radiator CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2008 1.G User Guide

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.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.Points To RememberNOTE: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.
402 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•
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.
•
Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
HOSES AND VACUUM/VAPOR HARNESSESInspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling indicate deterioration of the rubberPay particular attention to the hoses nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose rout-
ing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of degradation that could cause failure.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 403
7

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.
436 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Shifting............................. 297
Special Additives ...................... 410
Autostick ............................. 299
Back-Up Lights ......................... 427
Ball Joints ............................. 395
Battery ............................... 392
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) .....29,35
Belts, Drive ............................ 388
Belts, Engine ........................... 390
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 395
Boot, Convertible Top .................. 128,132
B-Pillar Location ........................ 317
Brake Fluid ............................ 431
Brake, Parking .......................... 305
Brake System ........................ 307,404
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... 308
Fluid Check .......................... 406
Hoses .............................. 404 Master Cylinder
....................... 406
Parking ............................. 305
Warning Light ........................ 231
Brakes ............................. 307,404
Brake/Transmission Interlock ............... 295
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ....... 115
Bulb Replacement ..................... 424,425
Bulbs, Light ............................ 424
Calibration, Compass ...............238,247,248
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ........ 429
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 429
Caps, Filler Fuel ................................ 340
Oil (Engine) .................... 378,379,387
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 400
Car Washes ............................ 411
Carbon Monoxide Warning ................. 339
INDEX 471
10

Convertible Top Maintenance............... 416
Convertible Top Manual Override .........134,373
Cool Down, Turbo ....................... 293
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................... 429,430
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap) .......... 400
Cooling System ......................... 398
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze) .............. 400
Coolant Level ...................... 398,401
Disposal of Used Coolant ................ 401
Drain, Flush, and Refill .................. 399
Inspection ........................... 401
Points to Remember .................... 402
Pressure Cap ......................... 400
Radiator Cap ......................... 400
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) ........... 399
Corrosion Protection ...................... 411
Crankcase Emission Control System .......... 390
Cruise Light ........................... 229
Cup Holder ............................ 208 Customer Assistance
..................... 461
Data Recorder, Event ................... 70,105
Dealer Service .......................... 383
Deck Lid (Convertible) ..................... 39
Deck Lid, Emergency Release Latch (Convertible) . . 41
Deck Lid, Power Release (Convertible) ......... 39
Defroster, Rear Window ................... 217
Defroster, Windshield .................. 1 16,279
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers ................. 192
Diagnostic System, Onboard ................ 380
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................. 189
Dipsticks Automatic Transaxle .................... 408
Disposal Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 401
Engine Oil ........................... 387
Door Locks ............................. 19
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 21
INDEX 473
10

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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