lock CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2008 1.G Owners Manual

The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the transmission gear selector lever
into the PARK position:
²When 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.
²Look at the shift indicator window on the console to
ensure it is in the PARK position.
²When 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.
REVERSE
Shift into this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
NEUTRAL
The engine may be started in this range.
DRIVE / OVERDRIVE
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides smoothest upshifts and downshifts,
and best fuel economy.
298 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:The parking brake lever will not release unless
the lever is pulled up slightly past its applied position.
When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the gear selector lever in PARK,
otherwise the load on the automatic transaxle locking
mechanism may make it difficult to move the gearselector lever out of PARK. As an added precaution, turn
the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade
and away from the curb on a uphill grade.
You should always apply the parking brake before leav-
ing the vehicle.
WARNING!
²Never 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
seriously or fatally injured. Don't leave the keys in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
²Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and an accident.Parking Brake Lever
306 STARTING AND OPERATING

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) Ð IF
EQUIPPED
The ABS provides increased vehicle stability and brake
performance under most braking conditions. The system
automatically ªpumpsº 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!
²The 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.
²An 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.
²The 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

The ABS telltale light monitors the Anti-Lock
Brake System. The light will come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position
and may stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or comes on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the BRAKE warning light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not come on when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
bulb repaired as soon as possible.
If both the Brake Warning Light and the ABS Light
remain on, the Anti-Lock brakes (ABS) and Electronic
Brake Force Distribution (EBD) systems are not function-
ing properly. Immediate repair to the ABS system at an
authorized dealer is required.When the vehicle is driven over 7 mph (11 km/h), you
may also hear a slight clicking sound as well as some
related motor noises. These noises are the system per-
forming its self check cycle to ensure that the ABS system
is working properly. This self-check occurs each time the
vehicle is started and accelerated past 7 mph (11 km/h).
ABS is activated during braking under certain road or
stopping conditions. ABS-inducing conditions can in-
clude ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad tracks, loose
debris, or panic stops.
You also may experience the following when the brake
system goes into Anti-Lock:
²The ABS motor running (it may continue to run for a
short time after the stop).
²A clicking sound of solenoid valves.
²Brake pedal pulsations.
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5

²A 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 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 it does not in any
way damage the steering system.
310 STARTING AND OPERATING

The system is always in the ªONº mode unless:
²The TCS OFF switch has been used to turn the system
off;
²There is a Anti-Lock Brake System malfunction;
²There is a Traction Control System malfunction;
²The system has been automatically deactivated to
prevent damage to the brake system due to overheated
brake temperatures.
NOTE:Extended heavy use of Traction Control may
cause the system to deactivate and turn on the TCS
indicator lamp located in the instrument cluster.This is to prevent overheating of the brake system and is
a normal condition. The system will remain disabled for
about 4 minutes until the brakes have cooled. The system
will automatically reactivate and turn off the TCS indi-
cator lamp.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, ice, or snow, turn
the Traction Control System Off before attempting to
ªrockº the vehicle free.
312 STARTING AND OPERATING

Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure Warnings
The TPM Light will illuminate in the instrument
cluster and a chime will sound when tire pressure
is low in one or more of the four active road tires.
Should this occur, you should stop as soon as possible,
check the inflation pressure of each tire on your vehicle,
and inflate each tire to the vehicle's recommended cold
placard pressure value. Once the system receives the
updated tire pressures, the system will automatically
update and the TPM Light will turn off. The vehicle may
need to be driven for up to 10 minutes above 15 mph (25
km/h) in order for the TPMS to receive this information.
Check TPMS Warning
The TPM Light will flash on and off for 75 seconds and
then remain on solid when a system fault is detected. The
system fault will also sound a chime. If the ignition key is
cycled, this sequence will repeat, providing the systemfault still exists. The TPM Light will turn off when the
fault condition no longer exists. A system fault can occur
due to any of the following:
1. Signal interference due to electronic devices or driving
next to facilities emitting the same Radio Frequencies as
the TPM sensors.
2. Installing aftermarket window tinting that contains
materials which may block radio wave signals.
3. Excessive accumulation of snow or ice around the
wheels or wheel housings.
4. Using tire chains on the vehicle.
5. Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPM sensors.
NOTE:
1. The compact spare tire (if so equipped) does not have
a tire pressure monitoring sensor. Therefore, the TPMS
will not monitor the pressure in the compact spare tire.
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5

WARNING!
²Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
²Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
²When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
²Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
PARK. Always, block or9chock9the trailer wheels.
²GCWR must not be exceeded.
²Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
350 STARTING AND OPERATING

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is located on the instrument
panel, below the radio. Depress the switch and
both cluster indicators and all front and rear
directional signals will flash. Depress the
switch again to turn Hazard Warning Flashers off.
Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may wear down
your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
²On the highways Ð Slow down.
²In city traffic Ð While stopped, put transaxle in
neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
If the pointer rises to theH(red) mark, the instrument
cluster will sound a chime. Pull over and stop the vehicle
with the engine at idle, when safe. Turn off the air
conditioning and wait until the pointer drops back into
Hazard Warning Switch
358 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Spare Tire Removal
Lift up the cover and fit the jack-handle over the drive
nut. Rotate the nut to the left until you can remove the
swivel hook from the stowage basket. Swing the basket
down to remove the compact spare tire.
CAUTION!
The hook is designed for use with the jack handle
only. Use of an air wrench or other power tools is not
recommended and can damage the winch.
PREPARATIONS FOR JACKING
Park the vehicle on a firm level surface, avoid ice or
slippery areas,set the parking brakeand place the gear
selector in PARK (automatic transaxle) or REVERSE
(manual transaxle). Turn OFF the ignition.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off
the road to avoid the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.
²Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasher.
²Block both the front and rear
of the wheel diagonally oppo-
site the jacking position. For
example, if changing the right
front tire, block the left rear
wheel.
²Passengers should not remain in the vehicle while the
vehicle is being jacked.
362 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES