coolant level CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2005 1.G Owners Manual

CAUTION!
Mixing of coolants other than specified engine cool-
ants, may result in engine damage that may not be
covered under the new vehicle warranty, and de-
creased corrosion protection. If a non-HOAT coolant
is introduced into the cooling system in an emer-
gency, it should be replaced with the specified
coolant as soon as possible.
Do not use plain water alone or alcohol base engine
coolant (antifreeze) products. Do not use additional
rust inhibitors or antirust products, as they may not
be compatible with the radiator engine coolant and
may plug the radiator.
This vehicle has not been designed for use with
Propylene Glycol based coolants. Use of Propylene
Glycol based coolants is not recommended.
Adding Coolant
When adding coolant, or refilling the system, a minimum
solution of 50% recommended HOAT ethylene glycol
engine coolant (antifreeze) and distilled water should be
used. Use higher concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if
temperatures below
37°C(
34°F ) are anticipated.
Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/engine coolant solution.
The use of lower quality water will reduce the amount of
corrosion protection in the engine cooling system.
Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE:Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent coolant
changes.
274 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
coolant, and to insure that coolant will return to the
radiator from the coolant recovery bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
The warning words“DO NOT OPEN HOT”on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add coolant when the engine is overheated.
Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool an over-
heated 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.
Engine Coolant Disposal
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 children
do 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 recovery bottle provides a quick visual
method for determining that the coolant level is ad-
equate. With the engine idling, and warm to normal
operating temperature, the level of the coolant in the
bottle should be between the“FULL”and“ADD”marks.
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
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 275
7

service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant recovery bottle
need only be checked once a month.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant recovery
bottle. Do not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few kilome-
ters (a few miles) 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 accumulation on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot water 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 system.
•If frequent coolant additions are required, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT ethylene
glycol 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 hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle has
air conditioning, keep the front of the condenser clean,
also.
276 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)15 Gallons 56.7 Liters
Engine Oil-With Filter
2.4 Liter Engines (Use API Certified SAE 5W-30 Engine Oil.
Refer to your engine oil filler cap for correct SAE grade meet-
ing DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-6395.)5.0 qts 4.7 Liters
Cooling System *
2.4 Liter Engines (MoparAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000
Miles Formula)6.5 qts 6.2 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
302 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.
308 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System.............. 198
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 274
Adding Fuel........................... 225
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 100
Additives, Fuel......................... 223
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 264
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 267
Air Conditioning Controls................. 169
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 174
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............267,268
Air Conditioning System................169,267
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 211
Airbag................................ 40
Airbag Deployment....................... 46
Airbag Light.....................44,48,58,132
Airbag Maintenance....................... 48
Airbag, Side............................ 46
Alarm, Panic............................ 22
Alarm System........................25,127Alignment and Balance................... 218
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........273,302,303
Capacities........................... 302
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 198
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 129
Anti-Theft Security Alarm.................. 25
Appearance Care........................ 284
Auto Down Power Windows................ 29
Automatic Door Locks..................... 20
Automatic Transaxle..............12,182,185,280
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 283
Fluid Level Check...................... 281
Interlock System.....................18,186
Reset Mode.......................... 187
Selection Of Lubricant................... 280
Shifting............................. 187
Special Additives...................... 283
Autostick...........................134,190
340 INDEX

Cellular Phone.......................... 168
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 301
Central Door Locks....................... 20
Chains, Tire............................ 219
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 235
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 203
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . 255
Child Restraint.......................... 49
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 53
Child Seat.............................. 54
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 222
Climate Control......................... 169
Clock................................ 134
Coin Holder........................... 115
Compact Disc Maintenance................. 168
Compact Disc Player..................136,142
Compact Spare Tire...................... 214
Compass.............................. 75
Compass Calibration...................... 78Compass Variance........................ 77
Console............................... 115
Contract, Service........................ 332
Convertible............................. 62
Convertible Boot.......................68,72
Convertible Top.......................... 62
Convertible Top Maintenance............... 290
Convertible Top Manual Override..........73,247
Cool Down, Turbo....................... 184
Coolant............................302,303
Coolant Pressure Cap..................... 275
Cooling System......................... 272
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 274
Coolant Level......................272,275
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 275
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 273
Inspection........................... 275
Points to Remember.................... 276
Pressure Cap......................... 275
342 INDEX