolant recovery bottle provides a quick visual
method for determining that the coolant level is ad-
equate. With the engine idling, and warm to normaloperating temperature, the level of the coolant in the
bottle should be between the ªFULLº and ªADDº marks.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise your
service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant recovery bottle
need only be checked once a month.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant recovery
bottle. Do not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few kilome-
ters (a few miles) of operation, you may observe vapor
coming from the front of the engine compartment. This is
normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
268 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

humidity accumulation on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot water to
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
²Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
²Check coolant freeze point in the system.
²If frequent coolant additions are required, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
²Maintain coolant concentration at 50% ethylene glycol
antifreeze (minimum) in water for proper corrosion
protection of your engine which contains aluminum
components.
²Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
²Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle has
air conditioning, keep the front of the condenser clean,
also.
²Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubber
Pay particular attention to the hoses nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose rout-
ing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
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7

brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particu-
lar attention should be made to examining those hose
surfaces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before a hose is replaced
based on leakage.NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done when-
ever the brake system is serviced and at every engine oil
change.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning lamp is on.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 271
7

fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked
when pads are replaced. However, low fluid level may be
caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only manufacturers recommended brake fluid, refer
to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.WARNING!
Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point or unidentified as to specification, may
result in sudden brake failure during hard pro-
longed braking. You could have an accident.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter.
Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate the
brake fluid as seal damage will result!
272 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Procedure For Checking Fluid Level
To properly check the automatic transaxle fluid level, the
following procedure must be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (PARK).
5. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or warm. Hot fluid is approximately 180ÉF (82ÉC) which
is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle has
been driven at least 24 km (15 miles). The fluid cannot be
comfortable held between the finger tips. Warm is when
the fluid is between 85É to 125ÉF (29É to 52ÉC).6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
If the fluid is hot, reading should be in the cross hatched
area marked ªHOTº between the upper two holes in the
dipstick.
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If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between the
lower two holes, into the area marked ªLOWº.
If the fluid level shows low, add sufficient transmission
fluid to bring to the proper level.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill. Dirt and water in the transaxle can
cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and water
from entering the transaxle after checking or replen-
ishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap is
seated properly.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed as follows:Maintenance schedule ªAºÐNon Turbo Charged En-
gines± No change necessary.
Maintenance schedule ªAºÐTurbo Charged Engines±
No change necessary.
Maintenance schedule ªBºÐAll Engines± Every 60,000
miles (96 000 km) change fluid and filter under the
following conditions:
²Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is drivenregularlyfor
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
NOTE:Refer to Section 8 of this manual for mainte-
nance schedules.
If the transaxle is disassembled for any reason, the fluid
and filter should be changed.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 275
7

2. Dry with a soft tissue.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage will also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the
vehicle to wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
FUSES
Underhood Fuses (Power Distribution Center)
A Power Distribution Center is located in the engine
compartment; next to the air cleaner filter. A label iden-
tifying the components and circuits is located on the
underside of the cover.
282 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)15 Gallons 56.7 Liters
Engine Oil-With Filter
2.4 Liter Engines (SAE 5W-30, API Certified Engine Oil) 5.0 qts 4.8 Liters
Cooling System *
2.4 Liter Turbocharged Engines (MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5
Year/100,000 Miles Formula)8.1 qts 7.7 Liters
2.4 Liter Non-Turbocharged Engines (MopartAntifreeze/
Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Miles Formula)6.5 qts 6.2 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
290 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE