CHRYSLER SEBRING SEDAN 2008 3.G Owners Manual

NOTE:When the vehicle is in the Remote Start mode,
power window and sunroof operation are disabled for
security.
The following conditions must be met before the engine
will remote start:
•Automatic Transaxle in Park
•All doors are closed
•Hood is closed
•Hazard Switch is off
•Brake Switch is inactive
•Key is not in the ignition
•Battery is at an acceptable charge level
•Panic button on key fob is not depressed
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms engine coolant 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 bundled under the hood
between the headlight assembly and the Totally Inte-
grated Power Module (Fuse Box) on the driver side of the
vehicle.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.
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AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLECAUTION!
Damage to the transaxle may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:
•Shift the gear selector lever into PARK only after
the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
•Shift the gear selector lever into or out of RE-
VERSE only after the vehicle has come to a com-
plete stop and the engine is at idle speed.
•Do not shift the gear selector lever from RE-
VERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL into any forward
gear when the engine is above idle speed.
•Before shifting the gear selector lever into any
gear, make sure your foot is firmly on the brake
pedal.Automatic Gear Selector Lever
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WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift the gear selector lever out of
PARK or NEUTRAL 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 the
gear selector lever into gear when the engine is idling
normally and when your right foot is firmly on the
brake pedal.
WARNING!
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 gear selector lever into PARK, remove the
key from the ignition, and apply the parking brake.
Once the key is removed from the ignition, the gear
selector lever is locked in the PARK position, secur-
ing the vehicle against unwanted movement. Further-
more, you should never leave children unattended
inside a vehicle.
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BRAKE/TRANSAXLE INTERLOCK
This system prevents you from moving the gear selector
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 gear selector 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, there is an
override system that 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 and rotate it to the ON position
•Remove the cup holder liner
•Insert a key, screwdriver, or finger into the front hole
then push and hold the manual override release lever
forward.
•While holding the release lever forward, move the
gear selector lever from PARK to NEUTRAL. Release
the manual override lever.
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.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE IGNITION INTERLOCK
SYSTEM
This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the gear selector 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.
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NOTE:If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the
key in the ignition 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.
ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED 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.
GEAR RANGES
PARK
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 selector lever in
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 selector lever in PARK, other-
wise the load on the transaxle locking mechanism may
make it difficult to move the selector 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 position on an Automatic Transaxle
as a substitute for the parking brake. Always apply
parking brake fully when parked to guard against
vehicle movement and possible injury or damage.
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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.
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/OVERDRIVE — Six-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[5]range when frequent transaxle
shifting occurs while using the DRIVE/OVERDRIVE
range, such as when operating the vehicle under heavy
loading conditions, (i.e., in hilly terrain, traveling into
strong head winds or while towing heavy trailers). Under
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these conditions, using the[5]range will improve perfor-
mance and extend transaxle life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build-up.
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 second
gear. The transaxle remains in second gear (third gear
with a six-speed automatic) despite the forward gear
selected. PARK, REVERSE, AND NEUTRAL will con-
tinue to operate. This RESET feature allows the vehicle to
be driven to a dealer for service without damaging the
transaxle.
In the event that the problem has been momentary, the
transaxle can be reset to regain all forward gears.
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the gear selector lever into PARK.3. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position then restart
the engine.
4. Shift the gear selector 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 authorized dealer has diagnostic
equipment to determine if the problem could recur.
If the transaxle cannot be reset, authorized dealer service
is required.
AUTOSTICK— IF EQUIPPED
AutoStickis a driver-interactive transaxle that offers six
manual ratio changes to provide you with more control.
AutoStickallows you to maximize engine braking,
eliminate undesirable upshifts and downshifts, and im-
prove overall vehicle performance. This system can also
provide you with more control during passing, city
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driving, cold slippery conditions, mountain driving,
trailer towing, and many other situations.AUTOSTICKOPERATION
By placing the gear selector 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 gear selector 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.
NOTE:In Autostickmode, the transaxle will only shift
up or down when the driver moves the gear selector
lever to the Right (+) or Left (-).
AutoStickis deactivated when the lever is shifted from
the AutoStick (+/-) position into the DRIVE position.
AutoStickGear Selector Lever
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AutoStickGeneral 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 maxi-
mum engine speed is reached while Autostickis
engaged.
•Transaxle shifting will be more noticeable when
Autostickis engaged.
•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.
PARKING BRAKE
When the parking brake is applied with the
ignition on, the Brake Light in the instrument
cluster will come on.
NOTE:This light, when illuminated with parking brake
application, shows only that the parking brake is on. It
does not show the degree of brake application.
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NOTE:If the light remains on with the parking brake
released, a brake system malfunction is indicated. Have
the brake system serviced by an authorized dealer im-
mediately.
NOTE:If the parking brake is applied while the vehicle
is moving, a chime will sound to alert the driver. The
chime will sound up to 10 times or until the vehicle has
returned to a stop.
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied and the gear selector is in the PARK
position.
To release the parking brake, slightly pull up the handle
while pushing the lock button, and guide the lever
downward to its stop. The brake warning light in the
instrument cluster should go out.
NOTE:The parking brake lever will not release unless
the lever is pulled up slightly past its applied position.Operation with an Automatic Transaxle
When parking on a flat surface, place the gear selector
lever in the PARK position first, and then apply the
parking brake.
NOTE:When parking on a hill, it is important to set the
parking brakeBEFOREplacing the gear selector in
PARK, otherwise the load on the automatic transaxle
locking mechanism may make it difficult to move the
selector 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.
Operation with a Manual Transaxle — If Equipped
Place the gear selector in REVERSE. As an added precau-
tion, when parking on a hill, turn the front wheels toward
the curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on
an uphill grade.
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