steering CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2004 1.G User Guide

WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS
The wipers and washers are operated by a switch
on the control lever. The lever is located on the
right side of the steering column. Move the con-
trol lever up to select the desired wiper speed.
Windshield Washers
To use the washer, pull the control lever toward you and
hold while spray is desired. If the lever is pulled while in
the delay range, the wiper will operate in low speed for
two wipe cycles after the lever is released, and then
resume the intermittent interval previously selected.
If the lever is pulled while in the OFF position, the wipers
will operate for two wipe cycles, then turn OFF.
Mist Feature
Push down on the wiper control lever to activate a single
wipe to clear the windshield of road mist or spray from
a passing vehicle. As long as the lever is held down, the
wipers will continue to operate.
98 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

TILT STEERING COLUMN
To tilt the column, push down on the lever below the
multi-function control lever and move the steering wheel
up or down, as desired. Pull the lever back up to lock the
column firmly in place.WARNING!
Tilting the steering column while the vehicle is
moving is dangerous. Without a stable steering col-
umn, you could lose control of the vehicle and have
an accident. Adjust the column only while the ve-
hicle is stopped. Be sure it is locked before driving.
TRACTION CONTROL SWITCH Ð IF EQUIPPED
The TRAC indicator, located in the instrument cluster,
will flash when the Traction Control System is in use.
The TRAC OFF switch is located on the instrument panel
below the radio.
To turn the system OFF, press the TRAC OFF switch until
the TRAC OFF indicator in the instrument cluster lights
up.
100 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

To turn the system back ON, press the switch a second
time until the TRAC OFF indicator turns OFF.
NOTE:The Traction Control System indicator ªTRAC
OFFº will illuminate momentarily as a bulb check, each
time the ignition switch is turned ON. This will occur
even if you used the ªTRAC OFFº switch to turn the
system OFF.NOTE:The Traction Control System will make buzzing
or clicking sounds when the system is in operation.
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL Ð IF EQUIPPED
When engaged, this device takes over the accelerator
operation at speeds greater than 25 mph (40 km/h). The
speed control lever is located on the right side of the
steering wheel.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 101
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Electrical Disturbances
Radio 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 Reception
AM sound is based on wave amplitude, so AM reception
can be disrupted by such things as lightning, power lines
and neon signs.
FM Reception
Because FM transmission is based on frequency varia-
tions, interference that consists of amplitude variations
can be filtered out, leaving the reception relatively clear,
which is the major feature of FM radio.
NOTE:On vehicles so equipped the radio, steering
wheel radio controls and 6 disc CD/DVD changer if
equipped, will remain active for up to 45 seconds after
the ignition switch has been turned off. Opening a
vehicle front door will cancel this feature.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 137
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NAutoStick General Information............188
mManual Transaxle Operation...............189
N2.4 Liter TurboÐ If Equipped.............190
NRecommended Shift Speeds..............190
NDownshifting........................191
mParking Brake.........................192
mBrake System..........................194
NAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Ð If
Equipped...........................194
mPower Assisted Steering..................196
mTraction Control Ð If Equipped............196
mTire Safety Information...................197
NTire Markings........................197NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........201
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........202
mTiresÐGeneral Information................206
NTire Pressure.........................206
NTire Inflation Pressures.................207
NRadial-Ply Tires......................210
NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped.........210
NTire Spinning........................211
NTread Wear Indicators..................212
NReplacement Tires.....................212
NAlignment And Balance.................213
mTire Chains...........................214
mSnow Tires...........................214
178 STARTING AND OPERATING

The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the transmission shift lever into the P
(Park) position:
²When shifting into P (Park), depress the button on the
shift lever and firmly move the lever all the way
forward until it stops.
²Look at the shift indicator window on the console to
ensure it is in the P (Park) position.
²When engaged in P (Park), you will not be able to
move the shifter rearward without depressing the shift
lever button.
CAUTION!
Before moving the shift lever out of P (Park), you must
turn the ignition from LOCK to ON so the steering
wheel and shift lever are released. Otherwise, damage
to the steering column or shifter could result.
ªRº Reverse
Shift into this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
ªNº Neutral
Engine may be started in this range.
ªDº Overdrive
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides smoothest up shifts and down shifts
and best fuel economy.
When frequent transaxle shifting occurs while using the
Overdrive range, such as when operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions (in hilly terrain, travel-
ing into strong head winds, or while towing trailers), use
the ª3º range.
186 STARTING AND OPERATING

During stops where ABS is activated, a vibration of the
brake pedal may be felt and associated system noises
may be heard.
NOTE:Pumping of the brake pedal will diminish the
effectiveness of Anti-lock brakes and may lead to an
accident. Pumping makes the stopping distance longer.
Just press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to
slow down or stop.WARNING!
²Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
²The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
²The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.
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POWER ASSISTED STEERING
The power assisted steering system of your vehicle
provides mechanical steering capability in the event
power assist is lost.
If for some reason the hydraulic pressure is interrupted,
it will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions you will observe a substantial increase in
steering effort.
TRACTION CONTROL Ð IF EQUIPPED
The Traction Control System will improve acceleration
and steering on slippery surfaces by reducing tire spin.
The system reduces wheel slip and maintains traction at
the driving (front) wheels by engaing the brake on the
wheel that is losing traction. When this occurs the TRAC
indicator light located above the instrument cluster
odometer will flash. The system operates at speeds below
40 mph (64 km/h).A push-button at the center of the instrument panel,
below the radio, turns the Traction Control System ON or
OFF.
The system is always in the ªONº mode unless:
²The TRAC OFF switch has been used to turn the
system off;
196 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Overloading of your tire is dangerous. Overloading
can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and
increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the
recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never
overload them.
TIRESÐGENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure:1. SafetyÐ
WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can
cause accidents.
²Under inflation increases tire flexing and can
result in tire failure.
²Over inflation reduces a tire's ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuck holes can cause
damage that results in tire failure.
²Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-
lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.
²Over inflated or under inflated tires can affect
vehicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
²Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle
to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the right
or left.
Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended cold tire inflation pressure.
206 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
²Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combina-
tions of unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance charac-
teristics, resulting in changes to steering, han-
dling, and braking of your vehicle. This can cause
unpredictable handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose control
and have an accident resulting in serious injury or
death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load
ratings approved for your vehicle.
²Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.
²Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
²Fast tire wear.
²Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
²Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
STARTING AND OPERATING 213
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