check engine CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2005 1.G Owner's Manual

Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at any time the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
•You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant
or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear
steam coming from under the hood, don’t open
the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, whereapplicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
coolant. Check the front of the A/C condenser for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the condenser.
Check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for brittle rub-
ber, cracking, tears, cuts and tightness of the connection
at the bottle and radiator. Inspect the entire system for
leaks.
With the engine at normal operating temperature (but
not running), check the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a small amount of
coolant from the radiator drain cock. If the cap is sealing
properly, the engine coolant (antifreeze) will begin to
drain from the coolant recovery bottle. DO NOT RE-
MOVE THE COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN THE
COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
284 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to
cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure
to build up in the cooling system. To prevent
scalding or injury, do not remove the pressure cap
while the system is hot or under pressure.
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or
engine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or childrendo not store ethylene glycol based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
ground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine idling, and warm to normal operating tempera-
ture, the level of the coolant 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
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 287
7

When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
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 coolant 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 coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant recovery bottle. If antifreeze needs to be
added, contents of coolant recovery bottle must also be
protected against freezing.
•If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (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.
288 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before a hose is replaced
based on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done when-
ever the brake system is serviced and at every engine oil
change.WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning lamp is on.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked
when pads are replaced. However, low fluid level may be
caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 291
7

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turers recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturers recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid level in the automatic transaxle should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transaxle and of the fluid.
Procedure For Checking Fluid Level
To properly check the automatic transaxle fluid level, the
following procedure must be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for at
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (PARK).
5. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or warm. Hot fluid is approximately 180°F (82°C), which
is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle has
been driven at least 24 km (15 miles). The fluid cannot be
comfortable held between the finger tips. Warm is when
the fluid is between 85° to 125°F (29° to 52°C).
294 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Maintenance schedule “A”—Non Turbo Charged En-
gines– No change necessary.
Maintenance schedule “A”—Turbo Charged Engines–
No change necessary.
Maintenance schedule “B”—All Engines– Every 60,000
miles (96 000 km) change fluid and filter under the
following conditions:
•Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is drivenregularlyfor
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
NOTE:Refer to Section 8 of this manual for mainte-
nance schedules.
If the transaxle is disassembled for any reason, the fluid
and filter should be changed.
Special Additives
The manufacturer recommends against the addition of
any fluid additives to the transaxle. The only exception to
this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting
fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers should be
avoided as they may adversely affect seals.
Manual Transaxle
Lubricant Selection
Use only manufacturers recommended transmission
fluid, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more that 3/16” (4.7 mm) below the bottom of
the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
296 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•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 coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and transaxle 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 transaxle fluid level.
•Check the manual transaxle fluid level and fill plug
condition.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
318 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System.............. 212
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 286
Adding Fuel........................... 239
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 192
Additives, Fuel......................... 237
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 276
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 279
Air Conditioning Controls................. 183
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 188
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............279,280
Air Conditioning System................183,279
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 225
Airbag................................ 43
Airbag Deployment....................... 50
Airbag Light.....................47,52,62,142
Airbag Maintenance....................... 51
Airbag, Side............................ 49
Alarm, Panic............................ 23
Alarm System........................26,137Alignment and Balance................... 232
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 181
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........285,311,312
Capacities........................... 311
Disposal............................ 287
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 212
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 139
Anti-Theft Security Alarm.................. 26
Appearance Care........................ 297
Auto Down Power Windows................ 32
Automatic Door Locks..................... 20
Automatic Transaxle..............12,196,199,293
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 295
Fluid Level Check...................... 294
Interlock System.....................18,200
Reset Mode.......................... 201
Selection Of Lubricant................... 293
Shifting............................. 201
350 INDEX

Caution, Exhaust Gas...................... 61
CD Changer......................150,161,167
CD Player..................159,163,165,169,172
CD Player Maintenance................... 182
Cellular Phone........................70,183
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 310
Central Door Locks....................... 20
Chains, Tire............................ 233
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 248
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 217
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . 267
Child Restraint.......................... 52
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 57
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts........... 56
Child Safety Locks........................ 21
Child Seat.............................. 58
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 236
Climate Control......................... 183
Clock................................ 144Clutch............................... 291
Clutch Fluid........................... 291
Coin Holder........................... 120
Compact Disc Maintenance................. 182
Compact Disc Player..................152,159
Compact Spare Tire...................... 228
Compass.............................. 112
Compass Calibration..................... 114
Compass Variance....................... 113
Console.............................. 120
Console, Overhead....................... 111
Contract, Service........................ 342
Cool Down, Turbo....................... 198
Coolant............................ 311,312
Cooling System......................... 284
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 286
Coolant Level......................284,287
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 287
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 285
352 INDEX

Emission Control System Maintenance......267,316
Engine............................264,265
Break-In Recommendations................ 60
Checking Oil Level..................... 269
Cooling............................. 284
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 238
Fuel Requirements..................... 235
Jump Starting......................... 254
Oil ...........................269,311,312
Oil Change Interval.................... 270
Oil Filler Cap...................264,265,272
Oil Filter............................ 312
Oil Selection.......................... 272
Oil Synthetic......................... 272
Overheating.......................... 246
Temperature Gauge..................... 138
Timing Belt.......................... 276
Exhaust Gas Caution..............29,61,238,283
Exhaust System......................... 283Filler Location Fuel...................... 143
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 276
Engine Fuel.......................... 276
Engine Oil........................273,312
Flashers.............................. 246
Hazard Warning....................... 246
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 253
Flooded Engine Starting................... 197
Fluid, Brake........................... 313
Fluid Capacities......................... 311
Fluid Leaks............................. 62
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle.................... 294
Fluids................................ 312
Fog Light Service........................ 309
Fog Lights...........................97,143
Folding Rear Seat........................ 87
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 257
354 INDEX