steering CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2008 1.G Owner's Manual

NOTE:If the front wiper is operating when the ignition
is turned off, the wiper will automatically return to the
Park position. When the vehicle is restarted, the wipers
will resume operation.TILT STEERING COLUMNTo 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.
Tilt Steering Column Control
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 193
3

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.ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL — IF EQUIPPEDWhen engaged, this device takes over the accelerator
operation at approximately either 30 mph (40 km/h ) or
35 mph (56 km/h) depending on the model or engine
size. The speed control lever is located on the right side of
the steering wheel.
To Activate:Push the ON/OFF button. The CRUISE indicator in the
instrument cluster will illuminate. To turn the system
OFF, push the ON/OFF button a second time. The
CRUISE indicator will turn off. The system should be
turned OFF when not in use.
PT 7 Speed Control Ballon L or R
194 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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.
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 (Sedan Models Only)
— If EquippedA 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
Rear Defroster Switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 217
3

Electrical DisturbancesRadio 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 ReceptionAM sound is based on wave amplitude, so AM reception can
be disrupted by such things as lightning, power lines and
neon signs.FM ReceptionBecause FM transmission is based on frequency variations,
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 six-disc CD/DVD changer (if equipped)
will remain active for up to 10 minutes after the ignition
switch has been turned OFF. Opening a vehicle front door
will cancel this feature.
SALES CODE REF — AM/FM/CD (SINGLE DISC)
RADIO WITH OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO AND
HANDS FREE PHONE CAPABILITYNOTE: The radio sales code is located on the lower right
side of your radio faceplate.
REF Radio
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 251
4

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

The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the transmission gear selector lever
into the PARK position:•
When shifting the gear selector lever into PARK,
depress the button on the gear selector lever knob and
firmly move the lever all the way forward until it
stops.
•
Look at the shift indicator window on the console to
ensure it is in the PARK position.
•
When engaged in PARK, you will not be able to move
the gear selector lever rearward without depressing
the gear selector lever knob button
CAUTION!
Before shifting the gear selector lever out of PARK,
you must turn the ignition from LOCK to ON so the
steering wheel and gear selector lever are released.
Otherwise, damage to the steering column or gear
selector lever could result.REVERSEShift into this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.NEUTRALThe engine may be started in this range.DRIVE / OVERDRIVEThis range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides smoothest upshifts and downshifts,
and best fuel economy.
298 STARTING AND OPERATING

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) — IF
EQUIPPEDThe ABS provides increased vehicle stability and brake
performance under most braking conditions. The system
automatically “pumps” the brakes during severe braking
conditions to prevent wheel lock-up.
WARNING!
Pumping of the ABS will diminish their effective-
ness and may lead to an accident. Pumping makes
the stopping distance longer. Just press firmly on
your brake pedal when you need to slow down or
stop.
WARNING!
•
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of phys-
ics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking or steering efficiency beyond that af-
forded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and
tires or the traction afforded.
•
An ABS cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. Only
a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent
accidents.
•
The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
308 STARTING AND OPERATING

•
A slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the end
of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of ABS.
WARNING!
The Anti-Lock Brake System contains sophisticated
electronic equipment that may be susceptible to
interference caused by improperly installed or high
output radio transmitting equipment. This interfer-
ence can cause possible loss of Anti-Lock braking
capability. Installation of such equipment should be
performed by qualified dealership professionals.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
POWER STEERINGThe 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 it does not in any
way damage the steering system.
310 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPEDThe Traction Control System (TCS) will improve accel-
eration 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 TCS indicator lamp located above the instru-
ment 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.
TCS OFF Switch
STARTING AND OPERATING 311
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WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading
can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and
increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the
recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never
overload them.TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION
Tire PressureProper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure:1. Safety—
WARNING!
•
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can cause
accidents.
• Under-inflation increases tire flexing and can result in
tire failure.
• Over-inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes can cause
damage that result in tire failure.
• Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems.
You could lose control of your vehicle.
• Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can affect vehicle
handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
• Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle to
the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the right or left.
• Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended cold tire inflation pressure.
STARTING AND OPERATING 321
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