Chrysler Sebring Convertible (2010 year). Instruction — part 16

WARNING! (Continued)

• Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure

those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should
always shift the vehicle into PARK, remove the
key from the ignition, and apply the parking
brake. Once the key is removed from the ignition,
the shift lever is locked in the PARK position,
securing the vehicle against unwanted movement.
Furthermore, you should never leave children un-
attended inside a vehicle.

Key Ignition Park Interlock

This vehicle is equipped with a Key Ignition Park Inter-
lock which requires the shift lever to be placed in PARK
prior to rotating the key to the LOCK position. The key

can only be removed from the ignition when the ignition
is in the LOCK position and once removed the shift lever
is locked in PARK.

Brake/Transmission Interlock System

This vehicle is equipped with a Brake Transmission Shift
Interlock System (BTSI) that holds the shift lever in the
PARK position when the ignition switch is in the LOCK
position. To move the shift lever out of the PARK
position, the ignition switch must be turned to any other
switch position (ACC, ON, or START) (engine running or
not) and the brake pedal must be pressed.

NOTE:

If a malfunction occurs, the transmission will

not shift out of PARK. Battery power is required to
release the Brake/Transmission Interlock system. How-
ever, an override system allows you to shift out of PARK
in case of loss of power. To activate the override system:

• Firmly apply the parking brake.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

• Insert the ignition key into the ignition switch and

rotate it to the ON position.

• Remove the cup holder liner.
• Insert a key, screwdriver, or finger into the hole at the

front of the cup holder and push and hold the instruction
override release lever forward.

• While holding the release lever forward, move the

shift lever from PARK to NEUTRAL.

• Release the instruction override.

NOTE:

If this occurs, even if the override is successful,

it is recommended that you visit a dealer at your earliest
possible convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equip-
ment to determine if the problem could recur.

Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock System

This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK. It also prevents shifting out of
PARK unless the ignition switch is in the ON position,
and the brake pedal is applied.

NOTE:

If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the

key in the ignition switch lock 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.

Four-Speed/Six-Speed Automatic Transmission

The electronically controlled transmission provides a
precise shift schedule. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new
vehicle may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition, and precision shifts will develop within a few
hundred miles/kilometers.

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253

Gear Ranges

PARK
This range supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while vehicle is in motion.
Apply parking brake when leaving vehicle in this range.

When parking on a flat surface, place the shift lever into
the PARK position first, and then apply the parking
brake.

When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK. As
an added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.

WARNING!

• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for

the parking brake. Always apply the parking
brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.

• 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
seriously or fatally injured. Do not leave the
ignition key in the ignition switch. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.

CAUTION!

DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK
or NEUTRAL positions into another gear range as
this can damage the drivetrain.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Use only
after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.

NEUTRAL
This range is used when vehicle is standing for pro-
longed periods with engine running. Engine may be
started in this range. Set the parking brake if you must
leave the vehicle.

WARNING!

Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition switch to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have an accident.

DRIVE – Six-Speed Transmission
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,
and best fuel economy. However, use the AutoStick

威

mode and select the appropriate gear when frequent
transmission shifting occurs in the DRIVE range. For
example: When operating the vehicle under heavy load-
ing conditions, (i.e., in hilly terrain, traveling into strong
headwinds, or while towing heavy trailers). Under these
conditions, reducing shifting by selecting the appropriate
gear in AutoStick

威 will improve the performance and

extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat build-up.

DRIVE – Four-Speed Transmission
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving, it provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,
and best fuel economy. However, select the

⬙3⬙ range

when frequent transmission shifting occurs while using
the DRIVE range, such as when operating the vehicle

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255

under heavy loading conditions, (i.e., in hilly terrain,
traveling into strong headwinds, or while towing heavy
trailers). Under these conditions, using the

⬙3⬙ range will

improve performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat build-up.

NOTE:

If your vehicle is equipped with AutoStick

威, you

can reduce the frequency of transmission shifting during
heavy loading, hilly terrain, strong headwinds, or while
towing. Under these conditions, selecting the appropriate
gear in AutoStick

威 will improve the performance and

extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat build-up.

DRIVE 3 — Four-Speed Transmission
This range eliminates shifts into fourth gear. The trans-
mission will operate normally in first and second gear.
Shifts into third gear may be delayed to provide second

gear operation at higher speeds. The

⬙3⬙ range should

also be used when descending steep grades to prevent
brake system distress

NOTE:

Using the

⬙3⬙ range while operating the vehicle

under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build-up.

LOW — Four-Speed Transmission
This range should be used for engine braking when
descending very steep grades. In this range, upshifts will
occur only to prevent engine overspeed while downshifts
occur earlier than other gear range selections.

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CAUTION!

If the transmission operating temperature exceeds
acceptable limits, the vehicle computer will override
DRIVE

(OVERDRIVE)

and

[5]

for

six–speed

AutoStick

威 transmission and [3] for four–speed

transmission, range by changing shift points. This is
done to prevent transmission damage due to over-
heating.

Reset Mode - Electronic Transmission
The transmission is monitored electronically for abnor-
mal conditions. If a condition is detected that could cause
damage, the transmission automatically shifts into sec-
ond gear (third gear for six–speed). The transmission
remains in second gear (third gear for six–speed) despite

the forward gear selected. PARK, REVERSE, and NEU-
TRAL will continue to operate. The Reset feature allows
the vehicle to be driven to a dealer for service without
damaging the transmission.

In the event of a momentary problem, the transmission
can be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the shift lever into PARK.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.

4. Restart the engine.

5. Shift the shift lever into the desired gear range and
resume driving.

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257

NOTE:

Even if the transmission can be reset, it is

recommended that you visit a dealer at your earliest
possible convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equip-
ment to determine if the problem could recur.

If the transmission cannot be reset, dealer service is
required.

AUTOSTICK

姞

— IF EQUIPPED

AutoStick

威 is a driver-interactive transmission that offers

six instruction ratio changes to provide you with more
control of the vehicle. AutoStick

威 allows you to maximize

engine braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts and
downshifts, and improve overall vehicle performance.
This system can also provide you with more control
during passing, city driving, cold slippery conditions,
mountain driving, trailer towing, and many other situa-
tions.

Operation

By placing the shift lever one shift-level below the DRIVE
position, it can be moved from side to side. This allows
the driver to select a higher or lower range of gears.
Moving the shift lever to the left (-) triggers a downshift
and to the right (+) an upshift. The gear position will
display in the instrument cluster on the transmission
range indicator.

NOTE:

In AutoStick

威 mode, the transmission will only

shift up or down when the driver moves the shift lever to
the right (+) or left (-).

AutoStick

威 is deactivated when the shift lever is moved

from the AutoStick (+/-) position into the DRIVE
position.

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General Information

• You can start out, from a stop, in any gear except sixth.

The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low
of a vehicle speed.

• If a ratio other than first is selected, and the vehicle is

brought to a stop, the transmission control logic will
automatically select the first gear ratio.

• Starting out in second gear is helpful in snowy or icy

conditions.

• Avoid using speed control when AutoStick威 is en-

gaged.

• The transmission will automatically shift up when

maximum engine speed is reached while AutoStick

威 is

engaged.

• Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when

AutoStick

威 is engaged.

• If a low range is selected and the engine accelerates to

the rev limit, the transmission will automatically select
the next higher ratio.

• If a downshift would cause the engine to over-speed,

that shift will not occur until it is safe for the engine.
Mostly the transmission will stay in the instructionly
selected ratio, however:

− 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

威 mode and the transmission will return to

the automatic mode until the problem is corrected.

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259

DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES

Acceleration

Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the front wheels to pull errati-
cally to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when
there is a difference in the surface traction under the front
(driving) wheels.

WARNING!

Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the
front wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle
and possibly have an accident. Accelerate slowly and
carefully whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).

Traction

When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should
be observed:

1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.

2. Slow down if the road has standing water or puddles.

3. Replace the tires when tread wear indicators first
become visible.

4. Keep the tires properly inflated.

5. Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a sudden
stop.

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DRIVING THROUGH WATER

Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to ensure
safety and prevent damage to your vehicle.

Flowing/Rising Water

WARNING!

Do not drive on or across a road or path where water
is flowing and/or rising (as in storm run-off). Flow-
ing water can wear away the road or path’s surface
and cause your vehicle to sink into deeper water.
Furthermore, flowing and/or rising water can carry
your vehicle away swiftly. Failure to follow this
warning may result in injuries that are serious or
fatal to you, your passengers, and others around you.

Shallow Standing Water

Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
shallow standing water, consider the following Caution
and Warning before doing so.

CAUTION!

• Always check the depth of the standing water

before driving through it. Never drive through
standing water that is deeper than the bottom of
the tire rims mounted on the vehicle.

• Determine the condition of the road or the path

that is under water and if there are any obstacles in
the way before driving through the standing wa-
ter.

• Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving

through standing water. This will minimize wave
effects.

(Continued)

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261

CAUTION! (Continued)

• Driving through standing water may cause dam-

age to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Al-
ways inspect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil,
transmission, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination
(i.e., fluid that is milky or foamy in appearance)
after driving through standing water. Do not con-
tinue to operate the vehicle if any fluid appears
contaminated, as this may result in further dam-
age. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.

• Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can

cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious
internal damage to the engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

WARNING!

• Driving through standing water limits your vehi-

cle’s traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph
(8 km/h) when driving through standing water.

• Driving through standing water limits your vehi-

cle’s braking capabilities, which increases stop-
ping distances. Therefore, after driving through
standing water, drive slowly and lightly press on
the brake pedal several times to dry the brakes.

• Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can

cause it to lock up and stall out, and leave you
stranded.

• Failure to follow these warnings may result in

injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.

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POWER STEERING

The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.

If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.

NOTE:

• Increased noise levels at the end of the steering wheel

travel are considered normal and do not indicate that
there is a problem with the power steering system.

• Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steer-

ing pump may make noise for a short amount of time.
This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering

system. This noise should be considered normal, and it
does not in any way damage the steering system.

WARNING!

Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.

CAUTION!

Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.

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263

Power Steering Fluid Check

Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.

CAUTION!

Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

WARNING!

Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.

If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.

PARKING BRAKE

Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied. Also, be certain to leave the
transmission in PARK.

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The parking brake lever is located in the center console.
To apply the parking brake, pull the lever up as firmly as
possible. To release the parking brake, pull the lever up
slightly, press the center button, then lower the lever
completely.

When the parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch ON, the “Brake Warning Light” in the instrument
cluster will illuminate.

NOTE:

• When the parking brake is applied and the transmis-

sion is placed in gear, the “Brake Warning Light” will
flash. If vehicle speed is detected, a chime will sound
to alert the driver. Fully release the parking brake
before attempting to move the vehicle.

• This light only shows that the parking brake is ap-

plied. It does not show the degree of brake application.

When parking on a hill, it is important to turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade. Apply the parking
brake before placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking mechanism may

Parking Brake

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265

make it difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK. The
parking brake should always be applied whenever the
driver is not in the vehicle.

WARNING!

• Never use the PARK position as a substitute for

the parking brake. Always apply the parking
brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle
movement and possible injury or damage.

• 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
seriously or fatally injured.

• Do not leave the key in the ignition. A child could

operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged

before driving; failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and an accident.

• Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-

ing your vehicle or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also, be certain to leave the transmission in
PARK. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to
roll and cause damage or injury.

CAUTION!

If the “Brake Warning Light” remains on with the
parking brake released, a brake system malfunction
is indicated. Have the brake system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately.

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ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)

The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) provides increased
vehicle stability and brake performance under most
braking conditions. The system operates with a separate
computer to modulate the hydraulic pressure to prevent
wheel lock-up and avoid skidding on slippery surfaces.

WARNING!

• Pumping of the anti-lock brakes will diminish

their effectiveness and may lead to an accident.
Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just
press firmly on your brake pedal when you need
to slow down or stop.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of phys-

ics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking or steering efficiency beyond that af-
forded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and
tires or the traction afforded.

• The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including

those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.

• The capabilities of an ABS-equipped vehicle must

never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner, which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.

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