maintenance CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2009 1.G Owners Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTSSECTIONPAGE
1INTRODUCTION............................................................3
2THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE..............................9
3UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE............................. 75
4UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL.................................. 157
5STARTING AND OPERATING................................................221
6WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES............................................. 291
7MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE..............................................305
8MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES.................................................353
9IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE........................................ 379
10INDEX...................................................................389
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INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on selecting your new Chrysler LLC
vehicle. Be assured that it represents precision workman-
ship, distinctive styling, and high quality - all essentials
that are traditional to our vehicles.
This 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. Please take
the time 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 referencing 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 Mopar parts, and cares about
your satisfaction.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
Since the specification of your vehicle depends on the
items of equipment ordered, certain description and
illustrations may differ from your vehicles equipment
The detailed index at the back of this Owner’s 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

CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation to thieves.
Always remove the key from the ignition and lock all
doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Manual Transaxle — If Equipped
Turn the ignition switch to the ACC position, push the
key and cylinder inward, rotate the key to the LOCK
position, and remove the key.
Locking Doors with a Key
You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the
door, turn the key rearward. To unlock the door, turn the
key forward. For door lock lubrication, refer to “Body
Lubrication” in the “Maintenance Procedures” section of
this manual.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition,
sounds a signal to remind you to remove the key.
NOTE:With the driver’s door open, and the key in the
ignition, both the power door locks and Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) will not function.
STEERING WHEEL LOCK — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a passive steering
wheel lock. This lock prevents steering the vehicle with-
out the ignition key. If the steering wheel is moved
approximately a half turn in either direction and the key
is not in the ignition switch, the steering wheel will lock.
To Manually Lock the Steering Wheel
With the engine running, turn the steering wheel upside
down, turn off the engine and remove the key. Turn the
steering wheel slightly in either direction until the lock
engages.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•Make sure that the child is upright in the seat.
•The lap portion should be low on the hips and as snug
as possible.
•Check belt fit periodically. A child’s squirming or
slouching can move the belt out of position.
•If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck, move the
child closer to the center of the vehicle. Never allow a
child to put the shoulder belt under an arm or behind
their back.
Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (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.
The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
shown in “Engine Oil”, under “Maintenance Procedures”
in section 7 of this manual. NON-DETERGENT OR
STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE USED.
70 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Tilt Steering Column ................... 132
 Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped ..... 133
▫ To Activate ......................... 134
▫ To Set a Desired Speed ................ 134
▫ To Deactivate ....................... 134
▫ To Resume Speed .................... 134
▫ To Vary The Speed Setting .............. 135
▫ Manual Transaxle .................... 135
▫ To Accelerate For Passing .............. 136
▫ Using Electronic Speed Control On Hills .... 136
 Garage Door Opener — If Equipped ........ 136
▫ Programming HomeLink .............. 137
▫ Gate Operator/Canadian Programming .... 141▫
Security ........................... 141
▫ Troubleshooting Tips .................. 142
▫ General Information .................. 142
 Power Sunroof — If Equipped ............ 143
▫ Express-Open Feature ................. 143
▫ Wind Buffeting ...................... 144
▫ Sunroof Maintenance ................. 145
 Electrical Power Outlets ................. 145
 Storage ............................. 147
▫ Center Console/Armrest Storage Bin ...... 147
▫ Storage Pockets ..................... 148
 Console Features ...................... 148
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 77

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 Maintenance
Use only a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to clean
the glass panel.
ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS
The 12-Volt power 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
power outlet is powered by the ignition switch, only
when the switch is in the ON or ACC position.
Front Power Outlet
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 145

▫Electronic Serial Number/Sirius
Identification Number (ESN/SID) ......... 209
▫ Selecting uconnect studios (Satellite) Mode
In REF, And RAQ, Radios .............. 210
▫ Selecting a Channel ................... 210
▫ Storing And Selecting Pre-Set Channels ..... 211
▫ Using The PTY (Program Type) Button
(If Equipped) ....................... 211
▫ PTY Button Scan.................... 211 ▫
PTY Button Seek.................... 211
▫ Satellite Antenna ..................... 211
▫ Reception Quality .................... 212
 CD/DVD Maintenance ................. 212
 Radio Operation And Cellular Phones ....... 213
 Climate Controls ...................... 213
▫ Climate Control Operation .............. 213
▫ Operating Tips ...................... 219
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 159

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.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS
low tire pressure telltale.Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subse-
quent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the sys-
tem may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure
as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle, to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS
to continue to function properly.
166 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

placed within the line of sight of the antenna will cause
decreased performance. Larger luggage items should be
placed as far forward as possible. Do not place items
directly on or above the antenna. The luggage rack (if
equipped), should also not be positioned directly above
the antenna.
Reception Quality
Satellite reception may be interrupted due to one of the
following reasons.
•The vehicle is parked in an underground parking
structure or under a physical obstacle.
•Dense tree coverage may interrupt reception in the
form of short audio mutes.
•Driving under wide bridges or along tall buildings can
cause intermittent reception.
•Placing objects over or too close to the antenna can
cause signal blockage.
CD/DVD MAINTENANCE
To keep a CD/DVD 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 or tape to the disc; avoid scratch-
ing the disc.
4. Do not use solvents such as benzene, thinner, cleaners,
or anti-static 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.
212 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!
Damage to the vehicle may result if tire chains are
used.
SNOW TIRES
Some areas of the country require the use of snow tires
during Winter. Standard tires are of the all-season type
and satisfy this requirement as indicated by the M+S
designation on the tire sidewall.
If you need snow tires, select tires equivalent in size and
type to the original equipment tires. Use snow tires only
in sets of four; failure to do so may adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed ratings than what
was originally equipped with your vehicle and should
not be operated at sustained speeds over 75 mph
(120 km/h).
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 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 maintain
mud, snow and wet traction levels, and contribute to a
smooth, quiet ride.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals. More frequent rotation is
permissible if desired. The reasons for any rapid or
unusual wear should be corrected prior to rotation being
performed.
264 STARTING AND OPERATING