2008 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER brakes

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.
312 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
²Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
²Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and will not shift during travel. When trailering
cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load shifts
can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
²When hauling cargo or towing a trailer, do not over-
load your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause a
loss of control, poor performance or damage to brakes,
axle, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, chas-
sis structure or tires.
²Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transmission in
PARK. Always, block or9chock9the trailer wheels.
²GCWR must not be exceeded.
²Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
350 STARTING AND OPERATING

4. Tongue weight rating for the trailer hitch utilized
(This requirement may limit the ability to always
achieve the 10% to 15% range of tongue weight as a
percentage of total trailer weight).
Towing Requirements Ð Tires
²
Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
²Proper tire inflation pressures are essential to the safe
and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Refer to the
Tires±General Information section of this manual on
Tire Pressures for proper tire inflation procedures.
²Also, check the trailer tires for proper tire inflation
pressures before trailer usage.
²Check for signs of tire wear or visible tire damage
before towing a trailer. Refer to the Tires±General
Information section of this manual on Tread Wear
Indicators for the proper inspection procedure.
²When replacing tires refer to the Tires±General Infor-
mation section of this manual on Replacement Tires
for proper tire replacement procedures. Replacing tires
with a higher load carrying capacity will not increase
the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limits.
Towing Requirements Ð Trailer Brakes
²
Do notinterconnect the hydraulic brake system or
vacuum system of your vehicle with that of the trailer.
This could cause inadequate braking and possible
personal injury.
²An electronically actuated trailer brake controller is
required when towing a trailer with electronically
actuated brakes. When towing a trailer equipped with
a hydraulic surge actuated brake system, an electronic
brake controller is not required.
STARTING AND OPERATING 351
5

²Trailer brakes are recommended for trailers over 1,000
lbs (454 kg) and required for trailers in excess of 2,000
lbs (907 kg).
CAUTION!
If the trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg)
loaded, it should have its own brakes and they
should be of adequate capacity. Failure to do this
could lead to accelerated brake lining wear, higher
brake pedal effort, and longer stopping distances.
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.
352 STARTING AND OPERATING

FUEL SYSTEM CONNECTIONS
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with tubes and special connects, connections
and clamps which have unique material characteristics to
provide adequate sealing and resist attack by deterio-
rated gasoline.
You are urged to use only the manufactures-specified
tubes, connections and clamps, or their equivalent in
material and specification, in any fuel system servicing.
BRAKE SYSTEM
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the ªMainte-
nance Scheduleº in this manual.
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.
Brake, Power Steering and Oil Cooler System
Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect the surface of the hoses and nylon tubing for
evidence of heat and mechanical damage. Hard and
404 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Shifting............................. 297
Special Additives...................... 410
Autostick............................. 299
Back-Up Lights......................... 427
Ball Joints............................. 395
Battery............................... 392
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE).....29,35
Belts, Drive............................ 388
Belts, Engine........................... 390
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 395
Boot, Convertible Top..................128,132
B-Pillar Location........................ 317
Brake Fluid............................ 431
Brake, Parking.......................... 305
Brake System........................307,404
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 308
Fluid Check.......................... 406
Hoses.............................. 404Master Cylinder....................... 406
Parking............................. 305
Warning Light........................ 231
Brakes.............................307,404
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 295
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle....... 115
Bulb Replacement.....................424,425
Bulbs, Light............................ 424
Calibration, Compass...............238,247,248
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 429
Capacities, Fluid........................ 429
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 340
Oil (Engine)....................378,379,387
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 400
Car Washes............................ 411
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 339
INDEX 471
10

Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).............. 233
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........... 332
Traction Control....................... 312
Turn Signal..................186,189,230,426
Voltage............................. 230
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 226
Loading Vehicle......................... 342
Tires ............................... 317
Locks
Child Protection........................ 22
Door................................ 19
Power Door........................... 20
Steering Wheel......................... 18
Low Tire Pressure System.................. 332
Lubrication, Body....................... 395
Luggage Rack (Roof Rack)................. 215
Lumbar Support........................ 166
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 392Maintenance, General..................... 384
Maintenance Procedures................... 384
Maintenance Schedule
Schedule ªAº-Non Turbo................. 448
Schedule ªAº-Turbo.................... 453
Schedule ªBº......................... 437
Schedule ªBº-All Engines................ 437
Maintenance Schedules.................... 434
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 229,381
Manual Override, Convertible Top.........134,373
Manual, Service......................... 465
Manual Transaxle..................292,301,410
Downshifting......................... 304
Fluid Level Check...................... 410
Frequency of Fluid Change............... 410
Lubricant Selection..................... 410
Map/Reading Lights..................184,185
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 406
Methanol............................. 337
INDEX 479
10