transmission CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2010 1.G User Guide

Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable
Features)
This allows the driver to set and recall features when the
shift lever is in PARK (automatic transmission) or the
vehicle is stopped (manual transmission).
Press and release the EVIC button until “Personal Set-
tings” is displayed in the EVIC.
Use the EVIC button to display one of the following
choices:
Language
When in this display you may select different languages
for all display nomenclature, including the trip functions.
Pressing the EVIC button while in this display selects
English, Espanol, Deutsch, Italiano, or Francais depend-
ing on availability. As you continue, the displayed infor-
mation will be shown in the selected language.NOTE:
Uconnect™ language will not change using the
EVIC. Please refer to “Language Selection” in
“Uconnect™ — If Equipped” for details.
Lock Doors Automatically at 15 MPH (24 km/h)
When ON is selected, all doors lock automatically when
the speed of the vehicle reaches 15 mph (24 km/h). Press
and hold the EVIC button when in this display until ON
or OFF appears, to make your selection.
Auto Unlock On Exit
When ON is selected all the vehicle’s doors will unlock
when the driver’s door is opened if the vehicle is stopped
(manual transmission) or the vehicle is stopped and the
shift lever is in PARK or NEUTRAL position (automatic
transmission). Press and hold the EVIC button when in
this display until ON or OFF appears to make your
selection.
164 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 192
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 192
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 192
▫ Extreme Cold Weather (Below 20°F Or
29°C) ............................ 193
▫ If The Engine Fails To Start ............. 193
▫ After Starting ....................... 194
 Automatic Transmission ................. 194
▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock ............. 195▫
Brake/Transmission Interlock System ...... 195
▫ Four-Speed Automatic Transmission ....... 196
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 197
 AutoStick — If Equipped ............... 200
▫ Operation ......................... 200
▫ General Information .................. 201
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 202
▫ Acceleration ........................ 202
▫ Traction ........................... 202
5

▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 243
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 244
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 244
 Trailer Towing ........................ 246
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 246▫
Towing Tips ........................ 257
 Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 258
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 258
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STARTING AND OPERATING 191

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before 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
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
Automatic Transmission
The shift lever must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
and press the shift lever knob button before shifting to
any driving gear.NOTE:
You must press the brake pedal before shifting
out of PARK.
Normal Starting
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine does
not require pumping or pressing 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 press the accelera-
tor 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.
192 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING!
It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle
speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal,
the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only move the shift lever
into gear when the engine is idling normally and
when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
You must step on the brake pedal and press the shift lever
knob button before you will be able to shift out of PARK.
194 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
•Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
•Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.
•Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL
into any forward gear when the engine is above
idle speed.
•Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly on the brake pedal.
NOTE: You must step on the brake pedal and press the
shift lever knob button before you will be able to move
the shift lever out of PARK.
Key Ignition Park Interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Inter-
lock which requires the shift lever to be placed in PARK
prior to rotating the key to the LOCK position. The key
can only be removed from the ignition when the ignition
is in the LOCK position and once removed the shift lever
is locked in PARK.
Brake/Transmission Interlock System
This system prevents you from moving the shift lever out
of PARK and into any gear unless the brake pedal is
pressed. This system is active only while the ignition
switch is in the ON or ACC position. Always step on the
brake pedal and press the shift lever knob button
before shifting out of PARK.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 195

NOTE:If a malfunction occurs, the system will function
normally, except you may be able to shift the vehicle from
PARK, without pressing the brake pedal. If this occurs
obtain service from an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock System
This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK and the shift lever knob
pushbutton is out. It also prevents moving the shift lever
out of PARK unless the key is in the ACC or ON position,
and the brake pedal is pressed.
NOTE: If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the
key in the ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety
feature is inoperable. The engine can be started and
stopped but the key cannot be removed until you obtain
service.
Four-Speed Automatic Transmission
NOTE: Under extreme cold temperatures (-6°F (-21°C)
and when in DRIVE, transmission operation may be
briefly limited to only second gear operation. Normal
operation will resume once the transmission temperature
has risen to a suitable level.
The electronically-controlled transmission provides a
precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few
shift cycles.
196 STARTING AND OPERATING

RESET Mode
The transmission is monitored electronically for abnor-
mal conditions. If a condition is detected that could cause
damage, the transmission shifts automatically into sec-
ond gear. The transmission remains in second gear
despite the forward gear selected. PARK, REVERSE, and
NEUTRAL will continue to operate. This second gear
limp-in feature allows the vehicle to be driven to an
authorized dealer for service without damaging the
transmission.
In the event that the problem has been momentary, the
transmission can be reset to regain all forward gears:
1. Stop the vehicle and move the shift lever into PARK.
2. Turn the ignition to OFF then restart the engine.
3. Move the shift lever into DRIVE and resume driving.
4. If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, it is
recommended that you visit an authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL positions into another gear range.
PARK
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never use PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply
the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this range.
Always apply the parking brake first, and then move the
shift lever into the PARK position.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 197

NEUTRAL
This range is used when vehicle is standing for pro-
longed periods with engine running. Engine may be
started in this range. Set the parking brake if you must
leave the vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have an accident.
DRIVE/OVERDRIVE
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides smoothest upshifts and downshifts,
and best fuel economy.When frequent transmission shifting occurs while using
the DRIVE/OVERDRIVE range, such as when operating
the vehicle under heavy loading conditions (in hilly
terrain, traveling into strong head winds, or while towing
trailers), use third gear.
DRIVE — 3rd
This range eliminates shifts into OVERDRIVE. The trans-
mission will operate normally in first and second gear
while in this range.
NOTE:
Using third gear while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance, fuel economy, and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat build up.
Use third gear when descending steep grades to prevent
brake system distress.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 199

LOW — 1st
This range should be used for maximum engine braking
when descending steep grades. In this range, up shifts
will occur only to prevent engine over speed while down
shifts from second to first gear will occur as early as
possible.
AUTOSTICK— IF EQUIPPED
AutoStickis a driver-interactive transmission that offers
manual gear-shifting capability to provide you with more
control. AutoStick allows you to maximize engine brak-
ing, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and
improve overall vehicle performance. This system can
also provide you with more control during passing, city
driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving,
trailer towing, and many other situations.
Operation
The AutoStick position is just below the OVERDRIVE
position and is identified by the word “AutoStick”. When you move the shift lever into the AutoStick
position, it
can be moved from side to side. Moving the lever to the
left (-) triggers a downshift and to the right (+) an upshift.
The gear position will be shown in the gear display,
located in the instrument cluster.
NOTE:
•In AutoStick mode, the transmission will only shift
up and down when the driver manually moves the
shift lever right (D+) or left (D-).
•An UPSHIFT message will appear in the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) portion of the in-
strument cluster. This message appears in order to
alert the driver to upshift to the next gear. The
UPSHIFT message will display while operating the
vehicle at higher engine revolutions per minute
(RPM).
200 STARTING AND OPERATING