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

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)
Ð If Equipped
A 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
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Electrical Disturbances
Radio 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 Reception
AM sound is based on wave amplitude, so AM reception can
be disrupted by such things as lightning, power lines and
neon signs.
FM Reception
Because 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 Ð AM/FM/CD (SINGLE DISC)
RADIO WITH OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO AND
HANDS FREE PHONE CAPABILITY
NOTE:The radio sales code is located on the lower right
side of your radio faceplate.
REF Radio
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 251
4

mAutoStick Ð If Equipped.................299
NAutoStick Operation...................300
NAutoStick General Information............300
mManual Transaxle Operation Ð If Equipped....301
N2.4 Liter Turbo Ð If Equipped............303
NManual Transaxle Ð Recommended Shift
Speeds.............................304
NDownshifting........................304
mParking Brake.........................305
mBrake System..........................307
NAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Ð
If Equipped.........................308
mPower Steering........................310
mTraction Control System Ð If Equipped.......311mTire Safety Information...................313
NTire Markings........................313
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........316
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........317
mTires Ð General Information...............321
NTire Pressure.........................321
NTire Inflation Pressures.................322
NRadial Ply Tires......................324
NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped.........325
NLimited-Use Spare Ð If Equipped.........325
NTire Spinning........................326
NTread Wear Indicators..................327
NLife Of Tire.........................327
288 STARTING AND OPERATING

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

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

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

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 Ð IF EQUIPPED
The 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 Ð GENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure:1. SafetyÐ
WARNING!
²Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can cause
accidents.
²Under-inflation increases tire flexing and can result in
tire failure.
²Over-inflation reduces a tire's ability to cushion
shock. Objects on the road and chuckholes can cause
damage that result in tire failure.
²Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems.
You could lose control of your vehicle.
²Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can affect vehicle
handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
²Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle to
the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the right or left.
²Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-
mended cold tire inflation pressure.
STARTING AND OPERATING 321
5

WARNING!
²Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that
specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change suspension
dimensions and performance characteristics, result-
ing in changes to steering, handling, and braking of
your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable handling
and stress to steering and suspension components.
You could lose control and have an accident resulting
in serious injury or death. Use only the tire and wheel
sizes with load ratings approved for your vehicle.
²Never use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity,
other than what was originally equipped on your
vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index could
result in tire overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have an accident.
²Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having ad-
equate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer
readings.
Alignment and Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
²Fast tire wear.
²Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
²Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your
authorized dealer for proper diagnosis.
STARTING AND OPERATING 329
5

TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates and tend to develop irregular wear pat-
terns.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of the
tires. The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile
with aggressive tread designs such as those on all-season
type tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to main-
tain mud, snow, and wet traction levels and contribute to
a smooth, quiet ride.Follow the recommended tire rotation frequency for your
type of driving found in the ªMaintenance Schedulesº
Section of this manual. More frequent rotation is permis-
sible, if desired. The reason(s) for any rapid or unusual
wear should be corrected before rotating. The suggested
rotation method is the ªforward-crossº shown in the
diagram below.
STARTING AND OPERATING 331
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