CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE 2009 3.G Owners Manual

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 Section 6 for
proper jump-starting procedures and follow them
carefully.
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 andrelease 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, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
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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 routed under the hood on
the passenger side of the vehicle near the right head lamp
assembly. It is located between the front grille and the
radiator, but underneath the black upper seal.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 Volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
CAUTION!
Damage to the transaxle may occur if the following
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.
NOTE:You MUST press and hold the brake pedal down
while shifting the shift lever out of PARK.
270 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
•It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of or 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 en-
gine is idling normally and when your right foot is
firmly on the brake pedal.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should
always shift the vehicle into PARK, remove the
key from the ignition, and apply the parking
brake. Once the key is removed from the ignition,
the shift lever is locked in the PARK position,
securing the vehicle against unwanted movement.
Furthermore, you should never leave children un-
attended inside a vehicle.
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5

Brake/Transaxle Interlock System
This system prevents you from moving the shift lever out
of PARK and into any gear unless the brake pedal is
pressed. This system is active only while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.Always press the brake
pedal first, before moving the shift lever out of PARK.
NOTE:If a malfunction occurs, the transaxle will not
shift out of PARK. Battery power is required to release the
Brake/Transaxle Interlock system. However, an override
system allows you to shift out of PARK in case of loss of
power. To activate the override system:
•Firmly apply the parking brake.
•Insert the ignition key into the ignition key lock
cylinder and rotate it to the ON position.
•Remove the cup holder liner.
•Insert a key, screwdriver, or finger into the hole at the
front of the cup holder and push and hold the manual
override release lever forward.
•While holding the release lever forward, move the
shift lever from PARK to NEUTRAL.
•Release the manual override.
NOTE:If this occurs, even if the override is successful,
it is recommended that you visit a dealer at your earliest
possible convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equip-
ment to determine if the problem could recur.
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Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock System
This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK. It also prevents shifting out of
PARK unless the key is in the ON position, and the brake
pedal is applied.
NOTE:If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the
key in the ignition switch lock cylinder to warn you that
this safety feature is inoperable. The engine can be started
and stopped, but the key cannot be removed until you
obtain service.
4 Speed/6 Speed Automatic Transaxle
The electronically controlled transaxle provides a precise
shift schedule. The transaxle electronics are self-
calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle
may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and
precision shifts will develop within a few hundred miles.Shift Lever
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Gear Ranges
PARK
Supplements the parking brake by locking the transaxle.
The engine can be started in this range. Never attempt to
use PARK while vehicle is in motion. Apply parking
brake when leaving vehicle in this range.
When parking on a flat surface, place the shift lever into
the PARK position first, and then apply the parking
brake.
When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise
the load on the transaxle locking mechanism may make it
difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK. As an added
precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a
downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill
grade.
WARNING!
Never use PARK as a substitute for the parking
brake. Always apply parking brake fully when
parked to guard against vehicle movement and pos-
sible injury or damage.
CAUTION!
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK
or NEUTRAL positions into another gear range as
this can damage the drivetrain.
REVERSE
Use this range for moving the vehicle rearward. Shift into
this range only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
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NEUTRAL
Engine may be started in this range.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have an accident.
DRIVE – 6 Speed Transaxle
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,
and best fuel economy. However, use the AutoStick
mode and select the appropriate gear when frequent
transaxle shifting occurs in the DRIVE range. For ex-
ample: When operating the vehicle under heavy loading
conditions, (i.e. in hilly terrain, traveling into strong
headwinds, or while towing heavy trailers). Under theseconditions, reducing shifting by selecting the appropriate
gear in AutoStickwill improve the performance and
extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat build-up.
DRIVE – 4 Speed Transaxle
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving, it provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,
and best fuel economy. However, select the3range
when frequent transaxle shifting occurs while using the
DRIVE range, such as when operating the vehicle under
heavy loading conditions, (i.e. in hilly terrain, traveling
into strong headwinds, or while towing heavy trailers).
Under these conditions, using the3range will improve
performance and extend transaxle life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build-up.
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5

DRIVE3—4Speed Transaxle
This range eliminates shifts into fourth gear. The trans-
axle will operate normally in first and second gear. Shifts
into third gear may be delayed to provide second gear
operation at higher speeds. The3range should also be
used when descending steep grades to prevent brake
system distress
NOTE:Using the3range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend transaxle life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build-up.
LOW With 4–Speed Transaxle
This range should be used for engine braking when
descending very steep grades. In this range, upshifts will
occur only to prevent engine overspeed while downshifts
occur earlier than other gear range selections.CAUTION!
If the transaxle operating temperature exceeds ac-
ceptable limits, the vehicle computer will override
DRIVE (OVERDRIVE) and [5] for 6–Speed
AutoSticktransaxle and [3] for 4–Speed auto trans-
axle, range by changing shift points. This is done to
prevent transaxle damage due to overheating.
Reset Mode - Electronic Transaxle
The transaxle is monitored electronically for abnormal
conditions. If a condition is detected that could cause
damage, the transaxle automatically shifts into 2nd gear
(3rd gear for 6–speed). The transaxle remains in 2nd gear
(3rd gear for 6–speed) despite the forward gear selected.
PARK, REVERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue to oper-
ate. This Reset feature allows the vehicle to be driven to
a dealer for service without damaging the transaxle.
276 STARTING AND OPERATING

In the event of a momentary problem, the transaxle can
be reset to regain all forward gears by performing the
following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the shift lever into PARK.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
4. Restart the engine.
5. Shift the shift lever into the desired gear range and
resume driving.
NOTE:Even if the transaxle can be reset, it is recom-
mended that you visit a dealer at your earliest possible
convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equipment to
determine if the problem could recur.
If the transaxle cannot be reset, dealer service is required.AUTOSTICK— IF EQUIPPED
AutoStickis a driver-interactive transaxle that offers six
manual ratio changes to provide you with more control
of the vehicle. AutoStickallows you to maximize engine
braking, eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts,
and improve overall vehicle performance. This system
can also provide you with more control during passing,
city driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving,
trailer towing, and many other situations.
Operation
By placing the shift lever one shift-level below the DRIVE
position, it can be moved from side to side. This allows
the driver to select a higher or lower range of gears.
Moving the shift lever to the Left (-) triggers a downshift
and to the Right (+) an upshift. The gear position will
display in the instrument cluster on the transaxle range
indicator.
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NOTE:In Autostickmode, the transaxle will only shift
up or down when the driver moves the shift lever to the
Right (+) or Left (-).
AutoStickis deactivated when the shift lever is moved
from the AutoStick (+/-) position into the DRIVE
position.
General Information
•
You can start out in first or second gear. The system will
ignore attempts to upshift at too low of a vehicle speed.
•If a ratio other than 1st is selected, and the vehicle is
brought to a stop, the transaxle control logic will
automatically select the 1st gear ratio.
•Starting out in second gear is helpful in snowy or icy
conditions.
•Avoid using speed control when Autostickis en-
gaged.
•The transaxle will automatically shift up when maximum
engine speed is reached while Autostickis engaged.
•Transaxle shifting will be more noticeable when
Autostickis engaged.
•If a low range is selected and the engine accelerates to
the rev limit, the transaxle will automatically select the
next higher ratio.
•If a downshift would cause the engine to over-speed,
that shift will not occur until it is safe for the engine.
Mostly the transaxle will stay in the manually selected
ratio, however:
If the system detects powertrain overheating, the
transaxle will revert to the automatic shift mode and
remain in that mode until the powertrain cools off.
If the system detects a problem, it will disable the
AutoStickmode and the transaxle will return to the
automatic mode until the problem is corrected.
278 STARTING AND OPERATING