checking oil CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2008 1.G Owners Manual

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain therequiredmaintenance
services determined by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
ENGINE OIL
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.The best time to check the engine oil level is about five
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off. Do not
check oil level before starting the engine after it has sat
overnight. Checking engine oil level when the engine is
cold will give you an incorrect reading.
Engine Oil Dipstick
384 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 ªMaxº 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 Oil
Road 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.
²Day and night temperatures are below 32ÉF (0ÉC).
²Stop and Go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90ÉF (32ÉC).
²Trailer towing.
²Taxi, Police or delivery service (commercial service).
²Off-Road or desert operation.
²If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or three months,
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 385
7

WARNING!
²Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to
Section 3 of the Warranty Information book for
further warranty information.
²The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman.
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
POWER STEERING ± FLUID CHECK
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
394 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check 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.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and transaxle and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
²Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints and front suspension compo-
nents.
²Check the automatic transaxle fluid level.
²Check the manual transaxle fluid level and fill plug
condition.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
436 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Door Opener, Garage..................... 197
Downshifting.......................... 304
Drive Belts............................ 388
Driver's Seat Back Tilt.................... 167
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 369
Electric Rear Window Defrost............... 217
Electric Remote Mirrors................... 137
Electrical Power Outlets................... 206
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 194
Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC)..........................234,235,240
Emergency Deck Lid Release Latch (Convertible) . . 41
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 360
Jump Starting......................... 367
Towing............................. 371
Emergency Seat Back Release (Sedan).......... 40Emission Control System Maintenance......381,434
Engine.......................... 115,378,379
Break-In Recommendations............... 115
Checking Oil Level..................... 384
Coolant (Antifreeze).................... 398
Cooling............................. 398
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 339
Fuel Requirements..................... 337
Jump Starting......................... 367
Oil ...........................384,429,430
Oil Change Interval.................... 385
Oil Filler Cap...................378,379,387
Oil Filter............................ 430
Oil Selection.......................... 386
Oil Synthetic......................... 387
Operation............................ 115
Overheating.......................... 358
Temperature Gauge..................... 226
Timing Belt.......................... 390
474 INDEX

Mini-Trip Computer...................... 235
Mirrors............................... 135
Electric Remote....................... 137
Outside............................. 136
Rearview............................ 135
Vanity.............................. 138
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 332
Mopar Parts.........................383,464
MTBE/ETBE........................... 337
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 186
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 115
Occupant Restraints (Convertible)............. 81
Occupant Restraints (Sedan)................. 44
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 337
Odometer............................. 229
Trip .............................229,230Oil, Engine.........................384,429
Capacity............................ 429
Change Interval....................... 385
Checking............................ 384
Disposal............................ 387
Filter............................... 387
Identification Logo..................... 386
Materials Added to..................... 387
Quality............................. 386
Recommendation...................386,429
Synthetic............................ 387
Viscosity............................ 387
Oil Filter, Selection....................... 388
Oil Pressure Light....................... 234
Onboard Diagnostic System..............380,381
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLinkt) ........... 197
Operator Manual (Owner's Manual)............ 4
Outside Air Intake....................... 284
Overdrive............................. 298
480 INDEX