2006 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER power steering

WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolong operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
TRACTION CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
The Traction Control System will improve acceleration
and steering on slippery surfaces by reducing tire spin.
The system reduces wheel slip and maintains traction at
the driving (front) wheels by engaging the brake on the
wheel that is losing traction. When this occurs the TRAC
indicator light located above the instrument cluster
odometer will flash. The system operates at speeds below
35 mph (56 km/h).
300 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Maintenance-Free Battery................375
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance.............377
▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............378
▫Front Suspension Ball Joints..............378
▫Body Lubrication.....................379
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................379
▫Windshield Washer Reservoir.............380
▫Exhaust System......................381
▫Cooling System.......................382
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......387
▫Fuel System Connections................387
▫Brake System........................388
▫Automatic Transaxle...................391▫Manual Transaxle.....................394
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................395

Convertible Top Care....................400
▫Washing............................400
▫General Cleaning.....................401
▫Cloth Top Additional Cleaning Procedure....402
▫ClothTopProtection ...................402
▫Weather Strip Care....................402

Integrated Power Module (IPM)............403

Vehicle Storage........................406

Replacement Bulbs......................407

Bulb Replacement......................408
360 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 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.
378 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

Chassis
Component Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.
Automatic Transmission Fluid. MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Manual Transmission Fluid. MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder MoparDOT 3, SAE J1703 should be used. If DOT 3, SAE J1703 brake
fluid is not available, then DOT 4 is acceptable. Use only recommended
brake fluids or equivalent.
Power Steering Reservoir MoparPower Steering Fluid +4 or MoparATF+4 Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 413
7

Dimmer Switch, Headlight............... 181
Engine Temperature Warning.............. 226
Fog ..........................183,227,409
Front Replacement..................... 408
Headlight Switch...................... 182
Headlights........................... 182
High Beam Indicator.................... 228
Instrument Cluster..................... 182
Interior............................. 180
Lights On Reminder.................... 182
Low Fuel............................ 227
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 224
Map Reading......................178,179
Oil Pressure.......................... 227
Rear Servicing........................ 410
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 226
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm).............. 36
Service.............................. 408
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).............. 226Traction Control....................... 301
Turn Signal..................181,183,224,409
Voltage............................. 226
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 222
Loading Vehicle......................... 329
Tires ............................... 307
Locks
Child Protection........................ 23
Door................................ 18
Power Door........................... 20
Steering Wheel......................... 18
Lubrication, Body....................... 379
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack)................. 212
Lumbar Support........................ 162
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 375
Maintenance, General..................... 367
Maintenance Procedures................... 367
456 INDEX

Filter ............................... 371
Identification Logo..................... 370
Materials Added to..................... 371
Quality ............................. 370
Recommendation....................370,411
Synthetic............................ 371
Viscosity............................ 370
Oil Pressure Light....................... 227
Onboard Diagnostic System..............364,365
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ........... 192
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual)............ 4
Outside Air Intake....................... 272
Overdrive............................. 288
Overheating, Engine...................... 344
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual)......... 4,444
PaintCare ............................. 395
Panel Rear Shelf........................ 207
Panic Alarm.......................... 26,33Parking Brake.......................... 294
Passenger Seat Back Tilt (Easy Entry System).... 163
Passing Light........................... 183
Personal Settings........................ 232
Pets............................... 79,113
Phone, Cellular......................... 136
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™)............ 136
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 307
Power
Deck Lid Release....................... 40
Distribution Center..................... 403
Door Locks........................... 20
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 201
Seats............................... 160
Steering..........................299,378
Steering, Checking..................... 378
Sunroof............................. 199
Windows............................. 42
Power Steering Fluid..................... 413
458 INDEX

Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)................ 36
Sentry Key (Immobilizer)................. 15,37
Sentry Key Programming................... 17
Service and Maintenance.................. 416
Service Assistance....................... 440
Service Contract......................... 442
Service Manuals........................ 444
Setting the Clock..................238,242,250
Settings, Personal........................ 232
Severe Service.......................... 419
Shift Speeds, Manual Transaxle.............. 292
Shoulder Belts......................... 45,81
Side Airbag........................... 65,99
Side Window Demisters (Defrosters).......... 272
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............... 353
Snow Tires............................ 320
Spare Tire.......................315,316,347
Spark Plugs............................ 372
Speed Control (Cruise Control)...........189,223Speedometer........................... 222
Speedometer and Odometer................ 219
Starting............................... 280
Automatic Transmission................. 280
Engine Fails to Start.................... 281
Manual Transmission................... 280
Starting Procedures...................... 280
Steering
Power...........................299,378
TiltColumn .......................... 187
Wheel Lock........................... 18
Storage............................205,406
Stuck, Freeing.......................... 354
Sun Roof.............................. 199
Sun Visor Extension...................... 136
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag...... 55,89
Synthetic Engine Oil...................... 371
Tachometer............................ 223
INDEX 461
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