service CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2009 1.G Repair Manual

transaxle Clutch Release System should not require fluid
replacement during the life of the vehicle. If the Brake
Fluid Reservoir is low, and the brake system does not
indicate any leaks or other problems, it may be a result of
a leak in the Hydraulic Clutch Release System. See your
local authorized dealer for service.
Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Re-
fer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts”, found
later in this section, for the correct fluid type.
WARNING!
Use of a brake fluid that has a lower initial boiling
point than the recommended MOPARDOT 3 prod-
uct, or a brake fluid that is unidentified as to FMVSS
specification, may result in sudden brake failure
during hard, prolonged braking. You could have an
accident.
CAUTION!
Use of improper brake fluids will affect overall
clutch system performance. Improper brake fluids
may damage the clutch system resulting in loss of
clutch function and the ability to shift the transaxle.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
330 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Do not allow petroleum-based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid; all brake seal components could be
damaged causing partial or complete brake failure.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign mat-
ter.
Automatic Transaxle
The automatic transaxle and differential assembly are
contained within a single housing.
The fluid level in the automatic transaxle should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transaxle and the fluid.
Fluid Level Check
Use the following procedure to check the automatic
transaxle fluid level properly:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Run the engine at curb idle speed for a minimum of
60 seconds.
3. Apply the parking brake fully.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily in each gear posi-
tion, ending with the shift lever in PARK.
5. Wipe the area around the dipstick clean to eliminate
the possibility of dirt entering the transaxle.
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 331

EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed inbold type
must be done at the times or mileages specified to ensure
the continued proper functioning of the emissions control
system. These and all other maintenance services in-
cluded in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service should also be done anytime a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE: Maintenance, replacement or repair of the emis-
sions control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part that has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
There are three maintenance schedules that show re-
quired service for your vehicle.
First is “Maintenance Schedule B — All Engines.” It is for
vehicles that are operated under the conditions that are
listed below and at the beginning of the schedule.
•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 percent of your driving is at sustained
high speeds during hot weather, above 90°F(32°C).
•Trailer towing.†
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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:
•If ANY of these apply to you, then change your engine
oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or three months,
whichever comes first, and follow “Maintenance
Schedule B — All Engines” in this section.
•If ANY 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 “Main-
tenance Schedule B — All Engines” in this section.
•Most vehicles are operated under the conditions listed
for “Maintenance Schedule B — All Engines.” Second is “Maintenance Schedule A — Non-
Turbocharged.” It is for vehicles that are not operated
under any of the conditions listed under “Maintenance
Schedule B — All Engines.”
Third is Maintenance Schedule A — Turbocharged. It is
for vehicles that are not operated under any of the
conditions listed under “Maintenance 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.8
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 355

Maintenance Schedule B — All Engines
Follow “Maintenance Schedule B — All Engines”, if you
usually operate your vehicle under one or more of the
following conditions.
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.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 357

Miles138,000 141,000 144,000 147,000 150,000
(Kilometers) (230 000) (235 000) (240 000) (245 000) (250 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not
replaced at three months. XXXXX
Rotate tires. XXX
Inspect the brake linings. X
Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with
four-wheel disc brakes. X
Replace the engine air cleaner filter.* X
Adjust the generator belt tension. X
Replace the spark plugs. X
Change the manual transaxle fluid.† X
Replace the make-up air filter.* X
* This maintenance is recommended by the manufacturer
to the owner, but is not required to maintain the emis-
sions warranty.
‡ This maintenance is not required if previously replaced.
† This maintenance is required only for police, taxi,
limousine-type operation, or trailer towing.
This maintenance is required only for police, taxi,
limousine-type operation, or trailer towing.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all
receipts.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 367

Miles144,000 150,000
(Kilometers) (240 000) (250 000)
[Months] [144] [150]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X
Rotate tires. XX
Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with four-wheel disc brakes. X
Replace the spark plugs. X
Adjust the generator belt tension. X
Replace the air cleaner filter.* X
* This maintenance is recommended by the manufacturer
to the owner but is not required to maintain the emis-
sions warranty.
‡ This maintenance is not required if previously replaced. Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all
receipts.
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S372 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Miles125,000 130,000 135,000 140,000 145,000 150,000
(Kilometers) (200 000) (208 000) (216 000) (224 000) (232 000) (240 000)
[Months] [150] [156] [162] [168] [174] [180]
Change engine oil and engine oil filter. X X X X X X
Rotate tires. X X X X X X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped
with four-wheel disc brakes. X
Replace the engine air cleaner filter.* X
Replace the spark plugs. X
Inspect the tie rod ends and boot seals. X
Replace the make-up air filter.* X
Adjust the generator drive belt tension. X
* This maintenance is recommended by the manufacturer
to the owner but is not required to maintain the emis-
sions warranty.
‡ This maintenance is not required if previously replaced. Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all
receipts.
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SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 377

WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent me-
chanic.
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S378 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
CONTENTS
Suggestions For Obtaining Service For Your
Vehicle .............................. 381
▫ Prepare For The Appointment ........... 381
▫ Prepare A List ...................... 381
▫ Be Reasonable With Requests ............ 381
 If You Need Assistance ................. 381
▫ Chrysler LLC Customer Center .......... 382
▫ Chrysler Canada Inc. Customer Center ..... 382
▫ In Mexico Contact .................... 382 ▫
Customer Assistance For The Hearing Or
Speech Impaired (TDD/TTY) ............ 383
▫ Service Contract ..................... 383
 Warranty Information (U.S. Vehicles Only) .... 384
 MOPAR Parts....................... 384
 Reporting Safety Defects ................ 384
▫ In The 50 United States And Washington,
D.C. .............................. 384
▫ In Canada ......................... 385
 Publication Order Forms ................ 385
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