traction control CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2008 1.G Owners Manual

•
Airbag disable lamp status (if equipped)
•
Timeof airbag deployment (in terms of ignition
cycles and vehicle mileage)
•
Airbag deployment level (if applicable)
•
Impact acceleration and angle
•
Seatbelt status
•
Brake status (service and parking brakes)
•
Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)
•
Engine control status (including engine speed)
•
Transmission gear selection
•
Cruise control status
•
Traction/stability control status
•
Tire pressure monitoring system status
CHILD RESTRAINTEveryone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up at all
times — babies and children, too. Every state in the
United States and all Canadian provinces require that
small children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the
law, and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
Children 12 years and under should ride properly buck-
led up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash
statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seats, rather than in the front.
72 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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Cruise control status
•
Traction/stability control status
•
Tire pressure monitoring system status
CHILD RESTRAINTEveryone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up at all
times — babies and children, too. Every state in the
United States and all Canadian provinces require that
small children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the
law, and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
Children 12 years and under should ride properly buck-
led up in a rear seat, if available. According to crash
statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seats, rather than in the front.
WARNING!
In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny baby,
can become a missile inside the vehicle. The force
required to hold even an infant on your lap could
become so great that you could not hold the child, no
matter how strong you are. The child and others
could be badly injured. Any child riding in your
vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the child’s
size.Infants And Small ChildrenThere are different sizes and types of restraints for
children from newborn size to the child almost large
enough for an adult safety belt. Always check the child
seat owner’s manual to ensure you have the correct seat
for your child. Use the restraint that is correct for your
child:THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 107
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14. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator
Light/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light —
If EquippedIf this indicator light flashes during accelera-
tion, apply as little throttle as possible. While
driving, ease up on the accelerator. Adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road con-
ditions, and do not switch off the ESP, or TCS — if
equipped.
15. Brake System Warning Light This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on, it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, there
is a low brake fluid level or there is a problem with the
anti-lock brake system. The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. Failure of either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:
The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.
If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 231
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AutoStick — If Equipped .................299
▫ AutoStick Operation ...................300
▫ AutoStick General Information ............300
 Manual Transaxle Operation — If Equipped ....301
▫ 2.4 Liter Turbo — If Equipped ............303
▫ Manual Transaxle — Recommended Shift
Speeds .............................304
▫ Downshifting ........................304
 Parking Brake .........................305
 Brake System ..........................307
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) —
If Equipped .........................308
 Power Steering ........................310
 Traction Control System — If Equipped .......311
Tire Safety Information ...................313
▫ Tire Markings ........................313
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ..........316
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ...........317
 Tires — General Information ...............321
▫ Tire Pressure .........................321
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures .................322
▫ Radial Ply Tires ......................324
▫ Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped .........325
▫ Limited-Use Spare — If Equipped .........325
▫ Tire Spinning ........................326
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ..................327
▫ Life Of Tire .........................327288 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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The system is always in the “ON” mode unless:•
The TCS OFF switch has been used to turn the system
off;
•
There is a Anti-Lock Brake System malfunction;
•
There is a Traction Control System malfunction;
•
The system has been automatically deactivated to
prevent damage to the brake system due to overheated
brake temperatures.
NOTE: Extended heavy use of Traction Control may
cause the system to deactivate and turn on the TCS
indicator lamp located in the instrument cluster. 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 TCS indi-
cator lamp.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, ice, or snow, turn
the Traction Control System Off before attempting to
“rock” the vehicle free.
312 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the
front wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle
and possibly have an accident. Accelerate slowly and
carefully whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).TRACTIONWhen driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should
be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.2. Slow down if the road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace the tires when tread wear indicators first
become visible.
4. Keep the tires properly inflated.
5.
Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and the
vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a sudden stop.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLENOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Control,
turn the system OFF before attempting to “rock” the vehicle.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and First gear. Usually the least accelerator pedal pres-
sure to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
370 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADESThe following tire grading categories were established by
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The
specific grade rating assigned by the tire’s manufacturer
in each category is shown on the sidewall of the tires on
your vehicle.
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal safety
requirements in addition to these grades.TreadwearThe treadwear grade is a comparative rating, based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear 1-1/2 times as
well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The
relative performance of tires depends upon the actualconditions of their use, however, and may depart signifi-
cantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices, and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
Traction GradesThe traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. These grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on
wet pavement, as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 467
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Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).............. 233
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ........... 332
Traction Control ....................... 312
Turn Signal .................. 186,189,230,426
Voltage ............................. 230
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description) ..... 226
Loading Vehicle ......................... 342
Tires ............................... 317
Locks Child Protection ........................ 22
Door ................................ 19
Power Door ........................... 20
Steering Wheel ......................... 18
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 332
Lubrication, Body ....................... 395
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack) ................. 215
Lumbar Support ........................ 166
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 392 Maintenance, General
..................... 384
Maintenance Procedures ................... 384
Maintenance Schedule Schedule “A”-Non Turbo ................. 448
Schedule “A”-Turbo .................... 453
Schedule “B” ......................... 437
Schedule “B”-All Engines ................ 437
Maintenance Schedules .................... 434
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 229,381
Manual Override, Convertible Top .........134,373
Manual, Service ......................... 465
Manual Transaxle .................. 292,301,410
Downshifting ......................... 304
Fluid Level Check ...................... 410
Frequency of Fluid Change ............... 410
Lubricant Selection ..................... 410
Map/Reading Lights .................. 184,185
Master Cylinder (Brakes) .................. 406
Methanol ............................. 337
INDEX 479
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Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 316
Tire Markings .......................... 313
Tire Safety Information .................... 313
Tires ........................... 1 17,321,467
Aging (Life of Tires) .................... 327
Air Pressure .......................... 321
Alignment ........................... 329
Chains .............................. 330
Changing ............................ 360
Compact Spare ........................ 325
Flat Changing ........................ 367
General Information .................... 321
High Speed .......................... 324
Inflation Pressures ..................... 322
Jacking ............................. 360
Life of Tires .......................... 327
Load Capacity ..................... 317,318
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ........227,332
Quality Grading ....................... 467 Radial
.............................. 324
Replacement ......................... 328
Rotation ............................. 331
Safety ........................... 313,321
Sizes ............................... 314
Snow Tires ........................... 330
Spare Tire ........................... 361
Spinning ............................ 326
Tread Wear Indicators ................... 327
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight .............. 348
Top Cover ............................. 128
Towing ............................... 343
Disabled Vehicle ....................... 371
Guide .............................. 347
Recreational .......................... 356
Weight .............................. 347
Traction .............................. 370
Traction Control ......................... 311
Traction Control Switch ................... 311
INDEX 485
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