fuel cap 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

4. To complete the compass calibration, drive the vehicle
in one or more complete 360 degree circles under 5 mph
(8 km/h) in an area free from power lines, large metallic
objects, until the “CAL” indicator turns off. The compass
will now function normally.Odometer DisplayWhen the appropriate conditions exist, the following
odometer messages will display:
CRUISE...................... Cruise Activated
gASCAP ....................... Fuel Cap Fault
noFUSE .......................... Fuse Fault
These messages can be manually turned off by pressing
the right reset button (on the instrument cluster).
Trip Odometer (ODO)This display shows the distance traveled since the last
reset. Press and release the right button (on the instru-
ment cluster) to switch from odometer, to trip A or trip B.
Press and hold the right button while the odometer/trip
odometer is displayed to reset.Trip AShows the total distance traveled for trip A since the last
reset.Trip BShows the total distance traveled for trip B since the last
reset.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 239
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▫Replacement Tires .....................328
▫ Alignment And Balance .................329
 Tire Chains ...........................330
 Snow Tires ...........................330
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ............331
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) —
If Equipped ...........................332
▫ Base System — If Equipped ..............334
▫ General Information ...................336
 Fuel Requirements — Gasoline Engines .......337
▫ 2.4L And 2.4L Standard Turbo Engines ......337
▫ Reformulated Gasoline .................337
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ..............337 ▫
MMT In Gasoline .....................338
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ................338
▫ Fuel System Cautions ..................338
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ..............339
 Adding Fuel ..........................340
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............340
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............342
 Vehicle Loading ........................342
 Trailer Towing .........................343
▫ Common Towing Definitions .............343
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification ...............345
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ......................347
STARTING AND OPERATING 289
5

When frequent transaxle shifting occurs while using the
DRIVE/OVERDRIVE range, such as when operating the
vehicle under heavy loading conditions (in hilly terrain,
traveling into strong head winds, or while towing trail-
ers), use the[3]range.[3] DRIVEThis range eliminates shifts into OVERDRIVE. The trans-
axle will operate normally in first and second while in
this range.
NOTE: Using the [3]range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance, fuel economy, and extend transaxle life by reduc-
ing excessive shifting and heat build up.
Use the [3]range when descending steep grades to
prevent brake system distress.
[1] LowThis range should be used for maximum engine braking
when descending steep grades. In this range, up shifts
will occur only to prevent engine over speed while down
shifts from [2]to[1] will occur as early as possible.AUTOSTICK — IF EQUIPPEDAUTOSTICK is a driver-interactive transmission that
offers manual gear shifting capability to provide you
with more control. AUTOSTICK allows you to maximize
engine braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts and
downshifts, and improve overall vehicle performance.
This system can also provide you with more control
during passing, city driving, cold slippery conditions,
mountain driving, trailer towing, and many other situa-
tions.
STARTING AND OPERATING 299
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the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
•
Keep the liftgate closed when driving your vehicle to
prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous ex-
haust gases from entering the vehicle.
ADDING FUELThe fuel tank filler tube has a restricting door about 2
inches (50 mm) inside the opening. If using a portable
container, it should have a flexible nozzle long enough to
force open the restricting door.Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door, on the passen-
ger’s side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged,
be sure the replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.NOTE:
When removing the fuel filler cap, lay the cap
tether in the hook, located on the fuel filler cap door
reinforcement.
NOTE: If the gas cap is lost or damaged, be sure the
replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.
Gas Cap Tether Hook
340 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
•
Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap).
•
A poorly fitting gas cap could let impurities into
the fuel system.
•
A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the Malfunc-
tion Indicator Light to turn on.
•
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling. When the fuel
nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel tank is full.
WARNING!
•
Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
•
Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is
in violation of most state and federal fire regula-
tions and doing so will cause the malfunction
indicator light to turn on.
•
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground while filling.
STARTING AND OPERATING 341
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NOTE:•
Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking” sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is tightened
properly. The Malfunction Indicator Light in the in-
strument cluster may turn on if the gas cap is not
secured properly. Make sure that the gas cap is tight-
ened each time the vehicle is refueled.
•
When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageIf the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap is loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“gASCAP” message will be displayed in the Odometer/
Trip Odometer in the instrument cluster. Refer to “Instru-
ment Cluster Description” in Section 4 of this manual.
Tighten the fuel filler cap properly and press the
odometer/trip odometer reset button to turn the message
off. If the problem continues, the message will appear thenext time the vehicle is started. This might indicate a
damaged cap. If the problem is detected twice in a row,
the system will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL). Resolving the problem will turn the MIL light
off.Refer to “Onboard Diagnostic System — OBDII” in
Section 7 of this manual for more information.
VEHICLE LOADINGVehicle Loading Capacities
Front Seat Occupants
....................... 2
Rear Seat Occupants (sedan) .................. 3
Rear Seat Occupants (convertible) .............. 2
Luggage ....................... 115lbs(52kg)
Rated Vehicle Capacity (sedan) ....... 865lb(392 kg)
Rated Vehicle Capacity (convertible) . . . 715 lb (324 kg)
342 STARTING AND OPERATING

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
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Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageAfter fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly
installed, or damaged. A gASCAP message will be dis-
played in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap until
aclicking sound is heard. This is an indication that the
gas cap is properly tightened. Press the odometer reset
button to turn the message off. If the problem persists,
the message will appear the next time the vehicle is
started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If the prob-
lem is detected twice in a row, the system will turn on the
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving the prob-
lem will turn the MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMSIn some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) is functioning and is not on
when the engine is running, and that the OBD II system
is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery, or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 381
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Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) — 2.4L and 2.4L
Turbo EnginesSAE 5W-30 engine oil is recommended for all operating
temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature
starting and vehicle fuel economy.
The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended
engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on
engine oil filler cap location, refer to the “Engine Com-
partment” illustration in this section.
Lubricants which do not have both, the engine oil certi-
fication mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade num-
ber should not be used.Synthetic Engine OilsYou may use synthetic engine oils provided the recom-
mended oil quality requirements are met, and the recom-
mended maintenance intervals for oil and filter changes
are followed.
Materials Added To Engine OilsThe manufacture strongly recommends against the addi-
tion of any additives (other than leak detection dyes) to
the engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and
it’s performance may be impaired by supplemental ad-
ditives.Disposing of Used Engine OilCare should be taken in disposing of used engine oil from
your vehicle. Used oil, indiscriminately discarded, can
present a problem to the environment. Contact your
dealer, service station, or governmental agency for advice
on how and where used oil can be safely discarded in
your area.Engine Oil FilterThe engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 387
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