2006 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER check engine

When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles (a
few kilometers) 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
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant 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.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
•If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine which contains
aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
386 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 brakefluid 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.
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with amanual
transaxle, the Brake Fluid Reservoir supplies fluid to
both the Brake System and the Clutch Release System.
The two systems are separated in the reservoir and a leak
in one system will not affect the other system. The
Manual TransaxleClutch Release System should not
require fluid replacement during the life of the vehicle. If
the Brake Fluid Reservoir is low, and the brake system
does not indicate any leaks or other problems, it may be
a result of a leak in the Hydraulic Clutch Release System.
See your local authorized dealer for service.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 389
7

Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the automatic transaxle should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transaxle and of the fluid.
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 at
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Depress the brake pedal and 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 180°F (82°C), 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 85° to 125°F (29° to 52°C).
Transaxle Dipstick Location
392 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 “HOT” between the upper two holes in the
dipstick.
If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between the
lower two holes, into the area marked “LOW”.
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 “A”—Non Turbo Charged En-
gines– No change necessary.
Maintenance schedule “A”—Turbo Charged Engines–
No change necessary.
Maintenance schedule “B”—All Engines– Every 60,000
miles (100 000 km) change fluid and filter under the
following conditions:
•Police, 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 393
7

At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check 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.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and transaxle and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
•Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints and front suspension compo-
nents.
•Check the automatic transaxle fluid level.
•Check the manual transaxle fluid level and fill plug
condition.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
418 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 297
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 384
Adding Fuel........................... 326
Adding Washer Fluid..................187,275
Additives, Fuel......................... 324
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 374
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 377
Air Conditioning Controls................. 266
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 271
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............377,378
Air Conditioning System................266,377
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 312
Airbag.............................. 55,89
Airbag Deployment.................... 68,101
Airbag Light.................... 70,103,115,227
Airbag Maintenance.................... 69,103
Airbag, Side.......................... 65,99
Alarm, Panic............................ 33
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............ 36,226Alignment and Balance................... 319
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 265
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........383,411,412
Capacities........................... 411
Disposal............................ 385
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 297
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 227
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 36
Appearance Care........................ 395
Auto Down Power Windows................ 43
Automatic Door Locks................... 20,21
Automatic Transaxle.............. 13,280,284,391
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 393
Fluid Level Check...................... 392
Interlock System..................... 18,285
Reset Mode.......................... 285
Selection Of Lubricant................... 391
Shifting ............................. 286
448 INDEX

Caution, Exhaust Gas..................... 114
CD (Compact Disc) Player...............240,248
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance........ 265
Cellular Phone.......................136,266
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 410
Chains, Tire............................ 320
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 346
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 304
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . 365
Child Restraint....................... 72,105
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............ 76,109
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts........... 75
Child Safety Locks........................ 23
Child Seat........................... 78,111
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 323
Climate Control......................... 266
Clock ...........................238,242,250
Clutch............................... 389
Clutch Fluid........................... 389CoinHolder ........................... 204
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 265
Compact Spare Tire...................... 315
Compass.............................. 237
Compass Calibration..................... 237
Compass Variance....................... 235
Console.............................. 204
Contract, Service........................ 442
Convertible............................ 121
Convertible Boot.....................126,130
Convertible Top......................... 121
Convertible Top Maintenance............... 400
Convertible Top Manual Override.........132,357
Cool Down, Turbo....................... 282
Coolant (Antifreeze)................... 411,412
Cooling System......................... 382
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 384
Coolant Level......................382,385
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 385
450 INDEX

Emergency Deck Lid Release Latch (Convertible) . . 41
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 346
Jump Starting......................... 351
Towing ............................. 355
Emergency Seat Back Release (Sedan).......... 40
Emission Control System Maintenance......365,416
Engine............................362,363
Break-In Recommendations............... 113
Checking Oil Level..................... 368
Cooling ............................. 382
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 325
Fuel Requirements..................... 322
Jump Starting......................... 351
Oil ...........................368,411,412
Oil Change Interval.................... 369
Oil Filler Cap...................362,363,370
OilFilter ............................ 412
Oil Selection.......................... 370Oil Synthetic......................... 371
Overheating.......................... 344
Temperature Gauge..................... 222
TimingBelt .......................... 374
Event Data Recorder................... 70,103
Exhaust Gas Caution.............. 39,114,325,381
Exhaust System......................... 381
Filler Location Fuel...................... 222
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 374
Engine Fuel.......................... 374
Engine Oil........................371,412
Flashers.............................. 344
Hazard Warning....................... 344
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 351
Flooded Engine Starting................... 281
Fluid, Brake........................... 413
Fluid Capacities......................... 411
452 INDEX