2006 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER brake

the ON position. The light should illuminate for approxi-
mately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless
the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected.
If the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected
by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
13. Charging System Light
This light shows the status of the electrical charg-
ing system. The light should come on briefly when
the ignition switch is first turned ON and remain on
briefly as a bulb check. If the light stays on or comes on
while driving, it means that there is a problem with the
charging system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY.14. Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. If the engine is critically hot, a warning chime
will sound 10 times. After the chime turns off, the
engine will still be critically hot until the light goes out.
15. Seat Belt Reminder Light
When the ignition switch is first turned ON, this
light will come on for about six seconds. A chime
will sound if you have not pulled the shoulder belt
out of the retractor. This is a reminder to “buckle up”. If
you do not buckle up, the light will remain on.
16. Theft Alarm Light — If Equipped
This light will flash rapidly for several seconds when the
alarm system is arming. The light will begin to flash
slowly indicating that the system is armed. (See page 36
for more information.)
226 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

17. Low Fuel Light
When the fuel level drops to 2 gallons, the fuel
symbol will light and a single chime will sound.
18. Anti-Lock Warning Light (ABS) — If Equipped
This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) described elsewhere in this manual. This
light will come on when the ignition key is
turned to the ON position and may stay on for
as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or comes on during driving,
it indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required, however,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally provided that the BRAKE warning light is not
on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefit of Anti-Lock
Brakes.The warning light should be checked frequently to assure
that it is operating properly. Turn the ignition key to the
on position, but do not start the vehicle. The light should
come on. If the light does not come on, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
19. Front Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped
This light shows when the front fog lights are ON.
(See page 183 for more information.)
20. Airbag Light
The light comes on and remains on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the light does not
come on during starting, stays on, or comes on
while driving, have the system checked by an authorized
dealer. (See page 103 for more information.)
21. Oil Pressure Light
Shows low engine oil pressure. The light will come
on and remain on when the ignition switch is
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 227
4

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures.....................280
▫Automatic Transaxle...................280
▫Manual Transaxle.....................280
▫Normal Starting......................280
▫Extremely Cold Weather
(Below
20°F Or
29°C)................281
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................281
▫After Starting........................282
▫Turbocharger “Cool Down”..............282
Automatic Transaxle — If Equipped.........284
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock System.......285
▫Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System . 285
▫Four Speed Automatic Transaxle..........285
▫Reset Mode.........................285
▫Gear Ranges For Four Speed Automatic
Transaxle...........................286

AutoStick — If Equipped.................289
▫AutoStick Operation...................289
5

▫AutoStick General Information............289

Manual Transaxle Operation...............290
▫2.4 Liter Turbo— If Equipped.............292
▫Recommended Shift Speeds..............292
▫Downshifting........................293

Parking Brake.........................294

Brake System..........................296
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) — If Equipped . 297

Power Steering........................299

Traction Control — If Equipped............300

Tire Safety Information...................302
▫Tire Markings........................302
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........306▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........307

Tires—General Information................311
▫Tire Pressure.........................311
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................312
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................314
▫Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped.........315
▫Limited Use Spare — If Equipped.........316
▫Tire Spinning........................316
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................317
▫LifeOfTire .........................318
▫Replacement Tires.....................318
▫Alignment And Balance.................319

Tire Chains...........................320
278 STARTING AND OPERATING

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
280 STARTING AND OPERATING

AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE — IF EQUIPPED
CAUTION!
Damage to the transaxle may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:
•Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
•Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the vehicle has
come to a complete stop and the engine is at idle
speed.
•Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL into
any forward gear when the engine is above idle speed.
•Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal.NOTE:You MUST press and hold the brake pedal down
while shifting out of Park.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of “P” or
“N” if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when
the engine is idling normally and when your right
foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
284 STARTING AND OPERATING

Brake/Transmission Interlock System
This system prevents you from moving the gear shift out
of Park and into any gear unless the brake pedal is
pressed. This system is active only while the ignition
switch is in the ON or ACC positions. Always depress the
brake pedal first,before moving the gear selector out of
PARK.
NOTE:If a malfunction occurs, the system will function
normally, except you may be able to shift the vehicle from
PARK, without depressing the brake pedal. If this occurs
obtain service as soon as possible.
Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System
This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK and the shift knob push button
is out. It also prevents shifting out of PARK unless the
key is in the ACC or ON positions, and the brake pedal
is depressed.NOTE:If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the
key in the ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety
feature is inoperable. The engine can be started and
stopped but the key cannot be removed until you obtain
service.
Four Speed Automatic Transaxle
The electronically controlled transaxle provides a precise
shift schedule. The transaxle electronics are self calibrat-
ing; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle may be
somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and preci-
sion shifts will develop within a few shift cycles.
Reset Mode
The transaxle is monitored electronically for abnormal
conditions. If a condition is detected that could cause
damage, the transaxle shifts automatically into second
gear. The transaxle remains in second gear despite the
forward gear selected. Park (P), Reverse (R), and Neutral
STARTING AND OPERATING 285
5

(N) will continue to operate. This second gear limp-in
feature allows the vehicle to be driven to a dealer for
service without damaging the transaxle.
In the event that the problem has been momentary, the
transaxle can be reset to regain all forward gears.
Stop the vehicle and shift into Park (P).
Turn the Key to OFF then restart the engine.
Shift into D and resume driving.
NOTE:Even if the transaxle can be reset, it is recom-
mended that you visit a dealer at your earliest possible
convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equipment to
determine if the problem could recur.
If the transaxle cannot be reset, dealer service is required.Gear Ranges For Four Speed Automatic
Transaxle
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL positions into another gear range.
“P” Park
Supplements the parking brake by locking the transmis-
sion. The engine can be started in this range. Never use P
(Park) while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking
brake when leaving the vehicle in this range. Always
apply the parking brake first, and then place the selector
in P (Park) position.
286 STARTING AND OPERATING