overheating 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

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.
•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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 287
5

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

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is located on the instrument
panel, below the radio. Depress the switch and
both cluster indicators and all front and rear
directional signals will flash. Depress the
switch again to turn Hazard Warning Flashers off.
Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may wear down
your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
•On the highways — Slow down.
•In city traffic — While stopped, put transaxle in
neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
If the pointer rises to theH(red) mark, the instrument
cluster will sound a chime. Pull over and stop the vehicle
with the engine at idle, when safe. Turn off the air
conditioning and wait until the pointer drops back into
Hazard Warning Switch
340 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam-
age or failure. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster
than 35 mph (55km/h) when you are stuck. And don’t
let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the
speed.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transaxle overheating and failure. It can
also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above
35 mph (55km/h).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
With Ignition Key
Four Speed Automatic Transaxle
Your vehicle may be towed under the following condi-
tions: The steering column must be unlocked and the
gear selector must be in NEUTRAL, the distance to be
towed must not exceed 100 miles (160 km), and the
towing speed must not exceed 44 mph (72 km/h). If the
transaxle is not operative, or if the vehicle is to be towed
more than 100 miles (160 km), the vehicle must be towed
with the front wheels off the ground to avoid damage to
the transaxle.
Manual Transaxle
Your vehicle may be towed if the gearshift lever is in
NEUTRAL. If the transaxle is not operative, the vehicle
must be towed with the front wheels off the ground.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 351
6

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to manufacturers specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for prolonged period.
Engine Timing Belt
Replace the engine timing belt at the intervals described
in the appropriate maintenance schedule.
Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from sticking or plugging due to deposits. As vehicle
mileage builds up, the PCV valve and passages may
accumulate deposits. If a valve is not working properly,
replace it with a new valve. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
CLEAN THE OLD PCV VALVE!
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 369
7

Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 187
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 227
Emergency Deck Lid Release Latch (Convertible) . . 41
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 342
Jump Starting......................... 347
Towing ............................. 351
Emergency Seat Back Release (Sedan).......... 39
Emission Control System Maintenance......361,408
Engine............................358,359
Break-In Recommendations............... 111
Checking Oil Level..................... 363
Cooling ............................. 377
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 322
Fuel Requirements..................... 318
Jump Starting......................... 347
Oil ...........................363,404,405
Oil Change Interval.................... 364
Oil Filler Cap...................358,359,366OilFilter ............................ 405
Oil Selection.......................... 366
Oil Synthetic......................... 366
Overheating.......................... 340
Temperature Gauge..................... 220
TimingBelt .......................... 369
Event Data Recorder................... 68,101
Exhaust Gas Caution.............. 38,112,322,376
Exhaust System......................... 376
Fabric Care............................ 391
Filler Location Fuel...................... 220
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 370
Engine Fuel.......................... 370
Engine Oil........................367,405
Flashers.............................. 340
Hazard Warning....................... 340
Flat Tire Stowage........................ 347
446 INDEX

Quality ............................. 366
Recommendation...................366,404
Synthetic............................ 366
Viscosity............................ 366
Oil Pressure Light....................... 226
Onboard Diagnostic System..............360,361
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 190
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual)............ 4
Outside Air Intake....................... 271
Overdrive............................. 285
Overheating, Engine...................... 340
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual)......... 4,438
PaintCare ............................. 389
Panel Rear Shelf........................ 205
Panic Alarm........................ 25,31,32
Parking Brake.......................... 292
Passenger Seat Back Tilt (Easy Entry System).... 161
Passing Light........................... 182Personal Settings........................ 231
Pets............................... 78,111
Phone, Cellular......................... 134
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™)............ 134
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 303
Power
Deck Lid Release....................... 39
Distribution Center (Fuses)............... 396
Door Locks........................... 20
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 200
Seats............................... 158
Steering..........................297,373
Steering, Checking..................... 373
Sunroof............................. 197
Windows............................. 42
Power Steering Fluid..................... 406
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............ 53,87
Preparation for Jacking.................... 344
452 INDEX