oil change CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2008 1.G Owners Manual

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONSA long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 mi (500 km). After
the initial 60 mi (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80
or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy-conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. For
the recommended viscosity and quality grades, refer to
“Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7 of this manual.
NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS
MUST NEVER BE USED.A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 115
2

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
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whichever comes first, and follow schedule “B—All
Engines” of theMaintenance Schedules section of this
manual.
If none of these apply to you, and your vehicle is
equipped with a Non–Turbo Charged Engine then
change your engine oil at every interval shown on
schedule “A”—NON TURBO in the maintenance sched-
ule section of this manual.
If none of these apply to you, and your vehicle is
equipped with a Turbo Charged Engine change your
engine oil at every interval shown on schedule
“A”—TURBO in the maintenance schedule section of this
manual.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 6000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months
whichever comes first.
Engine Oil SelectionFor best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
recommends engine oils that are API certified and meet
the requirements of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard
MS-6395.American Petroleum Institute (API) Engine Oil
Identification Symbol
This symbol means that the oil has
been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). The
manufacturer only recommends
API Certified engine oils.
386 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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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checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill the
reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not radiator
antifreeze) and operate the system for a few seconds to
flush out the residual water.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.EXHAUST SYSTEMThe best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system,
or if exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle, orwhen the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged;
have a competent technician inspect the complete ex-
haust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams
or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep
into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the
exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for an oil
change or lubrication. Replace as required.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO, refer
to Exhaust Gas in the Safety Tips section of this
manual.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 397
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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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•
Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).†

•
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 3 months,
whichever comes first, and follow schedule “B—All
Engines” of the Maintenance Schedules section of this
manual.
NOTE: IFANY of these apply to you then flush and
replace the engine coolant every 102,000 miles (170 000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow
schedule “B—All Engines” of the Maintenance Sched-
ules section of this manual.
NOTE: Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule B—ALL ENGINES. Second is Schedule
“A”—NON TURBO. It is for vehicles
that are not operated under any of the conditions listed
under Schedule B—ALL ENGINES.
Third is Schedule “A”—TURBO. It is for vehicles that are
not operated under any of the conditions listed under
Schedule B—ALL ENGINES.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 435
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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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SCHEDULE “B”—ALL ENGINESFollow schedule “B”—All Engines if you usually operate
your vehicle under one or more of the following condi-
tions.
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter every
60,000 miles (100 000 km) if the vehicle is usually
operated under one or more of the conditions marked
with an
.
Change the manual transaxle fluid every 48,000 miles (80
000 km) if the vehicle is usually operated under one or
more of the conditions marked with an †.•
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 (16.2 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 ser-
vice).†

•
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 3 months,
whichever comes first, and follow schedule “B—All
Engines” of the Maintenance Schedules section of this
manual.
SCHEDULE “B”—ALL ENGINES 437
8M A I
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NOTE:IFANY of these apply to you then flush and
replace the engine coolant every 102,000 miles (170 000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow
schedule “B—All Engines” of the Maintenance Sched-
ules section of this manual.
If none of these apply to you, and your vehicle is
equipped with a Non–Turbo Charged Engine then
change your engine oil at every interval shown on schedule “A”—NON TURBO in the maintenance sched-
ule section of this manual.
If none of these apply to you, and your vehicle is
equipped with a Turbo Charged Engine change your
engine oil at every interval shown on schedule
“A”—TURBO in the maintenance schedule section of this
manual.438 SCHEDULE “B”—ALL ENGINES
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