2007 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER clutch

Power Deck Lid Release (Convertible)
You can open the deck lid by pressing the Remote
Keyless Entry Button or from inside the vehicle, using the
switch located inside the glove box. On vehicles
equipped with a manual transmission, the power deck
lid release switch is disabled if the doors are locked, or if
vehicle speed exceeds 0 mph (0 km/h), or when the
clutch pedal is depressed. On vehicles equipped with an
automatic transmission, the power deck lid release
switch is disabled if the doors are locked, or the trans-
mission is out of PARK.
EMERGENCY SEAT BACK RELEASE (SEDAN)
WARNING!
Do not allow children to have access to the liftgate
area with the rear shelf panel in position 1 (Top) or
position 2 (Middle), either by climbing into the
liftgate from outside, or through the inside of the
vehicle. Always close the liftgate when your vehicle
is unattended. Once in the liftgate area, young chil-
dren may not be able to escape, even if they entered
through the rear seat. If trapped in the liftgate,
children can die from suffocation or heat stroke.
As a security measure, a Seat Back Emergency Release
lever is built into the left side rear seat back latching
mechanism. In the event of an individual being locked
inside the liftgate area with the rear shelf panel in
position 1 (Top) or position 2 (Middle), the left side rear
40 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To Set At A Desired Speed:
When the vehicle has reached the desired speed, press
down on the lever and release. Release the accelerator
and the vehicle will operate at the selected speed.
NOTE:The vehicle should be traveling at a steady
speed and on level ground before pressing the SET lever.
While in the AutoStick mode, speed control will only
operate in third and fourth gear.
To Deactivate:
A soft tap on the brake pedal, pulling the speed control
lever towards you ªCANCELº, or normal brake or clutch
pressure while slowing the vehicle will deactivate speed
control without erasing the set speed memory. Pressing
the ON/OFF button or turning off the ignition switch
erases the set speed memory.
To Resume Speed:
To resume a previously set speed, push the ªRESUME
ACCELº lever up and release. Resume can be used at any
speed above 20 mph (32 km/h).
To Vary The Speed Setting:
When the speed control is ON, speed can be increased by
pushing up and holding ªRESUME ACCELº. Release the
lever when the desired speed is reached, and the new
speed will be set.
Tapping ªRESUME ACCELº once will result ina2mph
(3 km/h) speed increase. Each time the lever is tapped,
speed increases so that tapping the lever three times will
increase speed by 6 mph (10 km/h), etc.
To decrease speed while speed control is ON, push down
and hold ªSET DECELº. Release the lever when the
desired speed is reached, and the new speed will be set.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 191
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Tapping the ªSET DECELº button once will result in a 1
mph (2 km/h) speed decrease. Each time the button is
tapped, speed decreases.
Manual Transaxle:
Depressing the clutch pedal will disengage the speed
control. A slight increase in engine RPM before the speed
control disengages is normal.
Vehicles equipped with manual transaxles may need to be
shifted into a lower gear to climb hills without speed loss.
WARNING!
Speed Control can be dangerous where the system
can't maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could go
too fast for the conditions, and you could lose control.
An accident could be the result. Don't use Speed
Control in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding,
icy, snow-covered, or slippery.
To Accelerate For Passing:
Depress the accelerator as you would normally. When the
pedal is released, the vehicle will return to the set speed.
Using Speed Control On Hills
NOTE:The speed control system maintains speed up
and down hills. A slight speed change on moderate hills
is normal.
Vehicles equipped with four speed automatic transaxles
may experience a downshift to 3rd gear while climbing
uphill or descending downhill. This downshift to 3rd
gear is necessary to maintain vehicle set speed.
On steep hills a greater speed loss or gain may occur so
it may be preferable to drive without speed control.
192 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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 ªSTART'º position
and release when the engine starts. If the engine has not
started within 3 seconds, slightly depress the accelerator
pedal while continuing to crank. If the engine fails to start
within 15 seconds, turn the ignition switch to the ªOFFº
position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal
starting procedure.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
axle cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could
enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables
may be used to obtain a start from another vehicle.
This type of start can be dangerous if done improp-
erly, so follow the procedure carefully. See section 6
of this manual for jump starting instructions.
Extremely Cold Weather (below220ÉF or229ÉC)
To insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your dealer) is recommended.
STARTING AND OPERATING 281
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MANUAL TRANSAXLE OPERATION
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended without having the parking
brake fully applied. The parking brake should al-
ways be applied when the driver is not in the
vehicle, especially on an incline.
Fully depress the clutch pedal before you shift gears. As
you release the clutch pedal, lightly depress the accelera-
tor pedal.
Use each gear in numerical order - do not skip a gear. Be
sure the transaxle is in FIRST gear, (not THIRD), when
starting from a standing position. Damage to the clutch
can result from starting in THIRD.
5 ± Speed Shift Pattern Non-Turbo
290 STARTING AND OPERATING

For most city driving you will find it easier to use only
the lower gears. For steady highway driving with light
accelerations, 5th gear is recommended.
Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, or
try to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal
partially engaged. This will cause abnormal wear on the
clutch.
Never shift into REVERSE until the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
NOTE:During cold weather, until the transaxle lubri-
cant is warm, you may experience slightly higher shift
efforts. This is normal and not harmful to the transaxle.2.4 Liter TurboÐ If Equipped
The neutral position of the shift lever is located between
THIRD and FOURTH gear. This is the position the shifter
lever will return to automatically when neutral is se-
lected. When shifting into FIFTH gear, be sure to press
5 ± Speed Shift Pattern With Turbo
STARTING AND OPERATING 291
5

For improved performance, your manual transaxle may
be upshifted up to the maximum speeds listed in table 2
(within legal speed limits).
Table 2-Manual Transaxle Maximum Performance
Shift Speeds
In mph (km/h)
Engine
Size1to2 2to3 3to4 4to5
2.4L30 60 85 115
(48) (97) (136) (185)
If you exceed these speeds, you may notice the engine cut
in and out. This is caused by an electronic limiter in the
engine computer. The engine will run normally when
you reduce engine speed.
Downshifting
Proper downshifting will improve fuel economy and
prolong engine life.
CAUTION!
If you skip a gear while downshifting or downshift
at too high an engine speed, you could damage the
engine, transmission, or clutch.
To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, shift
down to 2nd or 1st when descending a steep grade.
When turning a corner, or driving up a steep grade,
downshift early so that the engine will not be overbur-
dened.
STARTING AND OPERATING 293
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fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked
when pads are replaced. However, low fluid level may be
caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with aManual
transaxle, the Brake Fluid Reservoir supplies fluid to
both the Brake System and the Clutch Release System.
The two systems are separated in the reservoir and a leak
in one system will not affect the other system. The
Manual TransaxleClutch Release System should not
require fluid replacement during the life of the vehicle. If
the Brake Fluid Reservoir is low, and the brake system
does not indicate any leaks or other problems, it may be
a result of a leak in the Hydraulic Clutch Release System.
See your local authorized dealer for service.
Use only manufacturers recommended brake fluid, refer
to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct fluid
type.WARNING!
Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point or unidentified as to specification, may
result in sudden brake failure during hard pro-
longed braking. You could have an accident.
CAUTION!
Use of improper brake fluids will affect overall
clutch system performance. Improper brake fluids
may damage the clutch system resulting in loss of
clutch function and the ability to shift the transaxle.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 389
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