check engine CHRYSLER SEBRING SEDAN 2010 3.G Owner's Manual

The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing cool-
ant. Advise your service attendant of this. As long as the
engine operating temperature is satisfactory, the coolant
bottle need only be checked once a month. When addi-
tional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to maintain
the proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle.
Do not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles
(kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator. If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the
radiator and in the coolant recovery bottle. If engine
coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, the contents of
the coolant recovery bottle must also be protected
against freezing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine, which contains aluminum components.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 359

WARNING! (Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard
or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden brake
failure. This could result in a accident.
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in an accident.
Automatic Transaxle
The automatic transaxle and differential assembly are
contained within a single housing.
The fluid level in the automatic transaxle should be
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the
transaxle and the fluid.
362 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Fluid Level Check — Vehicles with 2.4L and 2.7L
Engines
Use the following procedure to check the automatic
transaxle fluid level properly:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Run the engine at curb idle speed for a minimum of
60 seconds.
3. Apply the parking brake fully.
4. Place the shift lever momentarily into each gear posi-
tion ending with the lever in PARK.
5. Wipe the area around the dipstick clean to eliminate
the possibility of dirt entering the transaxle.
6. Remove the dipstick and determine if the fluid is hot
or cold. Hot fluid is approximately 180°F (82° C), which
is the normal operating temperature after the vehicle isdriven at least 15 miles (24 km). Hot fluid cannot be held
comfortably between the fingertips. Cold fluid is at a
temperature below 80°F (27° C).
7. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated. Then,
remove dipstick and note the reading.
a. If the fluid is hot, the reading should be in the
crosshatched area marked “HOT” (between the upper
two holes in the dipstick).
b. If the fluid is cold, the fluid level should be between
the lower two holes in the area marked “COLD.”
If the fluid level is low, add sufficient fluid through the
filler (dipstick) tube to bring it to the proper level. Do not
overfill.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 363

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 Level Check — Vehicles with 3.5L Engine
The automatic transaxle has no dipstick and is dealer
serviced only.
Transmission Fluid and Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule” in Section 8 for the
proper maintenance intervals.
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.
364 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
•The oil change indicator message will not monitor the
time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil
if it has been six months since your last oil change even
if the oil change indicator message is NOT illumi-
nated.
•Change your engine oil more often if you drive your
vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
•Under no circumstances should oil change intervals
exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months, which-
ever comes first.
Your dealer will reset the oil change indicator message
after completing the scheduled oil change. If this sched-
uled oil change is performed by someone other than your
dealer the message can be reset by referring to the steps
described under “Oil Change Required” in “Use Factory Settings” of the EVIC section in this manual or under
“Odometer/Trip Odometer” in the “Instrument Cluster
Descriptions section of this manual.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 391

Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transmission and add as needed.
•Check all lights and other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the brake hoses and lines.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following
pages for the required maintenance intervals.
8
M A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S392 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Automatic Transaxle..............12,235,239,362
Adding Fluid ................... 363,364,388
Filter ............................... 364
Fluid and Filter Changes ................. 364
Fluid Level Check ................... 363,364
Interlock System .................... 240,241
Reset Mode .......................... 245
Selection Of Lubricant ................... 388
Shifting ............................. 239
Special Additives ...................... 364
Autostick ............................. 246
Back-Up Lights ......................... 381
Battery ............................... 346
Gas Caution .......................... 347
Jump Starting ......................... 29
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 25
Location ............................ 346
Belts, Seat .............................. 83 Body Mechanism Lubrication
............... 350
B-Pillar Location ........................ 268
Brake Assist System ...................... 257
Brake, Parking .......................... 252
Brake System ........................... 360
Anti-Lock (ABS) ....................... 254
Fluid Check ....................... 360,388
Master Cylinder ....................... 360
Parking ............................. 252
Warning Light ........................ 148
Brakes ............................... 360
Brake/Transaxle Interlock .................. 240
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle ........ 81
Bulb Replacement ....................... 377
Bulbs, Light .......................... 84,377
Calibration, Compass ..................... 165
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ......... 20
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 386
10
INDEX 419

Caps, FillerFuel ............................... 299
Oil (Engine) .................. 335,336,337,344
Power Steering ........................ 251
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 357
Car Washes ............................ 366
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............82,294
Cargo Area Features ...................... 134
Cargo Compartment ...................... 134
Cargo Load Floor ........................ 134
Cargo (Vehicle Loading) ................... 134
Cellular Phone ........................ 93,217
Center High Mounted Stop Light ............ 385
Chains, Tire ............................ 279
Changing A Flat Tire ..................... 318
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 265
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 339
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 82Checks, Safety
........................... 82
Child Restraint .................... 70,71,76,79
Child Restraint Tether Anchors .............74,76
Child Safety Locks ........................ 32
Cigar Lighter ........................... 131
Clean Air Gasoline ....................... 291
Cleaning Wheels ............................. 367
Windshield Wiper Blades ................ 351
Climate Control ......................... 217
Clock ..................... 169,172,186,189,198
Coin Holder ........................... 136
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance ............. 217
Compact Spare Tire ...................... 275
Compass .............................. 164
Compass Calibration ..................... 165
Compass Variance ....................... 165
Computer, Trip/Travel .................. 20,162
Console ............................ 104,136
420 INDEX

Door Locks, Automatic.................... 30
Door Opener, Garage ..................... 120
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................... 247
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water ........................ 248
DVD Player (Video Entertainment System™) .... 213
E-85 Fuel ............................. 295
Electric Rear Window Defrost ............... 139
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 90
Electrical Power Outlets ................... 129
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) ....... 117
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ............ 260
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) .... 159
Emergency, In Case of Jacking ............................. 318
Jump Starting ......................... 325
Towing ............................. 329 Emergency Trunk Release
.................37,38
Emission Control System Maintenance ......339,390
Engine .......................... 335,336,337
Air Cleaner .......................... 346
Block Heater ......................... 238
Break-In Recommendations ................ 81
Checking Oil Level ..................... 342
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 355,387
Cooling ............................. 354
Exhaust Gas Caution .................. 82,294
Fails to Start .......................... 236
Flooded, Starting ...................... 236
Fuel Requirements .................. 290,386
Jump Starting ......................... 325
Oil ........................... 342,386,387
Oil Change Interval ............152,162,343,390
Oil Filler Cap ................ 335,336,337,344
Oil Filter ............................ 345
Oil Filter Disposal ..................... 345
422 INDEX

Fluid Level ChecksAutomatic Transaxle ................. 363,364
Brake ............................ 360,388
Cooling System ....................... 355
Engine Oil ........................... 342
Power Steering ..................... 251,388
Fluids ................................ 387
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 387
Fog Light Service ........................ 380
Fog Lights ....................... 109,154,380
Folding Rear Seat ..................... 103,104
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 328
Fuel ................................. 290
Adding ............................. 299
Additives ............................ 293
Clean Air ............................ 291
Ethanol ............................. 291
Filler Cap (Gas Cap) ................. 146,299
Filler Door (Gas Cap) ................... 146 Gasoline
............................ 290
Gauge .............................. 146
Light ............................... 147
Materials Added ....................... 293
Methanol ............................ 291
Octane Rating ...................... 290,387
Requirements ...................... 290,386
Tank Capacity ........................ 386
Fuel, Flexible ............. See Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Fuel System Caution ..................... 300
Fueling ............................... 299
Fuses ................................ 371
Garage Door Opener (HomeLink) ........... 120
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap) ............299,301,338
Gasoline, Clean Air ...................... 291
Gasoline (Fuel) ......................... 290
Gasoline, Reformulated ................... 291
424 INDEX