2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER coolant level

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Fuel Gauge
When the ignition switch is in the ON position, the
pointer will show the level of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank.
2. Fuel Door Reminder
This is a reminder that the Fuel Filler Door is located on
the front passenger’s (right) side of the vehicle.
3. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading within the normal range indicates that
the engine cooling system is operating satisfactorily.The gauge pointer will likely indicate a higher tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades,
or when towing a trailer. It should not be allowed to
exceed the upper limits of the normal operating range.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads “H”
pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with
the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “H” and you hear continuous chimes, turn the
engine off immediately, and call an authorized deal-
ership for service.
164 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing,
according to the temperatures occurring in the area
where the vehicle is operated.
NOTE:Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze) types will
decrease the life of the engine coolant (antifreeze) and
will require more frequent coolant changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent the loss of
engine coolant (antifreeze), and to ensure that engine
coolant (antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the
coolant recovery bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add engine coolant (antifreeze)
when the engine is overheated. Do not loosen or
remove the cap to cool an overheated engine. Heat
causes pressure to build up in the cooling system.
To prevent scalding or injury, do not remove the
pressure cap while the system is hot or under
pressure.
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
326 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposal
rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by hu-
mans and animals, do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers or allow it
to remain in puddles on the ground. Clean up any
ground spills immediately.
CAUTION!
If ethylene glycol engine coolant (antifreeze) is in-
gested by anyone, contact a physician immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine idling, and warm to normal operating tempera-
ture, the level of the engine coolant (antifreeze) in the
bottle should be between the ranges indicated on the
bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing en-
gine coolant (antifreeze). 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 engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to
maintain the proper level, it should be added to the
coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 327

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 engine
coolant (antifreeze) 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.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the
radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If engine
coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, contents of
coolant recovery bottle must also be protected against
freezing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine, which contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
•Do 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 engine coolant (antifreeze) per-
formance, poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
328 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S.Metric
Fuel (Approximate) 15 Gallons56.7 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
2.4 Liter/2.4L Turbo Engines (SAE 5W-30, API Certified) 5 Quarts4.7 Liters
Cooling System *
2.4 Liter/2.4L Turbo Engines (MOPAR Antifreeze/Engine
Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula) 6.5 Quarts
6.2 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 349

At Each Stop for Fuel
•
Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and transaxle, and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
•Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
•
Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the CV joints and front suspension compo-
nents.
•Check the automatic transaxle fluid level.
•Check the manual transaxle fluid level and fill plug
condition.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
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S356 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 244
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 325
Adding Fuel ........................... 274
Additives, Fuel ......................... 272
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 316
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 318
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 213
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 219
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............318,319
Air Conditioning System ................213,318
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 257
Airbag ................................ 45
Airbag Deployment ....................... 56
Airbag Light ....................... 59,73,173
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 58
Airbag, Side ............................ 54
Alarm Light ........................... 172
Alarm, Panic ............................ 23
Alarm System (Security Alarm) ............... 18Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle
............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 211
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ........324,325,349,350
Capacities ........................... 349
Disposal ............................ 327
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 244
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 172
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Appearance Care ........................ 334
Assistance Towing ........................ 96
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 32
Automatic Door Locks ..................... 29
Automatic Transaxle ..............12,224,229,331
Adding Fluid ......................... 331
Filter ............................... 333
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 333
Fluid Level Check ..................... 331
Interlock System ..................... 15,230
Reset Mode .......................... 231
390 INDEX

Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light).............168,309
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 71
Checks, Safety ........................... 71
Child Restraint .......................... 62
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............... 66
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts ........... 65
Child Safety Locks ........................ 30
Child Seat .............................. 68
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 270
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 337
Climate Control ......................... 213
Clock ........................... 187,189,203
Clutch ............................... 329
Clutch Fluid ........................... 329
Coin Holder ........................... 148
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 212
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 259 Compass
..................... 173,174,176,185
Compass Calibration .................. 176,185
Compass Variance ....................... 175
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 173
Console .............................. 148
Contract, Service ........................ 383
Cool Down, Turbo ....................... 226
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................... 349,350
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 326
Cooling System ......................... 323
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 325
Coolant Level ...................... 323,327
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 327
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 324
Inspection ........................... 327
Points to Remember .................... 328
Pressure Cap ......................... 326
Radiator Cap ......................... 326
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ........... 324
392 INDEX