2007 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER brake light

PARKING BRAKE
When the parking brake is applied with the
ignition on, the Brake Light in the instrument
cluster will come on.
NOTE:This light only shows that the parking brake is
on. It does not show the degree of brake application.
If the parking brake is applied while the vehicle is
moving, a chime will sound to alert the driver. The chime
will sound up to 10 times or until the vehicle has
returned to a stop.
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is set. To set the parking brake, pull up firmly on
the lever. Also place the gear selector in the Park position
(automatic transaxle) or Reverse (manual transaxle). To
release the parking brake, apply the brake pedal, pull upslightly on the lever, then depress the button on the end
of the lever and push the lever fully down toward the
floor.
NOTE:The parking brake lever will not release unless
the lever is pulled up slightly past its applied position.
Parking Brake Lever
294 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
If either of the two hydraulic systems lose normal capa-
bility, the remaining system will still function with some
loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident
by increased pedal travel during application and greater
pedal force required to slow or stop. In addition, if the
malfunction is caused by an internal leak, as the brake
fluid in the master cylinder drops, the brake warning
indicator will light.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. A significant decrease in braking performance
or vehicle stability during braking may occur. It will
take you longer to stop the vehicle or will make your
vehicle harder to control. You could have an acci-
dent. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Ð If Equipped
The Anti-Lock Brake System provides increased vehicle
stability and brake performance under most braking
conditions. The system automatically ªpumpsº the
brakes during severe braking conditions to prevent
wheel lock-up.
296 STARTING AND OPERATING

The ABS light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake
System. The light will come on when the
ignition switch 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 while 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 if 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 benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not come on when the
Ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
bulb repaired as soon as possible.
If both the Brake Warning Light and the ABS Light
remain on, the Anti-Lock brakes (ABS) and Electronic
Brake Force Distribution (EBD) systems are not function-
ing. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.When the vehicle is driven over 7 mph (11 km/h), you
may also hear a slight clicking sound as well as some
related motor noises. These noises are the system per-
forming its self check cycle to ensure that the ABS system
is working properly. This self check occurs each time the
vehicle is started and accelerated past 7 mph (11 km/h).
ABS is activated during braking under certain road or
stopping conditions. ABS-inducing conditions can in-
clude ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad tracks, loose
debris, or panic stops.
You also may experience the following when the brake
system goes into Anti-lock:
²The ABS motor running (it may continue to run for a
short time after the stop),
²the clicking sound of solenoid valves,
²brake pedal pulsations,
298 STARTING AND OPERATING

²and a slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the
end of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of ABS.
WARNING!
The Anti-Lock Brake System contains sophisticated
electronic equipment that may be susceptible to
interference caused by improperly installed or high
output radio transmitting equipment. This interfer-
ence can cause possible loss of anti-lock braking
capability. Installation of such equipment should be
performed by qualified professionals.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.
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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 Ð 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

At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and transaxle and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
²Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints and front suspension compo-
nents.
²Check the automatic transaxle fluid level.
²Check the manual transaxle fluid level and fill plug
condition.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
416 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System).............. 296
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 383
Adding Fuel........................... 325
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 216
Additives, Fuel......................... 324
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 375
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 377
Air Conditioning Controls................. 269
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 274
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............377,378
Air Conditioning System................269,377
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 311
Airbag..............................54,88
Airbag Deployment....................66,100
Airbag Light....................68,102,114,229
Airbag Maintenance....................68,101
Airbag, Side..........................64,98
Alarm, Panic............................ 32
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............35,228Alignment and Balance................... 319
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 267
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........382,410,411
Capacities........................... 410
Disposal............................ 384
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 296
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 229
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 35
Appearance Care........................ 393
Auto Down Power Windows................ 44
Automatic Door Locks...................20,21
Automatic Transaxle..............13,280,283,390
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 392
Fluid Level Check...................... 391
Interlock System.....................18,284
Reset Mode.......................... 285
Selection Of Lubricant................... 390
Shifting............................. 285
450 INDEX

Special Additives...................... 392
Autostick............................. 288
Back-Up Lights......................... 408
Ball Joints............................. 379
Battery............................... 375
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE).....28,34
Belts, Drive............................ 372
Belts, Engine........................... 374
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 379
Boot, Convertible Top..................124,128
B-Pillar Location........................ 306
Brake Fluid............................ 412
Brake, Parking.......................... 294
Brake System........................295,387
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 296
Hoses.............................. 387
Master Cylinder....................... 388
Parking............................. 294Warning Light........................ 227
Brakes.............................295,387
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 284
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle....... 112
Bulb Replacement.....................405,406
Bulbs, Light............................ 405
Calibration, Compass..................... 239
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 410
Capacities, Fluid........................ 410
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 325
Oil (Engine)....................362,363,370
Car Washes............................ 394
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 325
Cargo Compartment
Luggage Carrier....................... 213
Carrier, Luggage........................ 213
Catalytic Converter...................... 372
INDEX 451
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