2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER engine overheat

CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transaxle overheating and failure. It can
also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above
35 mph (55km/h).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
With Ignition Key
Four Speed Automatic Transaxle
Your vehicle may be towed under the following condi-
tions: The steering column must be unlocked and thegear selector must be in NEUTRAL, the distance to be
towed must not exceed 100 miles (160 km), and the
towing speed must not exceed 44 mph (72 km/h). If the
transaxle is not operative, or if the vehicle is to be towed
more than 100 miles (160 km), the vehicle must be towed
with the front wheels off the ground to avoid damage to
the transaxle.
Manual Transaxle
Your vehicle may be towed if the gearshift lever is in
NEUTRAL. If the transaxle is not operative, the vehicle
must be towed with the front wheels off the ground.
240 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to manufacturers specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 257
7

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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 267
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

Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 220
Fuel Requirements..................... 216
Jump Starting......................... 235
Oil ...........................251,290,291
Oil Change Interval.................... 252
Oil Filter............................ 291
Oil Selection.......................... 253
Oil Synthetic......................... 255
Overheating.......................... 228
Temperature Gauge..................... 130
Timing Belt.......................... 258
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................. 254
Exhaust Gas Caution..............28,59,220,264
Exhaust System......................... 264
Filler Location Fuel...................... 135
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 258
Engine Fuel.......................... 258Engine Oil........................255,291
Flashers.............................. 228
Hazard Warning....................... 228
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 235
Flooded Engine Starting................... 181
Fluid, Brake........................... 292
Fluid Capacities......................... 290
Fluid Leaks............................. 61
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle.................... 273
Fog Light Service........................ 288
Fog Lights...........................97,135
Folding Rear Seat........................ 86
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 239
Fuel..............................216,291
Adding............................. 221
Additives............................ 219
Capacity............................ 290
Clean Air............................ 217
330 INDEX

Odometer............................. 133
Trip .............................133,135
Oil, Engine.........................251,290
Capacity............................ 290
Change Interval....................... 252
Checking............................ 251
Disposal............................ 255
Filter............................... 255
Identification Logo..................... 254
Materials Added to..................... 255
Quality............................. 254
Recommendation...................253,290
Synthetic............................ 255
Viscosity............................ 254
Oil Pressure Light....................... 129
Onboard Diagnostic System..............248,249
Operator Manuals......................... 4
Outside Air Intake....................... 172
Overdrive............................. 186Overhead Console....................... 104
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 104
Overheating, Engine...................... 228
Owner's Manual.......................4,322
Paint Care............................. 276
Panel Rear Shelf......................... 114
Panic Alarm............................ 23
Parking Brake.......................... 192
Passing Light........................... 97
Pets.................................. 58
Phone, Cellular.......................... 70
Phone, Hands-Free....................... 70
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 202
Power
Distribution Center..................... 282
Door Locks........................... 19
Outlet.............................. 110
Steering..........................196,261
INDEX 335
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