Chrysler PT Cruiser User manual

PT Cruiser
OWNER’S MANUAL
2010

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 ..................................137
5
STARTING AND OPERATING ................................................189
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ............................................. 259
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ..............................................275
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES .................................................319
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ........................................ 339
10
INDEX ...................................................................349
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
Congratulations on selecting your new Chrysler Group
LLC vehicle. Be assured that it represents precision
workmanship, distinctive styling, and high quality - all
essentials that are traditional to our vehicles.
This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint
you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle.
It is supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet,
located on the DVD, and various customer-oriented
documents. Please take the time to read these publica-
tions carefully. Following the instructions and recom-
mendations 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 referencing 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 factory-trained tech-
nicians and genuine MOPAR威parts, and cares about
your satisfaction.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
Since the specification of your vehicle depends on the
items of equipment ordered, certain descriptions and
illustrations may differ from your vehicle’s equipment
The detailed index at the back of this Owner’s 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

1
INTRODUCTION 5

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This Owner’s Manual contains WARNINGS against op-
erating procedures that could result in an accident or
bodily injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against proce-
dures that 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
The 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.
Vehicle Identification Number
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.
1
INTRODUCTION 7

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
䡵A Word About Your Keys ................. 12
▫Ignition Key Removal .................. 12
▫Locking Doors With a Key ............... 14
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder ............... 14
䡵Steering Wheel Lock — If Equipped ......... 14
▫To Manually Lock The Steering Wheel ...... 14
▫To Release The Steering Wheel Lock ........ 14
▫Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock
System — If Equipped .................. 15
䡵Sentry Key威— If Equipped ............... 15
▫Replacement Keys ..................... 16
▫Sentry Key威Programming ............... 17
▫General Information ................... 18
䡵Vehicle Security Alarm — If Equipped ........ 18
▫To Set The Alarm ..................... 18
▫To Disarm The Alarm .................. 19
▫Security System Manual Override ......... 19
2

䡵Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) .............. 20
▫To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate ......... 20
▫To Lock The Doors And Liftgate .......... 21
▫To Turn Off “Flash Lights With Lock” ....... 22
▫Panic Alarm ......................... 22
▫To Program Additional Transmitters ........ 23
▫General Information ................... 25
▫Transmitter Battery Replacement .......... 25
䡵Door Locks ........................... 26
▫Manual Door Locks ................... 26
▫Power Door Locks .................... 28
▫Child Protection Door Lock System — If
Equipped ........................... 30
䡵Power Windows ....................... 31
▫Auto-Down Feature ................... 32
▫Rear Window Switches ................. 32
▫Wind Buffeting ....................... 33
䡵Liftgate ............................. 33
䡵Occupant Restraints ..................... 34
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .................... 36
▫Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt Untwisting
Procedure ........................... 42
▫Adjustable Upper Shoulder Seat Belt
Anchorage .......................... 43
▫Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR) Mode
— If Equipped ....................... 43
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners — If Equipped ...... 44
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert威) ......................... 44
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women .......... 45
▫Seat Belt Extender ..................... 46
▫Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) —
Airbag ............................. 46
▫Advanced Front Airbag Features .......... 48
▫Airbag Deployment Sensors And Controls . . . 52
▫Event Data Recorder (EDR) .............. 62
▫Child Restraints ...................... 64
▫Transporting Pets ..................... 72
䡵Engine Break-In Recommendations .......... 72
䡵Safety Tips ........................... 73
▫Transporting Passengers ................ 73
▫Exhaust Gas ......................... 74
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ............................. 75
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ................... 77
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
The authorized 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
authorized dealer. Ask your authorized dealer for these
numbers and keep them in a safe place.
Ignition Key Removal
Place the shift lever in PARK and make sure that the shift
lever knob pushbutton has returned to the outward
position. Turn the ignition switch to the ACC position,
push the key and cylinder inward, rotate the key to the
LOCK position, and remove the key.
Three Button Vehicle Key
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE: If you try to remove the key before you place the
shift lever in PARK, the key may become trapped tem-
porarily in the ignition cylinder. If this occurs, rotate the
key to the right slightly, then remove the key as de-
scribed. 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.
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.
Ignition Switch Positions
1 — LOCK 3 — ON
2 — ACC (ACCESSORY) 4 — START
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

CAUTION!
An unlocked vehicle is an invitation to thieves.
Always remove the key from the ignition and lock all
doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Locking Doors with a 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. For door lock lubrication, refer to “Mainte-
nance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”.
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, both the power door locks and Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) will not function.
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
approximately a half turn in either direction and the key
is not in the ignition switch, the steering wheel will lock.
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.
NOTE: If you turned the wheel to the right to engage
the lock, you must turn the wheel slightly to the right to
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 —
If Equipped
This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK and the shift knob pushbutton
is out. It also prevents shifting out of PARK unless the
key is in the ON position and the brake pedal is
depressed.
SENTRY KEY姞— IF EQUIPPED
The Sentry Key威Immobilizer System prevents unautho-
rized operation of the vehicle by disabling the engine.
The system will shut the engine off after two seconds of
running if an invalid key is used to start the vehicle. This
system utilizes ignition keys, which have an electronic
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威Immobilizer System does not need to be
armed or activated. Operation of the system is automatic
regardless if the vehicle is locked or unlocked. During
normal operation, the Vehicle Security Light will come on
for three 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 seconds of running.
Keep in mind that an unprogrammed key is also consid-
ered an invalid key even if it is cut to fit the ignition lock
cylinder for that vehicle.
If the Vehicle Security Light comes on during normal
vehicle operation (when the vehicle has been running for
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

longer than 10 seconds), a fault has been detected in the
electronics and the vehicle should be serviced as soon as
possible by an authorized dealer.
NOTE: The Sentry Key威Immobilizer System is not
compatible with remote starting systems. Use of these
systems may result in vehicle starting problems and loss
of security protection.
All of the keys provided with a new vehicle have been
programmed to that vehicle’s 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威has been programmed to a vehicle, it
cannot be programmed to any other vehicle.
CAUTION!
Always remove Sentry Keys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).
This PIN is required for replacement of keys by an
authorized dealer. Duplication of keys must be per-
formed at an authorized dealer. 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威Immobilizer
System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to the
authorized dealer.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Sentry Key姞Programming
If you have two valid Sentry Keys威, you can program
new Sentry Keys威to the system by performing the
following procedure:
1. Cut the additional Sentry Key威Transponder blank(s)
to match the ignition switch lock cylinder key code.
2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch. Turn
the ignition switch to the ON position for at least three
seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds. Then, turn the
ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the first
key.
3. Insert the second valid key into the ignition switch.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON position within
15 seconds. After 10 seconds, a chime will sound. In
addition, the Vehicle Security Light will begin to flash.
Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and
remove the second key.
4. Insert a blank Sentry Key威into the ignition switch.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON position within
60 seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound.
In addition, the Vehicle Security Light will stop flashing.
To indicate that programming is complete, the indicator
light will turn on again for three seconds and then turn
off.
The new Sentry Key威has been programmed. The Re-
mote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will also be
programmed during this procedure. Repeat this proce-
dure to program up to a total of eight keys. If you do not
have a programmed Sentry Key威, contact your autho-
rized dealer for details.
NOTE: If a programmed key is lost, see your authorized
dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the sys-
tems memory. This will prevent the lost key from starting
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17

your vehicle. The remaining keys must then be repro-
grammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to the autho-
rized dealer at the time of service to be reprogrammed.
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.
VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM — IF EQUIPPED
The Vehicle Security Alarm monitors the doors, liftgate,
and ignition switch for unauthorized operation. The
Vehicle Security Alarm provides both audible and visible
signals when activated.
If something triggers the Vehicle Security Alarm, it signal
for about 18 minutes. For the first three minutes the horn
will sound and the headlights, park lights, tail lights and
the Vehicle Security Light in the cluster will flash. Then
the exterior lights will flash for another 15 minutes.
If the disturbance that triggered the alarm is no longer
present (doors, liftgate, ignition switch), the alarm will
continue to sound until three minutes of alarm time is
reached.
To Set the Alarm
1. Remove the key from the ignition switch and get out
of the vehicle.
2. Lock the door using either the power door lock switch,
or the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter, and close
all doors.
3. The Vehicle Security Light in the instrument cluster
will flash rapidly for 16 seconds. This shows that the
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Vehicle Security Alarm is arming. During this period, if a
door is opened, the ignition switch is turned ON, or the
power door locks are unlocked by either the power door
lock switch or the RKE transmitter, the Vehicle Security
Alarm will automatically disarm. After 16 seconds, the
Vehicle Security Light will flash slowly. This shows that
the Vehicle Security Alarm is fully armed.
To Disarm the Alarm
Unlock a front door using the RKE transmitter.
Starting the vehicle with a valid Sentry Key威will disarm
the Vehicle Security Alarm. A valid key is one that is
programmed to that particular vehicle. A valid key will
disarm the Vehicle Security Alarm. An invalid key will
trigger the alarm.
Tamper Alert
If the horn sounds three times when you unlock a front
door using the RKE transmitter, the alarm has been
activated. Check the vehicle for tampering.
Security System Manual Override
The Vehicle Security Alarm will not arm if you lock the
doors using the manual door lock plunger.
Door Lock Plunger
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19