traction control CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2005 1.G Owners Manual

▫Folding Front Passenger Seat — If Equipped . . .84
▫Adjustable Head Restraints...............85
▫Heated Seats — If Equipped..............86
▫Folding Rear Seat......................87
▫Tumbling Rear Seat.....................88
▫Rear Seat Removal.....................91

To Open And Close The Hood..............93

Lights................................94
▫Overhead Console Map/Reading Lights — If
Equipped............................94
▫Interior Lights........................95
▫Multi-Function Control Lever..............96
▫Headlights, Parking Lights, Instrument Panel
Lights..............................96▫Daytime Running Lights (Canada Only)......97
▫Lights-On Reminder....................97
▫Fog Lights — If Equipped................97
▫Turn Signals..........................98
▫Highbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch..........98
▫Passing Light.........................98

Windshield Wipers And Washers............98
▫Windshield Washers....................99
▫Mist Feature..........................99
▫Windshield Wiper Operation.............100
▫Intermittent Wiper System...............100

Tilt Steering Column....................100

Traction Control Switch — If Equipped.......101
64 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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 — 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.To turn the system back ON, press the switch a second
time until the TRAC OFF indicator turns OFF.
Traction Control Switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 101
3

NOTE:The Traction Control System indicator “TRAC
OFF” will illuminate momentarily as a bulb check, each
time the ignition switch is turned ON. This will occur
even if you used the “TRAC OFF” 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 — 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.
To Activate:
Push the ON/OFF button. The CRUISE indicator in the
instrument cluster will illuminate. To turn the system
OFF, push the ON/OFF button a second time. The
CRUISE indicator will turn off. The system should be
turned OFF when not in use.
Speed Control Switches
102 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

The light will flash when the Traction Control System is
controlling traction.
16. Door Ajar Indicator
This vacuum fluorescent display indicator illuminates
the word “DOOR”, when a door is not completely closed.
If the door is open for more than 8 minutes, the light will
turn off.
17. Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven. The trip odometer shows the trip distance
since the last reset.
U.S. Federal regulations require that upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify to the purchaser the
correct mileage that the vehicle has been driven. There-
fore, if the odometer reading changes during repair or
replacement, be sure to keep a record of the reading
before and after the service so the correct mileage can be
determined.18. Trip Indicator
This vacuum fluorescent display indicator will illuminate
when the Trip Odometer is in use.
By pushing the trip button, located next to the instrument
cluster, the odometer will toggle between total distance
and trip distance. In the trip odometer mode, holding the
trip button for more than 2 seconds will reset the trip
odometer to “0”.
19. Cruise Indicator — If Equipped
This indicator shows that the Speed Control
System is ON. (See page 102 for more informa-
tion.)
NOTE:The word “SET”will notilluminate when the
Speed Control System is on.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 141
4

20. Airbag Light
The light comes on and remains on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch
is first turned ON. If the light does not come on
during starting, stays on, or comes on while driving, have
the system checked by an authorized dealer. (See page 52
for more information.)
21. Trac Off Light — If Equipped
The TRAC OFF light will illuminate momentarily as a
bulb check when the ignition switch is first turned ON. If
the light does not come on, have the system checked.
The light will also come on if:
•The Traction Control switch has been used to turn
the system off,
•There is an anti-lock system failure,
•There is a Traction Control system failure,
•The system has been automatically deactivated to
prevent damage to the brake system due to over-
heated brake temperatures.
NOTE:Extended heavy use of Traction Control may
cause the system to deactivate and turn on the TRAC
OFF Light. 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 TRAC OFF Light.
22. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD that monitors emissions, engine, and
automatic transmission control systems. The light
will illuminate when the key is in the ON/RUN position
before engine start. If the bulb does not come on when
turning the key from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condi-
tion checked promptly.
142 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

▫AutoStick General Information............204

Manual Transaxle Operation...............205
▫2.4 Liter Turbo— If Equipped.............207
▫Recommended Shift Speeds..............207
▫Downshifting........................208

Parking Brake.........................209

Brake System..........................211
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
If Equipped.........................212

Power Assisted Steering..................213

Traction Control — If Equipped............214

Tire Safety Information...................216
▫Tire Markings........................216▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........219
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........220

Tires—General Information................224
▫Tire Pressure.........................224
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................225
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................228
▫Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped.........228
▫Limited Use Spare — If Equipped.........229
▫Tire Spinning........................230
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................231
▫Replacement Tires.....................231
▫Alignment And Balance.................232

Tire Chains...........................233
194 STARTING AND OPERATING

TRACTION CONTROL — 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 engaging 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.
Traction Control Switch
214 STARTING AND OPERATING

The system is always in the “ON” mode unless:
•The TRAC 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 TRAC
OFF Light 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 TRAC OFF
light.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, ice, or snow, turn
the Traction Control System Off before attempting to
“rock” the vehicle free.
STARTING AND OPERATING 215
5

WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is danger-
ous. 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.).
Traction
When 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 road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep 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 VEHICLE
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Con-
trol, turn the system OFF before attempting to “rock” the
vehicle.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 257
6

Call Toll Free at1–800–890–4038 (U.S.)or1–800–387–1143
(Canada)
Or
Visit us on the World Wide Web at:
www.techauthority.daimlerchrysler.comor
www.daimlerchrysler.ca/manuals
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following describes the tire grading categories estab-
lished by the National highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration. The specific grade rating assigned by the tire’s
manufacturer in each category is shown on the sidewall
of the tires on your car.
All Passenger Car Tires Must Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in Addition to These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1
1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B, and
C, and they represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 347
9