power steering CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2008 1.G Owners Manual

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLECONTENTSA Word About Your Keys ..................13
â–« Ignition Key Removal ...................13
â–« Locking Doors With A Key ...............14
â–« Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................15
 Sentry Key — If Equipped ................15
â–« Replacement Keys ......................16
â–« Sentry Key Programming ................17
â–« General Information ....................18
 Steering Wheel Lock — If Equipped ..........18â–«
If You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering
Wheel ..............................18
â–« To Release The Steering Wheel Lock .........18
â–« Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System . .19
 Door Locks ............................19
â–« Manual Door Locks .....................19
â–« Power Door Locks — If Equipped ..........20
â–« Child Protection Door Lock System —
If Equipped ..........................22
 Remote Keyless Entry (Sedan) ...............24
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Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
TiresExamine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.LightsHave someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid LeaksCheck area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid or brake
fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be located and
corrected immediately.THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 117
2

Electric Remote-Control Mirrors — If EquippedThe power mirror switch is located to the left of the
steering column on the instrument panel. To adjust the
view in the outside mirrors, turn the rotary knob to the L
(Left), O (Center) or R (Right) position. After selecting the
mirror, move the knob in the same direction you want the
mirror to move. Use the O (Center) position to guard
against accidentally moving a mirror position.
Power Mirror Switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 137
3

Electrical DisturbancesRadio waves may pick up electrical disturbances during
transmission. They mainly affect the wave amplitude, and
thus remain a part of the AM reception. They interfere very
little with the frequency variations that carry the FM signal.AM ReceptionAM sound is based on wave amplitude, so AM reception can
be disrupted by such things as lightning, power lines and
neon signs.FM ReceptionBecause FM transmission is based on frequency variations,
interference that consists of amplitude variations can be
filtered out, leaving the reception relatively clear, which is the
major feature of FM radio.NOTE:
The radio, steering wheel radio controls (if
equipped), and six-disc CD/DVD changer (if equipped)
will remain active for up to 10 minutes after the ignition
switch has been turned OFF. Opening a vehicle front door
will cancel this feature.
SALES CODE REF — AM/FM/CD (SINGLE DISC)
RADIO WITH OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO AND
HANDS FREE PHONE CAPABILITYNOTE: The radio sales code is located on the lower right
side of your radio faceplate.
REF Radio
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 251
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AutoStick — If Equipped .................299
â–« AutoStick Operation ...................300
â–« AutoStick General Information ............300
 Manual Transaxle Operation — If Equipped ....301
â–« 2.4 Liter Turbo — If Equipped ............303
â–« Manual Transaxle — Recommended Shift
Speeds .............................304
â–« Downshifting ........................304
 Parking Brake .........................305
 Brake System ..........................307
â–« Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) —
If Equipped .........................308
 Power Steering ........................310
 Traction Control System — If Equipped .......311
Tire Safety Information ...................313
â–« Tire Markings ........................313
â–« Tire Identification Number (TIN) ..........316
â–« Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ...........317
 Tires — General Information ...............321
â–« Tire Pressure .........................321
â–« Tire Inflation Pressures .................322
â–« Radial Ply Tires ......................324
â–« Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped .........325
â–« Limited-Use Spare — If Equipped .........325
â–« Tire Spinning ........................326
â–« Tread Wear Indicators ..................327
â–« Life Of Tire .........................327288 STARTING AND OPERATING

•
A slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the end
of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of ABS.
WARNING!
The Anti-Lock Brake System contains sophisticated
electronic equipment that may be susceptible to
interference caused by improperly installed or high
output radio transmitting equipment. This interfer-
ence can cause possible loss of Anti-Lock braking
capability. Installation of such equipment should be
performed by qualified dealership professionals.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
POWER STEERINGThe standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE: Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.
310 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPEDThe Traction Control System (TCS) will improve accel-
eration and steering on slippery surfaces by reducing tire
spin. The system reduces wheel slip and maintains
traction at the driving (front) wheels by engaging the
brake on the wheel that is losing traction. When this
occurs the TCS indicator lamp located above the instru-
ment cluster odometer will flash. The system operates at
speeds below 35 mph (56 km/h).
A push-button at the center of the instrument panel,
below the radio, turns the Traction Control System ON or
OFF.
TCS OFF Switch
STARTING AND OPERATING 311
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â–«Maintenance-Free Battery ................392
â–« Air Conditioner Maintenance .............393
â–« Power Steering – Fluid Check ............394
â–« Front Suspension Ball Joints ..............395
â–« Steering Linkage ......................395
â–« Body Lubrication .....................395
â–« Windshield Wiper Blades ................396
â–« Windshield Washer Reservoir .............396
â–« Exhaust System ......................397
â–« Cooling System .......................398
â–« Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses .......403
â–« Fuel System Connections ................404
â–« Brake System ........................404 â–«
Automatic Transaxle ...................408
â–« Manual Transaxle .....................410
â–« Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion ...........................411
 Convertible Top Care ....................416
â–« Washing ............................416
â–« General Cleaning .....................417
â–« Cloth Top Additional Cleaning Procedure ....418
â–« Cloth Top Protection ...................418
â–« Weather Strip Care ....................418
 Integrated Power Module (IPM) ............419
 Vehicle Storage ........................423
 Replacement Bulbs ......................424
376 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•
Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer to
Section 3 of the Warranty Information book for
further warranty information.
•
The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman.
Refrigerant Recovery and RecyclingR-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluoro-
carbon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental
Protection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.POWER STEERING – FLUID CHECKChecking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
394 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid types.FRONT SUSPENSION BALL JOINTSThere are two front suspension lower ball joints that are
permanently lubricated. Inspect these ball joints when-
ever under vehicle service is done. Damaged seals and
their corresponding potentially damaged ball joints must
be replaced.
STEERING LINKAGEThe tie rod end ball joints should be inspected for
external leakage and damage when other maintenance is
performed.BODY LUBRICATIONLocks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors, liftgate and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a small
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 395
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