engine CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2008 1.G Owner's Guide

NOTE:Magnetic materials such as a laptop computer,
cell phone, and PDA’s (anything with a battery), should
be kept away from the top of the instrument panel. This
is where the compass sensor is located.
To Set the Variance
Start the engine, and leave the transmission gear selector
lever in the PARK position. Press and hold (approxi-
mately ten seconds) the compass/temperature reset but-
ton until the current variance zone number is displayed.
To change the zone, press and release the reset button to
increment the variance one step. Repeat as necessary,
until the desired variance is achieved.
NOTE: The factory default zone is 8. During program-
ming, the zone value will wrap around from zone 15 to
zone 1.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 237
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Automatic Compass CalibrationThe compass on your vehicle is self-calibrating, eliminat-
ing the need to manually calibrate the compass. When
the vehicle is new, the compass may appear erratic and
the CAL indicator message will flash in the EVIC until
the calibration is complete.
A good calibration requires a level surface and an envi-
ronment free from large metallic objects such as build-
ings, bridges, underground cables, railroad tracks, etc.
Calibrate the compass by driving slowly, under 5 mph (8
km/h) in one or more complete circles in a area free from
large metallic objects, until the CAL indicator in the EVIC
turns off. The compass will now function normally.
NOTE:Keep all magnetic objects, such as laptop com-
puters, cell phones and PDAs (anything with a battery)
away from the compass sensor which is located in the top
of the instrument panel. These devices can interfere with
compass accuracy and performance.
Manual Compass CalibrationIf the compass appears to be inaccurate, you may wish to
manually calibrate the compass. Prior to calibrating the
compass, make sure the proper compass variance value
(zone) is selected (refer to the above “Compass Variance”
for additional information. Then continue to calibrate the
compass as follows:
1. Start the engine, and leave the transmission in the
PARK position.
2. Press and hold (approximately 10 seconds) the
Compass/Temperature reset button until the current
variance zone number is displayed.
3. Release the reset button, then press and hold again
(approximately 10 seconds), until the direction is dis-
played with the “CAL” indicator on continuously in the
display.
238 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER
(EVIC) – If Equipped
NOTE:The compass on your vehicle is self-calibrating,
eliminating the need to manually calibrate the compass.
The Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) fea-
tures a driver-interactive display. It is located in the lower
left part of the cluster below the fuel and engine tem-
perature gauge. The EVIC consists of the following:•
System Status
•
Vehicle information warning message displays
•
Personal Settings (customer programmable features)
•
Compass heading
•
Outside temperature display
•
Trip computer functions
•
UConnect™ hands-free communication system dis-
plays — If Equipped
•
Audio mode display
EVIC Location
240 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Display English or MetricThe EVIC, odometer, and navigation system units can be
changed between English and Metric.
Press and hold the EVIC button when in this display until
“US” or “METRIC” appears to make your selection.Automatic Compass CalibrationThe compass on your vehicle is self-calibrating, eliminat-
ing the need to manually calibrate the compass. When
the vehicle is new, the compass may appear erratic and
the “CAL” indicator message will flash in the EVIC until
the calibration is complete.
A good calibration requires a level surface and an envi-
ronment free from large metallic objects such as build-
ings, bridges, underground cables, railroad tracks, etc.
Calibrate the compass by driving slowly, under 5 mph (8
km/h) in one or more complete circles in a area free fromlarge metallic objects, until the “CAL” indicator in the
EVIC turns off. The compass will now function normally.
NOTE:
Keep all magnetic objects, such as laptop com-
puters, cell phones and PDA’s (anything with a battery)
away from the compass sensor which is located in the top
of the instrument panel. These devices can interfere with
compass accuracy and performance.
Manual Compass CalibrationIf the compass appears to be inaccurate, you may wish to
manually calibrate the compass. Prior to calibrating the
compass, make sure the proper Compass Variance Value
is selected (Refer to “Compass Variance” for additional
information). Then continue to calibrate the compass as
follows:
1. Start the engine and leave the transmission in the
PARK position.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 247
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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
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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
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▫Replacement Tires .....................328
▫ Alignment And Balance .................329
 Tire Chains ...........................330
 Snow Tires ...........................330
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ............331
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) —
If Equipped ...........................332
▫ Base System — If Equipped ..............334
▫ General Information ...................336
 Fuel Requirements — Gasoline Engines .......337
▫ 2.4L And 2.4L Standard Turbo Engines ......337
▫ Reformulated Gasoline .................337
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ..............337 ▫
MMT In Gasoline .....................338
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ................338
▫ Fuel System Cautions ..................338
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ..............339
 Adding Fuel ..........................340
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ...............340
▫ Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ............342
 Vehicle Loading ........................342
 Trailer Towing .........................343
▫ Common Towing Definitions .............343
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification ...............345
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ......................347
STARTING AND OPERATING 289
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STARTING PROCEDURESBefore 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 seri-
ously 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 selector lever or by press-
ing the accelerator pedal. This may cause excessive
heat in the exhaust system, resulting in overheating
and vehicle fire which may cause serious or fatal
injuries.AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLEThe gear selector lever must be in the NEUTRAL or
PARK position before you can start the engine. Apply the
brakes and depress the gear selector lever knob button
before shifting to any driving gear.
NOTE:You must press the brake pedal before shifting
out of PARK.
STARTING AND OPERATING 291
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MANUAL TRANSAXLEBefore starting the engine fully apply the parking brake,
press the clutch pedal to the floor and shift the gear
selector lever in NEUTRAL.
NOTE:The engine will not start unless the clutch pedal
is pressed to the floor.NORMAL STARTINGNormal 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 three seconds, slightly depress the accel-
erator 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 above.
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 authorized dealer) is recommended.
292 STARTING AND OPERATING

IF THE ENGINE FAILS TO STARTIf 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 STARTINGThe 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. Do not increase the idle speed manually.
STARTING AND OPERATING 293
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