traction control CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2007 1.G Owners Manual

identify particular vehicles or crashes may be released for
incorporation in aggregate crash databases, such as those
maintained by the US government and various states.
Data of a potentially sensitive nature, such as would
identify a particular driver, vehicle, or crash, will be
treated confidentially. Confidential data will not be dis-
closed by DaimlerChrysler to any third party except
when:
1. Used for research purposes, such as to match data
with a particular crash record in an aggregate database,
provided confidentiality of personal data is thereafter
preserved
2. Used in defense of litigation involving a
DaimlerChrysler product
3. Requested by police under a legal warrant
4. Otherwise required by lawData Parameters that May Be Recorded:
•Diagnostic trouble code(s) and warning lamp status
for electronically-controlled safety systems, including
the airbag system
•Airbag disable lamp status (if equipped)
•Ti m eof airbag deployment (in terms of ignition
cycles and vehicle mileage)
•Airbag deployment level (if applicable)
•Seatbelt status
•Brake status (service and parking brakes)
•Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)
•Engine control status (including engine speed)
•Cruise control status
•Traction/stability control status
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 69
2

Data Parameters that May Be Recorded:
•Diagnostic trouble code(s) and warning lamp status
for electronically-controlled safety systems, including
the airbag system
•Airbag disable lamp status (if equipped)
•Ti m eof airbag deployment (in terms of ignition
cycles and vehicle mileage)
•Airbag deployment level (if applicable)
•Seatbelt status
•Brake status (service and parking brakes)
•Accelerator status (including vehicle speed)
•Engine control status (including engine speed)
•Cruise control status
•Traction/stability control status
Child Restraint
Everyone 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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 103
2

▫Daytime Running Lights (DRL) —
If Equipped.........................180
▫Lights-On Reminder...................180
▫Fog Lights — If Equipped...............180
▫Turn Signals.........................181
▫Highbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch.........182
▫Passing Light........................182

Windshield Wipers And Washers...........182
▫Windshield Washers...................183
▫Mist Feature.........................183
▫Windshield Wiper Operation.............184
▫Intermittent Wiper System...............184

Tilt Steering Column....................185
Traction Control Switch — If Equipped.......185

Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped......187
▫ToActivate ..........................187
▫To Set At A Desired Speed...............188
▫To Deactivate........................188
▫To Resume Speed.....................188
▫To Vary The Speed Setting...............188
▫Manual Transaxle.....................189
▫To Accelerate For Passing...............189

Garage Door Opener — If Equipped.........190
▫Programming The Universal Transceiver.....192
▫“Rolling Code” Programming............194
▫Canadian Programming/Gate Programming . . 195
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 117
3

TILT STEERING COLUMN
To tilt the column, push down on the lever below the
multifunction 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 — IF EQUIPPED
The traction control indicator, located in the
instrument cluster, will flash when the Traction
Control System (TCS) is in use.
The TCS switch is located on the instrument panel below
the radio.
Tilt Steering Column Control
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 185
3

To turn the system OFF, press the TCS switch until the
traction control indicator in the instrument cluster lights
up.To turn the system back ON, press the switch a second
time until the traction control indicator turns OFF.
NOTE:The traction control indicator will illuminate
momentarily as a bulb check, each time the ignition
switch is turned ON. This will occur even if you used the
TCS switch to turn the system OFF.
NOTE:The Traction Control System will make buzzing
or clicking sounds when the system is in operation.
Traction Control Switch
186 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

9. 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.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.
If the Malfunction Indicator Light flashes when the
engine is running, serious conditions may exist that
could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalyticconverter damage. The vehicle should be serviced as
soon as possible if this occurs. (See page 360 for more
information.)
10. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrows will flash in unison with the exterior
turn signal, when using the turn signal lever.
NOTE:Turn signal bulbs are located in the Instrument
Panel. (See page 181 for more information.)
11. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator
Light/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator Light —
If Equipped
If 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. (See page 298 for more information.)
222 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

▫AutoStick General Information............287

Manual Transaxle Operation...............288
▫2.4 Liter Turbo— If Equipped.............289
▫Recommended Shift Speeds..............290
▫Downshifting........................291

Parking Brake.........................292

Brake System..........................293
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) —
If Equipped.........................294

Power Steering........................297

Traction Control — If Equipped............298

Tire Safety Information...................299
▫Tire Markings........................299
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........302▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........303

Tires — General Information...............307
▫Tire Pressure.........................307
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................308
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................311
▫Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped.........311
▫Limited Use Spare — If Equipped.........312
▫Tire Spinning........................313
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................314
▫LifeOfTire .........................314
▫Replacement Tires.....................315
▫Alignment And Balance.................316

Tire Chains...........................316
276 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
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.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 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.
TCS OFF Switch
298 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
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.
350 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Call Toll Free at:
•1–800–890–4038 (U.S.)
•1–800–387–1143 (Canada)
Or
Visit us on the World Wide Web at:
•www.techauthority.daimlerchrysler.com
•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 AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on
wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 439
9