fuel cap CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2009 1.G Owners Manual

GASCAP
If the vehicle diagnostic system detects a leak or change
in the evaporative system, or the fuel filler cap is loose,
improperly installed, or damaged, the words “GASCAP”
will display in the odometer. If this occurs, tighten the
fuel filler cap properly and press the odometer reset
button to turn off the “GASCAP” message. (Refer to
“Onboard Diagnostic System — OBDII” in Section 7 of
this manual for more information). If the problem con-
tinues, the message will appear the next time the vehicle
is started. See your authorized dealer service center as
soon as possible.
9. Cruise Indicator — If EquippedThis indicator shows that the Electronic Speed
Control system is ON.
NOTE: The word “SET” will notilluminate when the
Electronic Speed Control System is on. 10. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic system, called OBD, that
monitors engine and automatic transmission con-
trol systems. The light will illuminate when the key is in
the ON position, before engine start. If the bulb does not
come on when turning the key from OFF to ON, have the
condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL 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 MIL 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.
168 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

3. Release the RESET button, then press and hold again
(approximately 10 seconds), until the direction is dis-
played with the CAL indicator on continuously in the
display.
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 and large
metallic objects, until the CAL indicator turns off. The
compass will now function normally.
Odometer Display
When 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 A
Shows the total distance traveled for trip A since the last
reset.
Trip B
Shows the total distance traveled for trip B since the last
reset.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 177

Adding Fuel ......................... 274
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 274
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 276
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 276
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 276
Trailer Towing ........................ 278
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 278
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 288
 Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 290
▫ Towing — Manual Transaxle ............ 290
▫ Towing — Automatic Transaxle .......... 290
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STARTING AND OPERATING 223

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 third gear.
DRIVE — 3rd
This range eliminates shifts into OVERDRIVE. The trans-
axle will operate normally in first and second gear while
in this range.
NOTE:Using third gear 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 third gear when descending steep grades to prevent
brake system distress.
LOW — 1st
This 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 second to first gear will occur as early as
possible.
AUTOSTICK — IF EQUIPPED
Autostickis a driver-interactive transaxle that offers
manual gear-shifting capability to provide you with more
control. Autostick allows you to maximize engine brak-
ing, 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 situations.
234 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure, al-
ways reinstall the valve stem cap. This will prevent
moisture and dirt from entering the valve stem,
which could damage the Tire Pressure Monitoring
Sensor.
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 TPMS Telltale Light.
•Seasonal temperature changes will affect tire pressure,
and the TPMS will monitor the actual tire pressure in
the tire.
Base System
The TPMS uses wireless technology with wheel rim-
mounted electronic sensors to monitor tire pressure lev-
els. 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 perform a
monthly tire pressure check on, and to maintain the
proper pressure of all the tires on your vehicle.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 267

•Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
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 FUEL
The fuel tank filler tube has a restricting door about 2 in
(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
274 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
•Damage to the fuel system or emissions 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.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•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.
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 (MIL) in the
instrument 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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 275

•When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If 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 the
next 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 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 LOADING
As required by National Highway Traffic Safety Admin-
istration regulations, your vehicle has a certification label
affixed to the driver’s side door or B-Pillar.
Vehicle Certification Label
Your vehicle has a Vehicle Certification Label attached to
the driver’s door B-Pillar.
The label contains the following information:
•Name of manufacturer
•Month and year of manufacture
•Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
•Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
•Type of Vehicle
•Month, Day and Hour of Manufacture (MDH)
276 STARTING AND OPERATING

The bar code allows a computer scanner to read the
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable weight of your vehicle.
This includes driver, passengers, and cargo. The total
load must be limited so that you do not exceed the
GVWR.
Tire Size
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification Label represents
the actual tire size on your vehicle. Replacement tires
must be equal to the load capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for the tire size
listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for your vehicle, for
all loading conditions.
Curb Weight
The curb weight of a vehicle is defined as the total weight
of the vehicle with all fluids, including vehicle fuel, at full
capacity conditions, and with no occupants or cargo
loaded into the vehicle. The front and rear curb weight
values are determined by weighing your vehicle on a
commercial scale before any occupants or cargo are
added.
Overloading
The load carrying components (springs, tires, wheels,
etc.) of your vehicle will provide satisfactory service as
long as you do not exceed the GVWR.
The best way to figure out the total weight of your
vehicle is to weigh it when it is fully loaded and ready for
operation. Weigh it on a commercial scale to ensure that
it is not over the GVWR.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 277

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 2.4L ............. 307
 Engine Compartment — 2.4L Turbo ........ 308
 Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II ...... 309
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 309
 Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs ............................ 309
 Replacement Parts ..................... 311
 Dealer Service ........................ 311 
Maintenance Procedures ................. 312
▫ Engine Oil ......................... 312
▫ Engine Oil Filter ..................... 316
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ............... 316
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery .............. 317
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............ 318
▫ Body Lubrication .................... 319
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades ............... 320
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ................. 320
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