Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible (2005 year). Instruction — part 11

Temperature Control

Use this control to regulate
the temperature of the air in-
side the passenger compart-
ment. The blue area of the
scale indicates cooler tem-
peratures while the red area
indicates warmer tempera-
tures.

NOTE:

If your air conditioning performance seems

lower than expected, check the front of the A/C con-
denser: located in front of the radiator, for an accumula-
tion of dirt or insects. Clean with a gentle water spray
from behind the radiator and through the condenser.
Fabric front fascia protectors may reduce air flow to the
condenser, reducing air conditioning performance.

Circulation Control

Use this control to choose be-
tween outside air intake or
recirculation of the air inside
the vehicle. Only use the re-
circulate mode to temporarily
block out any outside odors,
smoke, or dust and to cool the
interior rapidly upon initial
start up in very hot or humid
weather.

This control only operates in the Outside Air and Recir-
culate modes; there is no in between position. Do not
place the control between these positions.

NOTE:

Continuous use of the recirculate mode may

make the inside air stuffy and window fogging may
occur. Extended use of this mode is not recommended.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

In cold or damp weather, the use of the Recirculate
position will cause windows to fog on the inside because
of moisture build up inside the vehicle. For maximum
defogging, select the Outside Air position.

If the mode control is in the range between Mix and
Defrost and you choose the recirculate mode, the mode
control knob will automatically move to the left of the
Mix position.

NOTE:

If you choose Defrost mode and the Circulation

control is in the recirculate Mode, the system will auto-
matically switch to the Outside Air mode and the knob
will move to that position.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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4

Operating Tips

174

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Window Fogging
Vehicle side windows tend to fog on the inside in mild
rainy or humid weather. To clear the windows, use the
A/C, PANEL and blower controls. Direct the panel
outlets toward the side windows. Do not use recirculate
without A/C for long periods as fogging may occur.

Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by using the defrost position.

If the fogging problem persists, clean the inside window
surfaces. The cause of undue fogging may be dirt collect-
ing on the inside surface of the glass.

NOTE:

In cold weather, the use of the recirculate

position will cause windows to fog on the inside because
of moisture build up inside the vehicle. For maximum
defogging, use the Outside Air position.

Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high-
quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corrosion
protection and to raise the boiling point of the coolant for
protection against overheating. A 50% concentration is
recommended.

Outside Air Intake
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, directly in front of the wind-
shield, is free of ice, slush, snow or other obstructions
such as leaves. Leaves collected in the air-intake plenum
may reduce air flow and plug the plenum water drains.

The blower air will heat faster in cold weather if you use
only a low blower speed for the first few minutes of
vehicle operation.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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4

Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is at each end of the
instrument panel. These nonadjustable outlets direct air
toward the side windows when the system is in either the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.

Electric Rear Window Defroster

The push-button is located at the center of the
instrument panel, below the radio. Press this but-

ton to turn on the rear window defroster, and the
optional electric remote control heated mirrors. An amber
light shows that the defroster is on.

NOTE:

The defroster turns off automatically after 10

minutes of operation. Each following activation of the
defroster will last for five minutes.

Rear Defroster Switch

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!

To avoid damaging the electrical conductors, do not
use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abrasive window
cleaners on the interior surface of the rear window.
Labels can be peeled off after soaking with warm
water.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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4

STARTING AND OPERATING

CONTENTS

䡵 Starting Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182

▫ Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
▫ Instruction Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
▫ Normal Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
▫ Extremely Cold Weather (Below ⫺20°F

Or

⫺29°C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183

▫ If Engine Fails To Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
▫ After Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
▫ Turbocharger “Cool Down” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184

䡵 Automatic Transaxle — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . 185

▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock System . . . . . . . 186
▫ Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock

System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186

▫ Four Speed Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . 186
▫ Reset Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
▫ Gear Ranges For Four Speed Automatic

Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187

䡵 AutoStick — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190

▫ AutoStick Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190

5

▫ AutoStick General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 190

䡵 Instruction Transaxle Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

▫ 2.4 Liter Turbo— If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
▫ Recommended Shift Speeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
▫ Downshifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

䡵 Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
䡵 Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) — If Equipped . 198

䡵 Power Assisted Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
䡵 Traction Control — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
䡵 Tire Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

▫ Tire Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) . . . . . . . . . . 205

▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . 206

䡵 Tires—General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210

▫ Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
▫ Radial-Ply Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
▫ Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . 214
▫ Limited Use Spare — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . 215
▫ Tire Spinning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
▫ Tread Wear Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
▫ Replacement Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
▫ Alignment And Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218

䡵 Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
䡵 Snow Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

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STARTING AND OPERATING

䡵 Tire Rotation Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
䡵 Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221

▫ 2.4L Standard Engine And 2.4L Standard Turbo

Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221

▫ 2.4L High Output Turbo Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 221
▫ Reformulated Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
▫ MMT In Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
▫ Materials Added To Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223

▫ Fuel System Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224

䡵 Adding Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225

▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225

䡵 Vehicle Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
䡵 Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227

▫ Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228

STARTING AND OPERATING

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5

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.

CAUTION!

Long periods of engine idling, especially at high
engine speeds can cause excessive exhaust tempera-
tures which can damage your vehicle. Do not leave
your vehicle unattended with the engine running.

WARNING!

Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.

Automatic Transaxle
The gear selector must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting to any driving gear.

NOTE:

You must press the brake pedal before shifting

out of Park.

Instruction Transaxle
Before starting the engine fully apply the parking brake,
press the clutch pedal to the floor and place the gear
selector in NEUTRAL.

NOTE:

The engine will not start unless the clutch pedal

is pressed to the floor.

Normal Starting
Normal Starting of either a cold or a warm engine does
not require pumping or depressing the accelerator pedal.
Simply turn the ignition switch to the “START’” position
and release when the engine starts. If the engine has not

182

STARTING AND OPERATING

started within 3 seconds, slightly depress the accelerator
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.

WARNING!

Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic trans-
axle cannot be started this way. Unburned fuel could
enter the catalytic converter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the converter and vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables
may be used to obtain a start from another vehicle.
This type of start can be dangerous if done improp-
erly, so follow the procedure carefully. See section 6
of this instruction for jump starting instructions.

Extremely Cold Weather (below

⫺20°F or ⫺29°C)

To insure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of an
externally powered electric engine block heater (available
from your dealer) is recommended.

If Engine Fails to Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“NORMAL STARTING” procedure, it may be flooded.
Push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and
hold it there. Crank the engine for no more than 15
seconds. This should clear any excess fuel in case the
engine is flooded. Leave the ignition key in the ON
position, release the accelerator pedal and repeat the
“NORMAL STARTING” procedure.

STARTING AND OPERATING

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5

WARNING!

Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.

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.

Turbocharger “Cool Down”

NOTE:

Letting the engine idle after severe operation

allows the turbine housing to cool to normal operating
temperature.

The following chart should be used as a guide in deter-
minning the amount of engine idle time required to
sufficiently cool down the turbocharger before shut
down, depending upon the type of driving and the
amount of cargo.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

TURBOCHARGER

ⴖCOOL DOWNⴖ CHART

Driving Conditions

Idle Time (in minutes) Before Shut Down

Normal Driving

Not required.

Aggressive Driving or Heavily Loaded

3

Trailer Tow

5

AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE — IF EQUIPPED

CAUTION!

Damage to the transaxle may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:

• Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to a

complete stop.

• Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the vehicle has

come to a complete stop and the engine is at idle
speed.

• Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL into

any forward gear when the engine is above idle speed.

• Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is

firmly on the brake pedal.

NOTE:

You MUST press and hold the brake pedal down

while shifting out of Park.

STARTING AND OPERATING

185

5

WARNING!

It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of “P” or
“N” 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 re-
verse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when
the engine is idling normally and when your right
foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

Brake/Transmission Interlock System
This system prevents you from moving the gear shift out
of Park and into any gear unless the brake pedal is
pressed. This system is active only while the ignition
switch is in the ON positions. Always depress the brake
pedal first,

before moving the gear selector out of PARK.

Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System
This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK and the shift knob push button
is out. It also prevents shifting out of PARK unless the
key is in the OFF or ON positions.

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 Transaxle
The electronically controlled transaxle provides a precise
shift schedule. The transaxle electronics are self calibrat-
ing; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle may be
somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and preci-
sion shifts will develop within a few shift cycles.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

Reset Mode
The transaxle is monitored electronically for abnormal
conditions. If a condition is detected that could cause
damage, the transaxle shifts automatically into second
gear. The transaxle remains in second gear despite the
forward gear selected. Park (P), Reverse (R), and Neutral
(N) will continue to operate. This second gear limp-in
feature allows the vehicle to be driven to a dealer for
service without damaging the transaxle.

In the event that the problem has been momentary, the
transaxle can be reset to regain all forward gears.

Stop the vehicle and shift into Park (P).

Turn the Key to OFF then restart the engine.

Shift into D and resume driving.

NOTE:

Even if the transaxle can be reset, it is recom-

mended that you visit a dealer at your earliest possible
convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equipment to
determine if the problem could recur.

If the transaxle cannot be reset, dealer service is required.

Gear Ranges For Four Speed Automatic
Transaxle
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or
NEUTRAL positions into another gear range.

“P” Park
Supplements the parking brake by locking the transmis-
sion. The engine can be started in this range. Never use P
(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 place the selector
in P (Park) position.

STARTING AND OPERATING

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