2008 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER check engine

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

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

If the fluid level is low, add sufficient fluid through the
filler (dipstick) tube to bring it to the proper level. Do not
overfill.
CAUTION!
²Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-
facturer's recommended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid
other than that recommended by the manufacturer
will result in more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Partsº for the correct fluid type.
²Dirt and water in the transaxle can cause serious
damage. To prevent dirt and water from entering
the transaxle after checking or replenishing fluid,
make certain that the dipstick cap is re-seated
properly.
Fluid And Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed as follows:
Maintenance schedule ªAºÐNon Turbo Charged En-
gines± No change necessary.
Maintenance schedule ªAºÐTurbo Charged Engines±
No change necessary.
Maintenance schedule ªBºÐAll Engines± Every 60,000
miles (100 000 km) change fluid and filter under the
following conditions:
²Police, 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 409
7

If the transaxle is disassembled for any reason, the fluid
and filter should be changed.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transaxle. The only exception to this policy is
the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid leaks. In
addition, avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
MANUAL TRANSAXLE
Lubricant Selection
Use only manufacturers recommended transmission
fluid.Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for
the correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more that 3/16º (4.7 mm) below the bottom of
the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency Of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
the vehicle. Fluid changes are not necessary unless the
following conditions exist:
²The lubricant has become contaminated with water. If
contaminated with water, the fluid should be changed
immediately.
²If severe usage has occurred, refer to Maintenance
Schedule ªBº in Section 8 of this manual.
410 MAINTAINING YOUR 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.
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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ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 308
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 400
Adding Fuel........................... 340
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 218
Additives, Fuel......................... 338
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 391
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 393
Air Conditioning Controls................. 277
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 283
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............393,394
Air Conditioning System................277,393
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 322
Airbag..............................55,90
Airbag Deployment....................66,101
Airbag Light....................70,104,116,234
Airbag Maintenance....................68,103
Airbag, Side.........................65,100
Alarm, Panic..........................26,32
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............36,233Alignment and Balance................... 329
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 276
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........399,400,429,430
Capacities........................... 429
Disposal............................ 401
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 308
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 233
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 36
Appearance Care........................ 411
Auto Down Power Windows................ 43
Automatic Door Locks..................... 21
Automatic Transaxle..............13,291,294,408
Adding Fluid......................... 408
Filter............................... 409
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 409
Fluid Level Check...................... 408
Interlock System.....................19,295
Reset Mode.......................... 296
470 INDEX

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

Cargo Compartment
Luggage Carrier....................... 215
Carrier, Luggage........................ 215
Catalytic Converter...................... 389
Caution, Exhaust Gas..................... 115
CD (Compact Disc) Player...............251,259
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance........ 277
Cellular Phone.......................138,277
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 428
Chains, Tire............................ 330
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 360
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 314
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light)................................ 381
Child Restraint.......................72,107
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............77,111
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts........... 76
Child Safety Locks........................ 22
Child Seat...........................78,112Clean Air Gasoline....................... 337
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 413
Climate Control......................... 277
Clock...........................250,253,261
Clutch............................... 406
Clutch Fluid........................... 406
Coin Holder........................... 208
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 277
Compact Spare Tire...................... 325
Compass.....................234,235,238,248
Compass Calibration................238,247,248
Compass Variance....................... 236
Computer, Trip/Travel.................234,235
Console.............................. 208
Contract, Service........................ 463
Convertible............................ 123
Convertible Boot.....................128,132
Convertible Top......................... 123
472 INDEX