2005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER ignition

bolster, instrument panel and the steering wheel and
column. If the key is in the OFF position, in the ACC
position, or not in the ignition switch, the airbags are
not on and will not inflate.
The airbag control module also turns on the
AIRBAG light in the instrument panel for 6 to
8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned ON, then turns the light off. If the front or side
airbag control modules detect a malfunction in any
part of the system, the airbag light will turn on either
momentarily or continuously.WARNING!
Ignoring the AIRBAG light in your instrument panel
could mean you won’t have the airbags to protect
you in a collision. If the light does not come on, stays
on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as you
drive, have the airbag system checked right away.
•When the airbag control module detects a collision
requiring the front airbags, it signals the inflator units.
A large quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to inflate
the front airbags. The front airbag covers separate and
fold out of the way as the front airbags inflate to their
full size. The front airbags fully inflate in about 50
milliseconds. This is only about half of the time it takes
you to blink your eyes. The front airbags then quickly
deflate while helping to restrain the driver and front
passenger. The driver’s front airbag gas is vented
through the airbag material towards the instrument
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 45
2

panel. The passenger’s front airbag gas is vented
through vent holes in the sides of the airbag. In this
way the front airbags do not interfere with your
control of the vehicle.
•TheKnee Impact Bolstershelp protect the knees and
position you for the best interaction with the front
airbags.
Side Airbags Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS)—If Equipped
If so equipped, the airbag control module determines if a
side collision is severe enough to require the side airbags
to inflate. The airbag control module will not detect roll
over, front or rear collisions.
The Airbag Control Module monitors the readiness of the
electronic parts of the system whenever the ignition
switch is in the START or ON positions. These include all
of the items listed under“The Side Airbag System”,on
vehicles equipped, consists of the following”.In moderate to severe side collisions, the side airbag
inflator on the crash side of the vehicle is triggered,
releasing a quantity of nontoxic gas. The inflating side
airbag exits through the seat seam into the space between
the occupant and the door. The side airbag moves at a
very high speed and with such a high force, that it could
injure you if you are not seated properly, or if items are
positioned in the area where the side airbag inflates. This
especially applies to children.If A Deployment Occurs
The airbag systems are designed to deploy when the
airbag control module detects a moderate-to-severe col-
lision, to help restrain the driver and front passenger, and
then immediately deflate.
NOTE:A collision that is not severe enough to need
airbag protection will not activate the system. This does
not mean something is wrong with the airbag system.
46 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
•Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured because the airbags are not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or
the upper right side of the instrument panel. Do
not modify the front bumper, vehicle body struc-
ture, or frame.
•You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee bolsters.
•It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has airbags.
Airbag Light
You will want to have the airbags ready to inflate for your
protection in a collision. While the airbag system is
designed to be maintenance free, if any of the following
occurs, have an authorized dealer service the system
immediately.
•The AIRBAG light does not come on or flickers during
the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned on.
•The light remains on or flickers after the 6 to 8 second
interval.
•The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.
48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc. If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the LED is not lit during starting, have it
checked. If the light stays on or comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid or brake
fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be located and
corrected immediately.
58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

1. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
2. Release the top from the windshield header by pulling
down on the latch handle and turning the latch handle
clockwise until it stops.3. Press the Power Top Switch to disengage the top pins
from the header, turn the handle counterclockwise and
raise the handle to the stowed position.
NOTE:The Power Top Switch has two detent positions
for lowering the convertible top. Pressing and holding
the Power Top Switch lightly in the first detent position
will lower the windows slightly and the convertible top
to the full down position. Pressing and holding the
switch in the second detent position will lower all four
windows completely and the top to the full down posi-
tion.
Releasing Convertible Top Latches
64 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

To Raise The Top:
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to the convertible top or its com-
ponents, your vehicle is equipped with a feature that
prevents convertible top operation at speeds over 10
mph (16 km/h).
CAUTION!
To fully insure that no damage occurs, be sure that
the vehicle is at a complete stop with the gear
selector in the Park position (automatic transaxle) or
in the Neutral position (manual transaxle) before
lowering or raising the top.
1. Remove the convertible top boot cover, if equipped.
Refer to Convertible Top Boot Cover Removal and Stor-
age, in this section.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position.
3. Press the Power Top Switch to raise the top. Before the
top reaches the windshield, open the latch handle and
turn the handle clockwise to open the latches. Press the
switch again to continue raising the top until the two pins
seat themselves in the windshield header.
NOTE:If the top is not latched right away, it may be
necessary to press the power top switch,“UP”or
“DOWN”quickly, to align the pins to the windshield
header.
4. Pull down on the latch handle and rotate it counter-
clockwise to engage the latches.
66 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Lights
•
Briefly press the“Right”button to toggle the right
reading lamp“ON/OFF”. Repeat the key press to
cycle the light.
•Briefly press the“Left”button to toggle the left
reading lamp“ON/OFF”. Repeat the key press to
cycle the light.
NOTE:The light can be activated with the ignition off.
NOTE:The light(s) will automatically shut off after
seven minutes with ignition off.
Temperature
Press and hold the“Right”button for 5–10 seconds (until
°F/°C toggles in the display) then release the button.
Repeat the key press to cycle the°F/°C in the display.
Display ON/OFF
Press and hold the“Right”button for 10–15 seconds
(until display toggles ON/OFF) then release the button.
Repeat the key press to cycle the display ON/OFF.
NOTE:The display will default“ON”at each new
ignition cycle.
76 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Heated Seats—If Equipped
This feature heats the front driver’s and passenger’s
seats. The control for the heater is located on the out-
board side of each seat. After turning on the ignition, you
may choose from HIGH, or LOW heat settings. An
indicator on the switch shows which setting has been
chosen.
Press the switch once to select a heat setting (high or low)
and press the switch a second time in the same direction
to turn the heated seat off.
NOTE:Once a heat setting is selected, heat will be felt
within 2 to 3 minutes.
Heated Seat Switch
86 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE