Chrysler Sebring Coupe (2004 year). Instruction — part 11

To start

Depress the clutch pedal fully and shift into 1st. Then
gradually release the clutch pedal while depressing the
accelerator pedal.

CAUTION!

• Do not move the gearshift lever into the “R”

(REVERSE) while the vehicle is moving forward;
doing so will damage the transaxle.

• Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal as this

will cause premature clutch wear or damage.

• Do not coast in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position

(illegal in many states).

• Do not use the gearshift lever as a hand rest. This

can result in premature wear of the transaxle shift
forks.

NOTE
1. If it is hard to shift into 1st, depress the clutch pedal
again; the shift will then be easier to make.

2. To shift into reverse from 5th gear, move the gearshift
lever to the “N” (NEUTRAL) position, and then shift into
reverse. Never shift into the “R” position when the
vehicle is moving.

Proper shift points

Always use care to change gears with the vehicle speed
matching the engine speed. Proper shifting will improve
fuel economy and prolong engine life.

CAUTION!

Avoid downshifting that may cause the tachometer
pointer to enter the red zone.
This puts the engine at risk of being damaged.

Upshifting
In order to efficiently utilize your instruction transaxle for
both fuel economy and performance, it should be shifted
as listed below.

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At low altitude locations, shift at the vehicle speeds listed
for acceleration. Earlier upshifts during cruise conditions
(relatively steady speeds) will result in increased fuel
economy.

2.4 liter engine

Condition

Upshift speeds

mph (km/h)

Acceleration

Cruise

1st to 2nd

15 (25)

13 (20)

2nd to 3rd

23 (35)

18 (30)

3rd to 4th

34 (55)

33 (53)

4th to 5th

43 (70)

40 (65)

3.0 liter engine

Condition

Upshift speeds

mph (km/h)

Acceleration

Cruise

1st to 2nd

15 (25)

13 (20)

2nd to 3rd

23 (35)

21 (34)

3rd to 4th

34 (55)

33 (53)

4th to 5th

43 (70)

37 (60)

In high altitude locations, it should be upshifted as listed
below.

Condition

Upshift speeds mph (km/h)

1st to 2nd

15 (25)

2nd to 3rd

25 (40)

3rd to 4th

40 (65)

4th to 5th

45 (70)

Downshifting
It is recommended that you downshift to a lower gear
according to the table as necessary to maintain desired
speeds.
Avoid downshifting at too high a speed; the engine may
suffer damage.
To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, shift
down to 2nd or 1st when descending a steep grade.
Downshifting is also important to avoid “lugging” the
engine at too low a speed, such as when turning a corner
or when driving up a steep grade.

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Recommended downshifting speed

Downshifting speed

mph (km/h)

Condition

Under 20 (30)

3rd to 2nd

4th to 2nd

5th to 2nd

20 to 30 (30 to 45)

4th to 3rd

5th to 3rd

Driving precautions

1. The table below indicates the driving speed ranges
that may be driven in each gear without causing the
engine to operate in excessive engine speeds.

Possible driving speed

Condition

2.4 liter engine

3.0 liter engine

Vehicles with Vehicles with

205/60R16

215/50R17

tire

tire

1st

31 mph

(50 km/h)

34 mph (55 km/h)

2nd

59 mph

(95 km/h)

55 mph (90 km/h)

3rd

83 mph

86 mph

83 mph

(135 km/h)

(140 km/h)

(135 km/h)

4th

114 mph

(185 km/h)

118 mph (190 km/h)

PARKING BRAKE

When the parking brake is applied with the ignition on,
the Brake Light in the instrument cluster will come on.

NOTE:

This light only shows that the parking brake is

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

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Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is set. To set the parking brake, pull up firmly on
the lever. Also place the gear selector in the Park position
(automatic transaxle) or Reverse (instruction transaxle). To
release the parking brake, apply the brake pedal and pull

up on the parking brake lever. Push the release button
and lower the lever fully.

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

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You should always apply the parking brake before leav-
ing the vehicle.

WARNING!

• Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dan-

gerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be injured. Children should be warned not
to touch the parking brake or the gear selector.
Don’t leave the keys in the ignition. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or move
the vehicle.

• Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged

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

BRAKE PEDAL

Excessive use of the brake can cause fading, resulting in
poor brake response and premature wear of brake lin-
ings.
When driving down a long or steep grade, use engine
braking by shifting the transaxle into a lower gear
(instruction transaxle and Autostick A/T) or “3” (THIRD) or
“2” (SECOND) or “L” (LOW) position (except Autostick
A/T).

WARNING!

Do not leave any objects on the floor near the brake
pedal or permit a floor mat to interfere with the
brake pedal. Doing so could prevent proper depres-
sion of the pedal. Make sure that the pedal can be
operated freely at all times.

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WARNING!

Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.

POWER BRAKES

Your vehicle is equipped with power brakes as standard
equipment. In the event you lose power assist for any
reason (for example, repeated brake applications with the
engine off), the brakes will still function. The effort
required to brake the vehicle will be substantially in-
creased over that required with the power system oper-
ating.

If either of the two hydraulic systems lose normal capa-
bility, the remaining system will still function with some
loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident

by increased pedal travel during application, greater
pedal force required to slow or stop, and activation of the
Brake Warning Lamp during brake use.

WARNING!

• Never coast downhill with the engine OFF. Keep

the engine running whenever the vehicle is in
motion. If the engine is stopped while driving, the
power assist servomechanism will cease to func-
tion and braking efficiency will deteriorate.

• If power assist is lost or if either brake hydraulic

systems lose normal capability, take your vehicle
to an authorized dealer immediately.

BRAKE PAD WEAR ALARM

The disc brakes are equipped with an alarm device that
produces a metallic sound (squeal) when the brake pads
have worn down to the serviceable limit. If you hear this
sound, have the brake pads replaced at an authorized dealer.

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WARNING!

Driving on worn brake pads can reduce your ability
to stop, and can result in an accident.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKING (ABS) SYSTEM (IF SO
EQUIPPED)

The ABS gives increased vehicle stability and brake
performance under most braking conditions. The system
automatically “pumps” the brakes during severe braking
conditions to prevent wheel lock up.

All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
tires must be properly inflated to produce optimal signals
for the computer. However, the system will compensate
when the compact spare is in use.

During stops where ABS is activated, a vibration of the
brake pedal may be felt and associated system noises
may be heard.

NOTE:

Pumping of the brake pedal will diminish the

effectiveness of Anti-lock brakes 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.

General driving hints (standard/anti-lock brakes)

1. During anti-lock braking, steering differs slightly from
normal driving conditions. Be sure to operate steering
wheel carefully.

2. The anti-lock braking system is not restricted to situ-
ations where brakes are applied suddenly. This system
may also operate to prevent wheel lock when driving
over manholes, steel roadwork plates, road markings, or
any uneven road surface.

3. Always maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front
of you. If your vehicle is equipped with Anti-lock braking
system, allow for a greater braking distance when:

•

Driving on gravel or snow-covered roads.

•

Driving with tire chains installed.

•

Driving on uneven road surfaces.

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CAUTION!

• Anti-lock braking system can not prevent acci-

dents. It remains the driver’s task to exercise
safety precautions and to drive prudently.

• To prevent failure of the anti-lock braking system,

be sure all 4-wheels and tires are the same size
and type (space saver spare excluded).

• If the anti-lock brake system warning light illu-

minates after starting the engine or while driving,
it indicates that the anti-lock braking system is
not functioning and that only the normal brake
system is in operation. (The normal brake system
will still function properly.)

NOTE
1. After the vehicle is driven for a while a whining sound
and the sound of a motor operating will be heard from
the engine compartment. These are normal sounds of the
anti-lock braking system performing a self check and do
not indicate a malfunction.

2. The anti-lock braking system becomes operative after
the vehicle has accelerated to a speed over approximately

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6 mph (10 km/h). It stops operating when the vehicle
decelerates to a speed below approximately 3 mph (5
km/h).

3. After driving on snow or icy roads, remove any snow
and ice that may have adhered to the wheel areas. When
doing this be careful not to damage the wheel speed
sensors and cables located at each wheel on vehicles
equipped with an anti-lock braking system.

STEERING WHEEL TILT LOCK LEVER

To adjust the steering wheel height, release the tilt lock
lever while raising or lowering the steering wheel to the
desired height.
After adjustment, securely lock the lever by pulling it
downward.

I24A0060

Wheel speed
sensor

G09A0270

Unlock

Lock

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WARNING!

• After adjustment, to the desired height, check to

be sure that the lever is locked.

• Do not attempt to adjust the steering wheel while

driving. This can be dangerous.

POWER STEERING

Your vehicle is equipped with power assisted steering as
standard equipment. The power assisted steering system
of your vehicle provides mechanical steering capability
in the event power assist is lost.

If for some reason the hydraulic pressure is interrupted,
it will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions you will observe a substantial increase in
steering effort. Should loss of hydraulic pressure occur
take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.

WARNING!

Never turn off the engine while the vehicle is
moving. Your ability to control the vehicle may be
seriously reduced.

CAUTION!

Do not leave the steering wheel in the fully turned
position. This can cause the power steering pump to
be damaged due to poor lubrication.

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INSIDE DAY/NIGHT REARVIEW MIRRORS

WARNING!

• Do not attempt to adjust the rearview mirrors

while driving. This can be dangerous.

• Your passenger’s side mirror is convex. The ob-

jects you see in the mirror will look smaller and
farther away than they actually are. Do not use
this mirror to estimate the distance of following
vehicles when changing lanes.

Adjust the inside mirror to maximize the view through
the rear window. Make this adjustment while the day/
night knob (A) is in the daytime position (1). To reduce
glare from other vehicle’s headlights, switch the lever to
the night position (2).

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Electrochromic inside rearview mirror (if so
equipped)

When the ignition key is in the “ACC” or “ON” position,
the green indicator (A) should be illuminated. If not,
press the display switch (C) for more than 6 seconds, less
than 9 seconds, until the indicator illuminates. Now the
mirror automatically dims to the proper level to mini-
mize glare from lights behind you after dark.

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To turn off the function, press the display switch (C) more
than 6 seconds, less than 9 seconds. When the green
indicator (A) goes off, the automatic anti-glare will not
function.

To turn the function back on, press the display switch (C)
more than 6 seconds, less than 9 seconds.

NOTE:

• Do not spray glass cleaner on the sensor (B), as

reduced sensitivity could result.

Electrochromic mirror operation (if so equipped)

A -

Garage door opener button
Press the button to operate devices such as garage
door openers, motorized gates, or home lighting.

→ P.

130
NOTE:

Garage door button must be programmed.

B -

Display switch
Press the switch to change the mode of compass,
outside temperature and anti-glare operation.

→ P.

176.

C -

Dome light switch

→ P. 175.

D -

Display.
The compass and outside temperature are displayed.
To turn on/off the display, press the display switch
(C) less than 3 seconds.

→ P. 177.

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How to change the display mode

The mode will change in order by pressing the display
switch for the following seconds.

1. When the ignition key is “ACC” or “ON” position,
automatic anti-glare operate and current outside tem-
perature and compass are displayed.

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2. If you press the display switch less than 3 seconds, you
can turn on/off the display.

3. If you press the display switch more than 3 seconds,
less than 6 seconds, you can alternate the temperature
reading between Fahrenheit and Celsius.

→ P. 180.

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4. If you press the display switch more than 6 seconds,
less than 9 seconds, you can turn on/off the automatic
anti-glare.

→ 175

5. If you press the display switch more than 9 seconds,
less than 12 seconds, you can adjust for compass vari-
ance.

→181

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