2006 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER Owners Manual

toward the side windows when the system is in either the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.
REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Electric Rear Window Defroster
The push-button is located at the center of the
instrument panel, below the radio. Press this but-
ton to turn on the rear window defroster, and the
optional electric remote control heated mirrors. An amber
light shows that the defroster is on.
NOTE:The defroster turns off automatically after 10
minutes of operation. Each following activation of the
defroster will last for five minutes.
Rear Defroster Switch
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 273
4

CAUTION!
To avoid damaging the electrical conductors, do not
use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abrasive window
cleaners on the interior surface of the rear window.
Labels can be peeled off after soaking with warm
water.
Rear Wiper/Washer Switch — If Equipped
A switch on the right side of the steering column controls
operation of the rear wiper/washer function. Rotating
the center of the switch forward to the ON position will
activate the wiper. Rotating the center of the switch all
the way forward will turn on the wash function. The
wash pump will continue to operate as long as the button
is pressed. Upon release, the wipers will cycle two times
before returning to the set position.If the rear wiper is operating when the ignition is turned
OFF, the wiper will automatically return to the “Park”
position if power accessory delay is active. Power acces-
sory delay can be cancelled by opening the door, if this
happens the rear wiper will stop at its current position
and will not go to park.
Rear Wiper Switch
274 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Adding Washer Fluid
The fluid reservoir for the windshield washers and the
rear window washer (If Equipped) is shared. It is located
in the rear of the engine compartment on the passenger
side and should be checked for fluid level at regular
intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield washer sol-
vent (not radiator antifreeze) and operate the system for
a few seconds to flush out the residual water.
Washer Bottle
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 275
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

Snow Tires...........................320

Tire Rotation Recommendations............321

Fuel Requirements......................322
▫2.4L Standard Engine And 2.4L Standard
Turbo Engine........................322
▫2.4L High Output Turbo Engine...........322
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................323
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............323
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................324
▫Materials Added To Fuel................324
▫Fuel System Cautions..................324
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............325

Adding Fuel..........................326
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............326▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message............328

Vehicle Loading........................329

TrailerTowing .........................329
▫Common Towing Definitions.............330
▫Trailer Hitch Classification...............332
▫Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)......................332
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight..............333
▫Towing Requirements..................334
▫TowingTips .........................339

Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 340
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................340
STARTING AND OPERATING 279
5

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