warning light CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2004 1.G User Guide

14. Brake System Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light comes on, it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, or
there is a low brake fluid level. On vehicles equipped
with Anti-lock brakes (ABS), it may also indicate an ABS
malfunction that could lead to reduced braking perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. A significant decrease in braking performance
or vehicle stability during braking may occur. It will
take you longer to stop the vehicle or will make your
vehicle harder to control. You could have an acci-
dent. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
The operation of the Brake Warning light can be checked
by turning the ignition key from the OFF to the ON
position. The light should illuminate for three seconds, or
until the engine is started, whichever comes first. The
light should then go out unless the parking brake is
applied or a brake fault is detected. If the light does not
illuminate, have the light inspected and serviced as soon
as possible.
The light will also come on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
If the parking brake is off and the light remains on, have
the brake system inspected as soon as possible.
15. Trac Indicator Ð If Equipped
The TRAC Light will come on momentarily as a bulb
check when the ignition switch is first turned ON.
132 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

started within 3 seconds, slightly depress the accelerator
pedal while continuing to crank. If the engine fails to start
within 15 seconds, turn the ignition switch to the ªOFFº
position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal
starting procedure.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
axle cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could
enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables
may be used to obtain a start from another vehicle.
This type of start can be dangerous if done improp-
erly, so follow the procedure carefully. See section 6
of this manual for jump starting instructions.
Extremely Cold Weather (below220ÉF or229ÉC)
To insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your dealer) is recommended.
If Engine Fails to Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
ªNORMAL STARTINGº procedure, it may be flooded.
Push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and
hold it there. Crank the engine for no more than 15
seconds. This should clear any excess fuel in case the
engine is flooded. Leave the ignition key in the ON
position, release the accelerator pedal and repeat the
ªNORMAL STARTINGº procedure.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
STARTING AND OPERATING 181
5

BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with power assisted brakes as
standard equipment. In the event power assist is lost for
any reason (for example, repeated brake applications
with the engine off), the brakes will still function. How-
ever, the effort required to brake the vehicle will be much
greater than that required with the power system oper-
ating.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
If either of the two hydraulic systems lose normal capa-
bility, the remaining system will still function with some
loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident
by increased pedal travel during application and greater
pedal force required to slow or stop. In addition, if the
malfunction is caused by an internal leak, as the brake
fluid in the master cylinder drops, the brake warning
indicator will light.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Ð If Equipped
The ABS gives increased vehicle stability and brake
performance under most braking conditions. The system
automatically ªpumpsº the brakes during severe braking
conditions to prevent wheel lock up.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
tires must be properly inflated to produce accurate
signals for the computer. However, the system will
compensate when the compact spare is in use.
194 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not ªtop
offº the fuel tank after filling.
NOTE:When the fuel nozzle ªclicksº or shuts off, the
fuel tank is full.
WARNING!
²Remove the fuel tank filler tube cap (gas cap)
slowly to prevent fuel spray from the filler neck
which may cause injury.
²The volatility of some gasolines may cause a build
up of pressure in the fuel tank that may increase
while you drive. This pressure can result in a
spray of gasoline and/or vapors when you remove
the cap from a hot vehicle. Removing the cap
slowly allows the pressure to vent and prevents
fuel spray.
²Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.
²Never add fuel when the engine is running. This
is in violation of most state and federal fire
regulations and will cause the malfunction indi-
cator light to turn on.
222 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:Tighten the gas cap about 1/4 turn until you
hear one click. This is an indication that cap is properly
tightened.
If the gas cap is not tighten properly, the Malfunction
Indicator Light will come on. Be sure the gas cap is
tightened every time the vehicle is refueled.
WARNING!
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.
VEHICLE LOADING
Vehicle Loading Capacities
Front Seat Occupants....................... 2
Rear Seat Occupants........................ 3
Luggage....................... 115lbs(52kg)
Rated Vehicle Capacity............. 865lb(392 kg)
TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer carefully re-
view this information to tow your load as efficiently and
safely as possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this manual concerning ve-
hicles used for trailer towing.
STARTING AND OPERATING 223
5

WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle's hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
²Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
²Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
recommended for motoring safety.
²The automatic transaxle fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more
than 45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule
ªBº in section 8 of this manual for transaxle fluid
change intervals.NOTE:Check the automatic transaxle fluid level before
towing.
NOTE:For vehicles equipped with Autostick. By using
the Autostick modes, and selecting a specific gear range,
frequent shifting can be avoided. The highest gear range
should be selected that allows for adequate performance.
For example, choose ª4º if the desired speed can be
maintained. Choose ª3º or ª2º if needed to maintain the
desired speed.
NOTE:Extended driving at high RPM should be
avoided to prevent excess heat generation. A reduction in
vehicle speed may be required to avoid extended driving
at high RPM. Return to a higher gear range or vehicle
speed when road conditions and RPM level allows.
STARTING AND OPERATING 225
5

Do not raise the vehicle until you are sure the jack is
securely engaged.
4. Raise the vehicle by turning the jack screw to the right,
using the swivel wrench. Raise the vehicle only until the
tire just clears the surface and enough clearance is
obtained to install the spare tire. Minimum tire lift
provides maximum stability.
WARNING!
Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make
the vehicle less stable. It could slip off the jack and
hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only enough
to remove the tire.
5. Remove the wheel nuts and pull the wheel and wheel
covers where applicable off the hub. Install the spare
wheel and wheel nuts with the cone shaped end of thenuts toward the wheel. Lightly tighten the nuts. To avoid
the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not tighten
the nuts fully until the vehicle has been lowered.
WARNING!
To avoid possible personal injury, handle the wheel
covers with care to avoid contact with any sharp
edges.
NOTE:The wheel cover is held on the wheel by the
wheel nuts. When reinstalling original wheel, properly
align the wheel cover to the valve stem, place the wheel
cover onto the wheel, then install the wheel nuts.
6. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack screw to the left.
7. Finish tightening the nuts. Push down on the wrench
while tightening the wheel nuts. Alternate nuts until each
nut has been tightened twice. Correct wheel nut torque is
234 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

REPLACEMENT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS Ð Inside Bulb No.
ABS Indicator.......................... LED
Airbag Indicator........................ LED
Brake System Warning Indicator............. LED
Center Console Floor Lamp................. T37
Climate Controls......................6233137
Console Gear Selector...................PC194
Cruise Indicator....................... VFD*
Dome Light............................T579
Door Ajar Indicator..................... VFD*
Front Fog Indicator...................... LED
High Beam Indicator....................... 74
Instrument Cluster Illumination.............. 74
Liftgate Ajar Indicator.................... LED
Low Fuel Indicator....................... LED
Low Oil Pressure Indicator................. LED
Overhead Reading Light (Overhead Console). . . T1037LIGHT BULBS Ð Inside Bulb No.
Overhead Reading Light (Rearview Mirror).....T192
Rear Cargo............................T906
Seat Belt Indicator....................... LED
Security Alarm Indicator................... LED
Malfunction Indicator Light................ LED
Temperature Indicator.................... LED
Trac (Active) Indicator................... VFD*
TRAC OFF Indicator..................... LED
Trip Indicator......................... VFD*
Turn Signal Indicator...................... 103
Visor Vanity.........................6501966
Voltage Indicator........................ LED
NOTE:* Vacuum Fluorescent Display
All the inside bulbs are brass or glass wedge base.
Aluminum base bulbs are not approved and should not
be used for replacement.
286 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System.............. 194
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 267
Adding Fuel........................... 221
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 175
Additives, Fuel......................... 219
Air Cleaner, Engine...................... 258
Air Conditioning........................ 261
Air Conditioning Controls................. 166
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 171
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 261
Air Conditioning System................166,261
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 207
Airbag................................ 41
Airbag Deployment....................... 48
Airbag Light.....................45,50,60,134
Airbag Maintenance....................... 49
Airbag, Side............................ 47
Alarm, Panic............................ 23
Alarm System........................26,129Alignment and Balance................... 213
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 164
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........267,290,291
Capacities........................... 290
Anti-Lock Brake System................... 194
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 131
Anti-Theft Security Alarm.................. 26
Appearance Care........................ 276
Auto Down Power Windows................ 31
Automatic Door Locks..................... 20
Automatic Transaxle..............12,180,183,273
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 275
Fluid Level Check...................273,274
Interlock System.....................18,184
Reset Mode.......................... 184
Selection Of Lubricant................... 273
Shifting............................. 185
Special Additives...................... 276
326 INDEX

Autostick...........................135,187
Back-Up Lights......................... 289
Ball Joints............................. 262
Battery............................... 259
Keyless Transmitter Replacement............ 25
Belts, Drive............................ 256
Belts, Engine........................... 258
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 262
B-Pillar Location........................ 202
Brake Fluid............................ 292
Brake, Parking.......................... 192
Brake System........................194,270
Anti-Lock........................... 194
Hoses.............................. 270
Master Cylinder....................... 271
Parking............................. 192
Warning Light........................ 132
Brakes.............................194,270Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 184
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 59
Bulb Replacement.....................286,287
Bulbs, Light............................ 286
Calibration, Compass..................... 107
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 290
Capacities, Fluid........................ 290
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 221
Radiator............................ 267
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 220
Cargo Compartment
Luggage Carrier....................... 119
Carrier, Luggage........................ 119
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance......... 165
Cassette Tape Player..................... 138
Catalytic Converter...................... 256
Caution, Exhaust Gas...................... 59
INDEX 327
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