Chrysler 2004 PT Cruiser User manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION .............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ..............................9
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ..............................63
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ...................................121
5
STARTING AND OPERATING .................................................177
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ..............................................227
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................................243
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ..................................................293
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE .........................................315
10
INDEX ....................................................................325
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
mIntroduction ...........................4
mHow To Use This Manual ..................4
mWarnings And Cautions ...................6
mVehicle Identification Number ...............6
mVehicle Modifications / Alterations ...........7
1

INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your dealer
knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained techni-
cians and genuine Mopartparts, and is interested in
your satisfaction.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this owner’s manual:
4 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION 5
1

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This manual contains WARNINGS against operating
procedures which could result in an accident or bodily
injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against procedures
which could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do
not read this entire manual you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on the
driver’s front corner of the instrument panel, visible
through the windshield. This number also appears on the
vehicle registration or title.
6 INTRODUCTION

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS / ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle
could seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety
and may lead to an accident resulting in serious
injury or death.
INTRODUCTION 7
1

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys ..................12
▫Ignition Key Removal ...................12
▫Locking Doors With The Key ..............14
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................14
mSentry Key ............................14
▫Replacement Keys ......................16
▫Sentry Key Programming .................16
▫General Information ....................17
mSteering Wheel Lock — If Equipped ..........17
▫If You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering
Wheel ..............................17
▫To Release The Steering Wheel Lock .........17
▫Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System . .18
mDoor Locks ............................18
▫Manual Door Locks .....................18
▫Power Door Locks — If Equipped ..........19
▫Central Locking/Unlocking — If Equipped ....20
▫Automatic Door Locks — If Equipped .......20
2

▫“Child-Protection” Door Lock System
(Rear Doors) ..........................21
mRemote Keyless Entry — If Equipped .........22
▫To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate ..........22
▫To Lock The Doors .....................23
▫Horn Chirp Feature .....................23
▫Using The Panic Alarm ..................23
▫To Program Transmitters .................24
▫General Information ....................24
▫Transmitter Battery Service ...............25
mSecurity Alarm System — If Equipped .........26
▫To Set The Alarm ......................26
▫To Disarm The System ...................27
▫Security System Manual Override ...........27
mLiftgate ...............................28
mEmergency Seat Back Release ...............29
mPower Windows ........................30
▫Auto Down Feature ....................31
▫Rear Window Switches ..................31
▫Wind Buffeting ........................32
mOccupant Restraints ......................32
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................33
▫Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage ....38
▫Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure .....39
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................41
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............41
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag ............41
▫Child Restraint ........................50
mEngine Break-In Recommendations ...........59
mSafety Tips ............................59
▫Exhaust Gas ..........................59
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ..............................60
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ....................61
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
The dealer that sold you your new vehicle has the key
code numbers for your vehicle locks. These numbers can
be used to order duplicate keys from your dealer. Ask
your dealer for these numbers and keep them in a safe
place.
The double sided keys
may be inserted into the
locks with either side up.
IGNITION KEY REMOVAL
Automatic Transaxle
Place the shift lever in PARK and make sure that the shift
knob push button has returned to the out position. Turn
the ignition switch to the OFF position, then to the LOCK
position, and remove the key.
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE: If you try to remove the key before you place the
lever in PARK, the key may become trapped temporarily
in the ignition cylinder. If this occurs, rotate the key to the
right slightly, then remove the key as described. 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.
Manual Transaxle
Depress and hold the release button located between the
ignition switch and the instrument panel. Turn the igni-
tion switch to the LOCK position and remove the key.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

WARNING!
Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is danger-
ous for a number of reasons. A child or others could
be injured. Children should be warned not to touch
the parking brake, brake pedal or the gear selector
lever. Don’t leave the keys in the ignition. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Locking Doors With The Key
You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the
door, turn the key rearward, to unlock the door, turn the
key forward. See Section 7 of this manual for door lock
lubrication.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition,
sounds a signal to remind you to remove the key.
NOTE: With the driver’s door open, and the key in the
ignition, the power door locks will not function.
SENTRY KEY
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System prevents unautho-
rized operation of the vehicle by disabling the engine.
The system will shut the engine off after 2 seconds of
running if an invalid key is used to start the vehicle. This
system utilizes ignition keys which have an electronic
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

chip (transponder) embedded into them. Only keys that
have been programmed to the vehicle can be used to start
and operate the vehicle.
The Sentry Key Immobilizer System does not need to be
armed or activated. Operation of the system is automatic
regardless of whether or not the vehicle is locked or
unlocked. During normal operation, the Theft Alarm/
Immobilizer Light will come on for three (3) seconds
immediately after the ignition switch is turned on for a
bulb check. Afterwards, if the bulb remains on, this
indicates a problem with the electronics.
If the bulb begins to flash after the bulb check, this
indicates that an invalid key has been used to start the
vehicle. Both of these conditions will result in the engine
being shut off after two (2) seconds of running.
Keep in mind that a key which has not been programmed
is also considered an invalid key even if it is cut to fit the
ignition lock cylinder for that vehicle.
If the Theft Alarm/Immobilizer Light comes on during
normal vehicle operation (vehicle has been running for
longer than 10 seconds), a fault has been detected in the
electronics and the vehicle should be serviced as soon as
possible.
NOTE:
• The Sentry Key Immobilizer System is not compatible
with remote starting systems. Use of these systems
may result in vehicle starting problems and loss of
security protection.
• Exxon/Mobil Speed Pass,™ additional Sentry Keys, or
any other transponder equipped components on the
same keychain will not cause a key-related (transpon-
der) fault unless the additional part is physically held
against the ignition key being used when starting the
vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other RF electronics
will not cause interference with this system.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

All of the keys provided with your new vehicle have
been programmed to the vehicle electronics.
Replacement Keys
NOTE: Only keys that have been programmed to the
vehicle electronics can be used to start the vehicle. Once
a Sentry Key has been programmed to a vehicle, it can
not be programmed to any other vehicle.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four digit PIN number. This number is required
for dealer replacement of keys. Duplication of keys may
be performed at an authorized dealer or by using the
Customer Key Programming procedure. This procedure
consists of programming a blank key to the vehicle
electronics. A blank key is one which has never been
programmed.
NOTE: When having the Sentry Key Immobilizer
System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to the
dealer.
Sentry Key Programming
You can program new keys to the system if you have two
valid sentry keys by performing the following procedure:
1. Cut the additional Sentry Key Transponder blank(s) to
match the ignition switch lock cylinder key code.
2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch and
turn the ignition switch ON for at least 3 seconds but no
longer than 15 seconds. Turn the ignition switch OFF and
remove the first key.
3. Insert the second valid key and turn the ignition
switch ON within 15 seconds. After ten seconds a chime
will sound and the Theft Alarm Light will begin to flash.
Turn the ignition switch OFF and remove the second key.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

4. Insert a blank Sentry Key into the ignition switch and
turn the ignition switch ON within 60 seconds. After 10
seconds a single chime will sound. The Theft Alarm Light
will stop flashing, turn on for 3 seconds; then turn off.
The new Sentry Key has been programmed.
Repeat this procedure to program up to a total of 8 keys.
If you do not have a programmed sentry key, contact
your dealer for details.
General Information
The Sentry Key system complies with FCC rules part 15
and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation.
STEERING WHEEL LOCK — IF EQUIPPED
Your vehicle may be equipped with a passive steering
wheel lock. This lock prevents steering the vehicle with-
out the ignition key. If the steering wheel is moved no
more than 1/2 turn in either direction and the key is not
in the ignition switch, the steering wheel will lock.
If You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering
Wheel:
With the engine running, turn the steering wheel upside
down, turn off the engine and remove the key. Turn the
steering wheel slightly in either direction until the lock
engages.
To Release The Steering Wheel Lock:
Insert the key in the ignition switch and start the engine.
If the key is difficult to turn, move the wheel slightly to
the right or left to disengage the lock.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
2

NOTE: If you turned the wheel to the right to engage
the lock, you must turn the wheel slightly to the right to
disengage it. If you turned the wheel to the left to engage
the lock, turn the wheel slightly to the left to disengage it.
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.
DOOR LOCKS
Manual Door Locks
Use the manual door lock plunger to lock the doors from
inside the vehicle. If the plunger is down when the door
is closed, the door will lock. Therefore, make sure the
keys are not inside the vehicle before closing the door.
WARNING!
For personal security, and safety in the event of an
accident, lock the vehicle doors as you drive as well
as when you park and leave the vehicle.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
When leaving the vehicle always remove the key
from the ignition lock, and lock your vehicle. Do not
leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of
vehicle equipment may cause severe personal inju-
ries and death.
CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation to thieves.
Always remove the key from the ignition and lock
all of the doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Power Door Locks — If Equipped
A door lock switch is on each front door panel. Press this
switch to lock or unlock the doors.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
2

Central Locking/Unlocking — If Equipped
All vehicle doors and liftgate are locked with the first
turn of the key to the LOCK position. The double unlock
activation feature requires you to turn the key in the
cylinder lock two times within five seconds to UNLOCK
all vehicle doors and liftgate at once. You may turn this
feature off and unlock all the doors and liftgate with one
turn of the key by following these instructions.
NOTE: Steps 2 and 3 must be completed within 10
seconds.
1. Close all doors and place the key in the ignition
switch.
2. Cycle the ignition switch ON/OFF four times ending
in the OFF position.
3. Press the interior door lock switch to the UNLOCK
position.
4. A single chime will sound to signify that you have
successfully disabled the double activation feature.
You can turn the feature back on by repeating the above
mentioned procedure.
Automatic Door Locks — If Equipped
The doors will lock automatically if:
1. all doors are closed,
2. vehicle speed is above 15 mph (24 km/h),
3. the accelerator pedal is depressed.
The Automatic Door Locks can be enabled or disabled by
performing the following procedure:
NOTE: Steps 2 and 3 must be completed within 10
seconds.
1. Close all doors and place the key in the ignition
switch.
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE