2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER window

The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the transmission shift lever into the P
(Park) position:
²When shifting into P (Park), depress the button on the
shift lever 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 P (Park) position.
²When engaged in P (Park), you will not be able to
move the shifter rearward without depressing the shift
lever button.
CAUTION!
Before moving the shift lever out of P (Park), you must
turn the ignition from LOCK to ON so the steering
wheel and shift lever are released. Otherwise, damage
to the steering column or shifter could result.
ªRº Reverse
Shift into this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
ªNº Neutral
Engine may be started in this range.
ªDº Overdrive
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides smoothest up shifts and down shifts
and best fuel economy.
When frequent transaxle shifting occurs while using the
Overdrive range, such as when operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions (in hilly terrain, travel-
ing into strong head winds, or while towing trailers), use
the ª3º range.
186 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

²The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers is not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer and may not be
covered under the New Vehicle Warranty.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
²Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
²Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
²Keep the liftgate closed when driving your vehicle to
prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous ex-
haust gases from entering the vehicle.
220 STARTING AND OPERATING

Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle has plastic headlights that are lighter and
less susceptible to stone breakage than glass headlights.
Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.
To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol-
lowed by rinsing.
Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel
wool or other aggressive material to clean the lenses.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with any commercial household-type glass cleaner.
Never use an abrasive type cleaner. Use caution whencleaning inside rear windows equipped with electric
defrosters. Do not use scrapers or other sharp instru-
ments which may scratch the elements.
Instrument Panel Cover
The instrument panel cover has a low glare surface which
minimizes reflections in the windshield. Do not use
protectants or other products which may cause undesir-
able reflections. Use soap and warm water to restore the
low glare surface.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in the vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content of abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 281
7

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System.............. 194
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 267
Adding Fuel........................... 221
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 175
Additives, Fuel......................... 219
Air Cleaner, Engine...................... 258
Air Conditioning........................ 261
Air Conditioning Controls................. 166
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 171
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 261
Air Conditioning System................166,261
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 207
Airbag................................ 41
Airbag Deployment....................... 48
Airbag Light.....................45,50,60,134
Airbag Maintenance....................... 49
Airbag, Side............................ 47
Alarm, Panic............................ 23
Alarm System........................26,129Alignment and Balance................... 213
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 164
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........267,290,291
Capacities........................... 290
Anti-Lock Brake System................... 194
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 131
Anti-Theft Security Alarm.................. 26
Appearance Care........................ 276
Auto Down Power Windows................ 31
Automatic Door Locks..................... 20
Automatic Transaxle..............12,180,183,273
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 275
Fluid Level Check...................273,274
Interlock System.....................18,184
Reset Mode.......................... 184
Selection Of Lubricant................... 273
Shifting............................. 185
Special Additives...................... 276
326 INDEX

Radiator Cap......................... 267
Selection of Coolant.................... 267
Corrosion Protection..................... 276
Crankcase Emission Control System.......... 258
Cruise Light........................... 133
Cup Holder............................ 112
Customer Assistance..................... 316
Dealer Service.......................... 250
Defroster, Rear Window................... 173
Defroster, Windshield................60,168,169
Delay Wipers........................... 99
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 248
Dimmer Switch, Headlight.................. 97
Disposal
Engine Oil........................... 255
Door Ajar............................. 133
Door Locks............................. 18
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 20Downshifting.......................... 191
Drive Belts............................ 256
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 238
Electric Rear Window Defrost............... 173
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 68
Electrical Power Outlets................... 110
Electronic Power Distribution Center.......... 282
Electronic Speed Control................... 101
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 230
Jump Starting......................... 235
Towing............................. 240
Emergency Trunk Release................... 29
Emission Control System Maintenance......249,294
Engine............................246,247
Break-In Recommendations................ 59
Checking Oil Level..................... 251
INDEX 329
10

Steering, Checking..................... 261
Sunroof............................. 108
Windows............................. 30
Power Steering Fluid..................... 292
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 41
Preparation for Jacking.................... 232
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................. 41
Programming Transmitters.................. 24
Radial Ply Tires......................... 210
Radiator Cap........................... 267
Radio..........................138,148,154
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 136
Radio Operation......................148,166
Radio, Satellite.......................... 161
Rear Liftgate............................ 28
Rear Seat, Folding......................86,88
Rear Seat Removal........................ 90Rear Shelf Panel......................... 114
Rear Window........................... 31
Rear Window Defroster................... 173
Rear Window Features.................... 173
Rear Wiper/Washer...................... 174
Reclining Front Seats...................... 84
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts............................... 291
Remote Keyless Entry..................... 22
Replacement Bulbs....................... 286
Replacement Keys........................ 16
Replacement Parts....................... 250
Replacement Tires....................... 212
Reporting Safety Defects................... 321
Restraints, Child.......................50,56
Restraints, Infant......................... 51
Roof Rack............................. 119
Rotation, Tires.......................... 215
336 INDEX

Side Airbag............................. 47
Side Window Demisters................... 173
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............... 238
Snow Tires............................ 214
Spare Tire............................. 231
Spark Plugs............................ 256
Speed Control.......................101,133
Speedometer........................... 130
Speedometer and Odometer................ 126
Starting............................... 180
Automatic Transmission................. 180
Engine Fails to Start.................... 181
Manual Transmission................... 180
Starting Procedures...................... 180
Steering
Power...........................196,261
Tilt Column.......................... 100
Wheel Lock........................... 17
Storage............................ 114,285Storage Bin............................ 114
Stuck, Freeing.......................... 239
Sulfur in Gasoline....................... 218
Sun Roof.............................. 108
Sun Visor Extension....................... 70
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag........ 41
Synthetic Engine Oil...................... 255
System, Navigation...................... 161
Tachometer............................ 131
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......130,229
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint............... 55
Theft Alarm............................ 26
Theft System............................ 26
Tilt Steering Column..................... 100
Tire and Loading Information Placard......... 202
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 201
Tire Markings.......................... 197
Tire Safety Information.................... 197
338 INDEX