Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible (2005 year). Instruction — part 14

Tire Rotation Recommendations
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates, and tend to develop irregular wear pat-
terns.

These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on all season type
tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain
mud, snow and wet traction levels, and contribute to a
smooth, quiet ride.

Follow the recommended tire rotation frequency for your
type of driving found in the “Maintenance Schedules”
Section of this instruction. More frequent rotation is permis-
sible if desired. The reasons for any rapid or unusual

wear should be corrected before rotating. The suggested
rotation method is the “forward-cross” shown in the
diagram.

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FUEL REQUIREMENTS

2.4L Standard Engine and 2.4L Standard Turbo
Engine

Your vehicle is designed to meet all emis-
sion regulations and provide excellent fuel
economy when using high quality regular
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of
87. The use of premium gasoline is not
recommended. The use of premium gaso-

line will provide no benefit over high quality regular
gasolines, and in some circumstances, may result in
poorer performance.

2.4L High Output Turbo Engine

Your engine is designed to meet all emis-
sion regulations and provide excellent fuel
economy and performance when using

high quality unleaded gasoline having an octane rating
of 91. The purchase of higher octane is not required.

The use of high quality unleaded gasoline having an
octane rating of 91 is recommended but not required.
High quality unleaded gasoline having a minumum
octane rating of 87 may safely be used for your vehicle.
Use of these lower octane gasolines, however, may result
in reduced acceleration performance.

Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is
required.

Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of gasoline (with the ap-
propriate octane rating for your engine) before consider-
ing service for the vehicle.

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Over 40 automobile manufacturers around the world
have issued and endorsed consistent gasoline specifica-
tions (the World Wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) to define
fuel properties necessary to deliver enhanced emissions,
engine performance, and durability for your vehicle. The
manufacturer recommends the use of gasolines that meet
the WWFC specifications if they are available.

Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning gasoline referred to as “Reformulated Gasoline”.

Reformulated gasolines contain oxygenates, and are spe-
cifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and im-
prove air quality.

The manufacturer supports the use of reformulated gaso-
lines. Properly blended reformulated gasolines will pro-
vide excellent performance and durability of engine and
fuel system components.

Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with oxy-
genates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE, and ETBE. Oxygen-
ates are required in some areas of the country during the
winter months to reduce carbon monoxide emissions.
Fuels blended with these oxygenates may be used in
your vehicle.

CAUTION!

DO NOT use gasolines containing Methanol. Use of
these blends may result in starting and driveability
problems and may damage critical fuel system com-
ponents.

Problems that result from using methanol/gasoline
blends are not the responsibility of the manufacturer.
While MTBE is an oxygenate made from Methanol, it
does not have the negative effects of Methanol.

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MMT In Gasoline
MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase the octane num-
ber. Gasolines blended with MMT offer no performance
advantage beyond gasolines of the same octane number
without MMT. Gasolines blended with MMT have shown
to reduce spark plug life and reduce emission system
performance in some vehicles. The manufacturer recom-
mends using gasolines without MMT. Since the MMT
content of gasoline may not be indicated on the pump,
you should ask your gasoline retailer whether or not
his/her gasoline contains MMT.

It is even more important to look for gasolines without
MMT in Canada, because MMT can be used at levels
higher than those allowed in the United States.

MMT is prohibited in Federal and California reformu-
lated gasolines.

Materials Added to Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions and would result in additional cost. Therefore
you should not have to add anything to the fuel.

Fuel System Cautions

CAUTION!

Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:

• The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.

Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance,
damage the emission control system.

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• An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition

malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.

• The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as

octane enhancers is not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.

NOTE:

Intentional tampering with emissions control

systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.

Carbon Monoxide Warnings

WARNING!

Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:

• Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon

monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.

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• Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-

nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.

• Keep the liftgate closed when driving your vehicle to

prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous ex-
haust gases from entering the vehicle.

ADDING FUEL
The fuel tank filler tube has a restricting door about 2
inches (50 mm) inside the opening. If using a portable
container, it should have a flexible nozzle long enough to
force open the restricting door.

Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)

The gas cap is behind the fuel filler door, on the passen-
ger’s side of the vehicle. If the gas cap is lost or damaged,
be sure the replacement cap is for use with this vehicle.

NOTE:

When removing the fuel filler cap, lay the cap

tether in the hook, located on the fuel filler cap door
reinforcement.

CAUTION!

Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper fuel
tank filler tube cap (gas cap). A poorly fitting cap
could let impurities into the fuel system.

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CAUTION!

A poorly fitting gas cap may cause the Malfunction
Indicator Light to turn on.

CAUTION!

To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not “top
off” the fuel tank after filling.

NOTE:

When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the

fuel tank is full.

WARNING!

• Never have any smoking materials lit in or near

the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank filled.

• Never add fuel when the engine is running. This

is in violation of most state and federal fire
regulations and will cause the malfunction indi-
cator light to turn on.

NOTE:

Tighten the gas cap about 1/4 turn until you

hear one click. This is an indication that cap is properly
tightened.

If the gas cap is not tighten properly, the Malfunction
Indicator Light will come on. Be sure the gas cap is
tightened every time the vehicle is refueled.

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WARNING!

A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on the
ground while filling.

VEHICLE LOADING

Vehicle Loading Capacities
Front Seat Occupants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Rear Seat Occupants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Luggage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 lbs (52 kg)
Rated Vehicle Capacity. . . . . . . . . . . . . 715 lb (324 kg)

TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips and information
on limits to the type of towing you can reasonably do
with your vehicle. Before towing a trailer carefully re-
view this information to tow your load as efficiently and
safely as possible.

Perform maintenance services as prescribed in the main-
tenance schedules instruction. When your vehicle is used for
trailer towing, never exceed the gross axle weight rating
(GAWR) by the addition of:

• The tongue weight of the trailer.
• The weight of any other type of cargo or equipment

put in or on your vehicle.

• Remember that everything put in or on the trailer adds

to the load on your vehicle.

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Warranty
To maintain warranty coverage, follow the requirements
and recommendations in this instruction concerning ve-
hicles used for trailer towing. However the following
conditions must be met:

• The maximum frontal area of the trailer cannot exceed

20 square feet (1.86 square meters).

• The maximum towing capability for your vehicle is

1,000 lbs (454 kg).

• If using a instruction transaxle vehicle for trailer towing,

all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive
clutch slippage.

• The trailer tongue load 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 the Tire–
Safety Information Section in this instruction.

• The “D” range can be selected when towing. However,

if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “3”
range must be selected.

NOTE:

Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle

under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transaxle life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build up.

WARNING!

Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.

• Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact

spare tire.

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• Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer

size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
recommended for motoring safety.

• The automatic transaxle fluid and filter should be

changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more
than 45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule
“B” in section 8 of this instruction for transaxle fluid
change intervals.

NOTE:

Check the automatic transaxle fluid level before

towing.

NOTE:

For vehicles equipped with Autostick. By using

the Autostick modes, and selecting a specific gear range,
frequent shifting can be avoided. The highest gear range
should be selected that allows for adequate performance.
For example, choose “4” if the desired speed can be
maintained. Choose “3” or “2” if needed to maintain the
desired speed.

NOTE:

Extended driving at high RPM should be

avoided to prevent excess heat generation. A reduction in
vehicle speed may be required to avoid extended driving
at high RPM. Return to a higher gear range or vehicle
speed when road conditions and RPM level allows.

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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CONTENTS

䡵 Hazard Warning Flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
䡵 If Your Engine Overheats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
䡵 Jacking And Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235

▫ Jack Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
▫ Spare Tire Stowage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
▫ Preparations For Jacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
▫ Jacking Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238

䡵 Jump-Starting Procedures Due To A Low

Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240

䡵 Driving On Slippery Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243

▫ Acceleration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
▫ Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243

䡵 Freeing A Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
䡵 Towing A Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245

▫ With Ignition Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
▫ Without The Ignition Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246

䡵 Convertible Top Instruction Override . . . . . . . . . . . 247

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HAZARD WARNING FLASHER

The flasher switch is on top of the steering column,
just behind the steering wheel. Depress the switch

and both cluster indicators and all front and rear direc-
tional signals will flash. Depress the switch again to turn
Hazard Warning Flashers off.

Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.

If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.

NOTE:

With extended use, the flasher may wear down

your battery.

Hazard Flasher Switch

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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.

• On the highways — Slow down.
• In city traffic — While stopped, put transaxle in

neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.

If the pointer rises to the H (red) mark, the instrument
cluster will sound a chime. Pull over and stop the vehicle.
Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until
the pointer drops back into the normal range. If the
pointer remains on the H (red) mark, turn the engine off
immediately and call for service.

NOTE:

There are steps that you can take to slow down

an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and
the fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.

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CAUTION!

Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads “H”, pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the
air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. After appropriate action
has been taken, if the pointer remains on the “H”,
turn the engine off immediately, and call for service.

WARNING!

A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to Section 7, Maintenance, of
this instruction. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.

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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING

WARNING!

• Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous.

The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you.
You could be crushed. Never get any part of your
body under a vehicle that is on a jack. Never start
or run the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If
you need to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a
service center where it can be raised on a lift.

• The jack is designed to use as a tool for changing

tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the
vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should
be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or
slippery areas.

Jack Location
The jack and jack-handle are stowed behind the right rear
side trim panel in the cargo area.

Do not attempt to raise this vehicle using a bumper jack.

Jack Location

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