2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Owner Manual - Page 290

290 STARTING AND OPERATING • You can start out in first, second, or third gear. Shifting into fourth gear can occur only after vehicle speed reaches 15 mph (24 km/h). • The transmission will automatically downshift to first gear when coming to a stop. • Starting out in third gear is helpful in snowy or icy conditions. • While in the Autostick mode, Speed Control will only function in third or fourth gear. Downshifting out of third gear will turn off the speed control. • If the system detects powertrain overheating, the transmission will revert to the automatic shift mode and remain in that mode until the powertrain cools off. • If the system detects a problem it will disable the Autostick mode and the transmission will return to the automatic mode until the problem is corrected. MANUAL TRANSAXLE OPERATION NOTE: The parking brake should be engaged and the gear selector placed in REVERSE before leaving the vehicle, especially on an incline. Fully depress the clutch pedal before you shift gears. As you release the clutch pedal, lightly depress the accelerator pedal.