2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER light

dirty (noticeably poor sound), it may not be possible to
remove all deposits with a simple WET cleaning cassette.
CD/DVD DISC MAINTENANCE
To keep the CD/DVD discs 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, paper CD labels, or tape to the
disc; avoid scratching the disc.
4. Do not use solvents such as benzine, thinner, cleaners,
or antistatic 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.
RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES
Under certain conditions, the cellular phone being On in
your vehicle can cause erratic or noisy performance from
your radio. This condition may be lessened or eliminated
by relocating the cellular phone antenna. This condition
is not harmful to the radio. If your radio performance
does not satisfactorily ªclearº by the repositioning of the
antenna, it is recommended that the radio volume be
turned down or off during cellular phone operation.
CLIMATE CONTROLS
Air Conditioning
The Air Conditioning System allows you to balance the
temperature, amount, and direction of air circulating
throughout the vehicle. The controls are located on the
instrument panel, above the radio.
166 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is at each end of the
instrument panel. These nonadjustable outlets direct air
toward the side windows when the system is in either the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.
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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 173
4

started within 3 seconds, slightly depress the accelerator
pedal while continuing to crank. If the engine fails to start
within 15 seconds, turn the ignition switch to the ªOFFº
position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal
starting procedure.
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 the procedure carefully. See section 6
of this manual for jump starting instructions.
Extremely Cold Weather (below220ÉF or229ÉC)
To insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your dealer) is recommended.
If Engine Fails to Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
ªNORMAL STARTINGº procedure, it may be flooded.
Push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and
hold it there. Crank the engine for no more than 15
seconds. This should clear any excess fuel in case the
engine is flooded. Leave the ignition key in the ON
position, release the accelerator pedal and repeat the
ªNORMAL STARTINGº procedure.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
STARTING AND OPERATING 181
5

MANUAL TRANSAXLE OPERATION
NOTE:The parking brake should be engaged and the
gear selector placed in REVERSE before leaving the
vehicle, especially on an incline.
Fully depress the clutch pedal before you shift gears. As
you release the clutch pedal, lightly depress the accelera-
tor pedal.Use each gear in numerical order - do not skip a gear. Be
sure the transaxle is in FIRST gear, (not THIRD), when
starting from a standing position. Damage to the clutch
can result from starting in THIRD.
For most city driving you will find it easier to use only
the lower gears. For steady highway driving with light
accelerations, 5th gear is recommended.
Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, or
try to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal
partially engaged. This will cause abnormal wear on the
clutch.
Never shift into REVERSE until the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
NOTE:During cold weather, until the transaxle lubri-
cant is warm, you may experience slightly higher shift
efforts. This is normal and not harmful to the transaxle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 189
5

2.4 Liter TurboÐ If Equipped
The neutral position of the shift lever is located between
THIRD and FOURTH gear. This is the position the shifter
lever will return to automatically when neutral is se-
lected. When shifting into FIFTH gear, be sure to press
the shifter lever all the way to the right to avoid acciden-
tally selecting THIRD gear. Also, use care when selecting
FIRST gear to avoid accidentally selecting REVERSE.When moving the shifter lever into REVERSE press the
lever to the left until the resistance is overcome. When the
ignition switch is in the ON position, a chime will sound
to confirm that reverse has been selected and the backup
lights will illuminate.
NOTE:Listen for the audible chime to confirm RE-
VERSE gear is properly selected. Never shift into RE-
VERSE until the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
Recommended Shift Speeds
To use your manual transaxle for optimal fuel economy,
it should be upshifted as listed in table 1.
TABLE 1-MANUAL TRANSAXLE NORMAL
ACCELERATION AND CRUISE SHIFT SPEEDS
IN mph (km/h)
ENGINE
SIZE1to2 2to3 3to4 4to5
2.4L15 25 33 44
(24) (40) (53) (70)
190 STARTING AND OPERATING

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

BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with power assisted brakes as
standard equipment. In the event power assist is lost for
any reason (for example, repeated brake applications
with the engine off), the brakes will still function. How-
ever, the effort required to brake the vehicle will be much
greater than that required with the power system oper-
ating.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
If either of the two hydraulic systems lose normal capa-
bility, the remaining system will still function with some
loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident
by increased pedal travel during application and greater
pedal force required to slow or stop. In addition, if the
malfunction is caused by an internal leak, as the brake
fluid in the master cylinder drops, the brake warning
indicator will light.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Ð If Equipped
The ABS gives 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.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
tires must be properly inflated to produce accurate
signals for the computer. However, the system will
compensate when the compact spare is in use.
194 STARTING AND OPERATING

POWER ASSISTED STEERING
The power assisted steering system of your vehicle
provides mechanical steering capability in the event
power assist is lost.
If for some reason the hydraulic pressure is interrupted,
it will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions you will observe a substantial increase in
steering effort.
TRACTION CONTROL Ð IF EQUIPPED
The Traction Control System will improve acceleration
and steering on slippery surfaces by reducing tire spin.
The system reduces wheel slip and maintains traction at
the driving (front) wheels by engaing the brake on the
wheel that is losing traction. When this occurs the TRAC
indicator light located above the instrument cluster
odometer will flash. The system operates at speeds below
40 mph (64 km/h).A push-button at the center of the instrument panel,
below the radio, turns the Traction Control System ON or
OFF.
The system is always in the ªONº mode unless:
²The TRAC OFF switch has been used to turn the
system off;
196 STARTING AND OPERATING