stop start CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2009 1.G Owner's Guide

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.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 313

CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
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 manufacturer’s specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
322 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Interior Appearance Care.................. 338
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers) ........... 131
Introduction ............................. 4
Jack Location ........................... 294
Jack Operation ....................... 294,296
Jacking Instructions ...................... 296
Jump Starting .......................... 300
Key, Programming ........................ 17
Key, Replacement ........................ 16
Key, Sentry (Immobilizer) ................... 15
Key-In Reminder ......................... 14
Keyless Entry System (Sedan) ................ 20
Keys ................................. 12
Lap/Shoulder Belts ....................... 36
Latches ................................ 73
Hood .............................. 123 Lead Free Gasoline
...................... 270
Leaks, Fluid ............................ 73
Life of Tires ............................ 262
Liftgate (Sedan) .......................... 33
Light Bulbs ....................... 73,344,345
Lights .............................. 73,125
Airbag .......................... 59,73,173
Alarm .............................. 172
Anti-Lock ........................... 172
Back-Up ............................ 348
Brake Warning ........................ 169
Center Mounted Stop ................... 348
Daytime Running ...................... 127
Engine Temperature Warning .............. 171
Exterior .............................. 73
Fog .......................... 128,172,347
Front Replacement ..................... 345
High Beam Indicator .................... 173
Lights On Reminder .................... 127
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INDEX 397