2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER checking oil

NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the proper equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform
a service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 251
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The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground, will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on thedipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling the crankcase as indicated by an oil level
above the ªMaxº mark on the engine oil dipstick
will cause oil aeration, which can lead to loss of oil
pressure and an increase in oil temperature. This
could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Road conditions and your kind of driving affects the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following list to decide if any apply to you.
²Day and night temperatures are below 32ÉF (0ÉC).
²Stop and Go driving.
252 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²Off-road or desert operation.
²If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule ªBÐAll En-
ginesº of the9Maintenance Schedules9section of this
manual.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule9B9ÐALL ENGINES.
Second is ScheduleªAºÐNON TURBO CHARGED
ENGINES. It is for vehicles that are not operated under
any of the conditions listed under Schedule9B9ÐALL
ENGINES.
Third is ScheduleªAºÐTURBO CHARGED ENGINES.
It is for vehicles that are not operated under any of the
conditions listed under Schedule9B9ÐALL ENGINES.Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 295
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Radiator Cap......................... 267
Selection of Coolant.................... 267
Corrosion Protection..................... 276
Crankcase Emission Control System.......... 258
Cruise Light........................... 133
Cup Holder............................ 112
Customer Assistance..................... 316
Dealer Service.......................... 250
Defroster, Rear Window................... 173
Defroster, Windshield................60,168,169
Delay Wipers........................... 99
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 248
Dimmer Switch, Headlight.................. 97
Disposal
Engine Oil........................... 255
Door Ajar............................. 133
Door Locks............................. 18
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 20Downshifting.......................... 191
Drive Belts............................ 256
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 238
Electric Rear Window Defrost............... 173
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 68
Electrical Power Outlets................... 110
Electronic Power Distribution Center.......... 282
Electronic Speed Control................... 101
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 230
Jump Starting......................... 235
Towing............................. 240
Emergency Trunk Release................... 29
Emission Control System Maintenance......249,294
Engine............................246,247
Break-In Recommendations................ 59
Checking Oil Level..................... 251
INDEX 329
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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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