brake fluid CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2008 1.G Owners Manual

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
TiresExamine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.LightsHave someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid LeaksCheck area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid or brake
fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be located and
corrected immediately.THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 117
2

14. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator
Light/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light —
If EquippedIf this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, apply as little throttle as possible. While
driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road con-
ditions, and do not switch off the ESP, or TCS — if
equipped.
15. Brake System Warning Light This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on, it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, there
is a low brake fluid level or there is a problem with the
anti-lock brake system. The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. Failure of either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:
The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 231
4

BRAKE SYSTEMYour vehicle is equipped with power assisted brakes as
standard equipment. In the event power assist is lost for
any reason (for example, repeated brake applications
with the engine off), the brakes will still function. How-
ever, the effort required to brake the vehicle will be much
greater than that required with the power system oper-
ating.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.If either of the two hydraulic systems lose normal capa-
bility, the remaining system will still function with some
loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident
by increased pedal travel during application and greater
pedal force required to slow or stop. In addition, if the
malfunction is caused by an internal leak, as the brake
fluid in the master cylinder drops, the brake warning
indicator will light.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. A significant decrease in braking performance or
vehicle stability during braking may occur. It will
take you longer to stop the vehicle or will make your
vehicle harder to control. You could have an accident.
Have the vehicle checked immediately.
STARTING AND OPERATING 307
5

•
A slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the end
of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of ABS.
WARNING!
The Anti-Lock Brake System contains sophisticated
electronic equipment that may be susceptible to
interference caused by improperly installed or high
output radio transmitting equipment. This interfer-
ence can cause possible loss of Anti-Lock braking
capability. Installation of such equipment should be
performed by qualified dealership professionals.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
POWER STEERINGThe standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE: Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.
310 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPEDThe Traction Control System (TCS) will improve accel-
eration and steering on slippery surfaces by reducing tire
spin. The system reduces wheel slip and maintains
traction at the driving (front) wheels by engaging the
brake on the wheel that is losing traction. When this
occurs the TCS indicator lamp located above the instru-
ment cluster odometer will flash. The system operates at
speeds below 35 mph (56 km/h).
A push-button at the center of the instrument panel,
below the radio, turns the Traction Control System ON or
OFF.
TCS OFF Switch
STARTING AND OPERATING 311
5

▫Maintenance-Free Battery ................392
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance .............393
▫ Power Steering – Fluid Check ............394
▫ Front Suspension Ball Joints ..............395
▫ Steering Linkage ......................395
▫ Body Lubrication .....................395
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ................396
▫ Windshield Washer Reservoir .............396
▫ Exhaust System ......................397
▫ Cooling System .......................398
▫ Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses .......403
▫ Fuel System Connections ................404
▫ Brake System ........................404 ▫
Automatic Transaxle ...................408
▫ Manual Transaxle .....................410
▫ Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion ...........................411
 Convertible Top Care ....................416
▫ Washing ............................416
▫ General Cleaning .....................417
▫ Cloth Top Additional Cleaning Procedure ....418
▫ Cloth Top Protection ...................418
▫ Weather Strip Care ....................418
 Integrated Power Module (IPM) ............419
 Vehicle Storage ........................423
 Replacement Bulbs ......................424
376 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particu-
lar attention should be made to examining those hose
surfaces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before a hose is replaced
based on leakage. NOTE:
Inspection of brake hoses should be done when-
ever the brake system is serviced and at every engine oil
change. Inspect hydraulic brake hoses for surface crack-
ing, scuffing, or worn spots. If there is any evidence of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should be
replaced immediately! Eventual deterioration of the hose
can take place resulting in a possibility of a burst failure.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 405
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Master Cylinder - Brake Fluid Level CheckCheck the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the fluid level up
to the requirements described on the brake fluid reser-
voir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
Fluid level can be expected to fall as the brake pads wear.
Brake fluid level should be checked when pads are
replaced. However, low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.Use only manufacturers recommended brake fluid. Refer
to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” for the correct
fluid type.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with a Manual
transaxle , the Brake Fluid Reservoir supplies fluid to
both the Brake System and the Clutch Release System.
The two systems are separated in the reservoir and a leak
in one system will not affect the other system. The
Manual Transaxle Clutch Release System should not
require fluid replacement during the life of the vehicle. If
the Brake Fluid Reservoir is low, and the brake system
does not indicate any leaks or other problems, it may be
a result of a leak in the Hydraulic Clutch Release System.
See your local authorized dealer for service.
Use only manufacturers recommended brake fluid, refer
to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid
type.406 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Use of a brake fluid that has a lower initial boiling
point than the recommended MOPARDOT 3 prod-
uct or a brake fluid that is unidentified as to FMVSS
specification may result in sudden brake failure
during hard prolonged braking. You could have an
accident.
CAUTION!
Use of improper brake fluids will affect overall
clutch system performance. Improper brake fluids
may damage the clutch system resulting in loss of
clutch function and the ability to shift the transaxle.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter.
CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate the
brake fluid, all brake seal components could be
damaged causing partial or complete brake failure.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 407
7

AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLEThe automatic transaxle and differential assembly are
contained within a single housing.
The fluid level in the automatic transaxle should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transaxle and the fluid.FLUID LEVEL CHECK — FOUR-CYLINDER
ENGINESUse the following procedure to check the automatic
transaxle fluid level properly:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Run the engine at curb idle speed for a minimum of 60
seconds.
3. Apply the parking brake fully.4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in “P” (Park).
5. Wipe the area around the dipstick clean to eliminate
the possibility of dirt entering the transaxle.
6. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or cold. Hot fluid is approximately 180° F (82° C), which
is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle is
driven at least 15 miles (24 km). Hot fluid cannot be held
comfortably between the fingertips. Cold fluid is at a
temperature below 80°F (27°C).
7. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated. Then,
remove dipstick and note the reading.
a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the
crosshatched area marked “HOT” (between the upper
two holes in the dipstick).
b. If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between
the lower two holes in the area marked “COLD.”408 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE