2006 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER steering wheel

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

WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that
specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change suspen-
sion dimensions and performance characteristics,
resulting in changes to steering, handling, and brak-
ing of your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable
handling and stress to steering and suspension com-
ponents. You could lose control and have an accident
resulting in serious injury or death. Use only the tire
and wheel sizes with load ratings approved for your
vehicle.
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity,
other than what was originally equipped on your
vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index could
result in tire overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have an accident.
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
•Fast tire wear.
•Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
•Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
STARTING AND OPERATING 319
5

WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is danger-
ous. Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of
the front wheels. You could lose control of the
vehicle and possibly have an accident. Accelerate
slowly and carefully whenever there is likely to be
poor traction (ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should
be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a sudden
stop.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Con-
trol, turn the system OFF before attempting to “rock” the
vehicle.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
354 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

and First gear. Usually the least accelerator pedal pres-
sure to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam-
age or failure. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster
than 35 mph (55km/h) when you are stuck. And don’t
let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the
speed.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transaxle overheating and failure. It can
also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above
35 mph (55km/h).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
With Ignition Key
Four Speed Automatic Transaxle
Your vehicle may be towed under the following condi-
tions: The steering column must be unlocked and the
gear selector must be in NEUTRAL, the distance to be
towed must not exceed 100 miles (160 km), and the
towing speed must not exceed 44 mph (72 km/h). If the
transaxle is not operative, or if the vehicle is to be towed
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 355
6

more than 100 miles (160 km), the vehicle must be towed
with the front wheels off the ground to avoid damage to
the transaxle.
Manual Transaxle
Your vehicle may be towed if the gearshift lever is in
NEUTRAL. If the transaxle is not operative, the vehicle
must be towed with the front wheels off the ground.
All Transaxles
CAUTION!
If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the ACCESSORY posi-
tion, not in the LOCK positions.
Do not attempt to use sling type equipment when
towing. When securing vehicle to flat bed truck, do not
attach to front or rear suspension components. Damage
to your vehicle may result from improper towing.
If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON
position, not the ACCESSORY position. Make certain the
transaxle remains in NEUTRAL.
Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. A dolly should be
used under the front wheels if the rear wheels are raised.
Proper towing equipment is necessary to prevent dam-
age to the vehicle.
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat
Towing With All Four Wheels On The Ground)
If your vehicle is equipped with a manual transaxle, it
may be towed at any legal highway speed, for any
distance, if the transaxle is in neutral.
If the ignition key is not available, vehicles with auto-
matic transaxles can not be flat towed at any time.
356 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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

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
10