catalytic converter CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2008 1.G Owners Manual

Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
If the Malfunction Indicator Light flashes when the
engine is running, serious conditions may exist that
could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic
converter damage. The vehicle should be serviced as
soon as possible if this occurs.
11. Odometer/Trip Odometer Reset Knob
Press this button to change the display from odometer to
either of the two trip odometer settings. Trip A or Trip B
will appear when in the trip odometer mode. Push in and
hold the button for two seconds to reset the trip odometer
to 0 miles or kilometers. The odometer must be in trip
mode to reset.12. Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should come on briefly when
the ignition switch is first turned ON and remain on
briefly as a bulb check. If the light stays on or comes on
while driving, it means that there is a problem with the
charging system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY.
13. Turn Signal Indicators The arrows will flash in unison with the exterior
turn signal, when using the turn signal lever.
NOTE: Turn signal bulbs are located in the Instrument
Panel.230 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

MANUAL TRANSAXLEBefore starting the engine fully apply the parking brake,
press the clutch pedal to the floor and shift the gear
selector lever in NEUTRAL.
NOTE:The engine will not start unless the clutch pedal
is pressed to the floor.NORMAL STARTINGNormal starting of either a cold or a warm engine does
not require pumping or depressing the accelerator pedal.
Simply turn the ignition switch to the START position
and release when the engine starts. If the engine has not
started within three seconds, slightly depress the accel-
erator pedal while continuing to crank. If the engine fails
to start within 15 seconds, turn the ignition switch to the
OFF position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the
“NORMAL STARTING” procedure above.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
axle cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could
enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables
may be used to obtain a start from another vehicle.
This type of start can be dangerous if done improp-
erly, so follow the procedure carefully. See Section 6
of this manual for jump starting instructions.EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER (BELOW 20°F or
29°C)To insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
292 STARTING AND OPERATING

•
The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance,
damage the emission control system.
•
An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.
•
The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers is not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
CARBON MONOXIDE WARNINGS
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:•
Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
•
Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
STARTING AND OPERATING 339
5

WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
axle cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could
enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables
may be used to obtain a start from another vehicle.
This type of start can be dangerous if done improp-
erly, so follow this procedure carefully.
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact. 2. When boosting from a battery in another vehicle, park
that vehicle within booster cable reach but without
letting the vehicles touch. Set parking brake, place auto-
matic transaxle in PARK (manual transaxle in NEU-
TRAL) and turn ignition to OFF for both vehicles.
3. Turn off the heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.
4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the booster battery. Connect the other end of
the jumper cable to the positive terminal of the dis-
charged battery.368 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS2.4L Turbo Engine Compartment ............378
 2.4L Engine Compartment ................379
 Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ........380
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............381
 Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................381
 Replacement Parts ......................383
 Authorized Dealer Service ................383
 Maintenance Procedures ..................384 ▫
Engine Oil ..........................384
▫ Drive Belts — Check Condition And Tension . . 388
▫ Spark Plugs .........................388
▫ Ignition Wiring System .................388
▫ Catalytic Converter ....................389
▫ Engine Timing Belt ....................390
▫ Crankcase Emission Control System ........390
▫ Fuel Filter ..........................391
▫ Air Cleaner Element (Air Filter) ...........391
7

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

Cargo CompartmentLuggage Carrier ....................... 215
Carrier, Luggage ........................ 215
Catalytic Converter ...................... 389
Caution, Exhaust Gas ..................... 115
CD (Compact Disc) Player ...............251,259
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance ........ 277
Cellular Phone ....................... 138,277
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 428
Chains, Tire ............................ 330
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 360
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 314
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light) ................................ 381
Child Restraint ....................... 72,107
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............77,111
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts ........... 76
Child Safety Locks ........................ 22
Child Seat ........................... 78,112Clean Air Gasoline
....................... 337
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 413
Climate Control ......................... 277
Clock ........................... 250,253,261
Clutch ............................... 406
Clutch Fluid ........................... 406
Coin Holder ........................... 208
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 277
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 325
Compass ..................... 234,235,238,248
Compass Calibration ................ 238,247,248
Compass Variance ....................... 236
Computer, Trip/Travel .................234,235
Console .............................. 208
Contract, Service ........................ 463
Convertible ............................ 123
Convertible Boot ..................... 128,132
Convertible Top ......................... 123472 INDEX