2010 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER check engine light

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 “Malfunction
278 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
2. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over. 3. As soon as you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position, you will see the MIL symbol come on as part of
a normal bulb check.
4. 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,
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 279

result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased
emissions.
Brake System
Fluid Level Check – Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
whenever the vehicle is serviced, or immediately if the
“Brake Warning Light” is on. If necessary, add fluid to
bring level to the full mark on the side of the reservoir of
the brake master cylinder. Be sure to clean the top of the
master cylinder area before removing the cap. With disc
brakes, the fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake
pads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked when
pads are replaced. If the brake fluid level is abnormally
low, check the system for leaks.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake fluid
can severely damage your brake system and/or
impair its performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also labeled on the origi-
nal factory installed hydraulic master cylinder
reservoir.(Continued)
298 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•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 the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and transmission, 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 transmission fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
Maintenance Schedule B
Follow “Maintenance Schedule B” if you usually operate
your vehicle under one or more of the following condi-
tions.
8
MA I
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S322 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 210
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .......... 294
Adding Fuel ........................... 241
Additives, Fuel ......................... 239
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 285
Air Conditioner Maintenance ............... 287
Air Conditioning Controls ................. 180
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ............ 185
Air Conditioning Refrigerant .............287,288
Air Conditioning System ................180,287
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 224
Airbag ................................ 46
Airbag Deployment ....................... 58
Airbag Light ....................... 61,75,153
Airbag Maintenance ....................... 60
Airbag, Side ............................ 56
Alarm Light ........................... 152
Alarm, Panic ............................ 22 Alarm System (Security Alarm)
............... 18
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio ................... 178
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ...........293,316,317
Capacities ........................... 316
Disposal ............................ 296
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .............. 210
Anti-Lock Warning Light .................. 153
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm) ........ 18
Appearance Care ........................ 302
Auto Down Power Windows ................ 32
Automatic Door Locks ................... 28,29
Automatic Transaxle ..............12,192,194,299
Adding Fluid ......................... 300
Filter ............................... 301
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 301
Fluid Level Check ..................... 300
Interlock System ..................... 15,196
Reset Mode .......................... 197
350 INDEX

Special Additives...................... 301
Autostick ............................. 200
Back-Up Lights ......................... 315
Battery ............................... 286
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 25
Belts, Seat .............................. 75
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 288
B-Pillar Location ........................ 219
Brake, Parking .......................... 207
Brake System ........................ 209,298
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... 210
Fluid Check .......................... 298
Master Cylinder ....................... 298
Parking ............................. 207
Warning Light ........................ 150
Brakes ............................... 209
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 195
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 72Bulb Replacement
..................... 31 1,312
Bulbs, Light .......................... 77,311
Calibration, Compass ...............157,162,167
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ........ 316
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 316
Caps, Filler Fuel ............................... 242
Oil (Engine) ....................... 277,284
Power Steering ........................ 206
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 295
Car Washes ............................ 303
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............74,241
CD (Compact Disc) Player ................. 168
Cellular Phone .......................... 180
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 315
Chains, Tire ............................ 231
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 262
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 215
10
INDEX 351

Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light).............148,278
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 73
Checks, Safety ........................... 73
Child Restraint .......................... 64
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............... 68
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts ........... 67
Child Safety Locks ........................ 30
Child Seat .............................. 70
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 237
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 304
Climate Control ......................... 180
Clock ............................. 168,170
Coin Holder ........................... 128
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 179
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 226
Compass ..................... 154,155,157,162
Compass Calibration ................ 157,162,167Compass Variance
....................... 156
Computer, Trip/Travel .................... 154
Console .............................. 128
Contract, Service ........................ 343
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................... 316,317
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 295
Cooling System ......................... 292
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 294
Coolant Level ...................... 292,296
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 296
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 293
Inspection ........................... 296
Points to Remember .................... 297
Pressure Cap ......................... 295
Radiator Cap ......................... 295
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ........... 293
Corrosion Protection ..................... 302
Cruise Light ........................... 148
Cupholders ............................ 128
352 INDEX

Customer Assistance..................... 341
Daytime Running Lights ................... 104
Dealer Service .......................... 280
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 135
Defroster, Windshield ................... 75,182
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 108
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 278
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 103
Dipsticks Automatic Transaxle .................... 300
Power Steering ........................ 206
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 296
Engine Oil ........................... 284
Door Locks ............................. 26
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 28
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 115 Driving
On Slippery Surfaces ................... 202
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ........................ 203
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 83
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 123
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ....... 112
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) ............................. 154,159
Emergency, In Case of Jacking ............................. 262
Jump Starting ......................... 268
Towing ............................. 273
Emergency Seat Back Release (Sedan) .......... 98
Emission Control System Maintenance ......278,320
Engine ............................... 277
Break-In Recommendations ................ 72
Checking Oil Level ..................... 281
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INDEX 353