2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER check engine light

NOTE:Using the third gear range while operating the
vehicle under heavy operating conditions will improve
performance and extend transmission life by reducing
excessive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. Refer to the “Main-
tenance Schedule” in Section 8 for the proper mainte-
nance intervals.
NOTE: Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped
•
Do not use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
•When 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.
•Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 289

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). OBD
II will also store diagnostic codes and other information
to assist an authorized service technician in making
repairs. Although your vehicle will usually be drivable
and not need towing, see your authorized dealer for
service as soon as possible.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is loose, improperlyinstalled, or damaged. A “gASCAP” message will be
displayed in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap
until a
clicking sound is heard. This is an indication that
the gas cap is properly tightened. Press the odometer
reset button to turn the message off. If the problem
persists, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If
the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the MIL. Resolving the problem will turn the MIL
light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the “Malfunction7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 309

Indicator Light (MIL)” is functioning and is not on when
the engine is running, and that the OBD II system is
ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key-actuated test,
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD II system is ready, you must
do the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over. 4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see the MIL symbol come on as part of a normal bulb
check.
5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn OFF
the ignition or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD II system is not readyand you should
not proceed to the I/M station.
b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn OFF the ignition or start the
engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD II system
is ready and you can proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD II system is not ready,you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
310 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
8
MA I
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E
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

Special Additives...................... 333
Autostick ............................. 234
Back-Up Lights ......................... 348
Battery ............................... 317
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 26
Belts, Seat .............................. 72
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 319
B-Pillar Location ........................ 252
Brake, Parking .......................... 241
Brake System ........................ 243,329
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... 244
Fluid Check .......................... 329
Master Cylinder ....................... 329
Parking ............................. 241
Warning Light ........................ 169
Brakes ............................. 243,329
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 230
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 70Bulb Replacement
..................... 344,345
Bulbs, Light .......................... 73,344
Calibration, Compass .................. 176,185
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ........ 349
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 349
Caps, Filler Fuel ............................... 274
Oil (Engine) .................... 307,308,315
Power Steering ........................ 241
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 326
Car Washes ............................ 335
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............71,273
CD (Compact Disc) Player ...............187,201
Cellular Phone ........................ 82,213
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 348
Chains, Tire ............................ 263
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 294
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 249
10
INDEX 391

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

Emission Control System Maintenance......309,354
Engine ............................ 307,308
Break-In Recommendations ................ 70
Checking Oil Level ..................... 312
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................... 323
Cooling ............................. 323
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 71,273
Fuel Requirements ..................... 270
Jump Starting ......................... 300
Oil ........................... 312,349,350
Oil Change Interval .................... 313
Oil Filler Cap ................... 307,308,315
Oil Filter ............................ 350
Oil Selection .......................... 314
Oil Synthetic ......................... 315
Overheating .......................... 292
Temperature Gauge .................... 164
Ethanol ............................... 270
Event Data Recorder ...................... 60 Exhaust Gas Caution
..............34,71,273,321
Exhaust System ....................... 71,321
Exterior Lights .......................... 73
Fabric Care ............................ 338
Filler Location Fuel .................... 164,274
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 316
Automatic Transaxle .................... 333
Engine Oil ........................ 316,350
Flashers .............................. 292
Hazard Warning ....................... 292
Turn Signal ........................ 73,169
Flooded Engine Starting ................... 225
Fluid Capacities ......................... 349
Fluid Leaks ............................. 73
Fluid Level Checks Automatic Transaxle .................... 331
Brake .............................. 329
394 INDEX