2006 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE engine overheat

WARNING!
The air cleaner can provide a measure of protection
in the case of engine backfire. Do not remove the air
cleaner unless such removal is necessary for repair or
maintenance. Make sure that no one is near the
engine compartment before starting the vehicle with
the air cleaner removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
Engine Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause hard starting or limit the
speed at which a vehicle can be driven. Should an
excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the fuel tank,
frequent filter replacement may be necessary.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly serviced to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 223
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WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, to the manufacturer’s specifications, should be
obtained immediately.To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transaxle is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for prolonged period.
Engine Timing Belt
Replace the engine timing belt (2.4L Only) at the intervals
described in the appropriate maintenance schedule.
Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom from
sticking or plugging due to deposits. As vehicle mileage
builds up, the Positive Crankshaft Ventilation (PCV) valve
and passages may accumulate deposits. If a valve is not
working properly, replace it with a new valve. DO NOT
ATTEMPT TO CLEAN THE OLD PCV VALVE!
Check ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
224 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE:Mixing coolant types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant and will require more frequent coolant
changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
coolant, and to insure that coolant will return to the
radiator from the coolant recovery bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to
cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure
to build up in the cooling system. To prevent
scalding or injury, do not remove the pressure cap
while the system is hot or under pressure.
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or
engine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. To prevent ingestion by animals or children
do not store ethylene glycol based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
234 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Crankcase Emission Control System......... 224
Cruise Control (Speed Control)............. 72
Cruise Light........................... 89
Customer Assistance.................... 280
Daytime Running Lights.................. 68
Dealer Service......................... 217
Defroster, Rear Window.................. 139
Defroster, Windshield...............44,132,138
Diagnostic System, Onboard............... 215
Dimmer Control........................ 66
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................. 69
Dipsticks
Automatic Transaxle................... 240
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............. 234
Engine Oil.......................... 221
Door Ajar Warning...................... 14
Door Locks............................ 12
Door Locks, Automatic................... 14
Door Opener, Garage..................... 75
Drive Belts............................ 222Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 207
E-85 Fuel............................. 181
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet)..... 79
Electrical Power Outlets................... 79
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)...... 72
Emergency Brake....................... 153
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............. 208
Jacking............................. 199
Jump Starting........................ 204
Overheating......................... 198
Towing............................. 208
Emergency Trunk Release...............20,21
Emission Control System Maintenance....216,262
Engine............................213,214
Air Cleaner Filter..................... 222
Block Heater......................... 148
Break-In Recommendations............... 42
Checking Oil Level.................... 218
Compartment.....................213,214
Coolant (Antifreeze)................232,258
INDEX 291
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Cooling............................ 232
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 180
Fails to Start......................... 148
Fuel Requirements.................178,257
Oil ..........................218,257,258
Oil Change Interval................... 219
Oil Selection......................220,257
Oil Synthetic......................... 221
Overheating......................... 198
Timing Belt.......................... 224
Engine Oil Viscosity..................... 257
Entry System, Illuminated................. 12
Exhaust Gas Caution...............43,180,231
Exhaust System........................ 231
Exterior Light Service.................... 251
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 222
Automatic Transaxle................... 240
Engine Fuel......................... 223
Engine Oil.......................221,258
Engine Oil Disposal................... 221Flashers
Hazard Warning...................... 198
Turn Signal.......................... 90
Flash-To-Pass........................... 69
Flat Tire Changing...................... 199
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range....................... 182
Engine Oil.......................... 182
Fuel Requirements.................181,182
Maintenance......................... 183
Replacement Parts.................... 183
Starting............................ 182
Floor Console.......................... 55
Fluid, Brake........................... 259
Fluid Capacities........................ 257
Fluid Leaks............................ 44
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transaxle................... 240
Capacities........................... 257
Cooling System....................... 232
Engine Oil.......................... 218
Power Steering....................... 227
Fluids............................... 258
292 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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