2010 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 theengine 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.
296 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 297

•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.
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S322 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

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

Overheating, Engine................... 143,260
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,345
Paint Care ............................. 302
Panel Rear Shelf ........................ 129
Panic Alarm .......................... 22,23
Parking Brake .......................... 207
Passing Light ........................... 103
Personal Settings ........................ 164
Pets .................................. 72
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 219
Power Door Locks ........................... 28
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) .......... 123
Seats ................................ 86
Steering .......................... 205,206
Sunroof ............................. 121
Windows ............................. 31
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts .............. 45Preparation for Jacking
.................... 264
Pretensioners Seat Belts ............................ 44
Programmable Electronic Features ............ 164
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry) .................... 23
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 226
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .......... 295
Radio Operation ...................... 168,180
Radio, Satellite (Uconnect studios)........... 176
Radio (Sound Systems) .................... 168
Rear Liftgate (Sedan) ...................... 33
Rear Seat, Folding ...................... 91,93
Rear Seat Removal ........................ 96
Rear Shelf Panel ........................ 129
Rear Window ........................... 32
Rear Window Defroster ................... 135
Rear Window Features .................... 134
360 INDEX