engine overheat CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2008 1.G User Guide

CATALYTIC CONVERTERThe catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 389
7

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

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 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 scald-
ing 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 en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Engine CoolantUsed 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 humans and animals
do not store ethylene glycol based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
ground. If ethylene glycol engine coolant is ingested by
anyone, contact a physician immediately. Clean up any
ground spills immediately.Coolant LevelThe 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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 401
7

Door Opener, Garage..................... 197
Downshifting .......................... 304
Drive Belts ............................ 388
Driver’s Seat Back Tilt .................... 167
Driving On Slippery Surfaces .................... 369
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 217
Electric Remote Mirrors ................... 137
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 206
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ...... 194
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC) .......................... 234,235,240
Emergency Deck Lid Release Latch (Convertible) . . 41
Emergency, In Case of Jacking ............................. 360
Jump Starting ......................... 367
Towing ............................. 371
Emergency Seat Back Release (Sedan) .......... 40Emission Control System Maintenance
......381,434
Engine .......................... 1 15,378,379
Break-In Recommendations ............... 115
Checking Oil Level ..................... 384
Coolant (Antifreeze) .................... 398
Cooling ............................. 398
Exhaust Gas Caution .................... 339
Fuel Requirements ..................... 337
Jump Starting ......................... 367
Oil ........................... 384,429,430
Oil Change Interval .................... 385
Oil Filler Cap ................... 378,379,387
Oil Filter ............................ 430
Oil Selection .......................... 386
Oil Synthetic ......................... 387
Operation ............................ 115
Overheating .......................... 358
Temperature Gauge ..................... 226
Timing Belt .......................... 390474 INDEX

Overheating, Engine...................... 358
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,465
Paint Care ............................. 411
Panel Rear Shelf ........................ 210
Panic Alarm .......................... 26,32
Parking Brake .......................... 305
Passenger Seat Back Tilt (Easy Entry System) .... 168
Passing Light ........................... 190
Personal Settings ........................ 244
Pets ............................... 80,114
Phone, Cellular ......................... 138
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™) ............ 138
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 317
Power Deck Lid Release ....................... 39
Distribution Center (Fuses) ............... 419
Door Locks ........................... 20
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet) .......... 206Seats
............................... 165
Steering .......................... 310,394
Steering, Checking ..................... 394
Sunroof ............................. 204
Windows ............................. 42
Power Steering Fluid .................. 394,431
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts ............54,89
Preparation for Jacking .................... 362
Pretensioners Seat Belts ........................... 53,88
Programmable Electronic Features ............ 244
Programming Transmitters (Remote Keyless
Entry) ............................... 27,33
Radial Ply Tires ......................... 324
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap) .......... 400
Radio Broadcast Signals ................... 250
Radio Operation ................... 251,259,277
Radio, Satellite .......................... 273
INDEX 481
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