power steering CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2007 1.G Owners Manual

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

A Word About Your Keys..................13
▫Ignition Key Removal...................13
▫Locking Doors With The Key..............14
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder................15

Sentry Key............................15
▫Replacement Keys......................16
▫Sentry Key Programming.................17
▫General Information....................17

Steering Wheel Lock — If Equipped..........18▫If You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering
Wheel..............................18
▫To Release The Steering Wheel Lock.........18
▫Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System . .18

Door Locks............................18
▫Manual Door Locks.....................18
▫Power Door Locks.....................20
▫“Child-Protection” Door Lock System
(Rear Doors) — If Equipped...............22

Remote Keyless Entry (Sedan)...............23
2

Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid or brake
fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be located and
corrected immediately.
114 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Electric Remote-Control Mirrors — If Equipped
The power mirror switch is located to the left of the
steering column on the instrument panel. To adjust the
view in the outside mirrors, turn the rotary knob to the
left (L), center (O) or Right (R) position. After selecting
the mirror, move the knob in the same direction you want
the mirror to move. Use the center (O) position to guard
against accidentally moving a mirror position.
Illuminated Vanity Mirrors — If Equipped
NOTE:The driver vanity mirror will become inoperable
when the vehicle alarm is enabled.
NOTE:The passenger vanity mirror will become inop-
erable if left on for more than 10 minutes.
Power Mirror Switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 133
3

RADIO GENERAL INFORMATION
Radio Broadcast Signals
Your new radio will provide excellent reception under
most operating conditions. Like any system, however, car
radios have performance limitations, due to mobile op-
eration and natural phenomena, which might lead you to
believe your sound system is malfunctioning. To help
you understand and save you concern about these “ap-
parent” malfunctions, you must understand a point or
two about the transmission and reception of radio sig-
nals.
Two Types of Signals
There are two basic types of radio signals... AM or
Amplitude Modulation, in which the transmitted sound
causes the amplitude, or height, of the radio waves to
vary... and FM or Frequency Modulation, in which the
frequency of the wave is varied to carry the sound.
Electrical Disturbances
Radio waves may pick up electrical disturbances during
transmission. They mainly affect the wave amplitude,
and thus remain a part of the AM reception. They
interfere very little with the frequency variations that
carry the FM signal.
AM Reception
AM sound is based on wave amplitude, so AM reception
can be disrupted by such things as lightning, power lines
and neon signs.
FM Reception
Because FM transmission is based on frequency varia-
tions, interference that consists of amplitude variations
can be filtered out, leaving the reception relatively clear,
which is the major feature of FM radio.
NOTE:The radio, steering wheel radio controls (if
equipped), and 6 disc CD/DVD changer (if equipped)
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 237
4

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

▫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

POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and does not in any
way damage the steering system.WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the
end of the steering wheel travel will increase the
steering fluid temperature and it should be avoided
when possible. Damage to the power steering pump
may occur.
STARTING AND OPERATING 297
5

▫Maintenance-Free Battery................371
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............372
▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............373
▫Front Suspension Ball Joints..............374
▫Body Lubrication.....................374
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................375
▫Windshield Washer Reservoir.............375
▫Exhaust System......................376
▫Cooling System.......................377
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......382
▫Fuel System Connections................382
▫Brake System........................382
▫Automatic Transaxle...................385▫Manual Transaxle.....................388
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................389

Convertible Top Care....................394
▫Washing............................394
▫General Cleaning.....................394
▫Cloth Top Additional Cleaning Procedure....395
▫ClothTopProtection ...................395
▫Weather Strip Care....................396

Integrated Power Module (IPM)............396

Vehicle Storage........................400

Replacement Bulbs......................400

Bulb Replacement......................401
356 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer
to Section 3 of the Warranty Information book for
further warranty information.
•The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman.
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
Power Steering — Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 373
7

WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid types.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
There are two front suspension lower ball joints that are
permanently lubricated. Inspect these ball joints when-
ever under vehicle service is done. Damaged seals and
their corresponding potentially damaged ball joints must
be replaced.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors,liftgate and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as MoparLock
Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
374 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE