Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible (2005 year). Instruction — part 15

Spare Tire Stowage
The compact spare tire is stowed under the rear of the
vehicle by means of a hook/basket mechanism. To re-
move or stow the compact spare, use the jack handle to
rotate the “spare tire drive” nut. The nut is located under
the rear scuff plate at the right rear of the cargo area, just
inside the deck lid opening.

Lowering Spare Tire

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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Spare Tire Removal
Lift up the plastic cover on the scuff plate and fit the
jack-handle over the drive nut. Rotate the nut to the left
until you can remove the swivel hook from the stowage
basket. Swing the basket down to remove the compact
spare tire.

CAUTION!

The hook is designed for use with the jack handle
only. Use of an air wrench or other power tools is not
recommended and can damage the winch.

Preparations For Jacking
Park the vehicle on a firm level surface, avoid ice or
slippery areas, set the parking brake and place the gear
selector in PARK (automatic transaxle) or REVERSE
(instruction transaxle). Turn OFF the ignition.

WARNING!

Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off
the road to avoid the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.

• Turn on the Hazard Warning Flasher.

• Block both the front and rear

of the wheel diagonally oppo-
site the jacking position. For
example, if changing the right
front tire, block the left rear
wheel.

• Passengers should not remain in the vehicle while the

vehicle is being jacked.

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Jacking Instructions

1. Remove the scissors jack and lug wrench from the
stowage bag.

NOTE:

If equipped with a center cap that covers the

wheel nuts, pry off the cap using the small end of the lug
wrench. To reinstall the cap, make sure it is properly
lined up before pushing it on to the wheel.

2. Loosen, but do not remove, the wheel nuts by turning
them to the left one turn while the wheel is still on the
ground.

CAUTION!

Do not attempt to raise the vehicle by jacking on the
crossmember below the radiator, on the front sus-
pension crossmember, or on the rear axle assembly.

3. There are two front jacking locations on each side of
the body and rear jacking locations located on the trailing
arm bracket under the triangular cut out symbol. Turn
the jack screw to the right until the jack head is properly
engaged with the lift area closest to the wheel to be
changed.

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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Do not raise the vehicle until you are sure the jack is
securely engaged.

4. Raise the vehicle by turning the jack screw to the right,
using the swivel wrench. Raise the vehicle only until the
tire just clears the surface and enough clearance is
obtained to install the spare tire. Minimum tire lift
provides maximum stability.

WARNING!

Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make
the vehicle less stable. It could slip off the jack and
hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only enough
to remove the tire.

5. Remove the wheel nuts and pull the wheel and wheel
covers where applicable off the hub. Install the spare
wheel and wheel nuts with the cone shaped end of the

nuts toward the wheel. Lightly tighten the nuts. To avoid
the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not tighten
the nuts fully until the vehicle has been lowered.

WARNING!

To avoid possible personal injury, handle the wheel
covers with care to avoid contact with any sharp
edges.

NOTE:

The wheel cover is held on the wheel by the

wheel nuts. When reinstalling original wheel, properly
align the wheel cover to the valve stem, place the wheel
cover onto the wheel, then install the wheel nuts.

6. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack screw to the left.

7. Finish tightening the nuts. Push down on the wrench
while tightening the wheel nuts. Alternate nuts until each
nut has been tightened twice. Correct wheel nut torque is

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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6

100 ft. lbs (135 N·m). If you doubt that you have
tightened the nuts correctly, have them checked with a
torque wrench by your dealer or at a service station.

8. Remove the wheel blocks and lower the jack until it is
free. Stow the lug wrench, replaced tire, and jack. Secure
all parts using the means provided.

WARNING!

A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the ve-
hicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in
the places provided.

9. Place the deflated (flat) tire in the cargo area, have the
tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

WARNING!

A loose tire thrown forward in a collision or hard
stop could injure the occupants in the vehicle. Have
the deflated (flat) tire repaired or replaced immedi-
ately.

10. Check the tire pressure as soon as possible. Correct
pressure as required.

JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES DUE TO A LOW
BATTERY

WARNING!

Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever
the hood is raised. It can start anytime the ignition
switch is on. You can be hurt by the fan.

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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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 this procedure carefully.

1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.

2. When boosting from a battery in another vehicle, park
that vehicle within booster cable reach but without
letting the vehicles touch. Set parking brake, place auto-
matic transaxle in PARK (instruction transaxle in NEU-
TRAL) and turn ignition to OFF for both vehicles.

3. Turn off the heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.

4. Connect one end of a jumper cable to the positive
terminal of the booster battery. Connect the other end of
the jumper cable to the positive jump start terminal,
located near the Power Distribution Center, of the vehicle
with the discharged battery.

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

241

6

WARNING!

Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not
allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or clothing.
Don’t lean over battery when attaching clamps or
allow the clamps to touch each other. If acid splashes
in eyes or on skin, flush the contaminated area
immediately with large quantities of water.

A battery generates hydrogen gas which is flam-
mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away
from the vent holes. Do not use a booster battery or
any other booster source with an output that exceeds
12 volts.

5. Connect the other cable, first to the negative terminal
of the booster battery and then to the negative jump start
terminal, located near the hood release latch, of the
vehicle with the discharged battery. Make sure you have
a good contact.

6. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position for 3
seconds before moving the ignition switch to the START
position.

7. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.

Negative Jump Start

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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

8. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the se-
quence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fan.

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 danger-
ous. 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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6

2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.

3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.

4. Keep tires properly inflated.

5. Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a sudden
stop.

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE

NOTE:

If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Con-

trol, turn the system OFF before attempting to “rock” the
vehicle.

If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and First gear. Usually the least accelerator pedal pres-
sure to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.

WARNING!

Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam-
age or failure. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster
than 35 mph (55km/h) when you are stuck. And don’t
let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the
speed.

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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION!

Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transaxle overheating and failure. It can
also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above
35 mph (55km/h).

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE

With Ignition Key

Four Speed Automatic Transaxle
Your vehicle may be towed under the following condi-
tions: The steering column must be unlocked and the
gear selector must be in NEUTRAL, the distance to be
towed must not exceed 100 miles (160 km), and the
towing speed must not exceed 44 mph (72 km/h). If the
transaxle is not operative, or if the vehicle is to be towed
more than 100 miles (160 km), the vehicle must be towed
with the front wheels off the ground to avoid damage to
the transaxle.

Instruction Transaxle
Your vehicle may be towed if the gearshift lever is in
NEUTRAL. If the transaxle is not operative, the vehicle
must be towed with the front wheels off the ground.

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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All Transaxles

CAUTION!

If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the OFF position, not in
the LOCK or ACCESSORY 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 ACCESSORY position. Make certain the
transaxle 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 instruction transaxle, it
may be towed 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.

246

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CONVERTIBLE TOP MANUAL OVERRIDE
If your vehicle is experiencing electrical failure (low
battery, etc.) and it is necessary to raise the convertible
top, perform the following steps:

1. Locate the convertible top motor bleeder screw, which
is found in the trunk under the convertible top storage
area.

2. Turn the screw counterclockwise until the screw stops.
This will relieve the hydraulic pressure and allow the
convertible top to be raised instructionly.

3. Using the latch handle raise the top until the two pins
seat themselves in the windshield header.

4. Rotate the latch handle clockwise to open the latches.

Bleeder Screw

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5. Pull down and rotate the handle counterclockwise to
engage the latches.

6. Raise the handle into the stowed position.

7. Close the convertible top motor bleeder screw by
turning the screw clockwise until it stops.

Engaging Convertible Top

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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

䡵 2.4L Turbo Engine Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
䡵 2.4L Engine Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
䡵 Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II . . . . . . . . 254
䡵 Emissions Inspection And Maintenance

Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255

䡵 Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
䡵 Dealer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
䡵 Maintenance Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257

▫ Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257

▫ Drive Belts — Check Condition And Tension . . 261
▫ Spark Plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
▫ Ignition Wiring System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
▫ Catalytic Converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
▫ Engine Timing Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
▫ Crankcase Emission Control System . . . . . . . . 264
▫ Fuel Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
▫ Air Cleaner Element (Filter) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265

7

▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
▫ Power Steering — Fluid Check . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
▫ Front Suspension Ball Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
▫ Body Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
▫ Windshield Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
▫ Windshield Washer Reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
▫ Exhaust System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
▫ Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
▫ Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses . . . . . . . 277
▫ Fuel System Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
▫ Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
▫ Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
▫ Instruction Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284

▫ Appearance Care And Protection From

Corrosion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284

䡵 Convertible Top Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290

▫ Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
▫ General Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
▫ Cloth Top Additional Cleaning Procedure . . . . 291
▫ Cloth Top Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
▫ Weather Strip Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292

䡵 Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292

▫ Underhood Fuses (Power Distribution Center) . 292
▫ Interior Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295

䡵 Vehicle Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
䡵 Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297

250

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

䡵 Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299

▫ Headlight Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
▫ Front Park/Turn Signal/Side Marker Lights . . 300
▫ Front Fog Lights — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . 300
▫ Tail/Stop, And Rear Turn Signal Lights . . . . . . 300
▫ Back Up Light Bulb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301

▫ Center High Mounted Stop Light . . . . . . . . . . 301

䡵 Fluids And Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
䡵 Recommended Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine

Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303

▫ Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
▫ Chassis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

251

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