checking oil CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2005 1.G Owners Manual

A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
WARNING!
If you are required to drive with the deck lid/liftgate
open, make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61
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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. Do only that 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.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 269
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The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
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 thedipstick. 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.
Engine Oil Dipstick
270 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
Power Steering — Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid types.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
There are two front suspension lower ball joints that are
permanently lubricated. Inspect these ball joints when-
ever under vehicle service is done. Damaged seals and
their corresponding potentially damaged ball joints must
be replaced.
280 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
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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

Vanity............................... 70
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Mopar Parts.........................268,345
Multi-Function Control Lever................ 96
Navigation System....................... 177
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 60
Occupant Restraints....................... 33
Octane Rating, Gasoline................... 235
Odometer............................. 141
Trip .............................141,144
Oil, Engine.........................269,311
Capacity............................ 311
Change Interval....................... 270
Checking............................ 269
Disposal............................ 273
Filter............................... 273
Identification Logo..................... 272Materials Added to..................... 273
Quality............................. 272
Recommendation....................272,311
Synthetic............................ 272
Viscosity............................ 272
Oil Pressure Light....................... 137
Onboard Diagnostic System..............266,267
Opener, Garage Door..................... 105
Operator Manuals (Owner’s Manuals)........... 4
Outside Air Intake....................... 189
Overdrive............................. 203
Overhead Console....................... 111
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 111
Overheating, Engine...................... 246
Owner’s Manual.......................4,346
Paint Care............................. 297
Panel Rear Shelf........................ 122
Panic Alarm............................ 23
INDEX 359
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