2006 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE brakes

•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine which contains
aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
•Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant 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.
236 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 237
7

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.Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid, refer
to 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.
Brake Fluid Reservoir
238 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

About Your Brakes...................... 155
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............. 155
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 233
Adding Fuel.......................... 183
Adding Washer Fluid.................... 230
Additives, Fuel........................ 179
Aiming Headlights...................... 257
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . 222
Air Conditioner Maintenance.............. 226
Air Conditioning....................129,136
Air Conditioning Controls................ 129
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips........135,141
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 227
Air Conditioning System..............136,226
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 168
Airbag................................ 29
Airbag Deployment....................31,32
Airbag Light.....................32,34,43,89
Airbag Maintenance...................... 34
Alarm Light............................ 94
Alarm, Panic........................... 17
Alarm System (Security Alarm)...........19,94
Alignment and Balance.................. 174Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............ 6
Antenna, Satellite Radio.................. 125
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............233,257
Capacities........................... 257
Disposal............................ 234
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............. 155
Anti-Lock Warning Light.................. 92
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)...... 19
Appearance Care....................... 241
Automatic Dimming Mirror................ 56
Automatic Door Locks..................14,15
Automatic Headlights.................... 68
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)....... 129
Automatic Transaxle.........149,151,209,239,259
Adding Fluid........................ 259
Filter.............................. 240
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 240
Fluid Level Check..................... 240
Interlock System.....................9,150
Reset Mode......................... 151
Selection Of Lubricant...............239,259
Shifting............................ 151
Special Additives..................... 241
288 INDEX

Onboard Diagnostic System............215,216
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) .......... 75
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual).......... 4
Overdrive............................ 152
Overheating, Engine..................... 198
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).......4,283
Paint Care............................ 241
Paint Damage......................... 241
Panic Alarm........................... 17
Parking Brake......................... 153
Parking On Hill........................ 154
Passing Light........................... 69
Pets.................................. 42
Pets, Transporting....................... 42
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 163
Power
Brakes............................. 155
Distribution Center.................... 248
Door Locks.......................... 12
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)......... 79
Seats............................... 60
Steering............................ 157Steering, Checking.................... 227
Windows............................ 21
Power Steering Fluid.................... 259
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 28
Preparation for Jacking................... 200
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................ 26
Programmable Electronic Features.........75,79
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry)...............17,75,79
Radial Ply Tires........................ 170
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap)........ 234
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 99
Radio Operation...............109,115,127,129
Radio Remote Controls.................. 126
Radio, Satellite......................... 123
Radio (Sound Systems).............100,109,114
Rear Window Defroster.................. 139
Rearview Mirrors........................ 56
Reformulated Gasoline................... 178
Refrigerant............................ 227
Reminder, Lights On..................... 68
INDEX 297
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