maintenance CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2008 1.G Owners Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTIONPAGE1
INTRODUCTION
.............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
...............................9
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
..............................119
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
................................... 219
5
STARTING AND OPERATING
................................................. 287
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
...............................................357
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
............................................... 375
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
.................................................. 433
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
..........................................459
10
INDEX
....................................................................469
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2
3
4
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7
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910

INTRODUCTIONThis Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint
you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle.
It is supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet
and various customer-oriented documents. You are
urged to read these publications carefully. Following the
instructions and recommendations in this manual will
help assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained
technicians and genuine Moparparts, and is interested
in your satisfaction.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUALConsult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this owner’s manual:
4 INTRODUCTION

Airbag LightYou will want to have the airbags ready to inflate for your
protection in a collision. While the airbag system is
designed to be maintenance free, if any of the following
occurs, have an authorized dealer service the system
immediately.•
The AIRBAG light does not come on during the six to
eight seconds when the ignition switch is first turned
on.
•
The light remains on after the six to eight second
interval.
•
The light comes on and remains on while driving.
Event Data Recorder (EDR)In the event of an accident, your vehicle is designed to
record up to five - seconds of specific vehicle data
parameters (see list below) in an event data recorderprior to the moment of airbag deployment, or near-
deployment, and up to a quarter second of high-speed
deceleration data during and/or after airbag deployment
or near-deployment. EDR data are ONLY recorded if an
airbag deploys, or nearly deploys, and are otherwise
unavailable.
NOTE:
1. A near-deployment event occurs when the airbag
sensor detects severe vehicle deceleration usually indica-
tive of a crash, but not severe enough to warrant airbag
deployment.
2. Under certain circumstances, EDR data may not be
recorded (e.g., loss of battery power).
In conjunction with other data gathered during a com-
plete accident investigation, the electronic data may be
used by DaimlerChrysler and others to learn more about
the possible causes of crashes and associated injuries in
order to assess and improve vehicle performance. In70 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•
Do not place or hang any items such as add-on
video players on the right front passenger seat
back. The additional weight may cause the Occu-
pant Classification System to be unable to cor-
rectly classify the right front occupant. This could
allow the passenger frontal airbag to inflate when
it is not desired.
•
You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee impact blocker
panels.
•
It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has an airbag system.NOTE:
Perchlorate Material – special handling may ap-
ply, See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.”
Airbag LightYou will want to have the airbags ready to inflate for your
protection in a collision. While the airbag system is
designed to be maintenance free, if any of the following
occurs, have an authorized dealer service the system
immediately.•
The AIRBAG light does not come on during the six to
eight seconds when the ignition switch is first turned
on.
•
The light remains on after the six to eight second
interval.
•
The light comes on and remains on while driving.
104 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONSA long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 mi (500 km). After
the initial 60 mi (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80
or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy-conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. For
the recommended viscosity and quality grades, refer to
“Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7 of this manual.
NON-DETERGENT OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS
MUST NEVER BE USED.A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 115
2

▫Troubleshooting Tips ...................203
▫ General Information ...................203
 Power Sunroof (Sedan Only) — If Equipped ....204
▫ Express Open Feature ..................204
▫ Wind Buffeting .......................205
▫ Sunroof Maintenance ...................206
 Electrical Power Outlets ..................206
▫ Electrical Outlet Use With Engine Off .......208
 Console Features .......................208
 Storage ..............................209
▫ Center Console/Armrest Storage Bin .......209
▫ Storage Pockets .......................210 
Rear Shelf Panel— If Equipped .............210
▫ Position 1 (Top) ......................211
▫ Position 2 (Middle) ....................212
▫ Position 3 (Floor) .....................212
▫ Position 4 (Vertical) ....................212
▫ Position 5 (Table) .....................213
 Roof Luggage Rack — If Equipped ..........215
 Rear Window Features ...................217
▫ Electric Rear Window Defroster ...........217
▫ Rear Wiper/Washer Switch (Sedan Models
Only) — If Equipped ...................217
▫ Adding Washer Fluid ..................218
122 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

open or partially open positions. This is a normal occur-
rence and can be minimized. If the buffeting occurs with
the rear windows open, open the front and rear windows
together to minimize the buffeting. If the buffeting occurs
with the sunroof open, adjust the sunroof opening to
minimize the buffeting or open any window.Sunroof MaintenanceUse only a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to clean
the glass panel.ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETSThe outlets include tethered caps, labeled with a key
symbol or battery symbol, indicating power source. All
outlets are protected by a single 20–Amp fuse.
The standard outlet in the front of the center floor console
is a conventional cigar lighter outlet.It will accept a cigar lighter unit, which is part of the
optional Smokers Package. To preserve the heating ele-
ment of the cigar lighter unit, do not hold the lighter in
the heating position. As a child safety precaution, this
outlet is powered by the ignition switch, only when the
switch is in the ON or ACC positions.
Front Power Outlet
206 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

▫Notes On Playing MP3 Files .............268
▫ Operating Instructions - (CD Mode For MP3
Audio Play) .........................270
▫ Load/Eject Button (CD Mode For MP3 Play) . . 271
 Satellite Radio — If Equipped ..............273
▫ System Activation .....................273
▫ Electronic Serial Number/Sirius Identification
Number (ESN/SID) ....................273
▫ Selecting Satellite Mode In REF, And RAQ,
Radios .............................274
▫ Selecting a Channel ....................274
▫ Storing And Selecting Pre-Set Channels ......275▫
Using The PTY (Program Type) Button (If
Equipped) ..........................275
▫ PTY Button Scan.....................275
▫ PTY Button Seek.....................276
▫ Satellite Antenna ......................276
▫ Reception Quality .....................276
 CD/DVD Disc Maintenance ...............277
 Radio Operation And Cellular Phones ........277
 Climate Controls .......................277
▫ Climate Controls ......................277
▫ Operating Tips .......................283
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 221
4

5. Tachometer
The white area of the scale shows the permissible engine
revolutions-per-minute (rpm x 1000) for each gear range.
Before reaching the red area, ease up on the accelerator to
prevent engine damage.
6. Transmission Range Indicator
This display indicator shows the automatic transmission
gear selection.
7. Tire Pressure Monitor LightEach tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle
has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.) As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illumi-
nates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
NOTE:
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver ’s responsi-
bility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-
inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination
of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 227
4

CD/DVD DISC MAINTENANCETo keep the CD/DVD discs in good condition, take the
following precautions:
1. Handle the disc by its edge; avoid touching the
surface.
2. If the disc is stained, clean the surface with a soft cloth,
wiping from center to edge.
3. Do not apply paper, paper CD labels, or tape to the
disc; avoid scratching the disc.
4. Do not use solvents such as benzine, thinner, cleaners,
or antistatic sprays.
5. Store the disc in its case after playing.
6. Do not expose the disc to direct sunlight.
7. Do not store the disc where temperatures may become
too high.8. Do not play discs that are small in size or have
irregular shapes.
RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONESUnder certain conditions, the cellular phone being ON in
your vehicle can cause erratic or noisy performance from
your radio. This condition may be lessened or eliminated
by relocating the cellular phone antenna. This condition
is not harmful to the radio. If your radio performance
does not satisfactorily “clear” by the repositioning of the
antenna, it is recommended that the radio volume be
turned down or off during cellular phone operation.CLIMATE CONTROLS
Climate ControlsThe Climate Control System allows you to balance the
temperature, amount, and direction of air circulating
throughout the vehicle. The controls are located in the
center instrument panel, below the radio.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 277
4