2005 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE check transmission fluid

NOTE:Using the“3”range while operating the vehicle
under heavy operating conditions will improve perfor-
mance and extend tranaxle life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build up.
WARNING!
Connecting trailer brakes to your vehicle’s hydraulic
brake lines can overload your brake system and
cause it to fail. You might not have brakes when you
need them and could have an accident.
•Do not attempt to tow a trailer while using a compact
spare tire.
•Whenever you pull a trailer, regardless of the trailer
size, stop lights and turn signals on the trailer are
recommended for motoring safety.
•The automatic transaxle fluid and filter should be
changed if you REGULARLY tow a trailer for more
than 45 minutes of continuous operation. See Schedule
“B”in section 8 of this manual for transaxle fluid
change intervals.
NOTE:Check the automatic transaxle fluid level before
towing. Fluid discoloration, or a burnt odor, shows the
need for a transmission fluid and filter change.
NOTE:For vehicles equipped with Autostick. By using
the Autostick modes, and selecting a specific gear range,
frequent shifting can be avoided. The highest gear range
should be selected that allows for adequate performance.
For example, choose“4”if the desired speed can be
maintained. Choose“3”or“2”if needed to maintain the
desired speed.
NOTE:Extended driving at high RPM should be
avoided to prevent excess heat generation. A reduction in
vehicle speed may be required to avoid extended driving
at high RPM. Return to a higher gear range or vehicle
speed when road conditions and RPM level allows.
180 STARTING AND OPERATING

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

2.4L Engine..........................201

2.7L Engine..........................202

Onboard Diagnostic System—OBD II......203

Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................204

Replacement Parts.....................205

Dealer Service........................205

Maintenance Procedures.................206
▫Engine Oil..........................206
▫Crankcase Emission Control System........213
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................213
▫Air Conditioner......................214▫Power Steering—Fluid Check............215
▫Suspension Ball Joints..................216
▫Body Mechanism Lubrication.............216
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................218
▫Windshield Washers...................218
▫Exhaust System......................219
▫Cooling System.......................220
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......224
▫Brakes.............................224
▫Fuel System Hoses....................227
▫Automatic Transmission................227
7

Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed as follows:
Maintenance schedule“A”—No change necessary.
Maintenance schedule“B”—Every 60,000 miles (96 000
km) change fluid and filter under the following condi-
tions:
•Police, taxi, limousine, commercial type operation, or
trailer towing where the vehicle is drivenregularlyfor
more than 45 minutes of continuous operation.
NOTE:Refer to Section 8 of this manual for mainte-
nance schedules.
If the transaxle is disassembled for any reason, the fluid
and filter should be changed.
Special Additives
The manufacturer recommends against the addition of
any fluid additives to the transaxle. The only exception to
this policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting
fluid leaks. The use of transmission sealers should be
avoided as they may adversely affect seals.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more than 4.0 mm below the bottom of the hole.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
the vehicle. Fluid changes are not necessary unless the
lubricant has become contaminated with water. If con-
taminated with water, the fluid should be changed im-
mediately.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection of Body and Paint from Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice, and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,
which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,
road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 229
7

•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, and transaxle and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
•Check rubber seals on each side of the radiator for
proper fit.
At Each Oil Change
•
Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake linings, hoses and calipers.
•Inspect the CV joints and front and rear suspension
components.
•Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
•Check the brake master cylinder fluid level.
•Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
NOTE:In 2.7L Engines equipped with Flex Fuel Engine
(FFV), change engine oil every 5 months or 5,000 miles,
whichever comes first. This applies to both Maintenance
Schedule A and B.
252 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

Miles 57,000 60,000 63,000 66,000 69,000 72,000
(Kilometers) (91 000) (96 000) (101 000) (106 000) (110 000) (115 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not
replaced at 3 months.XXXXX X
Inspect theair cleaner filter
and replace if
necessary.*X XXX X
Replace theair cleaner filter.X
Inspect and check tension for power steering
belt (2.4 Liter Engine). Adjust or replace if re-
quired.X
Inspect the front and rear brake pads, linings,
rotors, rear drums and shoes.XX
Replace theignition cables
on 2.4 liter engine.X
Replace the accessory drive belts on the 2.7
liter engine.X
Replace thespark plugs
on the 2.4 liter en-
gine.X
Check and replace, if necessary, thePCV
valve.
*‡X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and
filter.X
Rotate the tires. X X X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60 months,
if not done at 100,000 miles.X
SCHEDULE“B”257
8
M
A
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E
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A
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C
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D
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S

Miles 108,000 111,000 114,000 117,000 120,000
(Kilometers) (174 000) (179 000) (183 000) (188 000) (193 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not re-
placed at 3 months.XXXXX
Inspect theair cleaner filterand replace if neces-
sary.*XXXX
Replace theair cleaner filter.X
Replace thespark plugson the 2.4 liter engine. X
Replace theignition cableson the 2.4 liter engine. X
Inspect the front and rear brake pads, linings, ro-
tors, rear drums and shoes.XX
Replace the accessory drive belts on 2.7 liter engine. X
Check and replace, if necessary, thePCV valve.*X
Change the automatic transmission fluid and fil-
ter.X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 120 months, if
not done at 100,000 miles.X
Rotate the tires. X X
* This maintenance is recommended by the manufacture
to the owner but is not required to maintain the emis-
sions warranty.‡This maintenance is not required if previously replaced.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all receipts.
260 SCHEDULE“B”
8
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S

Auxiliary Power Outlet................... 82
Ball Joints............................ 216
Battery............................... 213
Emergency Starting.................... 193
Gas Caution......................195,214
Heater............................. 146
Jump Starting........................ 193
Keyless Transmitter Replacement.......... 19
Location.........................193,213
Belts, Drive........................... 210
Belts, Engine.......................... 212
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 216
Boot, Convertible Top.................... 52
B-Pillar Location....................... 160
Brake, Parking......................... 151
Brake System.......................153,224
Anti-Lock........................... 153
Fluid Check......................... 226
Hoses.............................. 225
Master Cylinder...................... 226
Warning Light........................ 95
Brake/Transmission Interlock...........147,149Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle...... 43
Bulb Replacement...................... 240
Bulbs, Light........................... 239
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...... 246
Capacities, Fluid....................... 246
Capacity, Cargo Weight.................. 179
Caps, Filler
Fuel............................... 177
Oil (Engine)......................... 209
Radiator (Coolant Pressure).............. 222
Car Washes........................... 230
Carbon Monoxide Warning............... 177
Carpeting............................. 232
Cassette Tape and Player Maintenance....... 126
Cassette Tape Player...............102,110,113
Catalytic Converter..................... 211
CD Changer..................109,114,119,121
CD Player....................107,115,117,125
Center High Mounted Stop Light........... 244
Central Locking......................... 14
Chains, Tire........................... 171
Changing A Flat Tire.................... 188
INDEX 279
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