service schedule CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2008 1.G Owners Manual

feature is inoperable. The engine can be started and
stopped but the key cannot be removed until you obtain
service.FOUR-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLEThe electronically controlled transaxle provides a precise
shift schedule. The transaxle electronics are self calibrat-
ing; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle may be
somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and preci-
sion shifts will develop within a few shift cycles.RESET MODEThe transaxle is monitored electronically for abnormal
conditions. If a condition is detected that could cause
damage, the transaxle shifts automatically into second
gear. The transaxle remains in second gear despite the
forward gear selected. PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL
will continue to operate. This second gear limp-in feature
allows the vehicle to be driven to a dealer for service
without damaging the transaxle.In the event that the problem has been momentary, the
transaxle can be reset to regain all forward gears.
Stop the vehicle and shift the gear selector lever into
PARK.
Turn the Key to OFF then restart the engine.
Shift the gear selector lever into DRIVE and resume
driving.
If the transaxle cannot be reset, authorized dealer service
is required.
NOTE:
Even if the transaxle can be reset, it is recom-
mended that you visit an authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.296 STARTING AND OPERATING

serviced before going to the I/M station. The I/M station
can fail your vehicle because the MIL is on with the
engine running.REPLACEMENT PARTSUse of genuine Moparparts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to en-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-Mopar parts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer’s
warranty.AUTHORIZED DEALER SERVICEYour authorized dealer has the qualified service person-
nel, special tools, and equipment to perform all service
operations in an expert manner. Service manuals are
available which include detailed service information for
your vehicle. Refer to these Service manuals before
attempting any procedure yourself. NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent
mechanic.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 383
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Engine Oil Filter SelectionAll of this manufacturers engines have a full-flow type
disposable oil filter. Use a filter of this type for replace-
ment. The quality of replacement filters varies consider-
ably. Only high quality filters should be used to assure
most efficient service. Mopar Engine Oil Filters are high
quality oil filters and are recommended.DRIVE BELTS — CHECK CONDITION AND
TENSIONAt the mileage shown in the maintenance schedules,
check all drive belts for condition and proper tension.
Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage and failure.
Inspect the drive belts for evidence of cuts, cracks, or
glazing and replace them if there is any sign of damage
which could result in belt failure. If adjustment is re-
quired, see your authorized dealer for service.Special tools are required to properly measure tension
and to restore belt tension to factory specifications. Also,
check belt routing to make sure there is no interference
between the belts and other engine components.
SPARK PLUGSSpark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New plugs should be in-
stalled at the specified mileage. The entire set should be
replaced if there is any malfunction due to a faulty spark
plug. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
this section for the proper type of spark plug for use in
your vehicle.IGNITION WIRING SYSTEMThe ignition cables should be kept clean and properly
connected. Terminals should be fully seated. Cracked,
damaged, or faulty cables should be replaced.
388 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to manufacturers specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•
Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•
Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•
Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for prolonged period.
ENGINE TIMING BELTReplace the engine timing belt at the intervals described
in the appropriate maintenance schedule.CRANKCASE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMProper operation of this system depends on freedom
from sticking or plugging due to deposits. As vehicle
mileage builds up, the PCV valve and passages may
accumulate deposits. If a valve is not working properly,
replace it with a new valve. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
CLEAN THE OLD PCV VALVE!
390 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Check ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.FUEL FILTERA plugged fuel filter can cause hard starting or limit the
speed at which a vehicle can be driven. Should an
excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the fuel tank,
frequent filter replacement may be necessary. The fuel
filters are located inside the fuel tank. See your dealer for
service.AIR CLEANER ELEMENT (AIR FILTER)Under normal driving conditions, replace the filter at the
intervals shown on Schedule “A”. If, however, you drive
the vehicle frequently under dusty or severe conditions,
the filter element should be inspected periodically and
replaced if necessary at the intervals shown on Schedule
“B”.NOTE:
For vehicles with a Turbo engine, a small
amount of oil accumulation in the air cleaner box is
normal. The amount will depend on driving style. The air
cleaner box should be cleaned out and a new make-up-
air filter element should be installed during the normal
air filter maintenance procedure.
WARNING!
The air cleaner can provide a measure of protection
in the case of engine backfire. Do not remove the air
cleaner unless such removal is necessary for repair or
maintenance. Make sure that no one is near the
engine compartment before starting the vehicle with
the air cleaner removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 391
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FUEL SYSTEM CONNECTIONSElectronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with tubes and special connects, connections
and clamps which have unique material characteristics to
provide adequate sealing and resist attack by deterio-
rated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufactures-specified
tubes, connections and clamps, or their equivalent in
material and specification, in any fuel system servicing.BRAKE SYSTEMIn order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the “Mainte-
nance Schedule” in this manual.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.Brake, Power Steering and Oil Cooler System
HosesWhen servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect the surface of the hoses and nylon tubing for
evidence of heat and mechanical damage. Hard and
404 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCEThe Scheduled Maintenance services listed inbold type
must be done at the times or mileages specified to ensure
the continued proper functioning of the emission control
system. These, and all other maintenance services in-
cluded in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service should also be done any time a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE: Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-
sions control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part that has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULEThere are three maintenance schedules that show re-
quired service for your vehicle.
First is Schedule “B”—ALL ENGINES. It is for vehicles
that are operated under the conditions that are listed
below and at the beginning of the schedule.•
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.†

434 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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•
Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).†

•
Off-road or desert operation.
•
If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE: IfANY of these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first, and follow schedule “B—All
Engines” of the Maintenance Schedules section of this
manual.
NOTE: IFANY 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
schedule “B—All Engines” of the Maintenance Sched-
ules section of this manual.
NOTE: Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule B—ALL ENGINES. Second is Schedule
“A”—NON TURBO. It is for vehicles
that are not operated under any of the conditions listed
under Schedule B—ALL ENGINES.
Third is Schedule “A”—TURBO. It is for vehicles that are
not operated under any of the conditions listed under
Schedule B—ALL ENGINES.
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.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 435
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SCHEDULE “B”—ALL ENGINESFollow schedule “B”—All Engines if you usually operate
your vehicle under one or more of the following condi-
tions.
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter every
60,000 miles (100 000 km) if the vehicle is usually
operated under one or more of the conditions marked
with an
.
Change the manual transaxle fluid every 48,000 miles (80
000 km) if the vehicle is usually operated under one or
more of the conditions marked with an †.•
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 (16.2 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 ser-
vice).†

•
Off-road or desert operation.
•
If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE: IfANY of these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first, and follow schedule “B—All
Engines” of the Maintenance Schedules section of this
manual.
SCHEDULE “B”—ALL ENGINES 437
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Miles138,000 141,000 144,000 147,000 150,000
(Kilometers) (230 000) (235 000) (240 000) (245 000) (250 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not re-
placed at 3 months. XXXXX
Rotate tires. XXX
Inspect the brake linings. X
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. *X
Replace the spark plugs. X
Change the manual transaxle fluid.† X
Replace the Make-up air filter. X
Inspect the PCV valve and replace if necessary. *‡ X
* This maintenance is recommended by the manufacturer
to the owner, but is not required to maintain the emis-
sions warranty.
‡ This maintenance is not required if previously replaced.
† This maintenance is required only for police, taxi,
limousine type operation, or trailer towing.

This maintenance is required only for police, taxi,
limousine type operation, or trailer towing.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
SCHEDULE “B”—ALL ENGINES 447
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