2008 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER radiator

Cooling System Ð Drain, Flush and Refill
The system should be drained, flushed, and refilled at the
intervals shown in the ªMaintenance Schedulesº in Sec-
tion 8 of this manual.
If the solution is dirty or contains a considerable amount
of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable cooling
system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to remove
all deposits and chemicals. Properly dispose of old
antifreeze solution.
Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturers recommended coolant, refer
to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
coolant type.
CAUTION!
Mixing of coolants other than specified HOAT en-
gine coolants, may result in engine damage and may
decrease corrosion protection. If a non-HOAT coolant
is introduced into the cooling system in an emer-
gency, it should be replaced with the specified cool-
ant as soon as possible.
Do not use plain water alone or alcohol base engine
coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use additional
rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they may not
be compatible with the radiator engine coolant and
may plug the radiator.
This vehicle has not been designed for use with
Propylene Glycol based coolants. Use of Propylene
Glycol based coolants is not recommended.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 399
7

Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an improved engine
coolant that allows extended maintenance intervals. This
coolant can be used up to five Years or 100,000 miles
before replacement. To prevent reducing this extended
maintenance period, it is important that you use the same
coolant throughout the life of your vehicle. Please review
these recommendations for using Hybrid Organic Addi-
tive Technology (HOAT) coolant.
When adding coolant:
²The manufacturer recommends using Mopart
Antifreeze/Coolant five Year/100,000 Mile Formula
HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology).
²Mix a minimum solution of 50% HOAT engine coolant
and distilled water. Use higher concentrations (not to
exceed 70%) if temperatures below234ÉF(237É C)
are anticipated.
²Use only high purity water such as distilled or deion-
ized water when mixing the water/engine coolant
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.
400 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 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 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.
²Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
²Check 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.
²If 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.
²Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine which contains
aluminum components.
402 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
²Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
²Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
HOSES AND VACUUM/VAPOR HARNESSES
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubberPay particular attention to the hoses nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose rout-
ing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of degradation that could cause failure.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 403
7

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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Shifting............................. 297
Special Additives...................... 410
Autostick............................. 299
Back-Up Lights......................... 427
Ball Joints............................. 395
Battery............................... 392
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE).....29,35
Belts, Drive............................ 388
Belts, Engine........................... 390
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 395
Boot, Convertible Top..................128,132
B-Pillar Location........................ 317
Brake Fluid............................ 431
Brake, Parking.......................... 305
Brake System........................307,404
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 308
Fluid Check.......................... 406
Hoses.............................. 404Master Cylinder....................... 406
Parking............................. 305
Warning Light........................ 231
Brakes.............................307,404
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 295
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle....... 115
Bulb Replacement.....................424,425
Bulbs, Light............................ 424
Calibration, Compass...............238,247,248
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 429
Capacities, Fluid........................ 429
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 340
Oil (Engine)....................378,379,387
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 400
Car Washes............................ 411
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 339
INDEX 471
10

Convertible Top Maintenance............... 416
Convertible Top Manual Override.........134,373
Cool Down, Turbo....................... 293
Coolant (Antifreeze)...................429,430
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 400
Cooling System......................... 398
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 400
Coolant Level......................398,401
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 401
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 399
Inspection........................... 401
Points to Remember.................... 402
Pressure Cap......................... 400
Radiator Cap......................... 400
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)........... 399
Corrosion Protection...................... 411
Crankcase Emission Control System.......... 390
Cruise Light........................... 229
Cup Holder............................ 208Customer Assistance..................... 461
Data Recorder, Event...................70,105
Dealer Service.......................... 383
Deck Lid (Convertible)..................... 39
Deck Lid, Emergency Release Latch (Convertible) . . 41
Deck Lid, Power Release (Convertible)......... 39
Defroster, Rear Window................... 217
Defroster, Windshield.................. 116,279
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 192
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 380
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 189
Dipsticks
Automatic Transaxle.................... 408
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 401
Engine Oil........................... 387
Door Locks............................. 19
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 21
INDEX 473
10

Overheating, Engine...................... 358
Owner's Manual (Operator Manual).........4,465
Paint Care............................. 411
Panel Rear Shelf........................ 210
Panic Alarm..........................26,32
Parking Brake.......................... 305
Passenger Seat Back Tilt (Easy Entry System).... 168
Passing Light........................... 190
Personal Settings........................ 244
Pets...............................80,114
Phone, Cellular......................... 138
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnectŸ)............ 138
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 317
Power
Deck Lid Release....................... 39
Distribution Center (Fuses)............... 419
Door Locks........................... 20
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 206Seats............................... 165
Steering..........................310,394
Steering, Checking..................... 394
Sunroof............................. 204
Windows............................. 42
Power Steering Fluid..................394,431
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............54,89
Preparation for Jacking.................... 362
Pretensioners
Seat Belts...........................53,88
Programmable Electronic Features............ 244
Programming Transmitters (Remote Keyless
Entry)...............................27,33
Radial Ply Tires......................... 324
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......... 400
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 250
Radio Operation...................251,259,277
Radio, Satellite.......................... 273
INDEX 481
10