2008 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER suspension

WARNING!
²Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that
specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change suspension
dimensions and performance characteristics, result-
ing in changes to steering, handling, and braking of
your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable handling
and stress to steering and suspension components.
You could lose control and have an accident resulting
in serious injury or death. Use only the tire and wheel
sizes with load ratings approved for your vehicle.
²Never use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity,
other than what was originally equipped on your
vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index could
result in tire overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have an accident.
²Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having ad-
equate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer
readings.
Alignment and Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
²Fast tire wear.
²Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
²Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your
authorized dealer for proper diagnosis.
STARTING AND OPERATING 329
5

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

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

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

WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid types.
FRONT SUSPENSION BALL JOINTS
There are two front suspension lower ball joints that are
permanently lubricated. Inspect these ball joints when-
ever under vehicle service is done. Damaged seals and
their corresponding potentially damaged ball joints must
be replaced.
STEERING LINKAGE
The tie rod end ball joints should be inspected for
external leakage and damage when other maintenance is
performed.
BODY LUBRICATION
Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors, liftgate and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a small
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 395
7

At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and transaxle and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
²Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the CV joints and front suspension compo-
nents.
²Check the automatic transaxle fluid level.
²Check the manual transaxle fluid level and fill plug
condition.
²Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
436 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
IGNITION KEY REMOVALLOCKING DOORS WITH A KEYKEY-IN-IGNITION REMINDERSENTRY KEY - IF EQUIPPED Replacement KeysSentry Key ProgrammingGeneral InformationSTEERING WHEEL LOCK - IF EQUIPPED If You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering
WheelTo Release The Steering Wheel LockAutomatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock SystemDOOR LOCKS MANUAL DOOR LOCKSPOWER DOOR LOCKS - IF EQUIPPEDCHILD PROTECTION DOOR LOCK SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPEDREMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (SEDAN)
TO UNLOCK THE DOORS AND LIFTGATETO LOCK THE DOORS AND LIFTGATE - IF EQUIPPED WITH POWER OPTIONSPANIC ALARMTO TURN OFF FLASH LIGHTS WITH LOCKTO PROGRAM ADDITIONAL TRANSMITTERSGENERAL INFORMATION
TRANSMITTER BATTERY SERVICEREMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (CONVERTIBLE) TO UNLOCK THE DOORSTO LOCK THE DOORSTO UNLATCH THE DECK LIDPANIC ALARMTO TURN OFF FLASH LIGHTS WITH LOCKTO PROGRAM ADDITIONAL TRANSMITTERS
GENERAL INFORMATIONTRANSMITTER BATTERY SERVICESECURITY ALARM SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED To set the alarmTo disarm the systemSecurity System Manual OverrideLIFTGATE (SEDAN) Opening The Liftgate While the Security Alarm Is ActivatedDECK LID
(CONVERTIBLE) POWER DECK LID RELEASE (Convertible)EMERGENCY SEAT BACK RELEASE (SEDAN) EMERGENCY DECK LID RELEASE LATCH (CONVERTIBLE) POWER WINDOWS AUTO DOWN FEATUREREAR WINDOW SWITCHESWIND BUFFETING
OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS (SEDAN) LAP/SHOULDER BELTSLAP/SHOULDER SEAT BELT UNTWISTING PROCEDUREADJUSTABLE UPPER SHOULDER SEAT BELT ANCHORAGESEAT BELT PRETENSIONERSENHANCED SEAT BELT REMINDER SYSTEM
(BELTALERT) SEAT BELTS AND PREGNANT WOMENDRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) AIRBAGCHILD RESTRAINTOCCUPANT RESTRAINTS (CONVERTIBLE) LAP/SHOULDER BELTSLAP/SHOULDER SEAT BELT
UNTWISTING PROCEDURESEAT BELT PRETENSIONERSENHANCED SEAT BELT REMINDER SYSTEM (BELTALERT) SEAT BELTS AND PREGNANT WOMENDRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)CHILD RESTRAINT
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS SAFETY TIPS Exhaust GasSafety Checks You Should Make Inside The VehiclePeriodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The VehicleUNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE CONVERTIBLE TOP
OPERATION To Lower The TopTo Raise The TopConvertible Top Boot Cover Installation-If EquippedConvertible Top Boot Cover Removal and StorageCONVERTIBLE TOP MANUAL OVERRIDEMIRRORS Inside Day/Night Mirror - If EquippedOutside Mirror-Drivers Side
Outside Mirror-Passengers SideElectric Remote-Control Mirrors - If EquippedIlluminated Vanity Mirrors - If EquippedSun Visor Sliding FeatureHANDS-FREE COMMUNICATION (UConnect) - IF EQUIPPED OperationsPhone Call FeaturesUConnect System Features
Advanced Phone ConnectivityThings You Should Know About Your UConnect SystemGeneral InformationSEATS FRONT SEAT ADJUSTMENTPOWER SEAT ADJUSTER -IF EQUIPPEDMANUAL LUMBAR - IF EQUIPPEDFOLDING FRONT PASSENGER SEAT - IF
EQUIPPEDDRIVERS SEAT BACK TILT - IF EQUIPPEDPASSENGER SEAT BACK TILT (EASY ENTRY SYSTEM) - CONVERTIBLEADJUSTABLE HEAD RESTRAINTSHEATED SEATS - IF EQUIPPEDFOLDING REAR SEAT (SEDAN)FOLDING REAR SEAT
(CONVERTIBLE)TUMBLING REAR SEAT (SEDAN)TUMBLING REAR SEAT (CONVERTIBLE)REAR SEAT REMOVAL (SEDAN)TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD LIGHTS Map/Reading Lights (Sedan)Map/Reading Lights (Convertible)Multi-Function Control Lever
Headlights, Parking Lights, Instrument Panel LightsDaytime Running Lights (DRL) - If EquippedLights-on ReminderFog Lights - If Equipped Turn Signals Highbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch Passing LightWINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHERS Windshield WashersMist
Feature Windshield Wiper OperationIntermittent Wiper SystemTILT STEERING COLUMN ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL - IF EQUIPPED To ActivateTo Set At A Desired SpeedTo DeactivateTo Resume SpeedTo Vary The Speed SettingManual TransaxleTo Accelerate
For PassingGARAGE DOOR OPENER - IF EQUIPPED PROGRAMMING HOMELINKGATE OPERATOR/CANADIAN PROGRAMMINGUSING HOMELINKREPROGRAMMING A SINGLE HOMELINK BUTTONSECURITYTROUBLESHOOTING TIPSGENERAL
INFORMATIONPOWER SUNROOF (SEDAN ONLY) - IF EQUIPPED Express Open FeatureWind BuffetingSunroof MaintenanceELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS Electrical Outlet Use With Engine OffCONSOLE FEATURES STORAGE Center Console/Armrest Storage
Bin Storage PocketsREAR SHELF PANEL- IF EQUIPPED Position 1 (Top)Position 2 (Middle)Position 3 (Floor)Position 4 (Vertical)Position 5 (table)ROOF LUGGAGE RACK - IF EQUIPPED REAR WINDOW FEATURES Electric Rear Window Defroster Rear Wiper/Washer
Switch (Sedan Models Only) - If EquippedAdding Washer FluidUNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL INSTRUMENT PANEL FEATURES INSTRUMENT CLUSTER-BASE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER-PREMIUM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER-TURBO INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS COMPASS MINI TRIP COMPUTER (CMTC) - IF EQUIPPED Compass Mini Trip Computer Reset ButtonCompass/Temperature DisplayOdometerDisplayTrip Odometer (ODO)ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER (EVIC) - If
Equipped EVIC Functions Compass/Temperature/AudioAverage Fuel EconomyDistance To Empty (DTE)Elapsed TimeTire Pressure Monitor (TPM)PersonalSettings (Customer Programmable Features)SETTING THE ANALOG CLOCK RADIO GENERAL INFORMATION
Radio Broadcast SignalsTwo Types of SignalsElectrical DisturbancesAM ReceptionFM ReceptionSALES CODE REF - AM/FM/CD (SINGLE DISC) RADIO WITH OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO AND HANDS FREE PHONE CAPABILITY Operating Instructions - Radio Mode
Operating Instructions - CD ModeOperating Instructions - Auxiliary ModeOperating Instructions - Hands-Free Phone - If EquippedOperating Instructions - Satellite Radio - If EquippedSALES CODE RAQ - AM/FM/CD (6-DISC) RADIO WITH OPTIONAL SATELLITE RADIO,
HANDS-FREE PHONE, AND VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS (VES) CAPABILITIES Operating Instructions - Radio ModeOperating Instructions - (CD Mode for CD Audio Play)LOAD/EJECT Button (CD Mode for CD Audio Play)Notes On Playing MP3 FilesOperating
Instructions - (CD Mode for MP3 Audio Play)LOAD/EJECT Button (CD Mode for MP3 Play)SATELLITE RADIO - IF EQUIPPED System ActivationElectronic SerialNumber/Sirius Identification Number (ESN/SID)Selecting Satellite Mode in REF, and RAQ, RadiosSelecting
a ChannelStoring and Selecting Pre-Set ChannelsUsing the PTY (Program Type) Button (if equipped)PTY Button SCANPTY Button SEEKSatellite AntennaReception QualityCD/DVD DISC MAINTENANCE RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES CLIMATE
CONTROLS Climate ControlsOperating Tips STARTING AND OPERATING STARTING PROCEDURES AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLEMANUAL TRANSAXLENORMAL STARTINGEXTREMELY COLD WEATHER (BELOW -20 degrees F or -29 degrees C)IF THE ENGINE FAILS
TO STARTAFTER STARTINGTURBOCHARGER COOL-DOWN AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE - IF EQUIPPED BRAKE/TRANSMISSION INTERLOCK SYSTEMAUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE IGNITION INTERLOCK SYSTEMFOUR-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLERESET
MODEGEAR RANGES FOR THE FOUR-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLEAUTOSTICK - IF EQUIPPED AUTOSTICK OperationAUTOSTICK General InformationMANUAL TRANSAXLE OPERATION - IF EQUIPPED 2.4 LITER TURBO - IF EQUIPPED MANUAL
TRANSAXLE - RECOMMENDED SHIFT SPEEDSDownshiftingPARKING BRAKE BRAKE SYSTEM ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) - IF EQUIPPEDPOWER STEERING TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM - IF EQUIPPED TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION Tire Markings
Tire Identification Number (TIN)Tire Loading and Tire PressureTIRES - GENERAL INFORMATION Tire PressureTire Inflation PressuresRadial Ply TiresCompact Spare Tire - If EquippedLimited-Use Spare - If EquippedTire SpinningTread Wear IndicatorsLife of Tire
Replacement TiresAlignment and BalanceTIRE CHAINS SNOW TIRES TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) - IF EQUIPPED BASESYSTEM - IF EQUIPPEDGENERAL INFORMATIONFUEL REQUIREMENTS -
GASOLINE ENGINES 2.4L AND 2.4L STANDARD TURBO ENGINESREFORMULATED GASOLINEGASOLINE/OXYGENATE BLENDSMMT IN GASOLINEMATERIALS ADDED TO FUELFUELSYSTEM CAUTIONSCARBON MONOXIDE WARNINGSADDING FUEL Fuel
Filler Cap (Gas Cap)Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageVEHICLE LOADING TRAILER TOWING COMMON TOWING DEFINITIONSTRAILER HITCH CLASSIFICATIONTRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)TRAILER AND TONGUE WEIGHT
TOWING REQUIREMENTSTOWING TIPSRECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat towing with all fourwheels on the ground)WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES HAZARD WARNING FLASHER IF YOUR
ENGINE OVERHEATS JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING JACK LOCATIONSPARE TIRE STOWAGEPREPARATIONS FOR JACKINGJACKING INSTRUCTIONS JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES DUE TO A LOW BATTERY DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES ACCELERATIONTRACTIONFREEING A STUCK VEHICLE TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE With Ignition KeyWithout The Ignition KeyCONVERTIBLE TOP MANUAL OVERRIDE MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 2.4L TURBO ENGINE COMPARTMENT 2.4L ENGINE
COMPARTMENT ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM - OBD II Loose Fuel Filler Cap MessageEMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS REPLACEMENT PARTS AUTHORIZED DEALER SERVICE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES ENGINE OILDRIVE
BELTS - CHECK CONDITION AND TENSIONSPARK PLUGSIGNITION WIRING SYSTEMCATALYTIC CONVERTERENGINE TIMING BELTCRANKCASE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMFUEL FILTERAIR CLEANER ELEMENT (AIR FILTER)MAINTENANCE-FREE
BATTERYAIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCEPOWER STEERING - FLUID CHECKFRONT SUSPENSION BALL JOINTSSTEERING LINKAGEBODY LUBRICATIONWINDSHIELD WIPER BLADESWINDSHIELD WASHER RESERVOIREXHAUST SYSTEMCOOLING
SYSTEMHOSES AND VACUUM/VAPOR HARNESSESFUEL SYSTEM CONNECTIONSBRAKE SYSTEMAUTOMATIC TRANSAXLEMANUAL TRANSAXLEAPPEARANCE CARE AND PROTECTIONFROM CORROSIONCONVERTIBLE TOP CARE WashingGeneral
CleaningCloth Top Additional Cleaning ProcedureCloth Top ProtectionWeather Strip CareINTEGRATED POWER MODULE (IPM) VEHICLE STORAGE REPLACEMENT BULBS BULB REPLACEMENT HeadlightsFront Park/Turn Signal/Side Marker LightsFront Fog Lights
- If EquippedTail/Stop, and Rear Turn Signal LightsBack Up Lights Center High Mounted Stop LightFLUIDS AND CAPACITIES FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTS ENGINECHASSISMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE SCHEDULE B-ALL ENGINESSCHEDULE A-NON TURBOSCHEDULE A-TURBOIF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FOR YOUR VEHICLE Prepare For The Appointment
Prepare A ListBe Reasonable With RequestsIF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE DaimlerChrysler Motors Corporation Customer CenterDaimlerChrysler Canada Inc. Customer CenterIn Mexico contactCustomer Assistance For The Hearing Or Speech Impaired (TDD/TTY)Service
ContractWARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only) MOPAR PARTS REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS In The 50 United States And Washington, D.CIn CanadaPUBLICATION ORDER FORMS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADES TreadwearTraction GradesTemperature GradesINDEX