automatic transmission fluid CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2008 1.G Owners Manual

TOWING TIPSBefore setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.Towing Tips — Automatic TransmissionThe OVERDRIVE/DRIVE range can be selected when
towing. However, if frequent shifting occurs while in this
range, the[3]range should be selected.
NOTE: Using the [3]range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See the “Mainte-
nance Schedule” in Section 8 of this manual for transmis-
sion fluid change intervals.
7-Pin Connector
354 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.Towing Tips — Electronic Speed Control (If
Equipped)
•
Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
•
When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
•
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
Towing Tips — Cooling SystemTo reduce potential for engine and transmission over-
heating, take the following actions:•
City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transmission
in NEUTRAL but do not increase engine idle speed.
•
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
•
Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
•
Refer to Cooling System Operating information in the
Maintenance Section of this manual for more informa-
tion.
STARTING AND OPERATING 355
5

If the fluid level is low, add sufficient fluid through the
filler (dipstick) tube to bring it to the proper level. Do not
overfill.
CAUTION!
•
Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-
facturer’s recommended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid
other than that recommended by the manufacturer
will result in more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” for the correct fluid type.
•
Dirt and water in the transaxle can cause serious
damage. To prevent dirt and water from entering
the transaxle after checking or replenishing fluid,
make certain that the dipstick cap is re-seated
properly.
Fluid And Filter ChangesAutomatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed as follows:
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 (100 000 km) change fluid and filter under the
following conditions:•
Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is driven regularlyfor
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
NOTE: Refer to Section 8 of this manual for mainte-
nance schedules.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 409
7

If the transaxle is disassembled for any reason, the fluid
and filter should be changed.Special AdditivesAutomatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transaxle. The only exception to this policy is
the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid leaks. In
addition, avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.MANUAL TRANSAXLE
Lubricant SelectionUse only manufacturers recommended transmission
fluid.Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for
the correct fluid type.
Fluid Level CheckCheck 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.Frequency Of Fluid ChangeUnder normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
the vehicle. Fluid changes are not necessary unless the
following conditions exist:•
The lubricant has become contaminated with water. If
contaminated with water, the fluid should be changed
immediately.
•
If severe usage has occurred, refer to Maintenance
Schedule “B” in Section 8 of this manual.
410 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CHASSIS
FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Mopar ATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Manual Transmission Fluid MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid MS9602.
Brake Master Cylinder Mopar
DOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3,
SAE J1703 brake fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is
acceptable. Use only recommended brake fluids or
equivalent.
Power Steering Reservoir Mopar
Power Steering Fluid +4 or Mopar ATF+4 Au-
tomatic Transmission Fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 431
7

SCHEDULE “B”—ALL ENGINESFollow schedule “B”—All Engines if you usually operate
your vehicle under one or more of the following condi-
tions.
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter every
60,000 miles (100 000 km) if the vehicle is usually
operated under one or more of the conditions marked
with an
.
Change the manual transaxle fluid every 48,000 miles (80
000 km) if the vehicle is usually operated under one or
more of the conditions marked with an †.•
Day and night temperatures are below 32° F (0° C).
•
Stop and go driving.
•
Extensive engine idling.
•
Driving in dusty conditions.
•
Short trips of less than 10 miles (16.2 km).
•
More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90° F (32° C).
•
Trailer towing.†

•
Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).†

•
Off-road or desert operation.
•
If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE: IfANY of these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first, and follow schedule “B—All
Engines” of the Maintenance Schedules section of this
manual.
SCHEDULE “B”—ALL ENGINES 437
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