CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE 2009 3.G Owners Manual

•Air Conditioner Control
Press this button to turn on the air conditioning
during manual operation only. When the air con-
ditioning is turned on, cool dehumidified air will
flow through the outlets selected with the Mode control
dial. Press this button 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 defrost/floor 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
defrost/floor mode. Attempting to use the recircula-
tion while in these modes will cause the LED in the
control button to blink and then turn off.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 259
4

•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, Panel/Floor and then
press the Recirculation Button. This feature reduces
the possibility 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 50% solution of ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant in water is recommended. Refer
to “Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7 of this manual
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.
260 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem, increase blower speed.
Vehicle windows 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 Section 7 of this manual for A/C Air Filter service
information or see your authorized dealer for service.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedules” in Section 8 of this
manual for filter service intervals.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 261
4

Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
262 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.................... 267
▫Normal Starting..................... 267
▫Tip Start Feature..................... 268
▫Extremely Cold Weather (Below20°F Or
29°C)............................ 268
▫If Engine Fails To Start................ 268
▫After Starting....................... 269
Engine Block Heater — If Equipped........ 270
Automatic Transaxle................... 270▫Brake/Transaxle Interlock System......... 272
▫Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock
System............................ 273
▫4 Speed/6 Speed Automatic Transaxle..... 273
AutoStick— If Equipped............... 277
▫Operation......................... 277
▫General Information.................. 278
Driving On Slippery Surfaces............. 279
▫Acceleration........................ 279
5

▫Traction........................... 279
Driving Through Water................. 280
▫Flowing/Rising Water................. 280
▫Shallow Standing Water............... 280
Power Steering....................... 282
▫Power Steering Fluid Check............. 282
Parking Brake........................ 283
Anti—Lock Brake System (ABS)........... 285
Brake System........................ 288
▫Anti-Lock Brake System — If Equipped.... 289
Electronic Brake Control System........... 292
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........... 292
▫Traction Control System (TCS)........... 292▫Brake Assist System (BAS).............. 293
▫Electronic Stability Program (ESP)........ 294
Tire Safety Information................. 297
▫Tire Markings....................... 297
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)......... 301
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure.......... 302
Tires — General Information............. 306
▫Tire Pressure....................... 306
▫Tire Inflation Pressures................ 307
▫Radial-Ply Tires..................... 309
▫Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped....... 310
▫Limited Use Spare — If Equipped........ 311
▫Tire Spinning....................... 312
264 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Tread Wear Indicators................. 312
▫Life Of Tire........................ 313
▫Replacement Tires.................... 313
Tire Chains.......................... 315
Snow Tires.......................... 315
Tire Rotation Recommendations........... 316
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)....... 317
▫Base System........................ 319
▫Premium System — If Equipped......... 321
▫General Information.................. 325
Fuel Requirements..................... 325
▫2.4L And 2.7L Engine................. 325
▫3.5L Engine........................ 326▫Reformulated Gasoline................ 327
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............. 327
▫E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles...... 328
▫MMT In Gasoline.................... 328
▫Materials Added To Fuel............... 329
▫Fuel System Cautions................. 329
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings............ 330
Flexible Fuel— 2.7L Only (Except California
Emission States)....................... 330
▫E-85 General Information............... 330
▫Ethanol Fuel (E-85)................... 332
▫Fuel Requirements................... 332
▫Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles...... 333
STARTING AND OPERATING 265
5

▫Starting........................... 333
▫Cruising Range...................... 333
▫Replacement Parts................... 333
▫Maintenance........................ 334
Adding Fuel......................... 334
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap).............. 334
▫Loose Filler Cap Message.............. 336
Vehicle Loading...................... 337
▫Vehicle Certification Label.............. 337
▫Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)...... 337
▫Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)........ 337
▫Overloading........................ 338
▫Loading........................... 338Trailer Towing........................ 339
▫Common Towing Definitions............ 339
▫Trailer Hitch Classification.............. 341
▫Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings)..................... 342
▫Trailer And Tongue Weight............. 343
▫Towing Requirements................. 344
▫Towing Tips........................ 347
Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.)................ 349
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)........................... 349
266 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belt.
Make sure all occupants have securely fastened 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
seriously or fatally injured. Do not leave the key in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
•Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat buildup may
cause serious injury or death.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Be sure to turn off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition switch if you want to rest or
sleep in your car. Accidents can be caused by
inadvertently moving the gear selection lever or
by pressing the accelerator pedal. This may cause
excessive heat in the exhaust system, resulting in
overheating and vehicle fire which may cause
serious or fatal injuries.
Normal Starting
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:Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine does not require pumping or depressing the
accelerator pedal.
STARTING AND OPERATING 267
5

Tip Start Feature
Do notpress the accelerator. Turn the ignition key briefly
to START position, and release it. The starter motor will
continue to run, and it will disengage automatically
when the engine is running. If the engine fails to start, the
starter will disengage automatically in 10 seconds. If this
occurs, turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal starting
procedure.
Extremely Cold Weather (Below20°F or29°C)
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, use of
an externally powered electric engine block heater (avail-
able from your authorized dealer) is recommended.
If Engine Fails to Start
WARNING!
•Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in flash fire
causing serious personal injury.
(Continued)
268 STARTING AND OPERATING