checking oil CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2010 1.G Owners Manual

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.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see yourauthorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit the foot well of
your vehicle. Use only floor mats that leave the pedal
area unobstructed and that are firmly secured so that
they cannot slip out of position and interfere with the
pedals or impair safe operation of your vehicle in other
ways.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 75

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed
maintenance schedule, there are other components which
may require servicing or replacement in the future.
CAUTION!
•Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or per-
form repairs and service when necessary could
result in more costly repairs, damage to other
components or negatively impact vehicle perfor-
mance. Immediately have potential malfunctions
examined by an authorized Chrysler Group LLC
dealership or qualified repair center.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 281

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.
282 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•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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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 321

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
10
INDEX 353

Map/Reading Lights..................... 105
Methanol ............................. 238
Mini-Trip Computer ...................... 155
Mirrors ................................ 82
Electric Remote ........................ 83
Outside .............................. 82
Rearview ............................. 82
Vanity ............................... 84
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 232
Mopar Parts ......................... 280,344
Multi-Function Control Lever ............... 101
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 72
Occupant Classification System (OCS) .......... 52
Occupant Restraints (Sedan) ................. 34
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 237
Odometer ............................. 146 Trip .............................
146,149
Oil, Engine ......................... 281,316
Capacity ............................ 316
Change Interval ....................... 282
Checking ............................ 281
Disposal ............................ 284
Filter ............................... 284
Identification Logo ..................... 283
Materials Added to ..................... 284
Quality ............................. 283
Recommendation ................... 283,316
Synthetic ............................ 284
Viscosity ............................ 284
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... 285
Onboard Diagnostic System ................ 278
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 115
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 4
Outside Air Intake ....................... 186
Overdrive ............................. 199
10
INDEX 359