Chrysler›PT Cruiser›2009›2.4L/chrysler/pt-cruiser/2009/2-4l/

PT platform

2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser — 2.4L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2009 PT Cruiser 2.4L. Covers both the standard and High Output 2.4L.

Body VANEngine 2.4LTransmission Automatic 4-spd

The 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser is a compact van built on the PT platform, powered by a 2.4‑liter inline‑four that delivers a modest 19/24/21 mpg EPA rating and is mated to a 4‑speed automatic; it requires a 5‑quart oil change with filter and 5W‑30 API oil. Its 2009 iteration sits near the bottom of the PT Cruiser’s complaint spectrum, with only 97 owner complaints—most centered on the electrical system—while the model’s overall reliability history shows a steep drop from a peak of 630 complaints in 2001 to just 22 in 2010, indicating a significant improvement in durability and owner satisfaction over the decade.

Model year2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5 qt w/ filterOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque85-115 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy19/24/21 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 26R · 510 CCA battery, OE oil filter 04781452BF. Note the factory engine air filter and spark plug are now discontinued — plan on a superseded or quality aftermarket equivalent, which the part pages below list where known. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 26R · 510 CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP195-65R15OEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	04781452BF alt 04105409AE
Engine air filter	04891691AA discontinued
Spark plug	68303920AA discontinued · alt 68307021AA
Battery	BB26R001AA
Front wiper blades	05018430AA alt 05018431AA
Serpentine belt	04668380AF alt 04668444AE
Thermostat	P5278144AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic 4-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	168.9 in
Overall width	66.9 in
Overall height	60.6 in
Wheelbase	102.8 in
Curb weight	3303 lb
Track (front / rear)	57.9 / 57.5 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	59/41

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	19 / 24 / 21 mpg
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuel	Regular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

No 2009 road test on record; the results below are same-engine tests from nearby model years, each shown under its own year.

6.7–10.9 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.70 sec — 2003 GT Wagon

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2006	GT Wagon 2.4L Turbo I-4	6.80 sec	15.40 sec	230 hp	FWD
2006	Limited Edition Wagon 2.4L I-4	9.00 sec	16.60 sec	150 hp	FWD
2005	GT Convertible 2.4L Turbo I-4	7.00 sec	15.40 sec	220 hp	FWD
2005	Touring Convertible 2.4L Turbo I-4	7.80 sec	16.20 sec	220 hp	FWD
2003	GT Wagon 2.4L Turbo I-4	6.70 sec	15.30 sec	220 hp	FWD
2003	GT Wagon 2.4L Turbo I-4	7.20 sec	15.70 sec	220 hp	FWD
2003	GT Wagon 2.4L Turbo I-4	7.20 sec	15.70 sec	220 hp	FWD
2002	Wagon 2.4L I-4	9.20 sec	16.90 sec	150 hp	FWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5 qt w/ filter of 5W-30 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 85-115 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 21.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	4
Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Engine Oil	5W-30 · API · MS-6395
Engine Oil Capacity	5 qt w/ filter
Engine Oil	5W-30 · API · MS-6395
Engine Oil Capacity	5.0 qt
Manual Transmission Fluid	ATF +4

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs	M6 Bolts: 9 ft-lbs, M8 Bolts: 22 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	100 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	20.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	21.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	85-115 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts	85-115 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	180 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub	160 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-4-2
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance	.53-.65 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance	10,900-14,700 ohms
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Champion
Spark Plug Gap	Without Turbo: 0.040, With Turbo: 0.050 in
Spark Plug Torque	13.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.12 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	6.10 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	26R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	510 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test	15 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	192-199 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	58.0 + or - 5.0 psi
Injector Primary Resistance	12 approx. @ 68 degreesF ohms
Engine Compression	170
Engine Oil Pressure	25-80 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM	3000 rpm

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket	26 ft-lbs / 15 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	77 ft-lbs / 70 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.040; Rear: 0.040 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.0004 in / 0.0005 in
Rotor Runout Limit	0.005 in / 0.003 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From	1.099 in / 0.463 in / 0.902 in / 0.344 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To	1.106 in / 0.482 in / 0.909 in / 0.364 in
Rotor Discard at or Under	1.039 in / 0.404 in / 0.843 in / 0.285 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

15 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

15 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

1	25.0 ft. lbs.	25 ft. lbs
2	60.0 ft. lbs.	60 ft. lbs
3	60.0 ft. lbs.	60 ft. lbs
4	90 degrees	90 degrees

Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

22 ft. lbs., Step 2: 51

22 ft. lbs

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

Prep Bolts stamped with the letter B or the number 6 use the following torque procedure.

1	11 ft. lbs., Step 2: 20 ft. lbs., Step 3: 45 degrees; Bolts that are not stamped with the letter B or the number 6 use the following torque procedure.	11 ft. lbs
1	11 ft. lbs., Step 2: 33 ft. lbs., Step 3: 45 degrees	11 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 6,000 mi; spark plugs every 30,000 mi; coolant at 102,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 102,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 6,000 mi	Brake Line (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate) · Transmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 18,000 mi	Brake Linings (inspect)
Every 30,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace) · Tie Rod (inspect)
Every 60,000 mi	PCV Valve (inspect) · Spark Plug Wires (replace)
At 102,000 mi	Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Timing Belt (replace)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified

Tool required	DRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
Why	Transmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module

Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified

When needed	After Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool required	DRBIII scan tool
Also required	The vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2009 model year represents the final phase of the PT Cruiser's production lifecycle, with federal complaint volume dropping to 97 entries—continuing the steep decline from the generation's early peak of 630 complaints in 2001 and representing a modest decrease from 2008's 115 complaints. Unlike the 2001-2006 period which saw multiple recalls annually, 2009 registers zero recalls and zero investigations, maintaining the clean record established in 2007 and continuing through 2010. Technical Service Bulletins also hit their lowest point in the dataset at 47, down from 55 in 2008 and 96 in 2001, indicating reduced factory-identified service issues. While Electrical System complaints constitute the largest single category at 23 entries, the data does not specify root causes for these reports. Given the declining complaint trajectory, absence of recalls, and minimal TSB activity relative to earlier years, 2009 stands as one of the more statistically stable model years to consider, provided a pre-purchase inspection addresses the electrical components specifically flagged in the complaint data.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Owner complaints

4 involved a crash · 1 a fire

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08’09’10

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 97 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Electrical System23

Electrical System,Engine12

Air Bags4

Engine3

Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control,Engine3

Power Train,Electrical System,Engine3

Wheels3

Unknown Or Other3

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

No recall campaigns on record with NHTSA for this vehicle as of the last data refresh.

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 47 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
9100226	2023-09-15	Electrical System	Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar…
9100226	2023-09-15	Electrical System	Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar…
9004009	2021-04-07	Power Train	Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles…
23-015-20	2020-04-30	Equipment	Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
08-049-20	2020-04-22	Electrical System	Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific PT Cruiser. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 26R battery Vehicles taking 5 qt w/ filter PT-platform vehicles Engine oil filter 04781452BF Engine air filter 04891691AA Spark plug 68303920AA Battery BB26R001AA

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2009 PT Cruiser 2.4L take?

5 qt w/ filter of 5W-30 API MEETING CHRYSLER SPECIFICATION MS-6395, per the factory manual.

Does the 2009 PT Cruiser have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 0 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 2.4L get?

EPA figures are 19 city / 24 highway / 21 combined mpg.