2005 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE Owners Manual

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 avoid damage to the sunvisors, rotate the driver’s
and passenger’s sunvisor to the forward (against
glass) position before raising or lowering the con-
vertible top.
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.
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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. Pressing
and holding the switch in the second detent position will
lower all four windows and the top to the full down
position.
Unlatching Convertible Top
Power Top Switch
50 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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.
To Raise The Top:
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to the sunvisors, rotate the driver’s
and passenger’s sunvisor to the forward (against
glass) position before raising or lowering the con-
vertible 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).
NOTE:If the power convertible top system fails, raise
the top by manually pulling the top until it meets the
windshield and open both front latch handles. Pull the
top until the two pins are seated in the windshield
header. Using the center pull cup, pull down and hook
each latch hook to its striker. Latch both sides. This may
require a considerable amount of physical effort.
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. Remove the top cover and store it in the trunk.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position.
3. Press the Power Top Switch to raise the top. Before the
top reaches the windshield, open both front latch
handles. Press the switch again to continue raising the
top until the two pins seat themselves in the windshield
header.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 51
3

4. Use the center pull cup to pull down on the header.
Hook each latch hook to its striker. Latch both sides.
CAUTION!
Car top carriers, ski racks, etc., should not be at-
tached to the convertible top mechanism as they will
damage the top.
Top Cover Installation
With the top down and the convertible top latch handles
in the closed position, there are two ways to install the
convertible top cover. Lay the unfolded convertible top
cover across the convertible top and choose the way that
suits you best.
52 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Installation From Inside The Vehicle
1. Kneel on the rear seat and tuck the rear edge and side
edges of the top cover under the black molding near the
trunk.2. Insert both tabs located on the front of the top cover in
between the seatback and seatback bracket.
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3. Snap the top cover flaps to the inner trim panel snaps.
The side of the seat back cushion hides the snap.4. Press down on the forward portion of the top cover to
engage the hook and loop fasteners.
Top Cover FlapHook and Loop Fasteners
54 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Installation From Outside The Vehicle
1. Start on one side of the vehicle and tuck as much of the
top cover as possible under the black molding.2. Snap the top cover flap to the inner trim panel snap.
(The side of the seat back cushion hides the snap.)
Top Cover Flap
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3. Tuck the top cover tab closest to you into the space
between the seatback and the seatback bracket.
4. Walk to the other side of the vehicle and finish tucking
the top cover under the black molding. Insert the remain-
ing tab between the seatback and the seatback bracket.5. Snap the remaining top cover flap to the inner trim
panel snap.
Top Cover Flap
56 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE