2005 CHRYSLER SEBRING SEDAN engine

If the light comes on and remains on while driving, stop
the vehicle and shut off the engine. Do not operate the
vehicle until the cause is corrected.
The light does not show the quantity of oil in the engine.
This can be determined using the procedure shown in
Section 7.
18. Brake System Warning Light
This light monitors both the brake fluid level
and the parking brake. If the light comes on,
it indicates either that the parking brake is
on or there is a low fluid level in the brake
master cylinder. On vehicles equipped with Anti-lock
brakes (ABS), the brake light may also indicate re-
duced braking performance.
If the parking brake is off and the light remains on, have
the brake system inspected as soon as possible.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. A significant decrease in braking performance
may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle.
You could have an accident. Have the vehicle
checked immediately.
The warning light should be checked frequently to assure
that it is operating properly. Turn the ignition key to the
RUN position. (Refer to“A Word About Your Keys,
Ignition Key Removal”in this manual for an illustration
of the ignition positions.) The light should come on. If the
light does not come on, have the system checked by an
authorized dealer.
The light will also come on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition in the RUN position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
on. It does not show the degree of brake application.
94 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Interior ATC Sensors
There are two interior sensors in the vehicle. The Sun
Sensor is mounted in the center of the instrument panel
near the windshield glass. The In-Car Temperature Sen-
sor is mounted behind the ATC control panel. These
sensors transmit data on sun strength and vehicle interior
temperatures to enhance system performance.
CAUTION!
Do not cover either sensor with any foreign material
as improper operation of the system will result.
Level Of Automatic Control
72°F (22°C) is the recommended setting for maximum
comfort for the average person, however, this may vary.
NOTE:The temperature setting can be adjusted at any
time without affecting automatic control operation.
The control also will show what Mode the system is in by
the figure shown in the display.
NOTE:The Mode can change when the system is in the
Auto Mode. This will be indicated in changes in the
display window. This shows automatic changes in air
direction.
Fan Control
Use this control to regulate the amount of air forced
through the system in any mode you select. Turn the
control clockwise to increase fan speed.
In ambient temperatures below 21°C (70°F), fan opera-
tion is delayed when the engine is first started. The fan
will automatically start when the engine coolant is warm
enough to heat the air. This feature can be defeated by
turning the fan control.
AUTO Control
Press the top of the button to turn the ATC system On.
Press the lower portion of the button to turn the entire
system Off.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 127
4

Comfort Control
Use this control to regulate the comfort inside the pas-
senger compartment. Press the top of the switch to raise
the temperature selection and the bottom of the switch to
lower it. The comfort setting range is from Low, 60,
61,....to 89,90, Hi, for automatic temperature control. You
can select a very hot or cold comfort setting by holding
the comfort control until it reaches its highest or lowest
levels.
The system adjusts to bring the interior temperature to
the desired comfort level. All comfort settings are auto-
matic; even Hi and Low.
NOTE:You can change the display from U.S. to metric
units by pressing the Mix and Panel mode buttons
simultaneously or by pressing the English/Metric button
on the overhead console.
Air Conditioning Button
Press this button to turn on the air conditioning
compressor. A snow flake symbol in the display
shows that the compressor is on. Compressor
operation is automatic when you press the Auto button.The compressor can operate at any temperature above
32°F(0°C).
With the compressor off and the temperature set at Lo, air
entering the vehicle will be slightly warmer than the air
outside the vehicle.
NOTE:The compressor will not engage until the engine
has been running for several seconds. Slight changes in
engine speed or power may be noticed when the com-
pressor is on. This is a normal occurrence since the
compressor will cycle on and off to maintain comfort and
improve fuel economy.
Recirculate Button
Press this button to recirculate the air inside the
vehicle. Outside air is prevented from entering the
vehicle. Recirculation is automatically controlled when
the system is in Auto Mode. Use this mode to temporarily
block out any outside odors, smoke, or dust.
Manual control of Recirculation is possible only in Panel,
Floor, and Bi-Level modes. It will not operate in Mix, or
Defrost modes.
128 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Slight changes in engine speed or power may be noticed
when the air conditioning compressor is on. This is a
normal occurrence as the compressor will cycle on and
off to maintain comfort and increase fuel economy.
NOTE:If your air conditioning performance seems
lower than expected, check the front of the air condition-
ing condenser for an accumulation of dirt or insects. The
air conditioning condenser is located in front of the
radiator. Clean with a gentle water spray from behind the
radiator and through the condenser. Fabric front fascia
protectors may reduce air flow to the condenser, reducing
air conditioning performance.
Temperature Control
Use this control to regulate the tem-
perature of the air inside the passenger
compartment. The blue area of the
scale indicates cooler temperatures
while the red area indicates warmer
temperatures.
Mode Control
The mode control allows you to
choose from several patterns of air
distribution.
•Recirculation—Air Conditioning
Recirculated interior air is cooled and sent
through the instrument panel vents. Upon
initial start up of the vehicle in very hot or
humid weather, open windows and put in
outside air modes to flush hot/humid air out. Then
turn on the Recirculation mode to cool the vehicle
interior rapidly. The Recirculation mode can also be
used to temporarily block out any outside odors,
smoke, or dust.
NOTE:
Continuous use of the Recirculation mode may
make the inside air stuffy and under mild, humid condi-
tions cause windows to fog. Use of this mode for longer
than 15 minutes is not recommended.
134 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:Do not use the recirculation mode as it will not
clear windows under these conditions.
Summer Operation
Air conditioned vehicles must be protected with a high-
quality antifreeze coolant to provide proper corrosion
protection and to raise the boiling point of the coolant for
protection against overheating. A 50 % concentration is
recommended.
Winter Operation
The blower air will heat faster in cold weather if you use
only the low blower speeds for the first 10 minutes of
operation. During engine warm up in cold weather, use
the Defrost mode to direct any cold air away from vehicle
occupants. Use of the Recirculate-Air Conditioning Mode
during winter months is not recommended due to the
possibility of window fogging.
NOTE:See Operating Tips chart (for Manual A/C
Control) at the end of this section for suggested control
settings in different weather conditions.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 137
4

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures....................144
▫Automatic Transaxle...................144
▫Normal Starting......................144
▫Extreme Cold Weather (Below -20°FOr
-29°C) .............................145
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................146
▫After Starting........................146

Battery And Engine Block Heaters—
If Equipped
..........................146

Automatic Transaxle....................147
▫Brake/Transmission Interlock.............147▫Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock
System.............................148
▫Four Speed Automatic Transaxle..........149
▫Reset Mode.........................149
▫Gear Ranges For Four Speed Automati
Transaxle...........................149

Parking Brake.........................151

Brake System.........................153
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)—
If Equipped.........................153

Power Steering........................155

Traction Control—If Equipped...........155
5

Vehicle Loading.......................179

Trailer Towing........................179
▫Towing Requirements..................180

Flexible Fuel–(2.7L Engines With Automatic
Transmission Only)
.....................181
▫E-85 General Information................181
▫Ethanol Fuel (E-85)....................182▫Fuel Requirements....................182
▫Selection Of Engine Oil.................182
▫Starting............................184
▫Cruising Range.......................184
▫Replacement Parts.....................184
▫Maintenance.........................184
STARTING AND OPERATING 143
5

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belts.
CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling, especially at high
engine speeds can cause excessive exhaust tempera-
tures which can damage your vehicle. Do not leave
your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
WARNING!
Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Automatic Transaxle
The gear selector must be in the NEUTRAL or PARK
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting to any driving gear.
Normal Starting
Normal Starting of either a cold or a warm engine does
not require pumping or depressing the accelerator pedal.
Simply turn the key to the“START’”position and release
when the engine starts. If the engine has not started
within 3 seconds, slightly depress the accelerator pedal
while continuing to crank. If the engine fails to start
within 15 seconds, turn the key to the“OFF”position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the normal starting
procedure.
144 STARTING AND OPERATING