2005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER Owners Manual

CAUTION!
To avoid damaging the electrical conductors, do not
use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abrasive window
cleaners on the interior surface of the rear window.
Labels can be peeled off after soaking with warm
water.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 177
4

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures.....................182
▫Automatic Transaxle...................182
▫Manual Transaxle.....................182
▫Normal Starting......................182
▫Extremely Cold Weather (Below
20°F
Or
29°C) ..........................183
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................183
▫After Starting........................184
▫Turbocharger“Cool Down”..............184
Automatic Transaxle—If Equipped.........185
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock System.......186
▫Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock
System.............................186
▫Four Speed Automatic Transaxle..........186
▫Reset Mode.........................187
▫Gear Ranges For Four Speed Automatic
Transaxle...........................187

AutoStick—If Equipped.................190
▫AutoStick Operation...................190
5

▫AutoStick General Information............190

Manual Transaxle Operation...............191
▫2.4 Liter Turbo—If Equipped.............193
▫Recommended Shift Speeds..............194
▫Downshifting........................194

Parking Brake.........................195

Brake System..........................197
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)—If Equipped . 198

Power Assisted Steering..................199

Traction Control—If Equipped............200

Tire Safety Information...................201
▫Tire Markings........................201
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........205▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........206

Ti re s—General Information................210
▫Tire Pressure.........................210
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................211
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................214
▫Compact Spare Tire—If Equipped.........214
▫Limited Use Spare—If Equipped.........215
▫Tire Spinning........................216
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................216
▫Replacement Tires.....................217
▫Alignment And Balance.................218

Tire Chains...........................219

Snow Tires...........................219
180 STARTING AND OPERATING

Tire Rotation Recommendations............220

Fuel Requirements......................221
▫2.4L Standard Engine And 2.4L Standard Turbo
Engine.............................221
▫2.4L High Output Turbo Engine...........221
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................222
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............222
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................223
▫Materials Added To Fuel................223▫Fuel System Cautions..................223
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............224

Adding Fuel..........................225
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............225

Vehicle Loading........................227

Trailer Towing.........................227
▫Warranty...........................228
STARTING AND OPERATING 181
5

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling, especially at high
engine speeds can cause excessive exhaust tempera-
tures which can damage your vehicle. Do not leave
your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Automatic Transaxle
The gear selector must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting to any driving gear.
NOTE:You must press the brake pedal before shifting
out of Park.
Manual Transaxle
Before starting the engine fully apply the parking brake,
press the clutch pedal to the floor and place the gear
selector in NEUTRAL.
NOTE:The engine will not start unless the clutch pedal
is pressed to the floor.
Normal Starting
Normal Starting of either a cold or a warm engine does
not require pumping or depressing the accelerator pedal.
Simply turn the ignition switch to the“START’”position
and release when the engine starts. If the engine has not
182 STARTING AND OPERATING

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
5

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.
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.
Turbocharger“Cool Down”
NOTE:Letting the engine idle after severe operation
allows the turbine housing to cool to normal operating
temperature.
The following chart should be used as a guide in deter-
minning the amount of engine idle time required to
sufficiently cool down the turbocharger before shut
down, depending upon the type of driving and the
amount of cargo.
184 STARTING AND OPERATING