2005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER battery

CAUTION!
•Many accessories that can be plugged into the 12
volt power outlet, draw power from the vehicle’s
battery, even when not in use; i.e. cellular phones,
etc. Eventually, if plugged in long enough, the
vehicle’s battery will discharge sufficiently to
degrade battery life and/or prevent engine start-
ing.
•Accessories that draw higher power such as cool-
ers, vacuum cleaners, lights, etc., will discharge
the battery even more quickly. Only use these
intermittently and with greater caution.
•After the use of high power draw accessories, or
long periods of the vehicle not being started,
(with accessories still plugged in), the vehicle
must be driven a sufficient length of time to allow
the generator to recharge the vehicle’s battery.
STORAGE
Front Seat Storage Bin
The storage bin is located under the front passenger’s
seat. To openlift up on the handleand pull the storage
binforward.
Front Seat Storage Bin
116 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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“OFF”
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 (below
20°For
29°C)
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
“NORMAL STARTING”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
“NORMAL STARTING”procedure.
STARTING AND OPERATING 183
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS

Hazard Warning Flasher..................232

If Your Engine Overheats.................233

Jacking And Tire Changing................235
▫Jack Location........................235
▫Spare Tire Stowage....................236
▫Preparations For Jacking................237
▫Jacking Instructions....................238

Jump-Starting Procedures Due To A Low
Battery..............................240
Driving On Slippery Surfaces..............243
▫Acceleration.........................243
▫Traction............................243

Freeing A Stuck Vehicle..................244

Towing A Disabled Vehicle................245
▫With Ignition Key.....................245
▫Without The Ignition Key...............246

Convertible Top Manual Override...........247
6

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is on top of the steering column,
just behind the steering wheel. Depress the switch
and both cluster indicators and all front and rear direc-
tional signals will flash. Depress the switch again to turn
Hazard Warning Flashers off.Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.
If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may wear down
your battery.
Hazard Flasher Switch
232 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

100 ft. lbs (135 N·m). If you doubt that you have
tightened the nuts correctly, have them checked with a
torque wrench by your dealer or at a service station.
8. Remove the wheel blocks and lower the jack until it is
free. Stow the lug wrench, replaced tire, and jack. Secure
all parts using the means provided.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the ve-
hicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in
the places provided.
9. Place the deflated (flat) tire in the cargo area,have the
tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
WARNING!
A loose tire thrown forward in a collision or hard
stop could injure the occupants in the vehicle. Have
the deflated (flat) tire repaired or replaced immedi-
ately.
10. Check the tire pressure as soon as possible. Correct
pressure as required.
JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES DUE TO A LOW
BATTERY
WARNING!
Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever
the hood is raised. It can start anytime the ignition
switch is on. You can be hurt by the fan.
240 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.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 241
6

WARNING!
Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not
allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or clothing.
Don’t lean over battery when attaching clamps or
allow the clamps to touch each other. If acid splashes
in eyes or on skin, flush the contaminated area
immediately with large quantities of water.
A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away
from the vent holes. Do not use a booster battery or
any other booster source with an output that exceeds
12 volts.
5. Connect the other cable, first to the negative terminal
of the booster battery and then to the negative jump start
terminal, located near the hood release latch, of the
vehicle with the discharged battery. Make sure you have
a good contact.6. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position for 3
seconds before moving the ignition switch to the START
position.
7. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
Negative Jump Start
242 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CONVERTIBLE TOP MANUAL OVERRIDE
If your vehicle is experiencing electrical failure (low
battery, etc.) and it is necessary to raise the convertible
top, perform the following steps:
1. Locate the convertible top motor bleeder screw, which
is found in the trunk under the convertible top storage
area.
2. Turn the screw counterclockwise until the screw stops.
This will relieve the hydraulic pressure and allow the
convertible top to be raised manually.
3. Using the latch handle raise the top until the two pins
seat themselves in the windshield header.
4. Rotate the latch handle clockwise to open the latches.
Bleeder Screw
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 247
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