2008 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER service indicator

WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM Ð IF EQUIPPED
The Traction Control System (TCS) will improve accel-
eration and steering on slippery surfaces by reducing tire
spin. The system reduces wheel slip and maintains
traction at the driving (front) wheels by engaging the
brake on the wheel that is losing traction. When this
occurs the TCS indicator lamp located above the instru-
ment cluster odometer will flash. The system operates at
speeds below 35 mph (56 km/h).
A push-button at the center of the instrument panel,
below the radio, turns the Traction Control System ON or
OFF.
TCS OFF Switch
STARTING AND OPERATING 311
5

Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced.These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 in (2 mm). When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced.
Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this
point.
Life of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including, but not limited to:
²Driving style
²Tire pressure
²Distance driven
STARTING AND OPERATING 327
5

WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to
follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure.
You could lose control and have an accident resulting
in serious injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed. (Refer to the paragraph on
ªTread Wear Indicatorsº). Refer to the ªTire and Loading
Informationº placard for the size designation of your tire.
The service description and load identification will be
found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend
that you contact your original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.
328 STARTING AND OPERATING

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
358 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM Ð OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. When these systems are
operating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine emis-
sions well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the ªMalfunction Indicator Light.º It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
²Prolonged driving with the ªMalfunction Indica-
tor Lightº on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
²If the ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
380 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
After fuel is added, the vehicle diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel filler cap is loose, improperly
installed, or damaged. A gASCAP message will be dis-
played in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap until
a9clicking9sound is heard. This is an indication that the
gas cap is properly tightened. Press the odometer reset
button to turn the message off. If the problem persists,
the message will appear the next time the vehicle is
started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If the prob-
lem is detected twice in a row, the system will turn on the
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving the prob-
lem will turn the MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle's emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states that require an Inspection and Mainte-
nance (I/M), this check verifies the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) is functioning and is not on
when the engine is running, and that the OBD II system
is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery, or a battery replace-
ment. If the OBD II system should be determined not
ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 381
7

Cargo Compartment
Luggage Carrier....................... 215
Carrier, Luggage........................ 215
Catalytic Converter...................... 389
Caution, Exhaust Gas..................... 115
CD (Compact Disc) Player...............251,259
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance........ 277
Cellular Phone.......................138,277
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 428
Chains, Tire............................ 330
Changing A Flat Tire..................... 360
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 314
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator
Light)................................ 381
Child Restraint.......................72,107
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............77,111
Child Restraint with Automatic Belts........... 76
Child Safety Locks........................ 22
Child Seat...........................78,112Clean Air Gasoline....................... 337
Cleaning
Wheels............................. 413
Climate Control......................... 277
Clock...........................250,253,261
Clutch............................... 406
Clutch Fluid........................... 406
Coin Holder........................... 208
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 277
Compact Spare Tire...................... 325
Compass.....................234,235,238,248
Compass Calibration................238,247,248
Compass Variance....................... 236
Computer, Trip/Travel.................234,235
Console.............................. 208
Contract, Service........................ 463
Convertible............................ 123
Convertible Boot.....................128,132
Convertible Top......................... 123
472 INDEX

Key, Sentry (Immobilizer)................... 15
Key-In Reminder......................... 15
Keyless Entry System (Convertible)............ 30
Keyless Entry System (Sedan)................ 24
Keys................................. 13
Lane Change and Turn Signals.............. 230
Lap/Shoulder Belts.....................45,82
Latches
Hood............................... 183
Lead Free Gasoline...................... 337
Life of Tires............................ 327
Liftgate (Sedan).......................... 37
Light Bulbs.........................424,425
Lights............................. 117,184
Airbag......................70,104,116,234
Anti-Lock........................... 233
Back-Up............................. 427
Brake Warning........................ 231Center Mounted Stop................... 428
Daytime Running...................... 187
Dimmer Switch, Headlight............... 186
Engine Temperature Warning.............. 232
Fog ..........................188,233,426
Front Replacement..................... 425
Headlight Switch...................... 186
Headlights........................... 186
High Beam Indicator.................... 234
Instrument Cluster..................... 186
Lights On Reminder.................... 187
Low Fuel............................ 233
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 229
Map Reading......................184,185
Oil Pressure.......................... 234
Rear Servicing........................ 427
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 232
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm).............. 36
Service.............................. 425
478 INDEX