2006 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER fuel cap

9. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD that monitors emissions, engine, and
automatic transmission control systems. The light
will illuminate when the key is in the ON/RUN position
before engine start. If the bulb does not come on when
turning the key from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condi-
tion checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
If the Malfunction Indicator Light flashes when the
engine is running, serious conditions may exist that
could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalyticconverter damage. The vehicle should be serviced as
soon as possible if this occurs. (See page 364 for more
information.)
10. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrows will flash in unison with the exterior
turn signal, when using the turn signal lever.
NOTE:Turn signal bulbs are located in the Instrument
Panel. (See page 183 for more information.)
11. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator
Light/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light —
If Equipped
If this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, apply as little throttle as possible. While
driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road con-
ditions, and do not switch off the ESP, or TCS — if
equipped. (See page 300 for more information.)
224 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Snow Tires...........................320

Tire Rotation Recommendations............321

Fuel Requirements......................322
▫2.4L Standard Engine And 2.4L Standard
Turbo Engine........................322
▫2.4L High Output Turbo Engine...........322
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................323
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............323
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................324
▫Materials Added To Fuel................324
▫Fuel System Cautions..................324
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............325

Adding Fuel..........................326
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............326▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............328

Vehicle Loading........................329

TrailerTowing .........................329
▫Common Towing Definitions.............330
▫Trailer Hitch Classification...............332
▫Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)......................332
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight..............333
▫Towing Requirements..................334
▫TowingTips .........................339

Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 340
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................340
STARTING AND OPERATING 279
5

the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
•Keep the liftgate closed when driving your vehicle to
prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous ex-
haust gases from entering the vehicle.
ADDING FUEL
The fuel tank filler tube has a restricting door about 2
inches (50 mm) inside the opening. If using a portable
container, it should have a flexible nozzle long enough to
force open the restricting door.
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door, on the passen-
ger’s side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged,
be sure the replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.NOTE:When removing the fuel filler cap, lay the cap
tether in the hook, located on the fuel filler cap door
reinforcement.Gas Cap Tether Hook
326 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap
could let impurities into the fuel system.
CAUTION!
A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the Malfunction
Indicator Light to turn on.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
•Never add fuel when the engine is running. This
is in violation of most state and federal fire
regulations and will cause the malfunction indi-
cator light to turn on.
STARTING AND OPERATING 327
5

NOTE:Tighten the gas cap about 1/4 turn until you
hear one click. This is an indication that cap is properly
tightened.
If the gas cap is not tighten properly, the Malfunction
Indicator Light will come on. Be sure the gas cap is
tightened every time the vehicle is refueled.
WARNING!
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on the
ground while filling.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“gASCAP” message will be displayed in the Odometer/
Trip Odometer in the instrument cluster. Refer to “Instru-
ment Cluster Description” in Section 3 of this manual.
Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
odometer/trip odometer reset button to turn the message
off. If the problem continues, the message will appear the
next time the vehicle is started. Refer to “Onboard
Diagnostic System — OBDII” in Section 7 of this manual
for more information.
328 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap could let
impurities into the fuel system.
WARNING!
•Never add fuel when the engine is running.
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the fuel cap is removed or the
tank filled.
VEHICLE LOADING
Vehicle Loading Capacities
Front Seat Occupants....................... 2
Rear Seat Occupants (sedan).................. 3
Rear Seat Occupants (convertible).............. 2
Luggage....................... 115lbs(52kg)
Rated Vehicle Capacity (sedan)....... 865lb(392 kg)
Rated Vehicle Capacity (convertible). . . 715 lb (324 kg)
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer carefully re-
view this information to tow your load as efficiently and
safely as possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this manual concerning ve-
hicles used for trailer towing.
STARTING AND OPERATING 329
5

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

2.4L Turbo Engine Compartment............362

2.4L Engine Compartment................363

Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II........364
▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............364

Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................365

Replacement Parts......................366

Dealer Service.........................367

Maintenance Procedures..................367▫Engine Oil..........................368
▫Drive Belts — Check Condition And Tension . . 372
▫Spark Plugs.........................372
▫Ignition Wiring System.................372
▫Catalytic Converter....................372
▫Engine Timing Belt....................374
▫Crankcase Emission Control System........374
▫Fuel Filter..........................374
▫Air Cleaner Element (Filter)..............374
7

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the “Malfunction Indicator Light.” It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
•Prolonged driving with the “Malfunction Indica-
tor Light” on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
•If the “Malfunction Indicator Light” is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly
installed, or damaged. A gASCAP message will be dis-
played in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap until
364 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE