2008 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER Owners Manual

WARNING!
Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not allow
battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or clothing. Don't
lean over battery when attaching clamps or allow the
clamps to touch each other. If acid splashes in eyes or
on skin, flush the contaminated area immediately
with large quantities of water.
A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away from
the vent holes. Do not use a booster battery or any
other booster source with an output that exceeds 12
volts.
5. Connect the other cable, first to the negative terminal
of the booster battery and then to the negative terminal of
the discharged battery. Make sure you have a good
contact.6. If the vehicle is equipped with Sentry Key Immobi-
lizer, turn the ignition switch to the ON position for 3
seconds before moving the ignition switch to the START
position.
7. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
8. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the se-
quence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
ACCELERATION
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the front wheels to pull errati-
cally to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when
there is a difference in the surface traction under the front
(driving) wheels.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 369
6

WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the
front wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle
and possibly have an accident. Accelerate slowly and
carefully whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
TRACTION
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should
be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.2. Slow down if the road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace the tires when tread wear indicators first
become visible.
4. Keep the tires properly inflated.
5.
Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and the
vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a sudden stop.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
NOTE:If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Control,
turn the system OFF before attempting to ªrockº the vehicle.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and First gear. Usually the least accelerator pedal pres-
sure to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
370 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam-
age or failure. A tire could explode and injure some-
one. Do not spin your vehicle's wheels faster than 30
mph (48 km/h) when you are stuck. And don't let
anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the
speed.
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
30 mph (48 km/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 towed
more 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 in a forward direction, with
all 4 wheels on the ground, and the gearshift lever is in
NEUTRAL. If the transaxle is not operative, the vehicle
must be towed with the front wheels off the ground.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 371
6

All Transaxles
CAUTION!
If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the ACC position, not in
the LOCK positions.
Do not attempt to use sling type equipment when
towing. When securing vehicle to flat bed truck, do
not attach to front or rear suspension components.
Damage to your vehicle may result from improper
towing.
If it is necessary to use the accessories while being towed
(wipers, defrosters, etc.), the key must be in the ON
position, not the ACC position. Make certain the trans-
axle remains in NEUTRAL.
Without The Ignition Key
Special care must be taken when the vehicle is towed
with the ignition in the LOCK position. A dolly should be
used under the front wheels if the rear wheels are raised.
Proper towing equipment is necessary to prevent dam-
age to the vehicle.
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat
Towing With All Four Wheels On The Ground)
If your vehicle is equipped with a manual transaxle, it
may be towed in a forward direction, at any legal
highway speed, for any distance, if the transaxle is in
NEUTRAL.
If the ignition key is not available, vehicles with auto-
matic transaxles can not be flat towed at any time.
372 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CONVERTIBLE TOP MANUAL OVERRIDE
If your vehicle is experiencing electrical failure (low
battery, etc.) and it is necessary to raise the convertible
top, perform the following steps:
1. Locate the convertible top motor bypass screw, which
is found in the trunk under the convertible top storage
area.
2. Turn the screw counterclockwise until the screw stops.
This will relieve the hydraulic pressure and allow the
convertible top to be raised manually.
Bleeder Screw
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 373
6

3. Using the latch handle raise the top until the two pins
seat themselves in the windshield header.
4. Rotate the latch handle clockwise to open the latches.
5. Pull down and rotate the handle counterclockwise to
engage the latches.6. Raise the handle into the stowed position.
7. Close the convertible top motor bypass screw by
turning the screw clockwise until it stops. Tighten the
screw securely.
NOTE:Failure to tighten the bypass screw securely can
cause convertible top operating concerns.
Engaging Convertible Top
374 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m2.4L Turbo Engine Compartment............378
m2.4L Engine Compartment................379
mOnboard Diagnostic System Ð OBD II........380
NLoose Fuel Filler Cap Message............381
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................381
mReplacement Parts......................383
mAuthorized Dealer Service................383
mMaintenance Procedures..................384NEngine Oil..........................384
NDrive Belts Ð Check Condition And Tension . . 388
NSpark Plugs.........................388
NIgnition Wiring System.................388
NCatalytic Converter....................389
NEngine Timing Belt....................390
NCrankcase Emission Control System........390
NFuel Filter..........................391
NAir Cleaner Element (Air Filter)...........391
7

NMaintenance-Free Battery................392
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............393
NPower Steering ± Fluid Check............394
NFront Suspension Ball Joints..............395
NSteering Linkage......................395
NBody Lubrication.....................395
NWindshield Wiper Blades................396
NWindshield Washer Reservoir.............396
NExhaust System......................397
NCooling System.......................398
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......403
NFuel System Connections................404
NBrake System........................404NAutomatic Transaxle...................408
NManual Transaxle.....................410
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................411
mConvertible Top Care....................416
NWashing............................416
NGeneral Cleaning.....................417
NCloth Top Additional Cleaning Procedure....418
NCloth Top Protection...................418
NWeather Strip Care....................418
mIntegrated Power Module (IPM)............419
mVehicle Storage........................423
mReplacement Bulbs......................424
376 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE