check transmission fluid CHRYSLER SEBRING SEDAN 2006 2.G Owners Manual

Towing Tips
Before setting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping
and backing the trailer in an area away from heavy
traffic.
If using a manual transmission vehicle for trailer towing,
all starts must be in FIRST gear to avoid excessive clutch
slippage.
Towing Tips — Automatic Transmission
The “D” range can be selected when towing. However, if
frequent shifting occurs while in this range, the “3” range
should be selected.
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. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
The automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more than
45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule “B” in
section 8 of this manual for transmission fluid change
intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transmission fluid level
before towing.
7- Pin Connector
194 STARTING AND OPERATING

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

2.4L Engine..........................213

2.7L Engine..........................214

Onboard Diagnostic System — OBD II......215

Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................216

Replacement Parts.....................217

Dealer Service........................217

Maintenance Procedures.................218
▫Engine Oil..........................218
▫Crankcase Emission Control System........224
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................224
▫Air Conditioner......................226▫Power Steering — Fluid Check............227
▫Suspension Ball Joints..................228
▫Body Mechanism Lubrication.............228
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................229
▫Windshield Washers...................230
▫Exhaust System......................231
▫Cooling System.......................231
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......235
▫Brakes.............................236
▫Fuel System Hoses....................238
▫Automatic Transmission................238
7

Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturers recommended transmis-
sion fluid, refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type. It is important that the transmission
fluid be maintained at the prescribed level using the
recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turers recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturers recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for correct
fluid type.
Procedure For Checking Fluid Level
The fluid level in the automatic transaxle should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transaxle and of the fluid.
To properly check the automatic transaxle fluid level, the
following procedure must be used:
•The vehicle must be on level ground.
•The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
•Fully apply parking brake.
•Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (PARK).
•Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
•If the fluid is cold (80°F / 27°C), the reading should be
in the cross hatched area marked “COLD” (between
the lower two holes in the dipstick).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 239
7

•If the fluid is hot (180°F / 82°C), the reading should be
in the cross hatched area marked ”HOT” (between the
upper two holes in the dipstick).
•If the fluid level shows low, add sufficient transmis-
sion fluid to bring to the proper level.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill. Dirt and water in the transaxle can
cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and water
from entering the transaxle after checking or replen-
ishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap is
seated properly.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed as follows:
Maintenance schedule “A”— No change necessary.
Maintenance schedule “B”— Every 60,000 miles (96 000
km) change fluid and filter under the following condi-
tions:
•Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is drivenregularlyfor
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
NOTE:Refer to Section 8 of this manual for mainte-
nance schedules.
If the transaxle is disassembled for any reason, the fluid
and filter should be changed.
Special Additives
The manufacture strongly recommends against the addi-
tion of any additives to the transaxle. The only exception
to this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting
fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers should be
avoided as they may adversely affect seals.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more than 4.0 mm below the bottom of the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
240 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

At Each Stop for Fuel
•
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•
Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transaxle and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
•Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
•
Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake linings, hoses and calipers.
•Inspect the CV joints and front and rear suspension
components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the brake master cylinder fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
NOTE:In 2.7L Engines equipped with Flex Fuel Engine
(FFV), change engine oil every 5 months or 5,000 miles,
whichever comes first. This applies to both Maintenance
Schedule A and B.
262 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

Miles 57,000 60,000 63,000 66,000 69,000 72,000
(Kilometers) (95 000) (100 000) (105 000) (110 000) (115 000) (120 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not
replaced at 3 months.XXXXX X
Inspect theair cleaner filterand replace if neces-
sary.*XXXXX
Replace theair cleaner filter.X
Inspect and check tension for power steering belt
(2.4 Liter Engine). Adjust or replace if required.X
Inspect the front and rear brake pads, linings,
rotors, rear drums and shoes.XX
Replace theignition cableson 2.4 liter engine. X
Replace the accessory drive belts on the 2.7 liter
engine.X
Replace thespark plugson the 2.4 liter engine. X
Check and replace, if necessary, thePCV valve.*‡ X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and
filter.X
Rotate the tires. X X X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60 months, if
not done at 100,000 miles.X
SCHEDULE “B” 267
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

Miles 108,000 111,000 114,000 117,000 120,000
(Kilometers) (185 000) (190 000) (195 000) (200 000) (205 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not re-
placed at 3 months.XXXXX
Inspect theair cleaner filterand replace if neces-
sary.*XXXX
Replace theair cleaner filter.X
Replace thespark plugson the 2.4 liter engine. X
Replace theignition cableson the 2.4 liter engine. X
Inspect the front and rear brake pads, linings, ro-
tors, rear drums and shoes.XX
Inspect and check tension for power steering belt
(2.4 Liter Engine). Adjust or replace if required.X
Replace the accessory drive belts on the 2.7 liter en-
gine.X
Check and replace, if necessary, thePCV valve.*X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and fil-
ter.X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 120 months, if
not done at 100,000 miles.X
Rotate the tires. X X
270 SCHEDULE “B”
8
M
A
I
N
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E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
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S

Selection Of Lubricant...............239,257
Shifting............................ 151
Special Additives..................... 240
Autostick............................. 176
Auxiliary Power Outlet................... 80
Ball Joints............................ 228
Battery............................... 224
Emergency Starting.................... 205
Gas Caution......................207,225
Heater............................. 148
Jump Starting........................ 205
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)..... 21
Location.........................205,224
Belts, Drive........................... 222
Belts, Engine.......................... 224
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 228
B-Pillar Location....................... 163
Brake, Parking......................... 153
Brake System.......................155,236
Anti-Lock (ABS)...................... 155
Fluid Check......................... 237
Hoses.............................. 236Master Cylinder...................... 237
Warning Light........................ 92
Brake/Transmission Interlock...........149,151
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 46
Bulb Replacement...................249,251
Bulbs, Light........................... 248
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...... 255
Capacities, Fluid....................... 255
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 183
Oil (Engine)......................... 221
Radiator (Coolant Pressure).............. 233
Car Washes........................... 241
Carbon Monoxide Warning............... 180
Carpeting............................. 243
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance....... 127
Cassette Tape Player................99,108,110
Catalytic Converter..................... 223
CD (Compact Disc) Changer......106,111,116,119
CD (Compact Disc) Player.......104,113,115,126
Center High Mounted Stop Light........... 253
Central Locking......................... 15
INDEX 287
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