2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser Owner Manual - Page 236

234 STARTING AND OPERATING • Downshifts from 3rd to 2nd gear above 74 mph (119 km/h) and from 2nd to 1st gear above 41 mph (66 km/h) will be ignored. • Starting out in 3rd gear is helpful in snowy or icy conditions. • While in the Autostick௡ mode, Electronic Speed Control will only function in 3rd or 4th gear. Downshifting out of 3rd gear will turn off the speed control. • Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when Autostick௡ is engaged. • 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. DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES Acceleration Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slippery surfaces may cause the front wheels to pull erratically to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when there is a difference in the surface traction under the front (driving) wheels.