2005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER power steering

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

A Word About Your Keys..................12
▫Ignition Key Removal...................12
▫Locking Doors With The Key..............14
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder................14

Sentry Key............................14
▫Replacement Keys......................16
▫Sentry Key Programming.................16
▫General Information....................17

Steering Wheel Lock—If Equipped..........17▫If You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering
Wheel..............................17
▫To Release The Steering Wheel Lock.........17
▫Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System . .18

Door Locks............................18
▫Manual Door Locks.....................18
▫Power Door Locks.....................19
▫Central Locking/Unlocking...............20
▫Automatic Door Locks...................20
2

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

Electric Remote-Control Mirrors
Use the mirror select switch, located to the left of the
steering column on the instrument panel, to adjust the
view obtained in the outside mirrors. Press the L or R
button for Left or Right mirror selection. Use the center
off position to guard against accidentally moving a
mirror position.
Select a mirror and press one of the four arrows for the
direction you want the mirror to move.
Power Mirror Switches
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 79
3

RADIO GENERAL INFORMATION
Radio Broadcast Signals
Your new radio will provide excellent reception under
most operating conditions. Like any system, however, car
radios have performance limitations, due to mobile op-
eration and natural phenomena, which might lead you to
believe your sound system is malfunctioning. To help
you understand and save you concern about these“ap-
parent”malfunctions, you must understand a point or
two about the transmission and reception of radio sig-
nals.
Two Types of Signals
There are two basic types of radio signals... AM or
Amplitude Modulation, in which the transmitted sound
causes the amplitude, or height, of the radio waves to
vary... and FM or Frequency Modulation, in which the
frequency of the wave is varied to carry the sound.
Electrical Disturbances
Radio waves may pick up electrical disturbances during
transmission. They mainly affect the wave amplitude,
and thus remain a part of the AM reception. They
interfere very little with the frequency variations that
carry the FM signal.
AM Reception
AM sound is based on wave amplitude, so AM reception
can be disrupted by such things as lightning, power lines
and neon signs.
FM Reception
Because FM transmission is based on frequency varia-
tions, interference that consists of amplitude variations
can be filtered out, leaving the reception relatively clear,
which is the major feature of FM radio.
NOTE:On vehicles so equipped the radio, steering
wheel radio controls and 6 disc CD/DVD changer will
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 135
4

▫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

WARNING!
•Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
•The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 199
5

▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............267
▫Power Steering—Fluid Check............268
▫Front Suspension Ball Joints..............268
▫Body Lubrication.....................269
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................269
▫Windshield Washer Reservoir.............270
▫Exhaust System......................271
▫Cooling System.......................272
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......277
▫Fuel System Connections................277
▫Brake System........................278
▫Automatic Transaxle...................280
▫Manual Transaxle.....................284▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................284

Convertible Top Care....................290
▫Washing............................290
▫General Cleaning.....................290
▫Cloth Top Additional Cleaning Procedure....291
▫Cloth Top Protection...................292
▫Weather Strip Care....................292

Fuses...............................292
▫Underhood Fuses (Power Distribution Center) . 292
▫Interior Fuses........................295

Vehicle Storage........................297

Replacement Bulbs......................297
250 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
Power Steering—Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid types.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
There are two front suspension lower ball joints that are
permanently lubricated. Inspect these ball joints when-
ever under vehicle service is done. Damaged seals and
their corresponding potentially damaged ball joints must
be replaced.
268 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE