CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2008 1.G Owners Manual

CAUTION!
•
Many accessories that can be plugged into the 12
volt power outlet, draw power from the vehicle’s
battery, even when not in use; i.e. cellular phones,
etc. Eventually, if plugged in long enough, the
vehicle’s battery will discharge sufficiently to de-
grade battery life and/or prevent engine starting.
•
Accessories that draw higher power such as cool-
ers, vacuum cleaners, lights, etc., will discharge the
battery even more quickly. Only use these inter-
mittently and with greater caution.
•
After the use of high power draw accessories, or
long periods of the vehicle not being started, (with
accessories still plugged in), the vehicle must be
driven a sufficient length of time to allow the
generator to recharge the vehicle’s battery.
STORAGE
Center Console/Armrest Storage Bin
Sliding Armrest
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 209
3

The center console provides a sliding armrest with two
unique storage compartments under the lid.Push the upper button on the front of the armrest to raise
the upper cover. Inside is an area to store a cell phone and
other miscellaneous items. Push the lower button on the
front of the armrest, and raise the armrest for access to
the lower storage bin. The lower storage area can be used
for storing up to six CD’s and other miscellaneous items.
Storage PocketsThere are also Storage pockets located on each door trim
panel.REAR SHELF PANEL— IF EQUIPPEDThe rear shelf panel attaches to guides in the rear cargo
area. The rear shelf panel may be installed in one of five
different positions.
NOTE:
The liftgate may be opened or closed with the
rear cargo shelf panel in position 1, position 2, position 3
or position 4.
Sliding Armrest Storage Bins
210 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•
To avoid tipping, lock the shelf securely in all
positions.
•
Do not drive this vehicle with the liftgate open, or
use the shelf as a seat.
•
Failure to follow these warnings could result in
serious or fatal injury.
Position 1 (Top)Insert the front outboard corners of the shelf panel into
the top guides and slide forward. Press down on the back
of the shelf panel to lock it into place.
WARNING!
Do not load objects on the shelf in position 1 (top). In
an accident objects could strike occupants causing
serious or fatal injury.
Rear Shelf Panel Position 1
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 211
3

Position 2 (Middle)Insert the front outboard corners of the shelf panel into
the middle guides and slide forward. Press down on the
back of the shelf panel to lock it into place.
WARNING!
Do not load objects over 100 lbs (45 kg) in position 2
(middle). Failure to follow this warning could cause
the shelf to collapse resulting in personal injury.Position 3 (Floor)Insert the front outboard corners of the shelf panel into
the bottom guides and slide forward.
NOTE:To carry items that may soil the carpeting, the
rear shelf panel may be inverted in position 2 or position
3.Position 4 (Vertical)Insert the front outboard corners of the shelf panel into
the vertical guides behind the rear seatbacks near the
floor and slide downward. Push the shelf panel forward
to lock it into place.
Rear Shelf Panel Position 2
212 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
When in the vertical position, the rear shelf panel
should not be used as a barrier for large objects in the
cargo area when the seatbacks folded down. In an
accident objects could strike the seatbacks or occu-
pants causing serious or fatal injury.Position 5 (table)With the liftgate open the rear shelf panel can be moved
rearward to act as a serving counter.
1. Install the front corners of the shelf panel into the top
rear guides. Press down on the shelf panel to lock it into
place.
Rear Shelf Panel Position 4
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 213
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2. Twist the knob on the underside of the panel and
lower the shelf leg.
3. Install the shelf leg into the liftgate latch area as
labeled on the rear scuff plate.
WARNING!
Do not load objects over 100 lbs (45 kg) in position 5
(table). Failure to follow this warning could cause the
shelf to collapse resulting in personal injury.
Rear Shelf Leg Release Knob
Rear Shelf Panel Position 5
214 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

ROOF LUGGAGE RACK — IF EQUIPPEDThe crossbars and siderails are designed to carry the
weight on vehicles equipped with a luggage rack. The
load must not exceed 150 lbs (68 kg), and should be
uniformly distributed over the luggage rack crossbars.
Use both adjustable crossbars assemblies to support the
load and distribute the load as evenly as possible.
To adjust the crossbars with latch-style releases (if
equipped), release the latches on the inboard side of the
crossbar supports on each side of the vehicle, then move
the crossbars to the desired position. Once the crossbar is
in the desired position, return both latches to the locked
position.To adjust the crossbars with bottom-style releases (if
equipped), depress the button and slide the crossbar to
the next locking position. Alternate sides until the cross-
bars are positioned correctly for your cargo and the
stanchions are locked square to the slide rails.
External racks do not increase the total load carrying
capacity of the vehicle. Be sure that the total occupant
and luggage load inside the vehicle, plus the load on the
luggage rack, do not exceed the rated vehicle capacity.
NOTE:
When the luggage rack is not in use, place the
crossbars together at the rear of the vehicle. In this
position they are designed to improve the vehicle aero-
dynamics and reduce wind noise.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 215
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CAUTION!
To avoid damage to the roof rack and vehicle, do not
exceed the maximum roof rack load capacity of 150
lbs (68 kg). Always distribute heavy loads as evenly
as possible and secure the load appropriately.
Long loads which extend over the windshield, such
as wood panels or surfboards, should be secured to
both the front and rear of the vehicle.
Travel at reduced speeds and turn corners carefully
when carrying large or heavy loads on the roof rack.
Wind forces, due to natural causes or nearby truck
traffic, can add sudden upward loads. This is espe-
cially true on large flat loads and may result in
damage to the cargo or your vehicle.
WARNING!
Cargo must be securely tied before driving your
vehicle. Improperly secured loads can fly off the
vehicle, particularly at high speeds, resulting in per-
sonal injury or property damage. Follow the roof rack
“Cautions” when carrying cargo on your roof rack.
216 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Electric Rear Window Defroster
The push-button is located at the center of the
instrument panel, below the radio. Press this but-
ton to turn on the rear window defroster, and the
optional electric remote control heated mirrors. An amber
light shows that the defroster is on. NOTE:
The defroster turns off automatically after 10
minutes of operation. Each following activation of the
defroster will last for five minutes.
CAUTION!
To avoid damaging the electrical conductors, do not
use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abrasive window
cleaners on the interior surface of the rear window.
Labels can be peeled off after soaking with warm
water.Rear Wiper/Washer Switch (Sedan Models Only)
— If EquippedA switch on the right side of the steering column controls
operation of the rear wiper/washer function. Rotating
the center of the switch forward to the ON position will
activate the wiper. Rotating the center of the switch all
the way forward will turn on the wash function. The
Rear Defroster Switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 217
3

wash pump will continue to operate as long as the button
is pressed. Upon release, the wipers will cycle two times
before returning to the set position.If the rear wiper is operating when the ignition is turned
OFF, the wiper will automatically return to the “Park”
position if power accessory delay is active. Power acces-
sory delay can be cancelled by opening the door, if this
happens the rear wiper will stop at its current position
and will not go to park.
Adding Washer FluidThe fluid reservoir for the windshield washers and the
rear window washer (if equipped) 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 sol-
vent (not radiator antifreeze) and operate the system for
a few seconds to flush out the residual water.
06 Rear Wiper Switch
218 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE