2008 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER brake fluid

WARNING!
Use of a brake fluid that has a lower initial boiling
point than the recommended MOPARtDOT 3 prod-
uct or a brake fluid that is unidentified as to FMVSS
specification may result in sudden brake failure
during hard prolonged braking. You could have an
accident.
CAUTION!
Use of improper brake fluids will affect overall
clutch system performance. Improper brake fluids
may damage the clutch system resulting in loss of
clutch function and the ability to shift the transaxle.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter.
CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate the
brake fluid, all brake seal components could be
damaged causing partial or complete brake failure.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 407
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AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
The automatic transaxle and differential assembly are
contained within a single housing.
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 the fluid.
FLUID LEVEL CHECK Ð FOUR-CYLINDER
ENGINES
Use the following procedure to check the automatic
transaxle fluid level properly:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Run the engine at curb idle speed for a minimum of 60
seconds.
3. Apply the parking brake fully.4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in ªPº (Park).
5. Wipe the area around the dipstick clean to eliminate
the possibility of dirt entering the transaxle.
6. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or cold. Hot fluid is approximately 180É F (82É C), which
is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle is
driven at least 15 miles (24 km). Hot fluid cannot be held
comfortably between the fingertips. Cold fluid is at a
temperature below 80ÉF (27ÉC).
7. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated. Then,
remove dipstick and note the reading.
a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the
crosshatched area marked ªHOTº (between the upper
two holes in the dipstick).
b. If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between
the lower two holes in the area marked ªCOLD.º
408 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CHASSIS
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission Fluid MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Manual Transmission Fluid MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid MS9602.
Brake Master CylinderMopartDOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3,
SAE J1703 brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is
acceptable. Use only recommended brake fluids or
equivalent.
Power Steering ReservoirMopartPower Steering Fluid +4 or MopartATF+4 Au-
tomatic Transmission Fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 431
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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.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and transaxle and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
²Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints and front suspension compo-
nents.
²Check the automatic transaxle fluid level.
²Check the manual transaxle fluid level and fill plug
condition.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
436 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Miles 39,000 42,000 45,000 48,000 51,000 54,000
(Kilometers) (65 000) (70 000) (75 000) (80 000) (85 000) (90 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not
replaced at 3 months.XXXXX X
Rotate tires. X X X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Change the brake fluid. If vehicle is used for
trailer towing.X
Inspect theengine air cleaner filter,replace as
necessary.*X
Change the manual transaxle fluid.² X
Inspect theMake-up air filter.Replace as nec-
essary.X
SCHEDULE ªBºÐALL ENGINES 441
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Miles 57,000 60,000 63,000 66,000 69,000 72,000
(Kilometers) (95 000) (100 000) (105 000) (110 000) (115 000) (120 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not
replaced at 3 months.XXXXX X
Rotate tires. X X X
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Replace theengine air cleaner filter.X
Replace thespark plugs and ignition cables.X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals. X
Inspect thePCV valveand replace if neces-
sary. Not required if previously changed. * ³X
Replace theMake-up air filter.X
Adjust the generator drive belt tension. X
Change the automatic transaxle fluid and fil-
ter.LX
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60
months, if not done at 102,000 miles.X
442 SCHEDULE ªBºÐALL ENGINES
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Miles 93,000 96,000 99,000 102,000 105,000
(Kilometers) (155 000) (160 000) (165 000) (170 000) (175 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not re-
placed at 3 months.XXXXX
Rotate tires. X X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Change the brake fluid. If vehicle is used for trailer
towing.X
Inspect theengine air cleaner filterand replace as
necessary.*X
Change the manual transaxle fluid.² X
Replace theengine timing belt.*X
Flush and replace the engine coolant, if not replaced
at 60 months.X
Inspect theMake-up air filter,replace as necessary. X
444 SCHEDULE ªBºÐALL ENGINES
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Miles 108,000 111,000 114,000 117,000 120,000
(Kilometers) (180 000) (185 000) (190 000) (195 000) (200 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not re-
placed at 3 months.XXXXX
Rotate tires. X X X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Replace theengine air cleaner filter.*X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals. X
Replace theMake-up air filter.X
Adjust the generator drive belt tension. X
Change automatic transaxle fluid and filter.LX
Inspect thePCV valve and replace if necessary.*³ X
Flush and replace the engine coolant at 120 months,
if not replaced at 102,000 miles.X
Replace thespark plugs and ignition cables.X
SCHEDULE ªBºÐALL ENGINES 445
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