2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER brake

transaxle Clutch Release System should not require fluid
replacement during the life of the vehicle. If the Brake
Fluid Reservoir is low, and the brake system does not
indicate any leaks or other problems, it may be a result of
a leak in the Hydraulic Clutch Release System. See your
local authorized dealer for service.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts”, found
later in this section, for the correct fluid type.
WARNING!
Use of a brake fluid that has a lower initial boiling
point than the recommended MOPARDOT 3 prod-
uct, or a brake fluid that is unidentified as to FMVSS
specification, may result in sudden brake failure
during hard, prolonged braking. You could have an
accident.
CAUTION!
Use of improper brake fluids will affect overall
clutch system performance. Improper brake fluids
may damage the clutch system resulting in loss of
clutch function and the ability to shift the transaxle.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
330 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum-based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid; all brake seal components could be
damaged causing partial or complete brake failure.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign mat-
ter.
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
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 shift lever momentarily in each gear posi-
tion, ending with the shift lever in PARK.
5. Wipe the area around the dipstick clean to eliminate
the possibility of dirt entering the transaxle.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 331

Wheel And Wheel Trim Care
All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and
chrome-plated wheels should be cleaned regularly with a
mild soap and water to prevent corrosion. To remove
heavy soil and/or excessive brake dust, use MOPAR
Wheel Cleaner or equivalent, or select a nonabrasive,
non-acidic cleaner. Do not use scouring pads, steel wool,
a bristle brush, or metal polishes. Only MOPAR or
equivalent is recommended. Do not use oven cleaner.
Avoid automatic car washes that use acidic solutions or
harsh brushes that may damage the wheels’ protective
finish.
Instrument Panel Cover
The instrument panel cover has a low glare surface,
which minimizes reflections in the windshield. Do not
use protectants or other products, which may cause
undesirable reflections. Use soap and warm water to
restore the low glare surface.
Stain Repel Fabric Cleaning Procedure — If
Equipped
Stain Repel seats may be cleaned in the following man-
ner:
•Remove as much of the stain as possible by blotting
with a clean, dry towel.
•Blot any remaining stain with a clean, damp towel.
•For tough stains, apply MOPAR Total Clean or a mild
soap solution to a clean, damp cloth and remove the
stain. Use a fresh, damp towel to remove soap residue.
•For grease stains, apply MOPAR Multi-Purpose
Cleaner to a clean, damp cloth and remove the stain.
Use a fresh, damp towel to remove soap residue.
•Do not use any solvents or protectants on Stain Repel
products.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 337

CavityCartridge
Fuse Mini-Fuse Description
3 10 Amp Red CHMSL
Brake
Switch Feed
4 10 Amp Red Ignition
Switch Feed
5 20 Amp
YellowTrailer Tow
6 10 Amp Red IOD Sw/
Pwr Mir/
Ocm
Steering
Cntrl Sdar/
Hfm
7 30 Amp
GreenIOD Sense1
8 30 Amp
GreenIOD Sense2Cavity
Cartridge
Fuse Mini-Fuse Description
9 40 Amp
Green Power Seats
10 20 Amp
YellowCCN Feed,
Power
Locks
11 15 Amp Lt
Blue Power
Outlet
12 20 Amp
YellowIgn Run/
Acc Inverter
13 20 Amp
YellowPwr Run/
Acc Outlet
RR
14 10 Amp Red IOD CCN/
Interior
Lighting
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 341

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Automatic Transmission MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Manual Transmission MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Brake Master Cylinder/Manual
Transmission Clutch System MOPAR
DOT 3 Brake Fluid, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE
J1703 brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only rec-
ommended brake fluids.
Power Steering Reservoir MOPARPower Steering Fluid +4, MOPAR ATF+4 Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 351

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

Miles3,000 6,000 9,000 12,000 15,000 18,000
(Kilometers) (5 000) (10 000) (15 000) (20 000) (25 000) (30 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not
replaced at three months. XXXXX X
Rotate tires. XX X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter, replace as
necessary. * X
Inspect the make-up air filter, replace as
necessary.* X
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 359

Miles21,000 24,000 27,000 30,000 33,000 36,000
(Kilometers) (35 000) (40 000) (45 000) (50 000) (55 000) (60 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not
replaced at three months. XXXXX X
Rotate tires. XX X
Inspect the brake linings. XX
Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped
with four-wheel disc brakes. X
Replace the engine air cleaner filter.* X
Replace the spark plugs. X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals. X
Replace the make-up air filter.* X
Adjust the generator drive belt tension. X
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S360 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES