2004 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE Owners Manual

3. Attach the tether strap hook (A) of the child restraint to
the anchor and remove slack in the tether strap (B)
according to the child restraint manufacturer's instruc-
tions.WARNING!
An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to
increased head motion and possible injury to the
child. Use only the anchor positions directly behind
the child seat to secure a child restraint top tether
strap.
Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 41
2

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The engine in your new vehicle does not require a long
break-in period.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55
mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration, within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide open throttle acceleration in low gear can be
detrimental and should be avoided.
The crankcase oil installed in the engine at the factory is
a high quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with expected climate con-
ditions under which vehicle operations will occur. The
recommended viscosity and quality grades are in Section
7 of this manual.
Do not use non-detergent or straight mineral oils.
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles of operation. This is a normal part of the
break-in and not an indication of a problem.
SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
²Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in
or out of the area.
²If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running, adjust your heating or cooling con-
trols to force outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower
at high speed.
²To avoid drawing exhaust gases into the vehicle, close
the trunk while driving. However, if for some reason it
42 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

must remain open, close all windows. Adjust the
heating or cooling system to force outside air into the
vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Safety belt assemblies must be replaced after a collision if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor
condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to
8 seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the bulb is not lit
during starting, have it replaced. If the light stays on or
comes on while driving, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
Defrosters
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.
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 for tread cuts or sidewall
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,
water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes are
present, the cause should be corrected immediately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 43
2

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mConvertible Top Operation................47
NTo Lower The Top......................47
NTo Raise The Top......................49
NTop Cover Installation...................50
NTop Cover Removal.....................54
mConsole Features.......................55
mMirrors..............................56
NInside Day/Night Mirror Ð If Equipped......56
NAutomatic Dimming Mirror Ð If Equipped....56
NExterior Mirrors Folding Feature Ð If
Equipped............................57
NElectric Remote-Control Mirrors............57NIlluminated Vanity Mirrors................58
mSeats................................58
NManual Front Seat Adjustments............58
NPower Driver's Seat.....................60
NHeated Seats Ð If Equipped..............60
NTo Fold The Front Seatback Forward.........61
NEasy Entry System.....................61
NAdjustable Head Restraints...............62
mTo Open And Close The Hood.............62
mLights...............................64
NFront Map/Reading Lights...............64
3

NInterior Lights........................64
NMulti-Function Control Lever..............66
NHeadlights, Parking Lights, Instrument Panel
Lights..............................66
NDaytime Running Lights (Canada Only)......66
NLights-On Reminder....................67
NFog Lights Ð If Equipped................67
NTurn Signals..........................67
NHeadlight Beam Select Switch.............67
NPassing Light.........................67
NHeadlight Time Delay...................67
mWindshield Wipers And Washers...........68
NMist................................68
NSpeed Sensitive Intermittent Wiper System....69
mTilt Steering Column.....................69
mTraction ControlÐ If Equipped.............70
mElectronic Speed ControlÐ If Equipped......70
NTo Activate...........................71
NTo Set At A Desired Speed................71
NTo Deactivate.........................71
NTo Resume Speed......................71
NTo Vary The Speed Setting................71
NTo Accelerate For Passing................72
NUsing Speed Control On Hills.............72
mGarage Door Opener Ð If Equipped.........73
NProgramming The Universal Transceiver......74
NªRolling Codeº Programming.............75
NCanadian Programming/Gate Programming . . .77
NOperation............................77
NReprogramming A Single Button...........77
NSecurity.............................77
mElectrical Power Outlet...................78
46 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CONVERTIBLE TOP OPERATION
WARNING!
The convertible top does not provide the structural
protection that a reinforced metal roof does, and the
fabric top cannot be expected to prevent the ejection
of the occupants of a vehicle in a collision. Therefore
it is important that all occupants wear their seat belts
at all times when riding in a convertible. Studies
have shown that it is generally safer to remain inside
a vehicle during a collision, than to be ejected from
the vehicle.
NOTE:The top and top storage area should be thor-
oughly dry before lowering the top.
To Lower The Top:
NOTE:
To avoid damage to the convertible top or its
components, your vehicle is equipped with a feature that
prevents convertible top operation at speeds over 10 mph
(16 km/h).
CAUTION!
To fully insure that no damage occurs, be sure that
the vehicle is at a complete stop with the gear
selector in the Park position before lowering or
raising the top.
1. To avoid damage to either the top or the rear window,
check the top storage area at the rear of the vehicle
interior to be sure that it is clear of debris or other items.
Be sure that child seat flip up bars are lowered. Do not
use the top storage area for other storage purposes.
2. Turn the ignition key to the On position.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 47
3

3. Release the top from the windshield header by pulling
both latch handles rearward until the latch hooks are free.
4. Press the Power Top Switch to disengage the top pins
from the header. As soon as the top is free, close both
latch handles.
NOTE:The Power Top Switch has two detent positions
for lowering the convertible top. Pressing and holding
the Power Top Switch lightly in the first detent position
will automatically lower the convertible top. Pressingand holding the switch in the second detent position will
lower all four windows and the top to the full down
position.
CAUTION!
Damage to the top material could result if the latch
handles are not completely closed when the top is
lowered. The convertible top cover cannot be in-
stalled while the latch handles are open.
48 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE