2007 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER Owners Manual

Circulation Control
Use this button to choose be-
tween outside air intake or
recirculation of the air inside
the vehicle. A lamp will illu-
minate when you are in recir-
culate mode. Only use the re-
circulate mode to temporarily
block out any outside odors,
smoke, or dust and to cool the
interior rapidly upon initial
start up in very hot or humid weather.NOTE:Continuous use of the recirculate mode may
make the inside air stuffy and window fogging may
occur. Extended use of this mode is not recommended.
In cold or damp weather, the use of the Recirculate
position will cause windows to fog on the inside because
of moisture build up inside the vehicle. For maximum
defogging, select the Outside Air position.
NOTE:Recirculation Mode will not operate in floor, mix
or defrost modes.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 273
4

Operating Tips
274 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Window Fogging
Vehicle side windows tend to fog on the inside in mild
rainy or humid weather. To clear the windows, use the
A/C, PANEL and blower controls. Direct the panel
outlets toward the side windows. Do not use recirculate
without A/C for long periods as fogging may occur.
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by using the defrost position.
If the fogging problem persists, clean the inside window
surfaces. The cause of undue fogging may be dirt collect-
ing on the inside surface of the glass
NOTE:In cold weather, the use of the recirculate
position will cause windows to fog on the inside because
of moisture build up inside the vehicle. For maximum
defogging, use the Outside Air position.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high-
quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corrosion
protection and to raise the boiling point of the coolant for
protection against overheating. A 50% concentration is
recommended.
Outside Air Intake
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, directly in front of the wind-
shield, is free of ice, slush, snow or other obstructions
such as leaves. Leaves collected in the air-intake plenum
may reduce air flow and plug the plenum water drains.
The blower air will heat faster in cold weather if you use
only a low blower speed for the first few minutes of
vehicle operation.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 275
4

Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is at each end of the
instrument panel. These nonadjustable outlets direct air
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.
276 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures.....................280
NAutomatic Transaxle...................280
NManual Transaxle.....................281
NNormal Starting......................281
NExtremely Cold Weather
(Below220ÉF Or229ÉC)................281
NIf Engine Fails To Start.................282
NAfter Starting........................282
NTurbocharger ªCool Downº..............282mAutomatic Transaxle Ð If Equipped.........283
NBrake/Transmission Interlock System.......284
NAutomatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock
System.............................284
NFour Speed Automatic Transaxle..........285
NReset Mode.........................285
NGear Ranges For Four Speed Automatic
Transaxle...........................285
mAutoStick Ð If Equipped.................288
NAutoStick Operation...................288
5

NAutoStick General Information............289
mManual Transaxle Operation...............290
N2.4 Liter TurboÐ If Equipped.............291
NRecommended Shift Speeds..............292
NDownshifting........................293
mParking Brake.........................294
mBrake System..........................295
N
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Ð If Equipped. . 296
mPower Steering........................299
mTraction Control System Ð If Equipped.......300
mTire Safety Information...................302
NTire Markings........................302
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........305NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........306
mTires Ð General Information...............310
NTire Pressure.........................310
NTire Inflation Pressures.................311
NRadial-Ply Tires......................314
NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped.........314
NLimited Use Spare Ð If Equipped.........315
NTire Spinning........................316
NTread Wear Indicators..................316
NLife Of Tire.........................317
NReplacement Tires.....................318
NAlignment And Balance.................319
mTire Chains...........................319
278 STARTING AND OPERATING

mSnow Tires...........................320
mTire Rotation Recommendations............320
mFuel Requirements......................321
N2.4L Standard Engine And 2.4L Standard Turbo
Engine.............................321
N2.4L High Output Turbo Engine...........321
NReformulated Gasoline.................322
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............323
NMMT In Gasoline.....................323
NMaterials Added To Fuel................324
NFuel System Cautions..................324
NCarbon Monoxide Warnings..............325
mAdding Fuel..........................325
NFuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............325NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message............328
mVehicle Loading........................328
mTrailer Towing.........................328
NCommon Towing Definitions.............329
NTrailer Hitch Classification...............331
NTrailer Towing Weights
(Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings).........332
NTrailer And Tongue Weight..............333
NTowing Requirements..................334
NTowing Tips.........................339
mRecreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 340
NTowing 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.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Don't leave the keys in
the ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
WARNING!
Be sure to turn off the engine if you want to rest or
sleep in your car. Accidents can be caused by inad-
vertently moving the gear selection lever or by
pressing the accelerator pedal. This may cause exces-
sive heat in the exhaust system, resulting in over-
heating and vehicle fire which may cause serious or
fatal injuries.
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.
280 STARTING AND OPERATING