engine CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2005 1.G Owner's Manual

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 — If Equipped
The TRAC Light will come on momentarily as a bulb
check when the ignition switch is first turned ON.
140 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

20. Airbag Light
The light comes on and remains on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch
is first turned ON. If the light does not come on
during starting, stays on, or comes on while driving, have
the system checked by an authorized dealer. (See page 52
for more information.)
21. Trac Off Light — If Equipped
The TRAC OFF light will illuminate momentarily as a
bulb check when the ignition switch is first turned ON. If
the light does not come on, have the system checked.
The light will also come on if:
•The Traction Control switch has been used to turn
the system off,
•There is an anti-lock system failure,
•There is a Traction Control system failure,
•The system has been automatically deactivated to
prevent damage to the brake system due to over-
heated brake temperatures.
NOTE:Extended heavy use of Traction Control may
cause the system to deactivate and turn on the TRAC
OFF Light. This is to prevent overheating of the brake
system and is a normal condition. The system will remain
disabled for about 4 minutes until the brakes have
cooled. The system will automatically reactivate and turn
off the TRAC OFF Light.
22. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD that monitors emissions, engine, and
automatic transmission control systems. The light
will illuminate when the key is in the ON/RUN position
before engine start. If the bulb does not come on when
turning the key from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condi-
tion checked promptly.
142 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light 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 Malfunction Indicator Light 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. (See page 266 for more
information.)
23. Front Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped
This light shows when the front fog lights are ON.
(See page 97 for more information.)24. Low Fuel Light
When the fuel level drops to about 1/8 tank, the
fuel symbol will light and a single chime will
sound. The light will remain on until fuel is added.
If the fuel level drops to approximately 1.0 gallon (3.75
Liter), the fuel symbol will flash several times and the
chime will sound several times.
25. AutoStick Gear Position— If Equipped
This vacuum fluorescent display indicator illuminates
when the gearshift lever is moved to the AutoStick
position and shows the current gear selection.
26. Fuel Door Reminder
This symbol is a reminder that the Fuel Filler Door is
located on the front passenger’s (right) side of the vehicle.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 143
4

The controls are as follows:
Fan and Air conditioning Control
Use this control to regulate
the amount of air forced
through the system in any
mode you select. The fan
speeds to the left of the OFF
position are for Air Condi-
tioning. Choosing one of
these speeds turns on the air
conditioning compressor. The
fan speed increases as you
move the control to the left from the OFF position.
NOTE:The air conditioning compressor will not engage
until the engine has been running for about 10 seconds.
Fan speeds to the right of OFF are for heater or ventila-
tion operation. The fan speed increases as you move the
control to the right from the OFF position.
Mode Control (Air Direction)
The mode control allows you
to choose from several pat-
terns of air distribution. You
can select either a primary
mode, as identified by the
symbols, or a blend of two of
these modes. The center point
between modes gives an even
blend of both modes. The
closer the control is to a par-
ticular mode, the more air distribution you receive from
that mode.
Panel
Air is directed through the outlets in the instrument
panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct air
flow.
184 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers and the
rear window washer is shared. It is located in the rear of
the engine compartment on the passenger side and
should be checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill
the reservoir with windshield washer solvent (not radia-
tor antifreeze) and operate the system for a few seconds
to flush out the residual water.
Washer Fluid Reservoir
192 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures.....................196
▫Automatic Transaxle...................196
▫Manual Transaxle.....................196
▫Normal Starting......................196
▫Extremely Cold Weather (Below
20°F
Or
29°C)..........................197
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................197
▫After Starting........................198
▫Turbocharger “Cool Down”..............198
Automatic Transaxle — If Equipped.........199
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock System.......200
▫Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock
System.............................200
▫Four Speed Automatic Transaxle..........200
▫Reset Mode.........................201
▫Gear Ranges For Four Speed Automatic
Transaxle...........................201

AutoStick — If Equipped.................204
▫AutoStick Operation...................204
5

Snow Tires...........................233

Tire Rotation Recommendations............234

Fuel Requirements......................235
▫2.4L Standard Engine And 2.4L Standard Turbo
Engine.............................235
▫2.4L High Output Turbo Engine...........235
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................236
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............236
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................237▫Materials Added To Fuel................237
▫Fuel System Cautions..................237
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............238

Adding Fuel..........................239
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............239

Vehicle Loading........................241

Trailer Towing.........................241
▫Warranty...........................242
STARTING AND OPERATING 195
5

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling, especially at high
engine speeds can cause excessive exhaust tempera-
tures which can damage your vehicle. Do not leave
your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Automatic Transaxle
The gear selector must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting to any driving gear.
NOTE:You must press the brake pedal before shifting
out of Park.
Manual Transaxle
Before starting the engine fully apply the parking brake,
press the clutch pedal to the floor and place the gear
selector in NEUTRAL.
NOTE:The engine will not start unless the clutch pedal
is pressed to the floor.
Normal Starting
Normal Starting of either a cold or a warm engine does
not require pumping or depressing the accelerator pedal.
Simply turn the ignition switch to the “START’” position
and release when the engine starts. If the engine has not
196 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 “OFF”
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 (below
20°F or
29°C)
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
“NORMAL STARTING” 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
“NORMAL STARTING” procedure.
STARTING AND OPERATING 197
5

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.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
Turbocharger “Cool Down”
NOTE:Letting the engine idle after severe operation
allows the turbine housing to cool to normal operating
temperature.
The following chart should be used as a guide in deter-
minning the amount of engine idle time required to
sufficiently cool down the turbocharger before shut
down, depending upon the type of driving and the
amount of cargo.
198 STARTING AND OPERATING