2008 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER power steering

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys..................13
NIgnition Key Removal...................13
NLocking Doors With A Key...............14
NKey-In-Ignition Reminder................15
mSentry KeytÐ If Equipped................15
NReplacement Keys......................16
NSentry KeytProgramming................17
NGeneral Information....................18
mSteering Wheel Lock Ð If Equipped..........18NIf You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering
Wheel..............................18
NTo Release The Steering Wheel Lock.........18
NAutomatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System . .19
mDoor Locks............................19
NManual Door Locks.....................19
NPower Door Locks Ð If Equipped..........20
NChild Protection Door Lock System Ð
If Equipped..........................22
mRemote Keyless Entry (Sedan)...............24
2

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid or brake
fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be located and
corrected immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 117
2

Electric Remote-Control Mirrors Ð If Equipped
The power mirror switch is located to the left of the
steering column on the instrument panel. To adjust the
view in the outside mirrors, turn the rotary knob to the L
(Left), O (Center) or R (Right) position. After selecting the
mirror, move the knob in the same direction you want the
mirror to move. Use the O (Center) position to guard
against accidentally moving a mirror position.
Power Mirror Switch
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 137
3

Electrical Disturbances
Radio waves may pick up electrical disturbances during
transmission. They mainly affect the wave amplitude, and
thus remain a part of the AM reception. They interfere very
little with the frequency variations that carry the FM signal.
AM Reception
AM sound is based on wave amplitude, so AM reception can
be disrupted by such things as lightning, power lines and
neon signs.
FM Reception
Because FM transmission is based on frequency variations,
interference that consists of amplitude variations can be
filtered out, leaving the reception relatively clear, which is the
major feature of FM radio.
NOTE:The radio, steering wheel radio controls (if
equipped), and six-disc CD/DVD changer (if equipped)
will remain active for up to 10 minutes after the ignition
switch has been turned OFF. Opening a vehicle front door
will cancel this feature.
SALES CODE REF Ð AM/FM/CD (SINGLE DISC)
RADIO WITH OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO AND
HANDS FREE PHONE CAPABILITY
NOTE:The radio sales code is located on the lower right
side of your radio faceplate.
REF Radio
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 251
4

mAutoStick Ð If Equipped.................299
NAutoStick Operation...................300
NAutoStick General Information............300
mManual Transaxle Operation Ð If Equipped....301
N2.4 Liter Turbo Ð If Equipped............303
NManual Transaxle Ð Recommended Shift
Speeds.............................304
NDownshifting........................304
mParking Brake.........................305
mBrake System..........................307
NAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Ð
If Equipped.........................308
mPower Steering........................310
mTraction Control System Ð If Equipped.......311mTire Safety Information...................313
NTire Markings........................313
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........316
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........317
mTires Ð General Information...............321
NTire Pressure.........................321
NTire Inflation Pressures.................322
NRadial Ply Tires......................324
NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped.........325
NLimited-Use Spare Ð If Equipped.........325
NTire Spinning........................326
NTread Wear Indicators..................327
NLife Of Tire.........................327
288 STARTING AND OPERATING

²A slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the end
of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of ABS.
WARNING!
The Anti-Lock Brake System contains sophisticated
electronic equipment that may be susceptible to
interference caused by improperly installed or high
output radio transmitting equipment. This interfer-
ence can cause possible loss of Anti-Lock braking
capability. Installation of such equipment should be
performed by qualified dealership professionals.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.
310 STARTING AND OPERATING

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

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