2006 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER brakes

This is to prevent overheating of the brake system and is
a normal condition. The system will remain disabled for
about 4 minutes until the brakes have cooled. The system
will automatically reactivate and turn off the TRAC OFF
light.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, ice, or snow, turn
the Traction Control System Off before attempting to
“rock” the vehicle free.TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
NOTE:
•P (Passenger)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design
standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P” molded
into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Ex-
ample: P215/65R15 95H.
302 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
•Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles (805
km) of vehicle operation. Doing so may damage
your vehicle.
•During the first 500 miles (805 km) of trailer
towing, limit your speed to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Perform the maintenance listed in Section 8 of this
manual. When towing a trailer, never exceed the GAWR,
or GCWR, ratings.
WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
STARTING AND OPERATING 335
5

Information section of this manual on Tread Wear
Indicators for the proper inspection procedure.
When replacing tires refer to the Tires–General Infor-
mation section of this manual on Replacement Tires for
proper tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires
with a higher load carrying capacity will not increase
the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Brakes

Donotinterconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000
lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
STARTING AND OPERATING 337
5

WARNING!
Do not connect trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hy-
draulic brake lines. It can overload your brake sys-
tem and cause it to fail. You might not have brakes
when you need them and could have an accident.
Towing any trailer will increase your stopping dis-
tance. When towing you should allow for additional
space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Towing Requirements — Trailer Lights & Wiring
Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer size,
stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are required for
motoring safety.
The Trailer Tow Package may includea4and7pin
wiring harness. Use a factory approved trailer harness
and connector.NOTE:Do not cut or splice wiring into the vehicles
wiring harness.
The electrical connections are all complete to the vehicle
but you must mate the harness to a trailer connector.
Refer to the following illustrations.
4 - Pin Connector
338 STARTING AND OPERATING

Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance Section.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake And Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect the surface of the hoses and nylon tubing for
evidence of heat and mechanical damage. Hard andbrittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and exces-
sive swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particu-
lar attention should be made to examining those hose
surfaces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before a hose is replaced
based on leakage.
388 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Special Additives...................... 394
Autostick............................. 289
Back-Up Lights......................... 410
BallJoints ............................. 378
Battery............................... 375
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)..... 30,35
Belts,Drive ............................ 372
Belts, Engine........................... 374
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 379
Boot, Convertible Top..................126,130
B-Pillar Location........................ 307
Brake Fluid............................ 413
Brake, Parking.......................... 294
Brake System........................296,388
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 297
Hoses.............................. 388
Master Cylinder....................... 389
Parking............................. 294Warning Light........................ 225
Brakes.............................296,388
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 285
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle....... 113
Bulb Replacement.....................407,408
Bulbs,Light ............................ 407
Calibration, Compass..................... 237
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 411
Capacities, Fluid........................ 411
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 326
Oil (Engine)....................362,363,370
Car Washes............................ 395
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 325
Cargo Compartment
Luggage Carrier....................... 212
Carrier, Luggage........................ 212
Catalytic Converter...................... 372
INDEX 449
10

Maintenance Schedule
Schedule “A”-Non Turbo................. 429
Schedule “A”-Turbo.................... 433
Schedule “B”......................... 419
Schedule “B”-All Engines................ 419
Maintenance Schedules.................... 416
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 224,365
Manual Override, Convertible Top.........132,357
Manual, Service......................... 444
Manual Transaxle..................280,290,394
Downshifting......................... 293
Fluid Level Check...................... 394
Frequency of Fluid Change............... 394
Lubricant Selection..................... 394
Map/Reading Lights..................178,179
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 389
Mirrors ............................... 133
Electric Remote....................... 135
Outside............................. 134Rearview............................ 133
Vanity .............................. 135
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Mopar Parts.........................366,443
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 181
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 113
Occupant Classification System (OCS).......... 61
Occupant Restraints (Convertible)............. 80
Occupant Restraints (Sedan)................. 44
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 322
Odometer............................. 223
Trip .............................223,228
Oil, Engine.........................368,411
Capacity............................ 411
Change Interval....................... 369
Checking............................ 368
Disposal............................ 371
INDEX 457
10