2007 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER overheating

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

Autostick General Information
²
The transmission will automatically upshift from first
to second gear and from second to third gear when
engine speed reaches about 6300 RPM.
²Downshifts from third to second gear above 74 mph
(119 km/h) and from second to first gear above 41
mph (66 km/h) will be ignored.
²You can start out in first, second, or third gear. Shifting
into fourth gear can occur only after vehicle speed
reaches 15 mph (24 km/h).
²The transmission will automatically downshift to first
gear when coming to a stop.
²Starting out in third gear is helpful in snowy or icy
conditions.
²While in the Autostick mode, Speed Control will only
function in third or fourth gear.Downshifting out of third gear will turn off the speed
control.
²If the system detects powertrain overheating, the
transmission will revert to the automatic shift mode
and remain in that mode until the powertrain cools off.
²If the system detects a problem it will disable the
Autostick mode and the transmission will return to the
automatic mode until the problem is corrected.
STARTING AND OPERATING 289
5

The system is always in the ªONº mode unless:
²The TCS OFF switch has been used to turn the system
off;
²There is a Anti-Lock Brake System malfunction;
²There is a Traction Control System malfunction;
²The system has been automatically deactivated to
prevent damage to the brake system due to overheated
brake temperatures.
NOTE:Extended heavy use of Traction Control may
cause the system to deactivate and turn on the TCS
indicator lamp located in the instrument cluster.This is to prevent overheating of the brake system and is
a normal condition. The system will remain disabled for
about 4 minutes until the brakes have cooled. The system
will automatically reactivate and turn off the TCS indi-
cator lamp.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, ice, or snow, turn
the Traction Control System Off before attempting to
ªrockº the vehicle free.
STARTING AND OPERATING 301
5

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is located on the instrument
panel, below the radio. Depress the switch and
both cluster indicators and all front and rear
directional signals will flash. Depress the
switch again to turn Hazard Warning Flashers off.
Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may wear down
your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
²On the highways Ð Slow down.
²In city traffic Ð While stopped, put transaxle in
neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
If the pointer rises to theH(red) mark, the instrument
cluster will sound a chime. Pull over and stop the vehicle
with the engine at idle, when safe. Turn off the air
conditioning and wait until the pointer drops back into
Hazard Warning Switch
342 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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 towedmore 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.
354 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to manufacturers specifica-
tions, should be obtained immediately.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 373
7

Electrical Power Outlets................... 202
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 190
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).... 231
Emergency Deck Lid Release Latch (Convertible) . . 42
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 344
Jump Starting......................... 350
Towing............................. 354
Emergency Seat Back Release (Sedan).......... 40
Emission Control System Maintenance......365,414
Engine............................362,363
Break-In Recommendations............... 112
Checking Oil Level..................... 368
Cooling............................. 381
Exhaust Gas Caution.................... 325
Fuel Requirements..................... 321
Jump Starting......................... 350
Oil ...........................368,410,411
Oil Change Interval.................... 369Oil Filler Cap...................362,363,370
Oil Filter............................ 411
Oil Selection.......................... 370
Oil Synthetic......................... 371
Overheating.......................... 342
Temperature Gauge..................... 224
Timing Belt.......................... 374
Event Data Recorder...................68,102
Exhaust Gas Caution.........38,39,113,325,380,381
Exhaust System......................... 380
Fabric Care............................ 396
Filler Location Fuel...................... 224
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 375
Engine Fuel.......................... 374
Engine Oil........................371,411
Flashers.............................. 342
Hazard Warning....................... 342
454 INDEX

Materials Added to..................... 371
Quality............................. 370
Recommendation...................370,410
Synthetic............................ 371
Viscosity............................ 370
Oil Pressure Light....................... 229
Onboard Diagnostic System..............364,365
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLinkt) ........... 193
Operator Manual (Owner's Manual)............ 4
Outside Air Intake....................... 275
Overdrive............................. 287
Overheating, Engine...................... 342
Owner's Manual (Operator Manual).........4,444
Paint Care............................. 393
Panel Rear Shelf........................ 208
Panic Alarm..........................25,32
Parking Brake.......................... 294
Passenger Seat Back Tilt (Easy Entry System).... 164Passing Light........................... 185
Personal Settings........................ 234
Pets...............................79,112
Phone, Cellular......................... 134
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnectŸ)............ 134
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 306
Power
Deck Lid Release....................... 40
Distribution Center (Fuses)............... 400
Door Locks........................... 20
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).......... 202
Seats............................... 161
Steering..........................299,378
Steering, Checking..................... 378
Sunroof............................. 200
Windows............................. 43
Power Steering Fluid..................... 412
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............54,88
Preparation for Jacking.................... 346
460 INDEX