CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2007 1.G Owners Manual

Window Fogging
Vehicle side windows tend to fog on the inside in mild
rainy or humid weather. To clear the windows, use the
A/C, PANEL and blower controls. Direct the panel
outlets toward the side windows. Do not use recirculate
without A/C for long periods as fogging may occur.
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by using the defrost position.
If the fogging problem persists, clean the inside window
surfaces. The cause of undue fogging may be dirt collect-
ing on the inside surface of the glass
NOTE:In cold weather, the use of the recirculate
position will cause windows to fog on the inside because
of moisture build up inside the vehicle. For maximum
defogging, use the Outside Air position.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high-
quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corrosion
protection and to raise the boiling point of the coolant for
protection against overheating. A 50% concentration is
recommended.
Outside Air Intake
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, directly in front of the wind-
shield, is free of ice, slush, snow or other obstructions
such as leaves. Leaves collected in the air-intake plenum
may reduce air flow and plug the plenum water drains.
The blower air will heat faster in cold weather if you use
only a low blower speed for the first few minutes of
vehicle operation.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 271
4

Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is at each end of the
instrument panel. These nonadjustable outlets direct air
toward the side windows when the system is in either the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.
REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Electric Rear Window Defroster
The push-button is located at the center of the
instrument panel, below the radio. Press this but-
ton to turn on the rear window defroster, and the
optional electric remote control heated mirrors. An amber
light shows that the defroster is on.
NOTE:The defroster turns off automatically after 10
minutes of operation. Each following activation of the
defroster will last for five minutes.
Rear Defroster Switch
272 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!
To avoid damaging the electrical conductors, do not
use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abrasive window
cleaners on the interior surface of the rear window.
Labels can be peeled off after soaking with warm
water.
Rear Wiper/Washer Switch — If Equipped
A switch on the right side of the steering column controls
operation of the rear wiper/washer function. Rotating
the center of the switch forward to the ON position will
activate the wiper. Rotating the center of the switch all
the way forward will turn on the wash function. The
wash pump will continue to operate as long as the button
is pressed. Upon release, the wipers will cycle two times
before returning to the set position.If the rear wiper is operating when the ignition is turned
OFF, the wiper will automatically return to the “Park”
position if power accessory delay is active. Power acces-
sory delay can be cancelled by opening the door, if this
happens the rear wiper will stop at its current position
and will not go to park.
Rear Wiper Switch
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 273
4

Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers and the
rear window washer (If Equipped) is shared. It is located
in the rear of the engine compartment on the passenger
side and should be checked for fluid level at regular
intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield washer sol-
vent (not radiator antifreeze) and operate the system for
a few seconds to flush out the residual water.
274 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures.....................278
▫Automatic Transaxle...................278
▫Manual Transaxle.....................279
▫Normal Starting......................279
▫Extremely Cold Weather
(Below
20°F Or
29°C)................279
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................280
▫After Starting........................280
▫Turbocharger “Cool Down”..............280
Automatic Transaxle — If Equipped.........281
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock System.......282
▫Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock
System.............................282
▫Four Speed Automatic Transaxle..........283
▫Reset Mode.........................283
▫Gear Ranges For Four Speed Automatic
Transaxle...........................283

AutoStick — If Equipped.................286
▫AutoStick Operation...................286
5

▫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

Snow Tires...........................317

Tire Rotation Recommendations............317

Fuel Requirements......................318
▫2.4L Standard Engine And 2.4L Standard
Turbo Engine........................318
▫2.4L High Output Turbo Engine...........319
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................319
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............320
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................320
▫Materials Added To Fuel................321
▫Fuel System Cautions..................321
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............322

Adding Fuel..........................323
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............323▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............325

Vehicle Loading........................326

TrailerTowing .........................326
▫Common Towing Definitions.............326
▫Trailer Hitch Classification...............329
▫Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)......................330
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight..............331
▫Towing Requirements..................332
▫TowingTips .........................336

Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 338
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................338
STARTING AND OPERATING 277
5

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the keys in
the ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
WARNING!
Be sure to turn off the engine if you want to rest or
sleep in your car. Accidents can be caused by inad-
vertently moving the gear selection lever or by
pressing the accelerator pedal. This may cause exces-
sive heat in the exhaust system, resulting in over-
heating and vehicle fire which may cause serious or
fatal injuries.
Automatic Transaxle
The gear selector must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting to any driving gear.
NOTE:You must press the brake pedal before shifting
out of Park.
278 STARTING AND OPERATING

Manual Transaxle
Before starting the engine fully apply the parking brake,
press the clutch pedal to the floor and place the gear
selector in NEUTRAL.
NOTE:The engine will not start unless the clutch pedal
is pressed to the floor.
Normal Starting
Normal Starting of either a cold or a warm engine does
not require pumping or depressing the accelerator pedal.
Simply turn the ignition switch to the “START’” position
and release when the engine starts. If the engine has not
started within 3 seconds, slightly depress the accelerator
pedal while continuing to crank. If the engine fails to start
within 15 seconds, turn the ignition switch to the “OFF”
position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal
starting procedure.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
axle cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could
enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables
may be used to obtain a start from another vehicle.
This type of start can be dangerous if done improp-
erly, so follow the procedure carefully. See section 6
of this manual for jump starting instructions.
Extremely Cold Weather (below
20°F or
29°C)
To insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your dealer) is recommended.
STARTING AND OPERATING 279
5

If Engine Fails to Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“NORMAL STARTING” procedure, it may be flooded.
Push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and
hold it there. Crank the engine for no more than 15
seconds. This should clear any excess fuel in case the
engine is flooded. Leave the ignition key in the ON
position, release the accelerator pedal and repeat the
“NORMAL STARTING” procedure.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
Turbocharger “Cool Down”
NOTE:Letting the engine idle after severe operation
allows the turbine housing to cool to normal operating
temperature.
The following chart should be used as a guide in deter-
minning the amount of engine idle time required to
sufficiently cool down the turbocharger before shut
down, depending upon the type of driving and the
amount of cargo.
280 STARTING AND OPERATING