fuel pressure 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

5. Tachometer
The white area of the scale shows the permissible engine
revolutions-per-minute (rpm x 1000) for each gear range.
Before reaching the red area, ease up on the accelerator to
prevent engine damage.
6. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transmission
gear selection.
7. Tire Pressure Monitor LightEach tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle
has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.) As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illumi-
nates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
NOTE:
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver ’s responsi-
bility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-
inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination
of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 227
4

22. Oil Pressure LightShows low engine oil pressure. The light will come
on and remain on when the ignition switch is
turned from the OFF to the ON position, and the light
will turn off after the engine is started. If the bulb does
not come on during starting, have the system checked by
an authorized dealer.
If the light comes on and remains on while driving, stop
the vehicle and shut off the engine. DO NOT OPERATE
THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE CAUSE IS CORRECTED.
The light does not show the quantity of oil in the engine.
This can be determined using the procedure shown in
Section 7.
23. Airbag Light The light comes on and remains on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the light does not come on during starting, stays on, or comes on while
driving, have the system checked by an authorized
dealer.
24. High Beam Indicator
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Pull the turn signal lever toward the steer-
ing wheel to switch the headlights from high or low
beam.
25. Compass Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC) or Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) Button—If Equipped
Pushing this button will switch between the different
EVIC functions.
Press the CMTC reset button to scroll through sub menus
(i.e. Trip Functions: AVG. Fuel Economy, DTE, Elapsed
Time, and Units.234 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

EVIC FunctionsPress the EVIC button until one of the following func-
tions are displayed on the EVIC:•
Compass/Temperature/Audio
•
Average Fuel Economy
•
Distance To Empty (DTE)
•
Elapsed Time
•
Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)
•
Personal Settings
To Reset The DisplayPressing and holding the EVIC button once will clear the
resettable function currently being displayed. Reset will
only occur if a resettable function is currently being
displayed. To reset all resettable functions, press and
release the EVIC button a second time within three
seconds of resetting the currently displayed function
(Reset ALL will be displayed during this three second
window).
EVIC Button
242 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

▫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

2. Economy—
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for
earlier tire replacement. Under-inflation also increases
tire rolling resistance and results in higher fuel consump-
tion.
3. Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability—
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Over-inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable
ride.Tire Inflation PressuresThe proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed either on
the face of the driver’s door or on the driver’s side “B”
pillar.
Some vehicles may have Supplemental Tire Pressure
Information for vehicle loads that are less than themaximum loaded vehicle condition. These pressure con-
ditions will be found in the “Supplemental Tire Pressure
Information” section of this manual.
The pressure should be checked and adjusted as well as
inspecting for signs of tire wear or visible damage at least
once a month. Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to
Tire Placard Location
322 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:•
TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care and
maintenance, or to provide warning of a tire failure or
condition.
•
TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure gauge
while adjusting your tire pressure.
•
Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
•
TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance,
and it is the driver ’s responsibility to maintain correct
tire pressure using an accurate tire pressure gauge,
even if under-inflation has not reached the level to
trigger illumination of the TPM Light.
•
Seasonal temperature changes will affect tire pressure,
and the TPMS will monitor the actual tire pressure in
the tire.
BASE SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPEDThe Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses wireless
technology with wheel rim mounted electronic sensors to
monitor tire pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each
wheel as part of the valve stem, transmit tire pressure
readings to the Receiver Module.
NOTE:It is particularly important for you to check the
tire pressure in all of the tires on your vehicle monthly
and to maintain the proper pressure.
The TPMS consists of the following components:•
Receiver Module
•
Four Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors
•
Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light
334 STARTING AND OPERATING

Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground, will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on these
engines.
CAUTION!
Overfilling the crankcase as indicated by an oil level
above the “Max” mark on the engine oil dipstick will
cause oil aeration, which can lead to loss of oil
pressure and an increase in oil temperature. This
could damage your engine.Change Engine OilRoad conditions and your kind of driving affects the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following list to decide if any apply to you.
•
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 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 service).
•
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 three months,
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 385
7

FUEL SYSTEM CONNECTIONSElectronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with tubes and special connects, connections
and clamps which have unique material characteristics to
provide adequate sealing and resist attack by deterio-
rated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufactures-specified
tubes, connections and clamps, or their equivalent in
material and specification, in any fuel system servicing.BRAKE SYSTEMIn order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the “Mainte-
nance Schedule” in this manual.
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.Brake, Power Steering and Oil Cooler System
HosesWhen servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect the surface of the hoses and nylon tubing for
evidence of heat and mechanical damage. Hard and
404 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

At Each Stop for Fuel•
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•
Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•
Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•
Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and transaxle and add as needed.
•
Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
•
Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
•
Change the engine oil filter.
•
Inspect the exhaust system.
•
Inspect the brake hoses.
•
Inspect the CV joints and front suspension compo-
nents.
•
Check the automatic transaxle fluid level.
•
Check the manual transaxle fluid level and fill plug
condition.
•
Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
436 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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