Chrysler Sebring Convertible (2010 year). Manual — part 15

NOTE:

• The temperature setting can be adjusted at anytime

without affecting automatic operation.

• Pressing the Air Conditioning Control button while in

AUTO mode will cause the LED in the control button
to flash three times and then turn off. This indicates
that the system is in AUTO mode and requesting the
air conditioning is not necessary.

• If your air conditioning performance seems lower than

expected, check the front of the A/C condenser located
in front of the radiator for an accumulation of dirt or
insects. Clean with a gentle water spray from behind
the radiator and through the condenser. Fabric front
fascia protectors may reduce airflow to the condenser,
reducing air conditioning performance.

• While operating in AUTO, the system will not auto-

matically sense the presence of fog, mist or ice on the
windshield. The defrost mode must be manually se-
lected to clear the windshield and side glass.

Blower Control

For full automatic operation or for
automatic blower operation turn the
knob to AUTO position. In manual
mode there are seven blower speeds
that can be individual selected. In off
position the blower will shut off.

Manual Operation
This system offers a full complement of manual override
features, which consist of Blower Preferred Automatic,
Mode Preferred Automatic, or Blower and Mode Pre-
ferred Automatic. This means the operator can override
the blower, the mode, or both. There is a manual blower
range for times when the AUTO setting is not desired.
The blower can be set to any fixed blower speed by
rotating the Blower Control knob (on the left).

NOTE:

Please read the Automatic Temperature Control

Operation Chart that follows for details.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

237

The operator can override the AUTO mode setting to
change airflow distribution by rotating the Mode Control
knob (on the right) to one of the following positions.

• Panel

Air is directed through the outlets in the instrument
panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct airflow.

NOTE:

The center instrument panel outlets can be

aimed so that they are directed toward the rear seat
passengers for maximum airflow to the rear.

• Bi-Level

Air is directed through the panel and floor outlets.

NOTE:

For all settings except full cold or full hot, there

is a difference in temperature between the upper and
lower outlets. The warmer air flows to the floor outlets.
This feature gives improved comfort during sunny but
cool conditions.

• Floor

Air is directed through the floor outlets with a
small amount flowing through the defrost and side

window demist outlets.

• Mix

Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and side
window demist outlets. This setting works best in
cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat to

the windshield. This setting is good for maintaining
comfort while reducing moisture on the windshield.

• Defrost

Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use this mode with maxi-

mum blower and temperature settings for best wind-
shield and side window defrosting.

238

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

• Air Conditioner Control

Press this button to turn on the air
conditioning during manual operation
only. When the air conditioning is
turned on, cool dehumidified air will
flow through the outlets selected with
the Mode control dial. Press this but-
ton a second time to turn OFF the air

conditioning. An LED in the button illuminates when
manual compressor operation is selected.

• Recirculation Control

The system will automatically control recircu-
lation. However, pressing the Recirculation
Control button will temporarily put the system
in recirculation mode (ten minutes). This can

be used when outside conditions such as smoke, odors,
dust, or high humidity are present. Activating recircula-
tion will cause the LED in the control button to illumi-
nate. After ten minutes, the system will return to normal
AUTO mode function and the LED will turn off.

NOTE:

• When the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK

position, the recirculation feature will be cancelled.

• In cold weather, use of the Recirculation mode may

lead to excessive window fogging. The Recirculation
mode is not allowed in the floor, defrost, or Mix mode
in order to improve window clearing. Recirculation
will be disabled automatically if these modes are
selected.

• Extended use of recirculation may cause the windows

to fog. If the interior of the windows begins to fog,
press the Recirculation button to return to outside air.
Some temp/humidity conditions will cause captured
interior air to condense on windows and hamper
visibility. For this reason, the system will not allow
Recirculation to be selected while in floor, defrost, or
Mix mode. Attempting to use the recirculation while in
these modes will cause the LED in the control button
to blink and then turn off.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

239

• Most of the time, when in Automatic Operation, you

can temporarily put the system into Recirculation
Mode by pressing the Recirculation button. However,
under certain conditions, while in Automatic Mode,
the system is blowing air out the defrost vents. When
these conditions are present, and the Recirculation
button is pressed, the indicator will flash and then turn
off. This tells you that you are unable to go into
Recirculation Mode at this time. If you would like the
system to go into Recirculation Mode, you must first
move the Mode knob to Panel, Mix and then press the
Recirculation button. This feature reduces the possibil-
ity of window fogging.

Operating Tips

NOTE:

Refer to the chart at the end of this section for

suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.

Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A solution of 50% ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant and 50% water is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.

Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation Mode during winter months is
not recommended because it may cause window fogging.

Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower settings. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The Mix
mode can be used to maintain a clear windshield and
provide sufficient heating. If side window fogging be-
comes a problem, increase blower speed. Vehicle win-
dows tend to fog on the inside in mild but rainy or humid
weather.

NOTE:

Recirculate without A/C should not be used for

long periods as fogging may occur.

Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is located at each end of
the instrument panel. These non-adjustable outlets direct
air toward the side windows when the system is in the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.

Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.

A/C Air Filter — If Equipped
The A/C Filter prevents most dust and pollen from
entering the cabin. The filter acts on air coming from
outside the vehicle and recirculated air within the pas-
senger compartment. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for A/C Air Filter service
information or see your authorized dealer for service.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedules” for filter service
intervals.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

241

Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions

242

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING

CONTENTS

䡵 Starting Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247

▫ Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
▫ Normal Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
▫ Extreme Cold Weather (Below ⫺20°F Or

⫺29°C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248

▫ If Engine Fails To Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
▫ After Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249

䡵 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped . . . . . . . . 250
䡵 Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250

▫ Key Ignition Park Interlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock System . . . . . . 252
▫ Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock

System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253

▫ Four-Speed/Six-Speed Automatic

Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253

▫ Gear Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254

䡵 AutoStick威 — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258

▫ Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259

5

䡵 Driving On Slippery Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260

▫ Acceleration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
▫ Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260

䡵 Driving Through Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261

▫ Flowing/Rising Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
▫ Shallow Standing Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261

䡵 Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263

▫ Power Steering Fluid Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264

䡵 Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
䡵 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
䡵 Electronic Brake Control System . . . . . . . . . . . 269

▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . 269
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . 270

▫ Brake Assist System (BAS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) – If Equipped . . . . . . 271
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) . . . . . . . . . 273

䡵 Tire Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277

▫ Tire Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) . . . . . . . . . 280
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions . . . . . . . . . 281
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 282

䡵 Tires — General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286

▫ Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
▫ Radial-Ply Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
▫ Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289

244

STARTING AND OPERATING

▫ Tire Spinning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
▫ Tread Wear Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
▫ Life Of Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
▫ Replacement Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292

䡵 Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
䡵 Snow Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
䡵 Tire Rotation Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . 294
䡵 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) . . . . . . . 295

▫ Base System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
▫ Premium System – If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . 300
▫ General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304

䡵 Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304

▫ 2.4L And 2.7L Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304

▫ 3.5L Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
▫ Reformulated Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles . . . . . . 306
▫ MMT In Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
▫ Materials Added To Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
▫ Fuel System Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . 309

䡵 Flexible Fuel (2.7L Only) — If Equipped . . . . . 310

▫ E85 General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E85) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
▫ Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

245

▫ Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel

Vehicles (E85) And Gasoline Vehicles . . . . . . 312

▫ Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
▫ Cruising Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
▫ Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
▫ Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313

䡵 Adding Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314

▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
▫ Loose Filler Cap Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316

䡵 Vehicle Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316

▫ Vehicle Certification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) . . . . . . 316
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) . . . . . . . . 317

▫ Overloading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
▫ Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317

䡵 Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318

▫ Common Towing Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer

Weight Ratings) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321

▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
▫ Towing Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
▫ Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327

䡵 Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 328

▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle

(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328

246

STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES

Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat
belts.

WARNING!

Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Do not leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.

Automatic Transmission

The shift lever must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting to any driving gear.

NOTE:

The ignition switch must be in the ON position,

and you must press the brake pedal before shifting out of
PARK.

Normal Starting

NOTE:

Normal starting of either a cold or a warm

engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.

For vehicles not equipped with Tip Start (Four-Speed
Transmission),

turn the ignition switch to the START

position and release it when the engine starts. If the
engine fails to start within 10 seconds, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then
repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.

For vehicles equipped with Tip Start (Six-Speed Trans-
mission),

turn the ignition switch to the START position

and release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

247

motor will continue to run, and it will disengage auto-
matically when the engine is running. If the engine fails
to start, the starter will disengage automatically in 10 sec-
onds. If this occurs, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK
position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the “Normal
Starting” procedure.

Extreme Cold Weather (Below

⫺

20°F or

⫺

29°C)

To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your dealer) is recommended.

If Engine Fails To Start

WARNING!

• Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into

the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire
causing serious personal injury.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get

it started. Vehicles equipped with an automatic
transmission cannot be started this way. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once
the engine has started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has a dis-
charged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from a booster battery or the battery
in another vehicle. This type of start can be dan-
gerous if done improperly. Refer to “Jump Start-
ing” in “What To Do In Emergencies” for further
information.

Without Tip Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weather” proce-
dures, it may be flooded. Push the accelerator pedal all

248

STARTING AND OPERATING

the way to the floor and hold it there while cranking the
engine. This should clear any excess fuel in case the
engine is flooded.

CAUTION!

To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.

If the engine is flooded, it may start to run, but not have
enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking up to 15 sec-
onds with the accelerator pedal pushed all the way to the
floor.

If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15-
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, repeat the “Normal Starting” or “Ex-
treme Cold Weather” procedures.

With Tip Start
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“Normal Starting” or “Extreme Cold Weather” proce-
dures, it may be flooded. To clear any excess fuel, push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Then, turn the ignition switch to the START position and
release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter motor
will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. Once this
occurs, release the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then
repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.

CAUTION!

To prevent damage to the starter, wait 10 to 15 sec-
onds before trying again.

After Starting

The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.

5

STARTING AND OPERATING

249

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED

The engine block heater warms the engine, and permits
quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord to a
standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three-wire extension cord.

The engine block heater cord is bundled under the hood
between the headlight assembly and the Totally Inte-
grated Power Module (Fuse Box) on the driver’s side of
the vehicle.

WARNING!

Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

CAUTION!

Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
• Shift the shift lever into PARK only after the

vehicle has come to a complete stop.

• Shift the shift lever into or out of REVERSE only

after the vehicle has come to a complete stop and
the engine is at idle speed.

• Do not shift the shift lever from REVERSE, PARK,

or NEUTRAL into any forward gear when the
engine is above idle speed.

• Before shifting the shift lever into any gear, make

sure your foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

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STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:

You MUST press and hold the brake pedal down

while shifting the shift lever out of PARK.

WARNING!

• It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK

or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake
pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward
or in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle
and hit someone or something. Only shift into
gear when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

(Continued)

Shift Lever

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STARTING AND OPERATING

251