2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER cooling

Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturers recommended coolant, refer
to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for correct coolant type.
CAUTION!
Failure to use the proper antifreeze could cause
radiator plugging and engine overheating. Do not
mix antifreeze brands or use plain water alone or
alcohol based antifreeze products. Do not use addi-
tional rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they
may not be compatible with the radiator coolant and
may plug the radiator.
Adding Coolant
When adding coolant, a minimum solution of 50% eth-
ylene glycol antifreeze coolant in water should be used.Use higher concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if tempera-
tures below234ÉF (237ÉC) are anticipated.
Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/antifreeze solution. The
use of lower quality water will reduce the amount of
corrosion protection in the engine cooling system.
Please note that it is the owner's responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE:Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent coolant
changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
coolant, and to insure that coolant will return to the
radiator from the coolant recovery bottle.
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7

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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 269
7

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

CD Changer........................146,152
CD Player..................144,148,150,154,157
CD Player Maintenance................... 166
Cellular Phone........................70,166
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 289
Central Door Locks....................... 20
Chains, Tire............................ 214
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 230
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 199
Child Restraint.......................... 50
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 55
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts........... 54
Child Safety Locks........................ 21
Child Seat.............................. 56
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 217
Climate Control......................... 166
Clock................................ 136
Coin Holder........................... 112
Compact Disc Maintenance................. 166Compact Disc Player..................138,144
Compact Spare Tire...................... 210
Compass.............................. 105
Compass Calibration..................... 107
Compass Variance....................... 106
Console............................... 112
Console, Overhead....................... 104
Contract, Service........................ 318
Cool Down, Turbo....................... 182
Coolant............................290,291
Coolant Pressure Cap..................... 267
Cooling System......................... 265
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 267
Coolant Level......................266,268
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 266
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 266
Inspection........................... 268
Points to Remember.................... 268
Pressure Cap......................... 267
328 INDEX