Chrysler PT Cruiser User manual

PT CRUISER
2009 OWNER’S MANUAL

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 © 2008 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 ...............................73
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ................................... 155
5
STARTING AND OPERATING .................................................219
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ...............................................291
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................................307
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ..................................................353
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ..........................................381
10
INDEX ....................................................................391
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 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
and various customer-oriented documents. You are
urged to read these publications carefully. Following the
instructions 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 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

INTRODUCTION 5
1

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.
INTRODUCTION 7
1

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 ........ 15
▫Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock
System ............................. 15
䡵Sentry Key威— If Equipped ............... 15
▫Sentry Key威Immobilizer System ........... 15
䡵Vehicle Security Alarm System — If Equipped . . 19
▫To Set The Alarm ...................... 19
▫To Disarm The Alarm .................. 20
▫Security System Manual Override .......... 20
䡵Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) ............... 20
▫To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate ......... 21
▫To Lock The Doors And Liftgate ........... 22
2

▫To Turn Off “Flash Lights With Lock” ....... 23
▫Panic Alarm ......................... 23
▫To Program Additional RKE Transmitters ..... 24
▫General Information .................... 25
▫RKE Transmitter Battery Service ........... 26
䡵Door Locks ........................... 27
▫Manual Door Locks .................... 27
▫Power Door Locks ..................... 28
▫Child Protection Door Lock System — If
Equipped ........................... 30
䡵Power Windows ........................ 31
▫Auto-Down Feature .................... 32
▫Rear Window Switches ................. 33
▫Wind Buffeting ....................... 33
䡵Liftgate .............................. 33
䡵Occupant Restraints ..................... 35
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .................... 36
▫Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt Untwisting
Procedure ........................... 42
▫Adjustable Upper Shoulder Seat Belt
Anchorage .......................... 42
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners .................. 43
▫Enhanced Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlert威).......................... 43
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ........... 44
▫Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) Airbag............. 44
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Child Restraints ....................... 61
▫Transporting Pets...................... 69
䡵Engine Break-In Recommendations .......... 69
䡵Safety Tips ............................ 70
▫Exhaust Gas ......................... 70
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ............................. 71
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle .................... 71
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2

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
Automatic Transaxle
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
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

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.
Manual Transaxle — If Equipped
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.
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 “Body
Lubrication” in the “Maintenance Procedures” section of
this manual.
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 no
more than one—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
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.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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
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 pushbutton
is out. It also prevents shifting out of PARK unless the
key is in the ACC or ON positions and the brake pedal is
depressed.
SENTRY KEY姞— IF EQUIPPED
Sentry Key姞Immobilizer System
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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

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
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威Immobilizer System is not compat-
ible with remote starting systems. Use of these systems
may result in vehicle starting problems and loss of
security protection.
• Exxon/Mobil SpeedPass™, additional Sentry Keys威,
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 radio frequency
controlled electronics will not cause interference with
this system.
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.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR 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.
Sentry Key威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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
2

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
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.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE