2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER parking brake

PARKING BRAKE
When the parking brake is applied with the
ignition on, the Brake Light in the instrument
cluster will come on.
NOTE:This light only shows that the parking brake is
on. It does not show the degree of brake application.
If the parking brake is applied while the vehicle is
moving, a chime will sound to alert the driver. The chime
will sound up to 10 times or until the vehicle has
returned to a stop.
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is set. To set the parking brake, pull up firmly on
the lever. Also place the gear selector in the Park position
(automatic transaxle) or Reverse (manual transaxle). To
release the parking brake, apply the brake pedal, pull upslightly on the lever, then depress the button on the end
of the lever and push the lever fully down toward the
floor.
NOTE:The parking brake lever will not release unless
the lever is pulled up slightly past its applied position.
192 STARTING AND OPERATING

When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the gear selector in Park, otherwise
the load on the automatic transaxle locking mechanism
may make it difficult to move the selector 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!
²Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dan-
gerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be injured. Children should be warned not
to touch the parking brake or the gear selector.
Don't leave the keys in the ignition. A child could
operate power windows, 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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 193
5

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.
232 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
axle cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could
enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables
may be used to obtain a start from another vehicle.
This type of start can be dangerous if done improp-
erly, so follow this procedure carefully.
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.2. When boosting from a battery in another vehicle, park
that vehicle within booster cable reach but without
letting the vehicles touch. Set parking brake, place auto-
matic transaxle in PARK (manual transaxle in NEU-
TRAL) and turn ignition to OFF for both vehicles.
3. Turn off the heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.
4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the booster battery. Connect the other end of
the jumper cable to the positive jump start terminal,
located near the Power Distribution Center, of the vehicle
with the discharged battery.
236 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Procedure For Checking Fluid Level
To properly check the automatic transaxle fluid level, the
following procedure must be used:
1. The vehicle must be on level ground.
2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
3. Fully apply parking brake.
4. Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (PARK).
5. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or warm. Hot fluid is approximately 180ÉF (82ÉC) which
is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle has
been driven at least 24 km (15 miles). The fluid cannot be
comfortable held between the finger tips. Warm is when
the fluid is between 85É to 125ÉF (29É to 52ÉC).6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
If the fluid is hot, reading should be in the cross hatched
area marked ªHOTº between the upper two holes in the
dipstick.
274 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Autostick...........................135,187
Back-Up Lights......................... 289
Ball Joints............................. 262
Battery............................... 259
Keyless Transmitter Replacement............ 25
Belts, Drive............................ 256
Belts, Engine........................... 258
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 262
B-Pillar Location........................ 202
Brake Fluid............................ 292
Brake, Parking.......................... 192
Brake System........................194,270
Anti-Lock........................... 194
Hoses.............................. 270
Master Cylinder....................... 271
Parking............................. 192
Warning Light........................ 132
Brakes.............................194,270Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 184
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 59
Bulb Replacement.....................286,287
Bulbs, Light............................ 286
Calibration, Compass..................... 107
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 290
Capacities, Fluid........................ 290
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 221
Radiator............................ 267
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 220
Cargo Compartment
Luggage Carrier....................... 119
Carrier, Luggage........................ 119
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance......... 165
Cassette Tape Player..................... 138
Catalytic Converter...................... 256
Caution, Exhaust Gas...................... 59
INDEX 327
10

Odometer............................. 133
Trip .............................133,135
Oil, Engine.........................251,290
Capacity............................ 290
Change Interval....................... 252
Checking............................ 251
Disposal............................ 255
Filter............................... 255
Identification Logo..................... 254
Materials Added to..................... 255
Quality............................. 254
Recommendation...................253,290
Synthetic............................ 255
Viscosity............................ 254
Oil Pressure Light....................... 129
Onboard Diagnostic System..............248,249
Operator Manuals......................... 4
Outside Air Intake....................... 172
Overdrive............................. 186Overhead Console....................... 104
Overhead Travel Information Center.......... 104
Overheating, Engine...................... 228
Owner's Manual.......................4,322
Paint Care............................. 276
Panel Rear Shelf......................... 114
Panic Alarm............................ 23
Parking Brake.......................... 192
Passing Light........................... 97
Pets.................................. 58
Phone, Cellular.......................... 70
Phone, Hands-Free....................... 70
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 202
Power
Distribution Center..................... 282
Door Locks........................... 19
Outlet.............................. 110
Steering..........................196,261
INDEX 335
10