CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2008 1.G Owners Manual

NOTE:There is a difference in temperature between the
upper and lower outlets for added comfort. The warmer
air goes to the floor outlets. This feature gives improved
comfort during sunny but cool conditions.
Floor Air is directed through the floor outlets and side
window demist outlets with a small amount
through the defrost outlet.
Mix Air is directed through the floor, defrost and side
window demist outlets. This setting works best in
cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat at
the windshield. This setting is good for maintaining
comfort while reducing moisture on the windshield. Defrost
Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use this mode with maxi-
mum fan and temperature settings for best windshield
and side window defrosting.
NOTE: The air conditioning compressor operates in
both Mix and Defrost or a blend of these modes even if
the A/C button has not been pressed and the indicator
lamp is off. This dehumidifies the air to help dry the
windshield. To improve fuel economy, use these modes
only when necessary.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 279
4

CAUTION!
If the Defroster is not working the windshield and
windows may become fogged and your visibility will
be greatly diminished. See your authorized dealer as
soon as possible. the windshield and windows may
become fogged and your visibility will be greatly
diminished.Air OutletsThe airflow from each of the instrument panel outlets can
be adjusted for direction and turned on or off to control
air flow.
NOTE:For maximum airflow to the rear seat passen-
gers, the center instrument panel outlets can be aimed, so
that the left center outlet is directed toward the right rear
passenger and the right center outlet is directed toward
the left rear passenger.
Temperature Control
Use this control to regulate the
temperature of the air inside the
passenger compartment. The blue
area of the scale indicates cooler
temperatures while the red area
indicates warmer temperatures.
NOTE: If your air conditioning performance seems
lower than expected, check the front of the A/C con-
denser: located in front of the radiator, for an accumula-
tion of dirt or insects. Clean with a gentle water spray
from behind the radiator and through the condenser.
Fabric front fascia protectors may reduce air flow to the
condenser, reducing air conditioning performance.
280 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Air Conditioning
Rotate this control to engage the
Air Conditioning. A lamp will il-
luminate when the Air Condition-
ing System is engaged
NOTE: The air conditioning compressor will not engage
until the engine has been running for about 10 seconds.
MAX A/C
To quickly cool the vehicle interior
follow the steps listed below:
1. Set the Temperature Control to Max Cool.
2. Set the Mode Control to Panel or Be-Level.
3. Press the Recirculation Button and the A/C Button.
4. Adjust the Fan Control to desired air flow setting.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 281
4

NOTE:•
Recirculation Mode will not operate in floor, mix or
defrost modes.
•
See “Circulation Control” in this section, for proper or
extended use of this position.
Circulation Control
Rotate this control to choose be-
tween outside air intake or recir-
culation of the air inside the ve-
hicle. A lamp will illuminate when
you are in recirculate mode. Only
use the recirculate mode to tem-
porarily block out any outside
odors, smoke, or dust and to cool
the interior rapidly upon initial
start up in very hot or humid weather. NOTE:
Continuous use of the recirculate mode may
make the inside air stuffy and window fogging may
occur. Extended use of this mode is not recommended.
In cold or damp weather, the use of the Recirculate
position will cause windows to fog on the inside because
of moisture build up inside the vehicle. For defogging,
select the Outside Air position.
NOTE: Recirculation Mode will not operate in floor, mix
or defrost modes.
282 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Operating Tips
Control Settings Chart
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 283
4

Window FoggingVehicle 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 OperationVehicles 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 recom-
mended.Outside Air IntakeWhen operating the system, make sure the air intake,
directly in front of the windshield, is free of ice, slush,
snow or other obstructions such as leaves. Leaves col-
lected 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.
284 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Side Window DemistersA 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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 285
4

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTSStarting Procedures .....................291
▫ Automatic Transaxle ...................291
▫ Manual Transaxle .....................292
▫ Normal Starting ......................292
▫ Extremely Cold Weather (Below 20°F Or
29°C) .............................292
▫ If The Engine Fails To Start ..............293
▫ After Starting ........................293
▫ Turbocharger Cool-Down...............293 
Automatic Transaxle — If Equipped .........294
▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock System .......295
▫ Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock
System .............................295
▫ Four-Speed Automatic Transaxle ...........296
▫ Reset Mode .........................296
▫ Gear Ranges For The Four-Speed Automatic
Transaxle ...........................297
5

AutoStick — If Equipped .................299
▫ AutoStick Operation ...................300
▫ AutoStick General Information ............300
 Manual Transaxle Operation — If Equipped ....301
▫ 2.4 Liter Turbo — If Equipped ............303
▫ Manual Transaxle — Recommended Shift
Speeds .............................304
▫ Downshifting ........................304
 Parking Brake .........................305
 Brake System ..........................307
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) —
If Equipped .........................308
 Power Steering ........................310
 Traction Control System — If Equipped .......311
Tire Safety Information ...................313
▫ Tire Markings ........................313
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ..........316
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ...........317
 Tires — General Information ...............321
▫ Tire Pressure .........................321
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures .................322
▫ Radial Ply Tires ......................324
▫ Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped .........325
▫ Limited-Use Spare — If Equipped .........325
▫ Tire Spinning ........................326
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ..................327
▫ Life Of Tire .........................327288 STARTING AND OPERATING