Chrysler PT Cruiser, Service & Repair Manual, Page: 1380 / 2078

(e) Using a crowfoot wrench attached to a torque
wrench, tighten the attaching nut to 55 N·m (40 ft.
lbs.).
(21) Install the tire and wheel assemblies back on
vehicle. Tighten the wheel mounting nuts to 135 N·m
(100 ft. lbs.) torque.
(22) Lower the vehicle to ground level.
(23) Install the dash-to-lower coupling seal in
place over the lower coupling’s plastic collar.
NOTE: Verify that grease is present on the lip of the
dash-to-coupling seal where it contacts the cou-
pling’s plastic collar.
(24) Inside the passenger compartment, reconnect
the steering column lower coupling to the steering
column upper coupling (Fig. 3). Install the coupling
pinch bolt and tighten the pinch bolt nut to a torque
of 28 N·m (250 in. lbs.). Install the pinch bolt
retainer pin.
(25) Remove the steering wheel holder.
(26) While looking under the instrument panel at
the lower coupling, rotate the steering wheel back-
and-forth to verify that the lower coupling does not
squeak against the dash-to-coupling seal.
(27) Install the knee blocker.
(28) Install
the silencer pad below the knee
blocker panel below the steering column.
(29) Perform the POWER STEERING PUMP INI-
TIAL OPERATION service procedure to properly fill
and bleed the power steering system. (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(30) Check for fluid leaks.
(31) Adjust the front toe setting on the vehicle.
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
INSTALLATION - RHD
Right-Hand-Drive power steering gear is typical of
Left-Hand-Drive. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/GEAR -
INSTALLATION - LHD)
POWER STEERING PRESSURE
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
A power steering pressure switch is used on some
versions of this vehicle to improve the vehicle’s idle
quality. The pressure switch improves vehicle idle
quality by causing a readjustment of the engine idle
speed as necessary when increased fluid pressure is
sensed in the power steering system.
The pressure switch functions by signaling the
powertrain control module that an increase in pres-
sure of the power steering system is putting addi-
tional load on the engine. This type of condition
exists when the front tires of the vehicle are turned
while the vehicle is stationary and the engine is at
idle speed. When the powertrain control module
receives the signal from the power steering pressure
switch, it directs the engine to increase its idle speed.
This increase in engine idle speed compensates for
the additional load, thus maintaining the required
engine idle speed and idle quality.
The power steering pressure switch is mounted
directly to the power steering gear (Fig. 15).
OPERATION
The switch provides an input to the PCM during
periods of high pump load and low engine RPM; such
as during parking maneuvers.
When power steering pump pressure exceeds 2758
kPa (400 psi), the switch is open. The PCM increases
idle air flow through the IAC motor to prevent
engine stalling. The PCM sends 12 volts through a
resister to the sensor circuit to ground. When pump
pressure is low, the switch is closed.
REMOVAL
NOTE: Before proceeding, (Refer to 19 - STEERING
- WARNING).
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable from the neg-
ative post of the battery. Be sure cable is isolated
from negative post on battery.
(2) Raise the vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(3) Locate the power steering fluid pressure switch
on the back side of the power steering gear (Fig. 15).
Fig. 15 Switch Location
1 - WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR
2 - POWER STEERING GEAR
3 - POWER STEERING FLUID PRESSURE SWITCH
4 - REAR OF FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
19 - 34 GEAR
PT
GEAR (Continued)