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

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

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
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