2004 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE service

over time. This is normal. If the coolant level is hard to
see, jostling the coolant bottle will make it easier to see.
There is no need to remove the radiator cap unless
checking for coolant freeze point, adding, or replacing
coolant. 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. Heater
performance may also be adversely affected by low
coolant levels.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill. Special procedures are required when filling
the engine cooling system of the 2.7L Engine. See your
authorized dealer for details.
Points to Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles of
operation, you may observe vapor coming from the front
of the engine compartment. This is normally a result of
moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity accumulating
on the radiator and being vaporized when the thermostat
opens, allowing hot water 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.
²Do not overfill the coolant bottle.
²Check coolant freeze point in the system.
²If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the bottle does not drop when the engine cools,
the cooling system should be pressure tested for leaks.
²Maintain coolant concentration of 50% ethylene glycol
(minimum) with recommended antifreeze for proper
corrosion protection of your engine that contains alu-
minum components.
²Make sure that the radiator and coolant bottle hoses
are not kinked or obstructed.
²Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle has
air conditioning, keep the front of the condenser clean,
also.
²Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
210 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory cooling performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions,
and excessive swelling indicate deterioration of the rub-
ber.
Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed. Inspect all hose connections such as clamps
and couplings to make sure they are secure and no leaks
are present. Components should be replaced immedi-
ately if there is any evidence of degradation that could
cause failure.
Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in section 8.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You may not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be made to examining those hose sur-
faces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
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7

Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before hose is replaced based
on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done
whenever the brake system is serviced and every engine
oil change.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning lamp shows system failure.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, fill brake fluid reservoir to
the top of the fill mark chevron. With disc brakes, fluid
level can be expected to fall as the brake pads wear.
However, low fluid level may be caused by a leak and a
checkup may be needed.
212 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Use only manufacturer's recommended brake fluid, refer
to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
WARNING!
Use of a brake fluid that has a lower initial boiling
point than MOPAR DOT 3 Brake Fluid or that is
unidentified as to DOT FMVSS specification may
result in sudden brake failure during hard or pro-
longed braking. You could have an accident.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter.Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate the
brake fluid as seal damage will result!
Fuel System Hoses
Electronic Fuel Injection high pressure fuel systems are
designed with hoses and clamps which have unique
material characteristics to provide adequate sealing and
resist attack by deteriorated gasoline.
You are urged to use only manufacturer specified hoses
and clamps, or their equivalent in material and specifi-
cation, in any fuel system servicing. It is mandatory to
replace all clamps that have been loosened or removed
during service. Care should be taken in installing new
clamps to insure they are properly torqued.
Automatic Transmission
Your front wheel drive vehicle has a transmission and
differential assembly contained within a single housing.
This is referred to as a ªTransaxle.º
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 213
7

Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturers recommended transmis-
sion fluid, refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type. It is important that
the transmission fluid be maintained at the prescribed
level using the recommended fluid.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turers recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the
manufacturers recommended fluid will result in
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
for correct fluid type.
Procedure For Checking Fluid Level
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 of the fluid.
To properly check the automatic transaxle fluid level, the
following procedure must be used:
²The vehicle must be on level ground.
²The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.
²Fully apply parking brake.
²Place the gear selector momentarily in each gear
position ending with the lever in P (PARK).
²Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.
²If the fluid is cold (80ÉF / 27ÉC), the reading should be
in the cross hatched area marked ªCOLDº (between
the lower two holes in the dipstick).
214 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to use
only a fuse having the correct amperage rating. The
use of a fuse with a rating other than indicated may
result in a dangerous electrical system overload. If a
properly rated fuse continues to blow, it shows a
problem in the circuit that must be corrected.
REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULBS
LIGHT BULBS Ð Interior Bulb Number
Instrument Cluster..................... PC194
ABS Indicator........................ PC161
Fog Indicators........................ PC161
Floor Console, Courtesy Light, Door Courtesy
Light, Trunk Light........................ 562
Climate Control Light...................... 37
Traction Control Light...................PC161LIGHT BULBS Ð Exterior Bulb Number
Headlight.............................9007
Park/Turn Signal (Front).................3157A
Side/Marker (Front)...................... 168
Turn Signal (Rear)......................3757A
Fog Light.............................880L
Center Stop Light (CHMSL)......Dealer Service Item
Tail/Stop.............................3157
Tail Light.........................W3W/2821
Back Up Light.....................W16W/921
License Light......................W5W/2825
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 225
7

4. Turn the bulb and socket assembly counterclockwise
to remove it from the housing.
5. Install the new bulb and socket assembly, reattach the
wiring connector, and reinstall the fog light assembly.
Center Stoplight Bulb Replacement
You may wish to see your dealer for service of this light.
A detailed service procedure is contained in the manu-
facturer's Service Manual. Information on purchasing a
Service Manual can be found at the back of this Owner's
Manual.
Rear Light Bulb Replacement
1. Open the trunk and pull the trunk liner away to
expose the wiring connector and light housing plastic
retainers.
230 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Headlight Aiming
The headlights on your new vehicle were aimed at the
factory. The factory setting was made at a no load setting.
A great increase in weight will change the aiming and it
may be necessary to readjust the headlights if carrying an
excessive amount of weight in the trunk, rear seats or
pulling a trailer. To readjust the headlights first mark the
position of the headlights on a wall prior to loading the
vehicle. Load the vehicle and then readjust the headlights
to the original position. If any further adjustments are
necessary contact your manufacturer's dealer. A detailed
service procedure is contained in the manufacturer's
Service Manual. Information on purchasing a Service
Manual can be found at the back of this Owner's Manual.
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)
2.4 Liter Engine (87 Octane) 16 Gal-
lons61 Liters
2.7 Liter Engine (87 Octane) 16 Gal-
lons61 Liters
Engine Oil-with filter
2.4 Liter Engines (SAE 5W-30) 5 qts. 4.7 Liters
2.7 Liter Engines (SAE 5W-30) 5 qts. 4.7 Liters
Cooling System *
2.4 Liter Engines* (Mopart
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula)8 qts. 7.5 Liters
2.7 Liter Engines (Mopart
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
100,000 Mile Formula)9.5 qts. 9.0 Liters
* Includes 1 qt. for coolant tank.
232 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE