towing CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE 2010 3.G Owners Manual

When operating the power convertible top, the trunk lid
will pivot at the rear of the vehicle, swing open by the
rear window, and then pivot backward. This allows room
for the top to retract into or unfold from its stowage area
in the trunk.
When lowering the top, the system extends the hard
tonneau cover, which stows conveniently underneath the
trunk lid. The tonneau cover closes the area between the
rear seats and the trunk lid to conceal the top when
stowed.
When raising the top, the system retracts the hard
tonneau cover back into its stowage area underneath the
trunk lid.
To complete either operation, the trunk lid returns to its
normal position and then latches.Spring-loaded flipper doors, which provide clearance for
the linkage, close off notches in the quarter trim panels
when the top is down.
Power Convertible Top Usage Precautions
NOTE:
•The convertible top will not operate unless the vehicle
is stationary, the cargo shield is positioned correctly,
and the trunk lid is closed and latched. In addition, the
system prohibits lowering the top when ambient tem-
perature is at 32°F (0°C) or lower, However, the system
allows you to raise the top at ambient temperatures as
low as 0°F (-18°C).
•Do not attempt to lower the top when frost, ice, or
snow may be present, this could cause damage or
prevent the top from stowing completely.
88 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

•The Power Top Control Module (PTCM) monitors and
controls lowering and raising of the top. A series of
micro-switches verify that operations are complete
before allowing the next stage of lowering or raising
operation.
•Opening and closing the top consecutively without the
engine running may run the battery down.
•If a fluttering noise is heard from the rear seat belts
while driving with the top down, safely bring the
vehicle to a stop and buckle the rear seat belts over the
empty seats. This will keep tension on the seat belts
and remove the fluttering condition.
CAUTION!
•Correctly position the cargo shield in the trunk
before stowing the top. Doing so closes a switch
that allows top operation (stowing) to proceed. If
the switch is not closed, a warning message dis-
plays in the instrument cluster to notify the driver.
•Always place items carefully into the trunk.
•Do not push items too far into the trunk, particu-
larly when the top is retracted into its stowage area
in the trunk.
•Do not use the area near the tonneau cover for
storage.
Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage
to the convertible top components, trunk contents,
and the vehicle interior.
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 89

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONS
1. Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge shows engine coolant tempera-
ture. Any reading below the red area of the gauge shows
that the engine cooling system is operating properly. The
gauge pointer may show a higher than normal tempera-
ture when driving in hot weather, up mountain grades, in
heavy stop and go traffic, or when towing a trailer.
If the pointer rises to theH(red) mark, the instrument
cluster will sound a chime. Pull over and stop the vehicle.
Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until
the pointer drops back into the normal range. If the
pointer remains on the H(red) mark, turn the engine off
immediately and call for service.
There are steps that you can take to slow down an
impending overheat condition. If your air conditioning 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
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.
2. Fuel Door Reminder
This is a reminder that the Fuel Filler Door is
located on the left side of the vehicle.
3. Fuel Gauge
When the ignition switch is in the ON position, the
pointer will show the level of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank.
4. Speedometer
Indicates the vehicle speed in miles per hour (MPH) and
kilometers per hour (km/h).
158 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

15. Cruise Indicator — If EquippedThis indicator shows that the Electronic Speed
Control System is ON.
16. Odometer/Trip Odometer Reset Button
Single Trip Odometer
Press and release this button to change the display from
odometer to trip odometer. The word “Trip” displays to
show that the odometer is in Trip Mode. Press and release
the button again to change the display back to the
odometer.
To reset the trip odometer, first set the display to Trip
Mode. Then push and hold the button (approximately
2 seconds) until the display resets to 0 miles (kilometers).
The odometer must be in Trip Mode to reset the trip
odometer. Dual Trip Odometer — If Equipped
Press and release this button to change the display from
odometer to “Trip A.” Press and release it a second time
to change the display to “Trip B.” Press and release it a
third time to change the display back to the odometer.
To reset the trip odometer, first display the trip mileage
that you want to reset, “Trip A” or “Trip B.” Then push
and hold the button (approximately 2 seconds) until the
display resets to 0 miles (kilometers). The odometer must
be in Trip Mode to reset the trip odometer.
17. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Indicator Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a
problem is detected, the light will come on
while the engine is running. If the light remains
lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be
drivable and not need towing, however see your autho-
rized dealer for service as soon as possible.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 165

If the light is flashing when the engine is running you
may experience power loss, an elevated/rough idle, and
increased brake pedal effort, and your vehicle may
require towing. Immediate service is required.
The light will come on when the ignition switch is first
turned on and remain on approximately 15 seconds as a
bulb check. This is normal. If the light does not come on
during starting, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
18. Position Light Indicator — If EquippedThis indicator will illuminate when the park
lights or headlights are turned on.
19. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator
Light — If Equipped This light indicates the Electronic Stability Con-
trol system (ESC) has been turned off by the
driver. 20. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrows will flash in unison with the exterior
turn signal, when using the turn signal lever.
21. Front Fog Light Indicator — If Equipped This indicator will illuminate when the front fog
lights are on.
22. Vehicle Security Light — If Equipped This light will flash rapidly for approximately
16 seconds when the alarm system is arming.
The light will begin to flash slowly indicating
that the system is armed. The light will stop
flashing when the vehicle is disarmed.
23. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light — If Equipped This light monitors the ABS. This light will
come on when the ignition key is turned to the
ON position and may stay on for approxi-
mately three seconds.
166 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

26. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic system called OBD that
monitors emissions, engine, and automatic trans-
mission control systems. The light will illuminate when
the key is in the ON position before engine start. If the
bulb does not come on when turning the key from LOCK
to ON, 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.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause
damage to the engine control system. It also could
affect fuel economy and drivability. If the MIL is
flashing, severe catalytic converter damage and
power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you
drive slowly or park over flammable substances such
as dry plants or wood or cardboard, etc. This could
result in death or serious injury to the driver, occu-
pants or others.
170 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

27. Transmission Temperature Warning Light — If
EquippedThis light indicates that the transmission fluid
temperature is running hot. This may occur
with severe usage, such as trailer towing. If this
light turns on, safely pull over and stop the
vehicle. Then, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and
run the engine at idle or faster until the light turns off.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Tempera-
ture Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause
severe transmission damage or transmission failure.
WARNING!
Continued operation with the Transmission Tem-
perature Warning Light illuminated could cause the
fluid to boil over, come in contact with hot engine or
exhaust components causing a fire that may result in
personal injury.
28. High Beam Indicator This light indicates that the headlights are on high
beam. Pull the turn signal lever toward the steer-
ing wheel to switch the headlights to low beam.
29. Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
Display — If Equipped
This display shows the EVIC messages when the appro-
priate conditions exist. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC)” for further information.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 171

▫Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E85) And Gasoline Vehicles ...... 312
▫ Starting ........................... 313
▫ Cruising Range ...................... 313
▫ Replacement Parts ................... 313
▫ Maintenance ........................ 313
 Adding Fuel ......................... 314
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 314
▫ Loose Filler Cap Message .............. 316
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 316
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 316
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ...... 316
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ........ 317▫
Overloading ........................ 317
▫ Loading ........................... 317
 Trailer Towing ........................ 318
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 318
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 319
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..................... 321
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 322
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 323
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 327

Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.). . 328
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground) ........................... 328
246 STARTING AND OPERATING

REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle backward. Use only
after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
NEUTRAL
This range is used when vehicle is standing for pro-
longed periods with engine running. Engine may be
started in this range. Set the parking brake if you must
leave the vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition switch 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 – Six-Speed Transmission
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
transmission shifting occurs in the DRIVE range. For
example: When operating the vehicle under heavy load-
ing conditions, (i.e., in hilly terrain, traveling into strong
headwinds, or while towing heavy trailers). Under these
conditions, reducing shifting by selecting the appropriate
gear in AutoStick will improve the performance and
extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat build-up.
DRIVE – Four-Speed Transmission
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving, it provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,
and best fuel economy. However, select the \b3\brange
when frequent transmission shifting occurs while using
the DRIVE range, such as when operating the vehicle
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 255

under heavy loading conditions, (i.e., in hilly terrain,
traveling into strong headwinds, or while towing heavy
trailers). Under these conditions, using the\b3\brange will
improve performance and extend transmission life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat build-up.
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with AutoStick, you
can reduce the frequency of transmission shifting during
heavy loading, hilly terrain, strong headwinds, or while
towing. Under these conditions, selecting the appropriate
gear in AutoStick will improve the performance and
extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat build-up.
DRIVE 3 — Four-Speed Transmission
This range eliminates shifts into fourth gear. The trans-
mission will operate normally in first and second gear.
Shifts into third gear may be delayed to provide second gear operation at higher speeds. The
\b3\brange should
also be used when descending steep grades to prevent
brake system distress
NOTE: Using the \b3\brange 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.
LOW — Four-Speed Transmission
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.
256 STARTING AND OPERATING