overheating CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE 2009 3.G Owners Manual

The PTCM will lockout the power convertible top system if the vehicle charging system is malfunctioning,
or the battery is run down, or the hydraulic pump is overheating. In addition, the system prohibits lowering the
top when ambient temperature is at 0°F (-18°C) or lower and raising the top when ambient temperature is below
-40°F (-40°C).
•If you are trying to lower the top and ambient temperature is 0°F (-18°C) or lower, wait until the temperature
rises and the top is thawed and dry before operating the power top.
•If you are trying to raise the top and ambient temperature is below -40°F (-40°C), wait until the temperature
rises before operating the power top.
•If the vehicle charging system is malfunctioning, see your authorized dealer for service.
•If the battery is run down, have it recharged and tested at your authorized dealer.
•Hydraulic pump overheating can occur if you lower and raise the top consecutively (usually more than six or
seven times depending upon the ambient temperature). Wait at least five minutes before operating the power top
again.NOTE:If lockout occurs due to hydraulic pump overheating, the system will allow you to raise the top
without waiting five minutes. However, do so only if necessary.
98 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

to pick up the signal during programming. Similar to this
Canadian law, some U.S. gate operators are designed to
time-out in the same manner.
It may be helpful to unplug the device during the cycling
process to prevent possible overheating of the garage
door or gate motor.
If you are having difficulties programming a garage door
opener or a gate operator, replace “Programming
HomeLink” Step 3, with the following:
3. Continue to press and hold the HomeLinkbutton
while you press and release - every two seconds
(“cycle”) your handheld transmitter until HomeLink
has successfully accepted the frequency signal. The
indicator light will flash slowly and then rapidly when
fully trained.
If you unplugged the device for training, plug it back in
at this time.Then proceed with Step 4 under “Programming
HomeLink,” earlier in this section.
Security
It is advised to erase all channels before you sell or turn
in your vehicle.
To do this, press and hold the two outside buttons for
20 seconds until the red indicator flashes. Note that all
channels will be erased. Individual channels cannot be
erased.
The HomeLinkUniversal Transceiver is disabled when
the Vehicle Security Alarm is active.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you are having trouble programming HomeLink, here
are some of the most common solutions:
•Replace the battery in the original transmitter.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 163
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•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

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
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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

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

Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transaxle overheating,
take the following actions:
•City Driving
When stopped for short periods of time, put transaxle in
neutral and increase engine idle speed.
•Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
•Air Conditioning
Turn off temporarily.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat
towing with all four wheels on the ground)
CAUTION!
DO NOT flat tow this vehicle. Damage to the driv-
etrain will result.
NOTE:If the vehicle requires towing make sure all four
wheels are off the ground.
STARTING AND OPERATING 349
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 352
If Your Engine Overheats................ 352
▫Engine Oil Overheating — 2.4L Engine Only
(If Equipped)....................... 353
Jacking And Tire Changing............... 354
▫Preparations For Jacking............... 354
▫Jack Location....................... 355
▫Spare Tire Stowage................... 355▫Jacking Instructions................... 356
Jump-Starting Procedure................ 361
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................. 364
Towing A Disabled Vehicle............... 365
▫With The Ignition Key................. 365
▫Without The Ignition Key.............. 366
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HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located in the
instrument panel switch bank above the climate controls.
Press the switch to turn on the Hazard
Warning flashers. When the Hazard
Warning flasher switch is activated, all
directional turn signals will flash on
and off to warn oncoming traffic of an
emergency. Press the switch a second
time to turn off flashers.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not
be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flasher will continue to operate even
though the ignition switch is in the LOCK position.NOTE:With extended use, the Hazard Warning flasher
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
•On the highways — Slow down.
•In city traffic — While stopped, put transaxle in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and
352 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

the fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If the pointer rises to the H (red) mark,
the instrument cluster will sound a chime. Pull over
and stop the vehicle with the engine at idle, when
safe. Turn off the air conditioning and wait until the
pointer drops back into the normal range. If the
pointer remains on the H (red) mark for more than a
minute, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to Section 7, Maintenance, of this
manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
Engine Oil Overheating — 2.4L Engine Only (If
Equipped)
During sustained high-speed driving or trailer tow up
long grades on hot day, the engine oil temperature may
become too hot. If this happens, the “HOTOIL” message
flashes, the vehicle speed will be reduced to 53 mph
(85 km/h) until the engine oil temperature is reduced.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 353
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