tires CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE 2008 3.G Owners Manual

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn
webbing, etc. If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see you
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is inoper-
able.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect the tread and sidewall for
cuts and cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for proper pressure.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 75
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the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally provided that the BRAKE warning light is not
on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefit of Anti-Lock
Brakes.
The ABS warning light should be checked frequently to
assure that it is operating properly. Turn the ignition key
to the on position, but do not start the vehicle. The light
should come on. If the light does not come on, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer.
24. Tire Pressure Monitor Light
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommendedby the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire
inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should deter-
mine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illumi-
nates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.
184 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver 's responsi-
bility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-
inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination
of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subse-
quent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the sys-
tem may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure
as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check theTPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replace-
ment or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warning have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system opera-
tion or sensor damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use aftermarket tire sealants
or balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a
TPMS, as damage to the sensors may result.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 185
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(Refer to ªTire Inflation Pressuresº under ªTires Ð Gen-
eral Informationº and to ªTire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS)º in Section 5 of this manual for more informa-
tion).
25. Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic system
called OBD that monitors emissions, engine, and
automatic transaxle control systems. The light
will illuminate when the key is in the ON/RUN position
before engine start. If the bulb does not come on when
turning the key from LOCK/OFF to ON/RUN, have the
condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. In
most situations the vehicle will drive normally and will
not require towing.If the Malfunction Indicator Light flashes when the
engine is running, serious conditions may exist that
could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic
converter damage. The vehicle should be serviced as
soon as possible if this occurs.
26. High Beam Indicator
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Push the turn signal lever away from the
steering wheel to switch the headlights from high or low
beam.
27. Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
DisplayÐPremium Cluster Only
This display shows the EVIC messages when the appro-
priate conditions exist. Refer to ªElectronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC)º in this section for more informa-
tion.
186 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

mPower Steering........................270
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces..............271
NAcceleration.........................271
NTraction............................271
mDriving Through Water..................272
NFlowing/Rising Water..................272
NShallow Standing Water.................272
mTraction Control System (TCS) Ð If Equipped . . 274
mBrake Assist System (BAS) Ð If Equipped.....275
mElectronic Stability Program (ESP) Ð
If Equipped...........................276
NESP Operating Modes..................277
NESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESP/TCS Indicator Light................278NSynchronizing ESP....................279
mTire Safety Information...................280
NTire Markings........................280
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........283
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........284
mTires Ð General Information...............288
NTire Pressure.........................288
NTire Inflation Pressures.................289
NRadial-Ply Tires......................291
NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped.........292
NLimited Use Spare Ð If Equipped.........293
NTire Spinning........................294
NTread Wear Indicators..................294
248 STARTING AND OPERATING

NLife Of Tire.........................295
NReplacement Tires.....................296
NAlignment And Balance.................297
mTire Chains...........................297
mSnow Tires...........................298
mTire Rotation Recommendations............298
mTire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) Ð
If Equipped...........................299
NBase System Ð If Equipped..............302
NPremium System Ð If Equipped..........304
NGeneral Information...................307
mFuel Requirements......................307
N2.4L And 2.7L Engines..................307N3.5L Engine.........................308
NReformulated Gasoline.................309
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............309
NMMT In Gasoline.....................310
NMaterials Added To Fuel................310
NFuel System Cautions..................310
NCarbon Monoxide Warnings..............311
mFlexible FuelÐ 2.7L Engines Only
(Except California Emission States)..........312
NE-85 General Information................312
NEthanol Fuel (E-85)....................313
NFuel Requirements....................313
NSelection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles.......314
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WARNING!
²The Anti-Lock Brake System contains sophisticated elec-
tronic equipment that may be susceptible to interference
caused by improperly installed or high output radio trans-
mitting equipment. This interference can cause possible loss
of anti-lock braking capability. Installation of such equip-
ment should be performed by qualified professionals.
²Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish their effec-
tiveness 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.
²
Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking
or steering efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition
of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
²The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting
from excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents.
²The 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.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
Anti-Lock Brake Light
The ABS light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake
System. The light will come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position
and may stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or comes on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the Brake System Warning Light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
bulb repaired as soon as possible.
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2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep 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.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Driving through water more than a few inches/
millimeters deep will require extra caution to ensure
safety and prevent damage to your vehicle.
Flowing/Rising Water
WARNING!
Do not drive on or cross a road or a 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 before
doing so:
272 STARTING AND OPERATING

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) Ð IF
EQUIPPED
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake
pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and engine
power is reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and
stability. A feature of the TCS system functions similar to
a limited slip differential and controls the wheel spin
across a driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is
spinning faster than the other, the system will apply the
brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more engine
torque to be applied to the wheel that is not spinning.
This feature remains active even if the ESP is in the
ªPartial Offº mode. Refer to ªElectronic Stability Pro-
gram (ESP)º in this Section of the manual.
The Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator
Light, located in the instrument cluster, starts
to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and the
wheels begin to spin. This indicates that theTCS is active. If the indicator light flashes during accel-
eration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little
throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and
driving to the prevailing road conditions.
WARNING!
²The TCS cannot prevent the natural laws of phys-
ics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
the traction afforded.
²The TCS cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
²The capabilities of a TCS-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner, which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.
274 STARTING AND OPERATING

BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM (BAS) Ð IF EQUIPPED
This system complements the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) by optimizing the vehicle braking capability dur-
ing emergency braking maneuvers. This system detects
an emergency braking situation by sensing the rate and
amount of brake application and then applies optimum
pressure to the brakes. This can help reduce braking
distances.
Applying the brakes very quickly results in the best BAS
assistance. To receive the benefits of this system, you
must apply continuous brake pedal pressure during the
stopping sequence. Do not reduce brake pedal pressure
unless braking is no longer desired. Once the brake pedal
is released, the BAS is deactivated.WARNING!
²The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of phys-
ics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking efficiency beyond that afforded by the
condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the
traction afforded.
²The BAS 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.
²The capabilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner, which could jeopardize the user 's safety
or the safety of others.
STARTING AND OPERATING 275
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