2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER radiator

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

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

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

Onboard Diagnostic System................ 309
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 136
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 4
Outside Air Intake ....................... 220
Overdrive ............................. 233
Overheating, Engine ................... 164,292
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,385
Paint Care ............................. 334
Panel Rear Shelf ........................ 149
Panic Alarm ............................ 23
Parking Brake .......................... 241
Passing Light ........................... 130
Personal Settings ........................ 181
Pets .................................. 70
Phone, Cellular .......................... 82
Phone, Hands-Free (uconnect) ............... 82
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 252Power
Door Locks ........................... 28
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) .......... 145
Seats ............................... 111
Steering .......................... 240,241
Sunroof ............................. 143
Windows ............................. 31
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 45
Preparation for Jacking .................... 296
Pretensioners Seat Belts ............................ 43
Programmable Electronic Features ............ 181
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 23
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 259
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .......... 326
Radio Operation ................... 187,201,213
Radio, Satellite (uconnect studios)........... 209
400 INDEX