check transmission fluid CHRYSLER SEBRING SEDAN 2008 3.G Owners Manual

Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
NOTE:If the defrost feature is not functioning, the
cause should be located and corrected immediately by an
authorized service center. The windshield could fog up
while driving and obscure your visibility.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect tread and sidewall for cuts or
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness, and tires (includ-
ing spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. In addition, if
gasoline fumes are detected or fuel, power steering fluid,
transmission fluid, or brake fluid leaks are suspected, the
cause should be located and corrected immediately.
80 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
shallow standing water, consider the following Caution
and Warning before doing so.
CAUTION!
•Always check the depth of the standing water
before driving through it. Never drive through
standing water that is deeper than the bottom of
the tire rims mounted on the vehicle.
•Determine the condition of the road or the path
that is under water, and if there are any obstacles
in the way, before driving through the standing
water.
•Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving
through standing water. This will minimize wave
effects.
CAUTION!
•Driving through standing water may cause dam-
age to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Al-
ways inspect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil,
transmission, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination
(i.e., fluid that is milky or foamy in appearance)
after driving through standing water. Do not con-
tinue to operate the vehicle if any fluid appears
contaminated, as this may result in further dam-
age. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
•Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious
internal damage to the engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
STARTING AND OPERATING 293
5

Automatic Transaxle
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing. How-
ever, if frequent shifting occurs while in this range, third
gear for a four—speed automatic and the fifth gear for a
six-speed AutoStickshould be selected.
NOTE:Using third or fifth instead of DRIVE while
operating the vehicle under heavy operating conditions,
will improve performance and extend transaxle life by
reducing excessive shifting and heat build up. This action
will also provide better engine braking.
If youREGULARLY TOWa trailer for more than 45
minutes of continuous operation, then change the auto-
matic transaxle fluid and filter according to the interval
specified for “police, taxi, fleet, or frequent trailer tow-
ing” in the “Maintenance Schedule” in this manual.NOTE:Check the four-speed automatic transaxle fluid
level before towing. AutoSticksix—speed transmission
is sealed and the fluid level cannot be checked. See your
authorized dealership service center for assistance.
Electronic Speed Control (If Equipped)
•
Don’t use in hilly terrain or with heavy loads.
•When using the speed control, if you experience speed
drops greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), disengage until
you can get back to cruising speed.
•Use speed control in flat terrain and with light loads to
maximize fuel efficiency.
348 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
•Using a transmission fluid other than the manu-
facturer’s recommended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift quality and/or torque
converter shudder. Using a transmission fluid
other than that recommended by the manufacturer
will result in more frequent fluid and filter
changes. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genu-
ine Parts” for the correct fluid type.
•Dirt and water in the transaxle can cause serious
damage. To prevent dirt and water from entering
the transaxle after checking or replenishing fluid,
make certain that the dipstick cap is re-seated
properly.
Fluid and Filter Changes
Change the automatic transaxle fluid and filter at the
intervals shown in the “Maintenance Schedule” in this
manual.
In addition, change the fluid and filter if the transaxle is
disassembled for any reason.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered
product and its performance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi-
tives to the transaxle. The only exception to this policy is
the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid leaks. In
addition, avoid using transmission sealers as they may
adversely affect seals.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 405
7

Automatic Dimming Mirror................. 86
Automatic Door Locks................... 31,32
Automatic Oil Change Indicator........175,185,434
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)......... 248
Automatic Transaxle.............. 13,264,270,403
Adding Fluid...................403,404,432
Filter ............................... 405
Fluid and Filter Changes................. 405
Fluid Level Check...................403,404
Interlock System....................... 272
Reset Mode.......................... 275
Selection Of Lubricant................... 432
Shifting ............................. 273
Special Additives...................... 405
Autostick............................. 275
Back-Up Lights......................... 424
BallJoints ............................. 391
Battery............................... 387Gas Caution.......................... 387
Jump Starting......................... 29
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 25
Location............................ 387
Bearings.............................. 406
Belts,Drive ............................ 384
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 392
B-Pillar Location........................ 299
Brake Assist System...................... 286
Brake, Parking.......................... 277
Brake System........................281,400
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 282
Fluid Check.......................402,432
Hoses.............................. 401
Master Cylinder....................... 402
Parking............................. 277
Warning Light........................ 178
Brakes.............................281,400
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 272
INDEX 453
10

Bearings.............................. 406
Belts,Drive ............................ 384
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 392
B-Pillar Location........................ 299
Brake Assist System...................... 286
Brake, Parking.......................... 277
Brake System........................281,400
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................... 282
Fluid Check.......................402,432
Hoses.............................. 401
Master Cylinder....................... 402
Parking............................. 277
Warning Light........................ 178
Brakes.............................281,400
Brake/Transmission Interlock............... 272
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle........ 78
Bulb Replacement.....................417,418
Bulbs,Light ............................ 417Calibration, Compass..................... 188
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)......... 20
Capacities, Fluid........................ 429
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 332
Oil (Engine)..................374,375,376,383
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 397
Car Washes............................ 407
Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 327
Cargo Area Features...................... 162
Cargo Compartment...................... 162
Cargo Load Floor........................ 162
Cargo (Vehicle Loading)................... 162
Catalytic Converter...................... 385
Caution, Exhaust Gas...................... 78
CD (Compact Disc) Player...............222,225
CD (Compact Disc) Player Maintenance........ 242
Cellular Phone.................. 89,225,227,242
Center High Mounted Stop Light............ 428
INDEX 473
10