engine CHRYSLER SEBRING SEDAN 2008 3.G Repair Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: CHRYSLER, Model Year: 2008, Model line: SEBRING SEDAN, Model: CHRYSLER SEBRING SEDAN 2008 3.GPages: 494
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Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experience these
symptoms, try another brand of gasoline (with the ap-
propriate octane rating for your engine) before consider-
ing service for the vehicle.
Over 40 automobile manufacturers around the world
have issued and endorsed consistent gasoline specifica-
tions (the World Wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) which
define fuel properties necessary to deliver enhanced
emissions, engine performance, and durability for your
vehicle. The manufacturer recommends the use of gaso-
lines that meet the WWFC specifications if they are
available.
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning gasoline referred to as “Reformulated Gasoline.”Reformulated gasolines contain oxygenates, and are spe-
cifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and im-
prove air quality.
The manufacturer supports the use of reformulated gaso-
lines. Properly blended reformulated gasolines will pro-
vide excellent performance and durability of engine and
fuel system components.
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with oxy-
genates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE, and ETBE. Oxygen-
ates are required in some areas of the country during the
winter months to reduce carbon monoxide emissions.
Fuels blended with these oxygenates may be used in
your vehicle.
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CAUTION!
For vehicles equipped with a 2.4L or 3.5L engine, DO
NOT use gasoline containing Methanol or E85 Etha-
nol. Use of these blends may result in starting and
driveability problems and may damage critical fuel
system components.
NOTE:The2.7L engineis now rated for E85 Ethanol
use(EXCEPT CALIFORNIA EMISSION STATES).Only
vehicles with the E-85 fuel filler door label can operate on
E-85. For more information, see “Flexible Fuel” in this
section.
Problems that result from using methanol/gasoline or
E85 Ethanol blends are not the responsibility of the
manufacturer. While MTBE is an oxygenate made from
Methanol, it does not have the negative effects of Metha-
nol.
MMT In Gasoline
MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasoline
blended with MMT provides no performance advantage
beyond gasoline of the same octane number without
MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT reduces spark plug
life and reduces emission system performance in some
vehicles. The manufacturer recommends that gasoline
without MMT be used in your vehicle. The MMT content
of gasoline may not be indicated on the gasoline pump,
therefore, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether
or not his/her gasoline contains MMT.
It is even more important to look for gasolines without
MMT in Canada, because MMT can be used at levels
higher than those allowed in the United States.
MMT is prohibited in Federal and California reformu-
lated gasolines.
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Materials Added to Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions and they would result in additional cost.
Therefore, you should not have to add anything to the
fuel.
Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:
•The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance
and damage the emission control system.
•An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.
•The use of fuel additives, which are now being sold as
octane enhancers is not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
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Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
•Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
•Keep the trunk closed when driving your vehicle to
prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous ex-
haust gases from entering the vehicle.
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FLEXIBLE FUEL— 2.7L ENGINES ONLY (EXCEPT
CALIFORNIA EMISSION STATES)
E-85 General Information
The information in this section is for Flexible Fuel ve-
hicles only. This section only covers those subjects that
are unique to these vehicles. Please refer to the other
sections of this manual for information on features that
are common between Flexible Fuel and gasoline only
powered vehicles.
CAUTION!
Only vehicles with the special E-85 fuel filler cap can
operate on E-85.
E-85 Fuel Cap
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For best results, a refueling pattern that alternates be-
tween E-85 and unleaded gasoline should be avoided.
When you do switch fuels, it is recommended that:
•you do not switch when the fuel gauge indicates less
than1 4full
•you do not add less than 5 gallons when refueling
•you operate the vehicle immediately after refueling for
a period of at least 5 minutes
Observing these precautions will avoid possible hard
starting and/or significant deterioration in drivability
during warm up.
NOTE:When the ambient temperature is above 90° F
(32° C), you may experience hard starting and rough idle
following start up even if the above recommendations are
followed.
Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E-85) and Gasoline Vehicles
FFV vehicles operated on E85 require specially formu-
lated engine oils. These special requirements are included
in Moparengine oils, and in equivalent oils meeting
DaimlerChrysler Specification MS-6395. The manufac-
turer only recommends engine oils that are API Certified
and meet the requirements of Material Standard MS-
6395. MS-6395 contains additional requirements, devel-
oped during extensive fleet testing, to provide additional
protection to DaimlerChrysler Corporation engines. Use
Moparor an equivalent oil meeting the specification
MS-6395.
NOTE:Your engine oil filler cap also describes the
correct engine oil to use.
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Starting
The characteristics of E-85 fuel make it unsuitable for use
when ambient temperatures fall below 0° F (-18° C). In
the range of 0° F (-18° C) to 32° F (0° C), you may
experience an increase in the time it takes for your engine
to start, and a deterioration in drivability (sags and/or
hesitations) until the engine is fully warmed up.
Cruising Range
Because E-85 fuel contains less energy per gallon than
gasoline, you will experience an increase in fuel con-
sumption. You can expect your miles per gallon (mpg)
and your driving range to decrease by about 30% com-
pared to gasoline operation.
Replacement Parts
Many components in your Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) are
designed to be compatible with ethanol. Always be sure
that your vehicle is serviced with correct ethanol com-
patible parts.
CAUTION!
Replacing fuel system components with non-ethanol
compatible components can damage your vehicle.
Maintenance
CAUTION!
Do not use ethanol mixture greater than 85% in your
vehicle. It will cause difficulty in cold starting and
may affect drivability.
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WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the
vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the tank filled.
•Never add fuel when the engine is running. This is in
violation of most state and federal fire regulations
and doing so will cause the malfunction indicator
light to turn on.
•A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on the
ground while filling.
NOTE:
•Tighten the gas cap until you hear a “clicking” sound.
This is an indication that the gas cap is tightened
properly. The Malfunction Indicator Light in the in-
strument cluster may turn on if the gas cap is notsecured properly. Make sure that the gas cap is tight-
ened each time the vehicle is refueled.
•When the fuel nozzle “clicks” or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicles diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap in loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
“GASCAP” or “FUEL CAP OFF” message will be dis-
played in the instrument cluster. Tighten the gas cap until
a “clicking” sound is heard. This is an indication that the
gas cap is properly tightened. Press the trip odometer
reset button to turn off the message. If the problem
persists, the message will appear the next time the
vehicle is started. This might indicate a damaged cap. If
the problem is detected twice in a row, the system will
turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving
the problem will turn the MIL light off.
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Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer Weight Ratings)
The following chart provides the maximum trailer weight ratings towable for your given drivetrain.
Engine/Transaxle Max. Frontal Area Max. GTW (Gross Trailer
Wt.)Max. Tongue Wt.1
2.4L/Auto See Note21000 lbs (450 kg) 100 lbs (45 kg)
2.7L/Auto See Note21500 lbs (680 kg) 150 lbs (68 kg)
3.5L/Auto 22 Sq., Ft. (2.0 Sq. M) 2000 lbs (900 kg) 200 lbs (90 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
1The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of
the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and it
should never exceed the weight referenced on the Tire
and Loading Information placard. Refer to “Tire Safety
Information” in Section 5 of this manual.
2Enclosed trailers or open utility trailers with front
shields/guards are not recommended for use with all 4
cylinder and 2.7L engines with automatic transaxle.Please refer to the following website, http://www-
5.chrysler.com/searchapp/ui.jsp or your dealer for addi-
tional information.
CAUTION!
Towing a trailer with a larger than recommended
frontal area could cause the engine to overheat or cause
severe engine damage under extreme conditions.
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WARNING!
Improper towing can lead to an injury accident.
Follow these guidelines to make your trailer towing
as safe as possible:
Make certain that the load is secured in the trailer
and that it will not shift during travel. When traile-
ring cargo that is not fully secured, dynamic load
shifts can occur that may be difficult for the driver to
control. You could lose control of your vehicle and
have an accident.
•When hauling cargo, or towing a trailer, do not
overload your vehicle or trailer. Overloading can cause
a loss of control, poor performance, or damage to
brakes, axle, engine, transaxle, steering, suspension,
chassis structure, or tires.
•Safety chains must always be used between your
vehicle and trailer. Always connect the chains to the
frame or hook retainers of the vehicle hitch. Cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning corners.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
When parking, apply the parking brake on the tow
vehicle. Put the tow vehicle automatic transaxle in P
for Park. Always, block orchockthe trailer wheels.
•GCWR must not be exceeded.
•Total weight must be distributed between the tow
vehicle and the trailer such that the following four
ratings are not exceeded:
1. GVWR
2. GTW
3. GAWR
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