2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER checking oil

Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
If you are required to drive with the trunk/liftgate open,
make sure that all windows are closed and the climate
control BLOWER switch is set at high speed. DO NOT
use the recirculation mode.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle isdamaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
72 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.CAUTION!
Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of your
vehicle and also allow extended maintenance inter-
vals. Do not use chemical flushes in these compo-
nents as the chemicals can damage your engine,
transaxle, power steering or air conditioning. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty. If a flush is needed because of component
malfunction, use only the specified fluid for the
flushing procedure.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
312 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

The best time to check the engine oil level is about five
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off. Do not
check oil level before starting the engine after it has sat
overnight. Checking engine oil level when the engine is
cold will give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground, will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling the crankcase as indicated by an oil level
above the “MAX” mark on the engine oil dipstick
will cause oil aeration, which can lead to loss of oil
pressure and an increase in oil temperature. This
could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Road conditions and your kind of driving affects the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following list to decide if any apply to you.
•Day and night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C).
•Trailer towing.
•Taxi, Police, or delivery service (commercial service).
•Off-road or desert operation.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 313

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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S356 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

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

Manual, Service......................... 385
Manual Transaxle .................. 224,226,334
Downshifting ......................... 229
Fluid Level Check ..................... 334
Frequency of Fluid Change ............... 334
Lubricant Selection ..................... 334
Map/Reading Lights ..................... 125
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 329
Methanol ............................. 270
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 174
Mirrors ................................ 79
Electric Remote ........................ 80
Outside .............................. 79
Rearview ............................. 79
Vanity ............................... 81
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 265
Mopar Parts ......................... 31 1,384New Vehicle Break-In Period
................ 70
Occupant Classification System (OCS) .......... 50
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ................. 35
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 270
Odometer ............................. 167
Trip ............................. 167,169
Oil, Engine ......................... 312,349
Capacity ............................ 349
Change Interval ....................... 313
Checking ............................ 312
Disposal ............................ 315
Filter ............................... 316
Identification Logo ..................... 314
Materials Added to ..................... 315
Quality ............................. 314
Recommendation ................... 314,349
Synthetic ............................ 315
Viscosity ............................ 315
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... 316
10
INDEX 399