CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2005 1.G Owners Manual

Reset Mode
The transaxle is monitored electronically for abnormal
conditions. If a condition is detected that could cause
damage, the transaxle shifts automatically into second
gear. The transaxle remains in second gear despite the
forward gear selected. Park (P), Reverse (R), and Neutral
(N) will continue to operate. This second gear limp-in
feature allows the vehicle to be driven to a dealer for
service without damaging the transaxle.
In the event that the problem has been momentary, the
transaxle can be reset to regain all forward gears.
Stop the vehicle and shift into Park (P).
Turn the Key to OFF then restart the engine.
Shift into D and resume driving.NOTE:Even if the transaxle can be reset, it is recom-
mended that you visit a dealer at your earliest possible
convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equipment to
determine if the problem could recur.
If the transaxle cannot be reset, dealer service is required.
Gear Ranges For Four Speed Automatic
Transaxle
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL positions into another gear range.
“P” Park
Supplements the parking brake by locking the transmis-
sion. The engine can be started in this range. Never use P
(Park) while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking
brake when leaving the vehicle in this range. Always
apply the parking brake first, and then place the selector
in P (Park) position.
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WARNING!
Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should always
shift the vehicle into P (Park), remove the key from
the ignition, and apply the parking brake. Once the
key is removed from the ignition, the transmission
shift lever is locked in the P (Park) position, securing
the vehicle against unwanted movement. Further-
more, you should never leave children unattended
inside a vehicle.
The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the transmission shift lever into the P
(Park) position:
•When shifting into P (Park), depress the button on the
shift lever and firmly move the lever all the way
forward until it stops.
•Look at the shift indicator window on the console to
ensure it is in the P (Park) position.
•When 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. Other-
wise, damage to the steering column or shifter could
result.
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“R” Reverse
Shift into this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
“N” Neutral
Engine may be started in this range.
“D” 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 “3” range.
“3” Drive
This range eliminates shifts into Overdrive. The transaxle
will operate normally in first and second while in this
range.
NOTE:Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance, fuel economy, and extend transaxle life by reduc-
ing excessive shifting and heat build up.
Use the “3” range when descending steep grades to
prevent brake system distress.
“1” Low
This range should be used for maximum engine braking
when descending steep grades. In this range, up shifts
will occur only to prevent engine over speed while down
shifts from 2nd to first will occur as early as possible.
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AUTOSTICK — IF EQUIPPED
Autostick is a driver-interactive transmission that offers
manual gear shifting capability to provide you with more
control. Autostick allows you to maximize engine brak-
ing, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and
improve overall vehicle performance. This system can
also provide you with more control during passing, city
driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving,
trailer towing, and many other situations.
Autostick Operation
The Autostick position is just below the Overdrive posi-
tion and is identified by the word “AUTOSTICK”. When
you place the shift lever in the Autostick position, it can
be moved from side to side. Moving the lever to the left
(-) triggers a downshift and to the right (+) an upshift.
The gear position will be shown in the transmission gear
display, located in the instrument cluster.You can shift in or out of the autostick mode at any time
without taking your foot off the accelerator pedal. If you
choose the Overdrive mode, the transmission will oper-
ate automatically; shifting between the four available
gears. When you wish to engage autostick, simply move
the shift lever to the AUTOSTICK position. The transmis-
sion will remain in the current gear until an upshift or
downshift is chosen.
Move the lever back to the Overdrive position to shift out
of the Autostick mode.Autostick General Information
•
The transmission will automatically upshift from first
to second gear and from second to third gear when
engine speed reaches about 6300 RPM.
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•Downshifts from third to second gear above 74 mph
(119 km/h) and from second to first gear above 41
mph (66 km/h) will be ignored.
•You can start out in first, second, or third gear. Shifting
into fourth gear can occur only after vehicle speed
reaches 15 mph (24 km/h).
•The transmission will automatically downshift to first
gear when coming to a stop.
•Starting out in third gear is helpful in snowy or icy
conditions.
•While in the Autostick mode, Speed Control will only
function in third or fourth gear.Downshifting out of third gear will turn off the speed
control.
•If the system detects powertrain overheating, the
transmission will revert to the automatic shift mode
and remain in that mode until the powertrain cools off.
•If the system detects a problem it will disable the
Autostick mode and the transmission will return to the
automatic mode until the problem is corrected.
MANUAL TRANSAXLE OPERATION
NOTE:The parking brake should be engaged and the
gear selector placed in REVERSE before leaving the
vehicle, especially on an incline.
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Fully depress the clutch pedal before you shift gears. As
you release the clutch pedal, lightly depress the accelera-
tor pedal.
Use each gear in numerical order - do not skip a gear. Be
sure the transaxle is in FIRST gear, (not THIRD), when
starting from a standing position. Damage to the clutch
can result from starting in THIRD.For most city driving you will find it easier to use only
the lower gears. For steady highway driving with light
accelerations, 5th gear is recommended.
Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, or
try to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal
partially engaged. This will cause abnormal wear on the
clutch.
Never shift into REVERSE until the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
NOTE:During cold weather, until the transaxle lubri-
cant is warm, you may experience slightly higher shift
efforts. This is normal and not harmful to the transaxle.
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2.4 Liter Turbo— If Equipped
The neutral position of the shift lever is located between
THIRD and FOURTH gear. This is the position the shifter
lever will return to automatically when neutral is se-
lected. When shifting into FIFTH gear, be sure to pressthe shifter lever all the way to the right to avoid acciden-
tally selecting THIRD gear. Also, use care when selecting
FIRST gear to avoid accidentally selecting REVERSE.
When moving the shifter lever into REVERSE press the
lever to the left until the resistance is overcome. When the
ignition switch is in the ON position, a chime will sound
to confirm that reverse has been selected and the backup
lights will illuminate.
NOTE:Listen for the audible chime to confirm RE-
VERSE gear is properly selected. Never shift into RE-
VERSE until the vehicle has come to a complete stop.Recommended Shift Speeds
To use your manual transaxle for optimal fuel economy,
it should be upshifted as listed in table 1.
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TABLE 1-MANUAL TRANSAXLE NORMAL AC-
CELERATION AND CRUISE SHIFT SPEEDS
IN mph (km/h)
EN-
GINE
SIZEMODE1to2 2to3 3to4 4to5
2.4L
TurboAccel 15 (24) 25 (40) 40 (65) 45 (72)
Cruise 15 (24) 25 (40) 42 (68) 45 (72)
2.4L
Non-
TurboAccel 15 (24) 25 (40) 33 (53) 44 (70)
Cruise 16 (26) 20 (32) 28 (45) 38 (61)
For improved performance, your manual transaxle may
be upshifted up to the maximum speeds listed in table 2
(within legal speed limits).TABLE 2-MANUAL TRANSAXLE MAXIMUM PER-
FORMANCE SHIFT SPEEDS
IN mph (km/h)
ENGINE
SIZE1to2 2to3 3to4 4to5
2.4L30 60 85 115
(48) (97) (136) (185)
If you exceed these speeds, you may notice the engine cut
in and out. This is caused by an electronic limiter in the
engine computer. The engine will run normally when
you reduce engine speed.
Downshifting
Proper downshifting will improve fuel economy and
prolong engine life.
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CAUTION!
If you skip more than one gear while downshifting
or downshift at too high an engine speed, you could
damage the engine, transmission, or clutch.
To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, shift
down to 2nd or 1st when descending a steep grade.
When turning a corner, or driving up a steep grade,
downshift early so that the engine will not be overbur-
dened.
PARKING BRAKE
When the parking brake is applied with the
ignition on, the Brake Light in the instrument
cluster will come on.NOTE:This light only shows that the parking brake is
on. It does not show the degree of brake application.
If the parking brake is applied while the vehicle is
moving, a chime will sound to alert the driver. The chime
will sound up to 10 times or until the vehicle has
returned to a stop.
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is set. To set the parking brake, pull up firmly on
the lever. Also place the gear selector in the Park position
(automatic transaxle) or Reverse (manual transaxle). To
release the parking brake, apply the brake pedal, pull up
slightly on the lever, then depress the button on the end
of the lever and push the lever fully down toward the
floor.
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NOTE:The parking brake lever will not release unless
the lever is pulled up slightly past its applied position.When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the gear selector in Park, otherwise
the load on the automatic transaxle locking mechanism
may make it difficult to move the selector out of Park. As
an added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on a
uphill grade.
You should always apply the parking brake before leav-
ing the vehicle.
Parking Brake Lever
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