2010 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER check engine

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

WARNING! (Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard
or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden brake
failure. This could result in a accident.
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in an accident.
Automatic Transmission
The automatic transmission and differential assembly are
contained within a single housing.
The fluid level in the automatic transmission should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transmission and the fluid.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 299

Fluid Level Check
Use the following procedure to check the automatic
transmission 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 transmission.
6. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or cold. Hot fluid is approximately 180°F (82° C), which
is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle isdriven at least 15 miles (24 km). Hot fluid cannot be held
comfortably between the fingertips. Cold fluid is at a
temperature below 80°F (27°C).
7. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated. Then,
remove dipstick and note the reading.
a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the
crosshatched area marked “HOT” (between the upper
two holes in the dipstick).
b. If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between
the lower two holes in the area marked “COLD.”
If the fluid level is low, add sufficient fluid through the
filler (dipstick) tube to bring it to the proper level. Do not
overfill.
300 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
•Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-
facturer’s recommended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid
other than that recommended by the manufacturer
will result in more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information.
•Dirt and water in the transmission can cause
serious damage. To prevent dirt and water from
entering the transmission after checking or replen-
ishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap is
re-seated properly.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed as follows:
Maintenance Schedule A— No change necessary.
Maintenance Schedule B — Every 60,000 miles
(100 000 km) change fluid and filter under the following
conditions:
•Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is driven regularlyfor
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for further information.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 301

•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).†\b
•Off-road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol) fuel.
NOTE:
•If ANY of these apply to you, then change your engine
oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or three months,
whichever comes first, and follow “Maintenance
Schedule B” in this section.
•If ANY of these apply to you, then flush and replace
the engine coolant every 102,000 miles (170 000 km) or
60 months, whichever comes first, and follow “Main-
tenance Schedule B” in this section.
•Most vehicles are operated under the conditions listed
for “Maintenance Schedule B.” Second is “Maintenance Schedule A.” It is for vehicles
that are not operated under any of the conditions listed
under “Maintenance Schedule B.”
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the 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.
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•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

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
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INDEX 351