2010 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER automatic transmission

▫Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message ........... 243
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 244
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 244
 Trailer Towing ........................ 246
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 246▫
Towing Tips ........................ 257
 Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.) ................ 258
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 258
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 191

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
Automatic Transmission
The shift lever must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
and press the shift lever knob button before shifting to
any driving gear.NOTE:
You must press the brake pedal before shifting
out of PARK.
Normal Starting
Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine does
not require pumping or pressing the accelerator pedal.
Simply turn the ignition switch to the START position
and release when the engine starts. If the engine has not
started within three seconds, slightly press the accelera-
tor pedal while continuing to crank. If the engine fails to
start within 15 seconds, turn the ignition switch to the
OFF position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the
“Normal Starting” procedure above.
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CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING!
It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle
speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal,
the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only move the shift lever
into gear when the engine is idling normally and
when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
You must step on the brake pedal and press the shift lever
knob button before you will be able to shift out of PARK.
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NOTE:If a malfunction occurs, the system will function
normally, except you may be able to shift the vehicle from
PARK, without pressing the brake pedal. If this occurs
obtain service from an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock System
This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK and the shift lever knob
pushbutton is out. It also prevents moving the shift lever
out of PARK unless the key is in the ACC or ON position,
and the brake pedal is pressed.
NOTE: If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the
key in the ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety
feature is inoperable. The engine can be started and
stopped but the key cannot be removed until you obtain
service.
Four-Speed Automatic Transmission
NOTE: Under extreme cold temperatures (-6°F (-21°C)
and when in DRIVE, transmission operation may be
briefly limited to only second gear operation. Normal
operation will resume once the transmission temperature
has risen to a suitable level.
The electronically-controlled transmission provides a
precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few
shift cycles.
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RESET Mode
The transmission is monitored electronically for abnor-
mal conditions. If a condition is detected that could cause
damage, the transmission shifts automatically into sec-
ond gear. The transmission remains in second gear
despite the forward gear selected. PARK, REVERSE, and
NEUTRAL will continue to operate. This second gear
limp-in feature allows the vehicle to be driven to an
authorized dealer for service without damaging the
transmission.
In the event that the problem has been momentary, the
transmission can be reset to regain all forward gears:
1. Stop the vehicle and move the shift lever into PARK.
2. Turn the ignition to OFF then restart the engine.
3. Move the shift lever into DRIVE and resume driving.
4. If the transmission cannot be reset, authorized dealer
service is required.NOTE:
Even if the transmission can be reset, it is
recommended that you visit an authorized dealer at your
earliest possible convenience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to determine if the problem could
recur.
Gear Ranges
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL positions into another gear range.
PARK
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never use PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply
the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this range.
Always apply the parking brake first, and then move the
shift lever into the PARK position.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 197

You can move the shift lever in or out of the AutoStick
mode at any time without taking your foot off the
accelerator pedal. If you choose the OVERDRIVE mode,
the transmission will operate automatically; shifting be-
tween the four available gears. When you wish to engage
AutoStick, simply move the shift lever to the AutoStick
position. The transmission will remain in the current gear
until an upshift or downshift is chosen.
Move the shift lever back to the OVERDRIVE position to
shift out of the AutoStickmode.
General Information
•
You can start out in first, second, or third gear. Shifting
into fourth gear can occur only after vehicle speed
reaches 15 mph (24 km/h). The system will ignore
attempts to upshift at too low of a vehicle speed.
•The transmission will automatically downshift to 1st
gear when coming to a stop.
•The transmission will automatically upshift from first
to second gear and from second to third gear when
engine speed reaches about 6,300 RPM.
•Downshifts from third to second gear above 74 mph
(119 km/h) and from second to first gear above
41 mph (66 km/h) will be ignored.
•Starting out in third gear is helpful in snowy or icy
conditions.
•While in the AutoStickmode, the Electronic Speed
Control will only function in third or fourth gear.
Downshifting out of third gear will turn off the speed
control.
•Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when
AutoStick is engaged.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 201

•If the system detects powertrain overheating, the
transmission will revert to the automatic shift mode
and remain in that mode until the powertrain cools off.
•If the system detects a problem, it will disable the
AutoStickmode and the transmission will return to
the automatic mode until the problem is corrected.
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.
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.
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Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Trailer Towing Weights
Engine/Transmission Frontal Area Max. GTW
(Gross Trailer Wt.) Max. Tongue Wt.
(See Note)
2.4L/Automatic 20 sq ft (1.9 sq m) 1,000 lbs (454 kg) 110 lbs (50 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and
cargo, and should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard. Refer to
“Tire Safety Information” in “Starting and Operating” for further information.
Trailer and Tongue Weight
Always load a trailer with 60% to 65% of the weight in
the front of the trailer. This places 10% to 15% of the
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) on the tow hitch of your
vehicle. Loads balanced over the wheels or heavier in the
rear can cause the trailer to sway severelyside to side, which will cause loss of control of the vehicle and trailer.
Failure to load trailers heavier in front is the cause of
many trailer accidents.
Never exceed the maximum trailer tongue weight
stamped on your bumper or trailer hitch.
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