Chrysler PT Cruiser 2008 User manual

300 SRT8
OWNER’S MANUAL
2008
2008 300 SRT8
81-026-0848 First Edition Printed in U.S.A.

VEHICLES SOLD IN CANADA
With respect to any Vehicles Sold in Canada, the name
Chrysler LLC shall be deemed to be deleted and the
name Chrysler Canada Inc. used in substitution therefor.
DRIVING AND ALCOHOL
Drunken driving is one of the most frequent causes of
accidents.
Your driving ability can be seriously impaired with blood
alcohol levels far below the legal minimum. If you are
drinking, don’t drive. Ride with a designated non-drinking
driver, call a cab, a friend, or use public transportation.
WARNING!
Driving after drinking can lead to an accident. Your
perceptions are less sharp, your reflexes are slower,
and your judgment is impaired when you have been
drinking. Never drink and then drive.
This manual illustrates and describes the operation of
features and equipment that are either standard or op-
tional on this vehicle. This manual may also include a
description of features and equipment that are no longer
available or were not ordered on this vehicle. Please
disregard any features and equipment described in this
manual that are not on this vehicle.
Chrysler LLC reserves the right to make changes in
design and specifications, and/or make additions to or
improvements to its products without imposing any
obligation upon itself to install them on products previ-
ously manufactured.
Copyright © 2007 Chrysler LLC

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION .............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................9
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ...............................79
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ................................... 193
5
STARTING AND OPERATING ................................................. 293
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ...............................................369
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ............................................... 383
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ..................................................439
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ..........................................447
10
INDEX ....................................................................457
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
䡵Introduction ........................... 4
䡵How To Use This Manual .................. 4
䡵Warnings And Cautions ................... 6
䡵Vehicle Identification Number ............... 6
䡵Vehicle 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 authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained
technicians and genuine Mopar威parts, and is interested
in your satisfaction.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed Index at the back 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 that could result in an accident or bodily
injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against procedures
that could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do not
read this entire manual, you may miss important infor-
mation. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is on the left
front corner of the instrument panel. The VIN is visible
from outside of the vehicle through the windshield. This
number also appears on the Automobile Information
Disclosure Label affixed to a window on your vehicle, the
vehicle registration, and the title. NOTE: It is illegal to remove the VIN.
VIN Location
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
䡵A Word About Your Keys ..................12
▫Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) .............12
▫FOB With Integrated Key .................13
▫Tip Start Feature .......................14
▫Ignition Key Removal ...................14
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................15
䡵Sentry Key威Immobilizer System .............15
▫Replacement Keys ......................16
▫Customer Sentry Key威(FOB) Programming ....17
▫General Information ....................18
䡵Security Alarm System — If Equipped .........18
▫Rearming Of The System .................18
▫To Arm The System .....................19
▫To Disarm The System ...................19
䡵Illuminated Entry System ..................20
䡵Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ................20
▫To Unlock The Doors ...................21
▫To Lock The Doors .....................22
2

▫To Unlatch The Trunk ...................22
▫Using The Panic Alarm ..................22
▫Programming Additional Transmitters ........23
▫Transmitter Battery Service ...............23
▫General Information ....................24
䡵Remote Starting System — If Equipped ........25
▫How To Use Remote Start ................25
䡵Door Locks ............................27
▫Manual Door Locks .....................27
▫Power Door Locks .....................28
▫Child Protection Door Lock ...............30
䡵Windows .............................33
▫Power Windows .......................33
▫Wind Buffeting ........................36
䡵Trunk Lock And Release ...................37
䡵Trunk Safety Warning .....................38
▫Trunk Emergency Release ................38
䡵Occupant Restraints ......................39
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................40
▫Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure .....45
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................46
▫Enhanced Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlert威) ..........................46
▫Automatic Locking Mode — If Equipped .....47
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............48
▫Seat Belt Extender ......................48
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag ............49
▫Event Data Recorder (EDR) ...............62
▫Child Restraint ........................64
䡵Break-In Recommendations .................73
䡵Safety Tips ............................74
▫Transporting Passengers .................74
▫Lock Your Vehicle ......................75
▫Exhaust Gas ..........................75
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
TheVehicle ..........................76
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ....................77
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
Your vehicle uses a keyless ignition system. This system
consists of a Fob with Integrated Key and a Wireless
Ignition Node (WIN) with integral ignition switch. You
can insert the double-sided integrated key into the igni-
tion switch with either side up.
Wireless Ignition Node (WIN)
The Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) operates similarly to
an ignition switch. It has four operating positions, three
of which are detented and one spring-loaded. The de-
tented positions are LOCK, ACC, and ON. The START
position is a spring-loaded momentary contact position.
When released from the START position, the switch
automatically returns to the detented ON position.
Wireless Ignition Node (WIN)
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Fob with Integrated Key
The Fob with Integrated Key operates the ignition switch.
It also contains the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) trans-
mitter and a valet key, which stores in the rear of the Fob.
The valet key allows for entry into the vehicle should the
battery in the vehicle or the Fob go dead. The valet key is
also for locking the glove box. You can keep the valet key
with you when valet parking.
To remove the valet key from the Fob, slide the mechani-
cal latch at the top of the Fob sideways with your thumb
and then pull the key out of the Fob with your other
hand.
NOTE: You can insert the double-sided valet key into
the lock cylinders with either side up.
Valet Key Removal
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

Tip Start Feature
Do not press the accelerator. Use the Fob with Integrated
Key to briefly turn the ignition switch to the START
position and release it as soon as the starter engages. The
starter motor will continue to run, and it will disengage
automatically when the engine is running.
Ignition Key Removal
Place the shift lever in PARK. Turn the key to the LOCK
position and then remove the key.
NOTE: The power window switches, radio, power
sunroof (if equipped), and power outlets will remain
active for up to 60 minutes after the ignition switch is
turned to the LOCK position. Opening either front door
will cancel this feature. The time for this feature is
programmable. Refer to “Delay Power Off to Accessories
Until Exit,” under “Personal Settings (Customer Pro-
grammable Features),” under “Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC)” in Section 4.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the key 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.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Key-In-Ignition Reminder
If you open the driver’s door and the key is in the
ignition, a chime will sound to remind you to remove the
key.
NOTE: The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds
when the ignition key is placed in the LOCK or ACC
position.
SENTRY KEY姞IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
The Sentry Key威prevents unauthorized vehicle opera-
tion by disabling the engine. The system does not need to
be armed or activated. Operation is automatic, regardless
of whether the vehicle is locked or unlocked.
The system uses the factory-mated Fob with Integrated
Key and Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) to prevent unau-
thorized vehicle operation. Therefore, only fobs that are
programmed to the vehicle can be used to start and
operate the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in
two seconds if an invalid fob is used to start the engine.
After turning the ignition switch to the ON position, the
Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will turn on for
three seconds for a bulb check. If the light remains on
after the bulb check, it indicates that there is a problem
with the electronics. In addition, if the light begins to
flash after the bulb check, it indicates that someone used
an invalid fob to start the engine. Either of these condi-
tions will result in the engine being shut off after two
seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light turns on
during normal vehicle operation (vehicle running for
longer than 10 seconds), it indicates that there is a fault in
the electronics. Should this occur, have the vehicle ser-
viced as soon as possible.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

NOTE:
• The Sentry Key威Immobilizer System is not compat-
ible with aftermarket remote starting systems. Use of
these systems may result in vehicle starting problems
and loss of security protection.
• Exxon/Mobil SpeedPass™, additional fobs, or any
other transponder-equipped components on the same
key chain will not cause a fault unless the additional
part is physically held against the fob being used to
start the vehicle. Cell phones, pagers, or other RF
electronics will not cause interference with this system.
All of the fobs provided with your new vehicle have been
programmed to the vehicle electronics.
Replacement Keys
NOTE: Only fobs that are programmed to the vehicle
electronics can be used to start and operate the vehicle.
Once a fob is programmed to a vehicle, it cannot be
programmed to any other vehicle.
CAUTION!
Always remove the Sentry Key威from the vehicle and
lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Keep the PIN in a secure location. This number is
required for authorized dealer replacement of fobs. Du-
plication of fobs may be performed at an authorized
dealer or by using the Customer Key Programming
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

procedure. This procedure consists of programming a
blank fob to the vehicle electronics. A blank fob is one
that has never been programmed.
NOTE: When having the Sentry Key威Immobilizer
System serviced, bring all vehicle fobs with you to the
authorized dealer.
Customer Sentry Key姞(Fob) Programming
If you have two valid Sentry Keys威, you can program
new Sentry Keys威to the system by performing the
following steps:
1. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch and
turn the ignition switch to the ON position for at least
three seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds. Turn the
ignition switch to the OFF position and remove the first
key.
2. Insert the second valid key and turn the ignition
switch to the ON position within 15 seconds. After 10
seconds, a chime will sound and the Vehicle Security
Alarm Indicator Light will begin to flash. Turn the
ignition switch OFF and remove the second key.
3. Insert a blank Sentry Key威into the ignition switch and
turn the ignition switch to the ON position within 60
seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound and
the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will stop
flashing, turn on again for three seconds, and then turn
off.
The new Sentry Key威is programmed. The Keyless Entry
Transmitter will also be programmed during this pro-
cedure.
Repeat this procedure to program up to eight keys. If you
do not have a programmed Sentry Key威, contact your
authorized dealer for details.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
2

NOTE: If a programmed key is lost, see your authorized
dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the sys-
tem’s memory. This will prevent the lost key from
starting your vehicle. The remaining keys must then be
reprogrammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to an
authorized dealer at the time of service to be repro-
grammed.
General Information
The Sentry Key威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.
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The Vehicle Security Alarm system monitors the vehicle
doors for unauthorized entry and the ignition switch for
unauthorized operation. If something triggers the alarm,
the system will prevent the vehicle from starting and
provide the following audible and visible signals: the
horn will pulse; the headlights will flash; the park lights
will flash; and the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light
in the instrument cluster will flash.
Rearming of the System
If something triggers the alarm, and no action is taken to
disarm it, the system will turn the horn off after three
minutes, turn all of the visual signals off after 15 minutes,
and then the system will rearm itself.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE