2008 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER check transmission fluid

NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
Towing Tips Ð Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
²
Don't use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
²When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
²Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips Ð Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:
²City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in NEUTRAL but do not increase engine idle speed.
²Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
²Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
²Refer to Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance Section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
STARTING AND OPERATING 355
5

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

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

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
IGNITION KEY REMOVALLOCKING DOORS WITH A KEYKEY-IN-IGNITION REMINDERSENTRY KEY - IF EQUIPPED Replacement KeysSentry Key ProgrammingGeneral InformationSTEERING WHEEL LOCK - IF EQUIPPED If You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering
WheelTo Release The Steering Wheel LockAutomatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock SystemDOOR LOCKS MANUAL DOOR LOCKSPOWER DOOR LOCKS - IF EQUIPPEDCHILD PROTECTION DOOR LOCK SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPEDREMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (SEDAN)
TO UNLOCK THE DOORS AND LIFTGATETO LOCK THE DOORS AND LIFTGATE - IF EQUIPPED WITH POWER OPTIONSPANIC ALARMTO TURN OFF FLASH LIGHTS WITH LOCKTO PROGRAM ADDITIONAL TRANSMITTERSGENERAL INFORMATION
TRANSMITTER BATTERY SERVICEREMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (CONVERTIBLE) TO UNLOCK THE DOORSTO LOCK THE DOORSTO UNLATCH THE DECK LIDPANIC ALARMTO TURN OFF FLASH LIGHTS WITH LOCKTO PROGRAM ADDITIONAL TRANSMITTERS
GENERAL INFORMATIONTRANSMITTER BATTERY SERVICESECURITY ALARM SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED To set the alarmTo disarm the systemSecurity System Manual OverrideLIFTGATE (SEDAN) Opening The Liftgate While the Security Alarm Is ActivatedDECK LID
(CONVERTIBLE) POWER DECK LID RELEASE (Convertible)EMERGENCY SEAT BACK RELEASE (SEDAN) EMERGENCY DECK LID RELEASE LATCH (CONVERTIBLE) POWER WINDOWS AUTO DOWN FEATUREREAR WINDOW SWITCHESWIND BUFFETING
OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS (SEDAN) LAP/SHOULDER BELTSLAP/SHOULDER SEAT BELT UNTWISTING PROCEDUREADJUSTABLE UPPER SHOULDER SEAT BELT ANCHORAGESEAT BELT PRETENSIONERSENHANCED SEAT BELT REMINDER SYSTEM
(BELTALERT) SEAT BELTS AND PREGNANT WOMENDRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) AIRBAGCHILD RESTRAINTOCCUPANT RESTRAINTS (CONVERTIBLE) LAP/SHOULDER BELTSLAP/SHOULDER SEAT BELT
UNTWISTING PROCEDURESEAT BELT PRETENSIONERSENHANCED SEAT BELT REMINDER SYSTEM (BELTALERT) SEAT BELTS AND PREGNANT WOMENDRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)CHILD RESTRAINT
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS SAFETY TIPS Exhaust GasSafety Checks You Should Make Inside The VehiclePeriodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The VehicleUNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE CONVERTIBLE TOP
OPERATION To Lower The TopTo Raise The TopConvertible Top Boot Cover Installation-If EquippedConvertible Top Boot Cover Removal and StorageCONVERTIBLE TOP MANUAL OVERRIDEMIRRORS Inside Day/Night Mirror - If EquippedOutside Mirror-Drivers Side
Outside Mirror-Passengers SideElectric Remote-Control Mirrors - If EquippedIlluminated Vanity Mirrors - If EquippedSun Visor Sliding FeatureHANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect) - IF EQUIPPED OperationsPhone Call FeaturesUConnect System Features
Advanced Phone ConnectivityThings You Should Know About Your UConnect SystemGeneral InformationSEATS FRONT SEAT ADJUSTMENTPOWER SEAT ADJUSTER -IF EQUIPPEDMANUAL LUMBAR - IF EQUIPPEDFOLDING FRONT PASSENGER SEAT - IF
EQUIPPEDDRIVERS SEAT BACK TILT - IF EQUIPPEDPASSENGER SEAT BACK TILT (EASY ENTRY SYSTEM) - CONVERTIBLEADJUSTABLE HEAD RESTRAINTSHEATED SEATS - IF EQUIPPEDFOLDING REAR SEAT (SEDAN)FOLDING REAR SEAT
(CONVERTIBLE)TUMBLING REAR SEAT (SEDAN)TUMBLING REAR SEAT (CONVERTIBLE)REAR SEAT REMOVAL (SEDAN)TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD LIGHTS Map/Reading Lights (Sedan)Map/Reading Lights (Convertible)Multi-Function Control Lever
Headlights, Parking Lights, Instrument Panel LightsDaytime Running Lights (DRL) - If EquippedLights-on ReminderFog Lights - If Equipped Turn Signals Highbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch Passing LightWINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS Windshield WashersMist
Feature Windshield Wiper OperationIntermittent Wiper SystemTILT STEERING COLUMN ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL - IF EQUIPPED To ActivateTo Set At A Desired SpeedTo DeactivateTo Resume SpeedTo Vary The Speed SettingManual TransaxleTo Accelerate
For PassingGARAGE DOOR OPENER - IF EQUIPPED PROGRAMMING HOMELINKGATE OPERATOR/CANADIAN PROGRAMMINGUSING HOMELINKREPROGRAMMING A SINGLE HOMELINK BUTTONSECURITYTROUBLESHOOTING TIPSGENERAL
INFORMATIONPOWER SUNROOF (SEDAN ONLY) - IF EQUIPPED Express Open FeatureWind BuffetingSunroof MaintenanceELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS Electrical Outlet Use With Engine OffCONSOLE FEATURES STORAGE Center Console/Armrest Storage
Bin Storage PocketsREAR SHELF PANEL- IF EQUIPPED Position 1 (Top)Position 2 (Middle)Position 3 (Floor)Position 4 (Vertical)Position 5 (table)ROOF LUGGAGE RACK - IF EQUIPPED REAR WINDOW FEATURES Electric Rear Window Defroster Rear Wiper/Washer
Switch (Sedan Models Only) - If EquippedAdding Washer FluidUNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL INSTRUMENT PANEL FEATURES INSTRUMENT CLUSTER-BASE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER-PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER-TURBO INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS COMPASS MINI TRIP COMPUTER (CMTC) - IF EQUIPPED Compass Mini Trip Computer Reset ButtonCompass/Temperature DisplayOdometerDisplayTrip Odometer (ODO)ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER (EVIC) - If
Equipped EVIC Functions Compass/Temperature/AudioAverage Fuel EconomyDistance To Empty (DTE)Elapsed TimeTire Pressure Monitor (TPM)PersonalSettings (Customer Programmable Features)SETTING THE ANALOG CLOCK RADIO GENERAL INFORMATION
Radio Broadcast SignalsTwo Types of SignalsElectrical DisturbancesAM ReceptionFM ReceptionSALES CODE REF - AM/FM/CD (SINGLE DISC) RADIO WITH OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO AND HANDS FREE PHONE CAPABILITY Operating Instructions - Radio Mode
Operating Instructions - CD ModeOperating Instructions - Auxiliary ModeOperating Instructions - Hands-Free Phone - If EquippedOperating Instructions - Satellite Radio - If EquippedSALES CODE RAQ - AM/FM/CD (6-DISC) RADIO WITH OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO,
HANDS-FREE PHONE, AND VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS (VES) CAPABILITIES Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperating Instructions - (CD Mode for CD Audio Play)LOAD/EJECT Button (CD Mode for CD Audio Play)Notes On Playing MP3 FilesOperating
Instructions - (CD Mode for MP3 Audio Play)LOAD/EJECT Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)SATELLITE RADIO - IF EQUIPPED System ActivationElectronic SerialNumber/Sirius Identification Number (ESN/SID)Selecting Satellite Mode in REF, and RAQ, RadiosSelecting
a ChannelStoring and Selecting Pre-Set ChannelsUsing the PTY (Program Type) Button (if equipped)PTY Button SCANPTY Button SEEKSatellite AntennaReception QualityCD/DVD DISC MAINTENANCE RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES CLIMATE
CONTROLS Climate ControlsOperating Tips STARTING AND OPERATING STARTING PROCEDURES AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLEMANUAL TRANSAXLENORMAL STARTINGEXTREMELY COLD WEATHER (BELOW -20 degrees F or -29 degrees C)IF THE ENGINE FAILS
TO STARTAFTER STARTINGTURBOCHARGER COOL-DOWN AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE - IF EQUIPPED BRAKE/TRANSMISSION INTERLOCK SYSTEMAUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE IGNITION INTERLOCK SYSTEMFOUR-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERESET
MODEGEAR RANGES FOR THE FOUR-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLEAUTOSTICK - IF EQUIPPED AUTOSTICK OperationAUTOSTICK General InformationMANUAL TRANSAXLE OPERATION - IF EQUIPPED 2.4 LITER TURBO - IF EQUIPPED MANUAL
TRANSAXLE - RECOMMENDED SHIFT SPEEDSDownshiftingPARKING BRAKE BRAKE SYSTEM ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) - IF EQUIPPEDPOWER STEERING TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION Tire Markings
Tire Identification Number (TIN)Tire Loading and Tire PressureTIRES - GENERAL INFORMATION Tire PressureTire Inflation PressuresRadial Ply TiresCompact Spare Tire - If EquippedLimited-Use Spare - If EquippedTire SpinningTread Wear IndicatorsLife of Tire
Replacement TiresAlignment and BalanceTIRE CHAINS SNOW TIRES TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) - IF EQUIPPED BASESYSTEM - IF EQUIPPEDGENERAL INFORMATIONFUEL REQUIREMENTS -
GASOLINE ENGINES 2.4L AND 2.4L STANDARD TURBO ENGINESREFORMULATED GASOLINEGASOLINE/OXYGENATE BLENDSMMT IN GASOLINEMATERIALS ADDED TO FUELFUELSYSTEM CAUTIONSCARBON MONOXIDE WARNINGSADDING FUEL Fuel
Filler Cap (Gas Cap)Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageVEHICLE LOADING TRAILER TOWING COMMON TOWING DEFINITIONSTRAILER HITCH CLASSIFICATIONTRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)TRAILER AND TONGUE WEIGHT
TOWING REQUIREMENTSTOWING TIPSRECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat towing with all fourwheels on the ground)WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES HAZARD WARNING FLASHER IF YOUR
ENGINE OVERHEATS JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING JACK LOCATIONSPARE TIRE STOWAGEPREPARATIONS FOR JACKINGJACKING INSTRUCTIONS JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES DUE TO A LOW BATTERY DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES ACCELERATIONTRACTIONFREEING A STUCK VEHICLE TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE With Ignition KeyWithout The Ignition KeyCONVERTIBLE TOP MANUAL OVERRIDE MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 2.4L TURBO ENGINE COMPARTMENT 2.4L ENGINE
COMPARTMENT ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM - OBD II Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageEMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS REPLACEMENT PARTS AUTHORIZED DEALER SERVICE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES ENGINE OILDRIVE
BELTS - CHECK CONDITION AND TENSIONSPARK PLUGSIGNITION WIRING SYSTEMCATALYTIC CONVERTERENGINE TIMING BELTCRANKCASE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMFUEL FILTERAIR CLEANER ELEMENT (AIR FILTER)MAINTENANCE-FREE
BATTERYAIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCEPOWER STEERING - FLUID CHECKFRONT SUSPENSION BALL JOINTSSTEERING LINKAGEBODY LUBRICATIONWINDSHIELD WIPER BLADESWINDSHIELD WASHER RESERVOIREXHAUST SYSTEMCOOLING
SYSTEMHOSES AND VACUUM/VAPOR HARNESSESFUEL SYSTEM CONNECTIONSBRAKE SYSTEMAUTOMATIC TRANSAXLEMANUAL TRANSAXLEAPPEARANCE CARE AND PROTECTIONFROM CORROSIONCONVERTIBLE TOP CARE WashingGeneral
CleaningCloth Top Additional Cleaning ProcedureCloth Top ProtectionWeather Strip CareINTEGRATED POWER MODULE (IPM) VEHICLE STORAGE REPLACEMENT BULBS BULB REPLACEMENT HeadlightsFront Park/Turn Signal/Side Marker LightsFront Fog Lights
- If EquippedTail/Stop, and Rear Turn Signal LightsBack Up Lights Center High Mounted Stop LightFLUIDS AND CAPACITIES FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS ENGINECHASSISMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE SCHEDULE B-ALL ENGINESSCHEDULE A-NON TURBOSCHEDULE A-TURBOIF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FOR YOUR VEHICLE Prepare For The Appointment
Prepare A ListBe Reasonable With RequestsIF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE DaimlerChrysler Motors Corporation Customer CenterDaimlerChrysler Canada Inc. Customer CenterIn Mexico contactCustomer Assistance For The Hearing Or Speech Impaired (TDD/TTY)Service
ContractWARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only) MOPAR PARTS REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS In The 50 United States And Washington, D.CIn CanadaPUBLICATION ORDER FORMS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADES TreadwearTraction GradesTemperature GradesINDEX