Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible (2005 year). Instruction — part 12

WARNING!

Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should always
shift the vehicle into P (Park), remove the key from
the ignition, and apply the parking brake. Once the
key is removed from the ignition, the transmission
shift lever is locked in the P (Park) position, securing
the vehicle against unwanted movement. Further-
more, you should never leave children unattended
inside a vehicle.

The following indicators should be used to ensure that
you have engaged the transmission shift lever into the P
(Park) position:

• When shifting into P (Park), depress the button on the

shift lever and firmly move the lever all the way
forward until it stops.

• Look at the shift indicator window on the console to

ensure it is in the P (Park) position.

• When engaged in P (Park), you will not be able to

move the shifter rearward without depressing the shift
lever button.

CAUTION!

Before moving the shift lever out of P (Park), you
must turn the ignition from LOCK to ON so the
steering wheel and shift lever are released. Other-
wise, damage to the steering column or shifter could
result.

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“R” Reverse
Shift into this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.

“N” Neutral
Engine may be started in this range.

“D” Overdrive
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides smoothest up shifts and down shifts
and best fuel economy.

When frequent transaxle shifting occurs while using the
Overdrive range, such as when operating the vehicle
under heavy loading conditions (in hilly terrain, travel-
ing into strong head winds, or while towing trailers), use
the “3” range.

“3” Drive
This range eliminates shifts into Overdrive. The transaxle
will operate normally in first and second while in this
range.

NOTE:

Using the “3” range while operating the vehicle

under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance, fuel economy, and extend transaxle life by reduc-
ing excessive shifting and heat build up.

Use the “3” range when descending steep grades to
prevent brake system distress.

“1” Low
This range should be used for maximum engine braking
when descending steep grades. In this range, up shifts
will occur only to prevent engine over speed while down
shifts from 2nd to first will occur as early as possible.

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AUTOSTICK — IF EQUIPPED
Autostick is a driver-interactive transmission that offers
instruction gear shifting capability to provide you with more
control. Autostick allows you to maximize engine brak-
ing, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and
improve overall vehicle performance. This system can
also provide you with more control during passing, city
driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving,
trailer towing, and many other situations.

Autostick Operation
The Autostick position is just below the Overdrive posi-
tion and is identified by the word “AUTOSTICK”. When
you place the shift lever in the Autostick position, it can
be moved from side to side. Moving the lever to the left
(-) triggers a downshift and to the right (+) an upshift.
The gear position will be shown in the transmission gear
display, located in the instrument cluster.

You can shift 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 oper-
ate automatically; shifting between the four available
gears. When you wish to engage autostick, simply move
the shift lever to the AUTOSTICK position. The transmis-
sion will remain in the current gear until an upshift or
downshift is chosen.

Move the lever back to the Overdrive position to shift out
of the Autostick mode.

Autostick General Information

• The transmission will automatically upshift from first

to second gear and from second to third gear when
engine speed reaches about 6300 RPM.

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• 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.

• 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 transmission will automatically downshift to first

gear when coming to a stop.

• Starting out in third gear is helpful in snowy or icy

conditions.

• While in the Autostick mode, Speed Control will only

function in third or fourth gear.

Downshifting out of third gear will turn off the speed
control.

• 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

Autostick mode and the transmission will return to the
automatic mode until the problem is corrected.

MANUAL TRANSAXLE OPERATION

NOTE:

The parking brake should be engaged and the

gear selector placed in REVERSE before leaving the
vehicle, especially on an incline.

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Fully depress the clutch pedal before you shift gears. As
you release the clutch pedal, lightly depress the accelera-
tor pedal.

Use each gear in numerical order - do not skip a gear. Be
sure the transaxle is in FIRST gear, (not THIRD), when
starting from a standing position. Damage to the clutch
can result from starting in THIRD.

For most city driving you will find it easier to use only
the lower gears. For steady highway driving with light
accelerations, 5th gear is recommended.

Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, or
try to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal
partially engaged. This will cause abnormal wear on the
clutch.

Never shift into REVERSE until the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.

NOTE:

During cold weather, until the transaxle lubri-

cant is warm, you may experience slightly higher shift
efforts. This is normal and not harmful to the transaxle.

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2.4 Liter Turbo— If Equipped

The neutral position of the shift lever is located between
THIRD and FOURTH gear. This is the position the shifter
lever will return to automatically when neutral is se-
lected. When shifting into FIFTH gear, be sure to press
the shifter lever all the way to the right to avoid acciden-
tally selecting THIRD gear. Also, use care when selecting
FIRST gear to avoid accidentally selecting REVERSE.

When moving the shifter lever into REVERSE press the
lever to the left until the resistance is overcome. When the
ignition switch is in the ON position, a chime will sound
to confirm that reverse has been selected and the backup
lights will illuminate.

NOTE:

Listen for the audible chime to confirm RE-

VERSE gear is properly selected. Never shift into RE-
VERSE until the vehicle has come to a complete stop.

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Recommended Shift Speeds
To use your instruction transaxle for optimal fuel economy,
it should be upshifted as listed in table 1.

TABLE 1-MANUAL TRANSAXLE NORMAL AC-

CELERATION AND CRUISE SHIFT SPEEDS

IN mph (km/h)

EN-

GINE

SIZE

MODE

1 to 2

2 to 3

3 to 4

4 to 5

2.4L

Turbo

Accel

15 (24) 25 (40)

40 (65)

45 (72)

Cruise

15 (24) 25 (40)

42 (68)

45 (72)

2.4L

Non-

Turbo

Accel

15 (24) 25 (40)

33 (53)

44 (70)

Cruise

16 (26) 20 (32)

28 (45)

38 (61)

For improved performance, your instruction transaxle may
be upshifted up to the maximum speeds listed in table 2
(within legal speed limits).

TABLE 2-MANUAL TRANSAXLE MAXIMUM PER-

FORMANCE SHIFT SPEEDS

IN mph (km/h)

ENGINE

SIZE

1 to 2

2 to 3

3 to 4

4 to 5

2.4L

30

60

85

115

(48)

(97)

(136)

(185)

If you exceed these speeds, you may notice the engine cut
in and out. This is caused by an electronic limiter in the
engine computer. The engine will run normally when
you reduce engine speed.

Downshifting
Proper downshifting will improve fuel economy and
prolong engine life.

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CAUTION!

If you skip more than one gear while downshifting
or downshift at too high an engine speed, you could
damage the engine, transmission, or clutch.

To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, shift
down to 2nd or 1st when descending a steep grade.

When turning a corner, or driving up a steep grade,
downshift early so that the engine will not be overbur-
dened.

PARKING BRAKE

When the parking brake is applied with the
ignition on, the Brake Light in the instrument
cluster will come on.

NOTE:

This light only shows that the parking brake is

on. It does not show the degree of brake application.

If the parking brake is applied while the vehicle is
moving, a chime will sound to alert the driver. The chime
will sound up to 10 times or until the vehicle has
returned to a stop.

Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is set. To set the parking brake, pull up firmly on
the lever. Also place the gear selector in the Park position
(automatic transaxle) or Reverse (instruction transaxle). To
release the parking brake, apply the brake pedal, pull up
slightly on the lever, then depress the button on the end
of the lever and push the lever fully down toward the
floor.

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NOTE:

The parking brake lever will not release unless

the lever is pulled up slightly past its applied position.

When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the gear selector in Park, otherwise
the load on the automatic transaxle locking mechanism
may make it difficult to move the selector out of Park. As
an added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on a
uphill grade.

You should always apply the parking brake before leav-
ing the vehicle.

Parking Brake Lever

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WARNING!

• Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dan-

gerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be injured. Children should be warned not
to touch the parking brake or the gear selector.
Don’t leave the keys in the ignition. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.

• Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged

before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and an accident.

BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with power assisted brakes as
standard equipment. In the event power assist is lost for
any reason (for example, repeated brake applications
with the engine off), the brakes will still function. How-
ever, the effort required to brake the vehicle will be much
greater than that required with the power system oper-
ating.

WARNING!

Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.

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If either of the two hydraulic systems lose normal capa-
bility, the remaining system will still function with some
loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident
by increased pedal travel during application and greater
pedal force required to slow or stop. In addition, if the
malfunction is caused by an internal leak, as the brake
fluid in the master cylinder drops, the brake warning
indicator will light.

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) — If Equipped
The ABS gives increased vehicle stability and brake
performance under most braking conditions. The system
automatically “pumps” the brakes during severe braking
conditions to prevent wheel lock up.

All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
tires must be properly inflated to produce accurate
signals for the computer. However, the system will
compensate when the compact spare is in use.

During stops where ABS is activated, a vibration of the
brake pedal may be felt and associated system noises
may be heard.

NOTE:

Pumping of the brake pedal will diminish the

effectiveness of Anti-lock brakes and may lead to an
accident. Pumping makes the stopping distance longer.
Just press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to
slow down or stop.

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WARNING!

• Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-

ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.

• The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including

those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.

• The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must

never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.

POWER ASSISTED STEERING
The power assisted steering system of your vehicle
provides mechanical steering capability in the event
power assist is lost.

If for some reason the hydraulic pressure is interrupted,
it will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions you will observe a substantial increase in
steering effort.

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TRACTION CONTROL — IF EQUIPPED
The Traction Control System will improve acceleration
and steering on slippery surfaces by reducing tire spin.
The system reduces wheel slip and maintains traction at
the driving (front) wheels by engaing the brake on the
wheel that is losing traction. When this occurs the TRAC
indicator light located above the instrument cluster
odometer will flash. The system operates at speeds below
40 mph (64 km/h).

A push-button at the center of the instrument panel,
below the radio, turns the Traction Control System ON or
OFF.

Traction Control Switch

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The system is always in the “ON” mode unless:

• The TRAC OFF switch has been used to turn the

system off;

• There is a Anti-Lock Brake System malfunction;
• There is a Traction Control System malfunction;
• The system has been automatically deactivated to

prevent damage to the brake system due to overheated
brake temperatures.

NOTE:

Extended heavy use of Traction Control may

cause the system to deactivate and turn on the TRAC
OFF Light located in the instrument cluster.

This is to prevent overheating of the brake system and is
a normal condition. The system will remain disabled for
about 4 minutes until the brakes have cooled. The system
will automatically reactivate and turn off the TRAC OFF
light.

If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, ice, or snow, turn
the Traction Control System Off before attempting to
“rock” the vehicle free.

TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION

Tire Markings

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NOTE:

• P(Passenger)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design

standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P” molded
into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Ex-
ample: P215/65R15 95H.

• European Metric tire sizing is based on European

design standards. Tires designed to this standard have
the tire size molded into the sidewall beginning with
the section width. The letter

⬙P⬙ is absent from this tire

size designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H

• LT(Light Truck)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.

design standards. The size designation for LT-Metric

tires is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the
letters “LT” that are molded into the sidewall preced-
ing the size designation. Example: LT235/85R16.

• Temporary Spare tires are high pressure compact

spares designed for temporary emergency use only.
Tires designed to this standard have the letter “T”
molded into the sidewall preceding the size designa-
tion. Example: T145/80D18 103M.

• High Flotation tire sizing is based on U.S. design

standards and begins with the tire diameter molded
into the sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.

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Tire Sizing Chart

EXAMPLE:

Size Designation:

P

= Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards

ⴖ. blank. ⴖ = Passenger car tire based on European design standards
LT

= Light Truck tire based on U.S. design standards

T

= Temporary Spare tire

31

= Overall Diameter in Inches (in)

215

= Section Width in Milimeters (mm)

65

= Aspect Ratio in Percent (%)

—Ratio of section height to section width of tire.

10.5

= Section Width in Inches (in)

R

= Construction Code

—

⬙R⬙ means Radial Construction.

—

⬙D⬙ means Diagonal or Bias Construction.

15

= Rim Diameter in Inches (in)

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