Chrysler PT Cruiser User manual

PT Cruiser
OWNER’S MANUAL
2008
2008 PT Cruiser Sedan/Convertible
81-026-0844 First Edition Printed in U.S.A.
Sedan/Convertible

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 ..............................119
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ................................... 219
5
STARTING AND OPERATING .................................................287
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ...............................................357
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................................375
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ..................................................433
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ..........................................459
10
INDEX ....................................................................469
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 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 Mopartparts, 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 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 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 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
mA Word About Your Keys ..................13
▫Ignition Key Removal ...................13
▫Locking Doors With A Key ...............14
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................15
mSentry Keyt— If Equipped ................15
▫Replacement Keys ......................16
▫Sentry KeytProgramming ................17
▫General Information ....................18
mSteering Wheel Lock — If Equipped ..........18
▫If You Wish To Manually Lock The Steering
Wheel ..............................18
▫To Release The Steering Wheel Lock .........18
▫Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System . .19
mDoor Locks ............................19
▫Manual Door Locks .....................19
▫Power Door Locks — If Equipped ..........20
▫Child Protection Door Lock System —
If Equipped ..........................22
mRemote Keyless Entry (Sedan) ...............24
2

▫To Unlock The Doors And Liftgate ..........24
▫To Lock The Doors And Liftgate — If Equipped
With Power Options ....................25
▫Panic Alarm ..........................26
▫To Turn Off “Flash Lights With Lock” ........26
▫To Program Additional Transmitters .........27
▫General Information ....................28
▫Transmitter Battery Service ...............29
mRemote Keyless Entry (Convertible) ...........30
▫To Unlock The Doors ...................31
▫To Lock The Doors .....................32
▫To Unlatch The Deck Lid .................32
▫Panic Alarm ..........................32
▫To Turn Off “Flash Lights With Lock” ........33
▫To Program Additional Transmitters .........33
▫General Information ....................34
▫Transmitter Battery Service ...............35
mSecurity Alarm System — If Equipped .........36
▫To Set The Alarm ......................36
▫To Disarm The System ...................37
▫Security System Manual Override ...........37
mLiftgate (Sedan) .........................37
▫Opening The Liftgate While The Security Alarm
Is Activated ..........................38
mDeck Lid (Convertible) ....................39
▫Power Deck Lid Release (Convertible) ........39
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

mEmergency Seat Back Release (Sedan) .........40
mEmergency Deck Lid Release Latch
(Convertible) ...........................41
mPower Windows ........................42
▫Auto Down Feature ....................43
▫Rear Window Switches ..................43
▫Wind Buffeting ........................44
mOccupant Restraints (Sedan) ................44
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................45
▫Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt Untwisting Procedure . .52
▫Adjustable Upper Shoulder Seat Belt
Anchorage ...........................52
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................53
▫Enhanced Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlertt) ..........................54
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............54
▫Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) Airbag .............55
▫Child Restraint ........................72
mOccupant Restraints (Convertible) ............81
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................82
▫Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt Untwisting Procedure . .88
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners ...................88
▫Enhanced Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlertt) ..........................89
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............89
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2

▫Driver And Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) ...................90
▫Child Restraint .......................107
mEngine Break-In Recommendations ..........115
mSafety Tips ...........................115
▫Exhaust Gas .........................115
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle .............................116
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ...................117
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
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 ACC position, push the key and
cylinder inward, rotate the key to the LOCK position, and
remove the key.
Vehicle Key Ignition Key Positions
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

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.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. 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.
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. See Section 7 of this manual for door lock
lubrication.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING 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.
SENTRY KEYT— IF EQUIPPED
The Sentry KeytImmobilizer 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 KeytImmobilizer 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 seconds imme-
diately 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 a key, which has not been pro-
grammed 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, (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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

NOTE:
• The Sentry KeytImmobilizer 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 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.
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 Keythas been programmed to a vehicle, it
cannot be programmed to any other vehicle.
CAUTION!
Always remove Sentry Keys 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.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE: When having the Sentry KeytImmobilizer
System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to the
dealer.
Sentry KeyTProgramming
If you have two valid sentry keys, you can program new
sentry keys to the system by performing the following
procedure:
1. Cut the additional Sentry KeytTransponder 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 ten seconds, a chime will sound. In
addition, the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will
begin to flash. Turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK”
position and remove the second key.
4. Insert a blank Sentry Keytinto 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 Alarm Indicator 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 Keythas been programmed. The Key-
less Entry Transmitter will also be programmed during
this procedure. Repeat this procedure to program up to a
total of 8 keys. If you do not have a programmed Sentry
Keyt, contact your dealer for details.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
2

NOTE: If a programmed key is lost, see your dealer to
have all remaining keys erased from the systems
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 dealer at
the time of service to be reprogrammed.
General Information
The Sentry Keytsystem 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 one—half 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.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE