2006 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE overheating

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Fuel Gauge
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
pointer will show the level of fuel remaining in
the fuel tank.
2. Traction Control — If Equipped
This display indicator illuminates momentarily
as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. The indicator will blink during an
active traction event, but will remain solid
when the system is deactivated or if a system malfunc-
tion occurs.
The Traction Control indicator will turn ON if:
•The Traction Control system is in use.
•The Traction Control switch has been used to turn
the system OFF.
•There is an Anti-Lock Brake system malfunction or
Traction Control system malfunction.
•The system has been deactivated to prevent damage
to the brake system due to overheated brake tem-
peratures.
NOTE:Extended heavy use of Traction Control may
cause the system to deactivate and turn on the Traction
Control indicator. This is to prevent overheating of the
brake system and is a normal condition. The system will
remain disabled for about 4 minutes until the brakes have
cooled. The system will automatically reactivate and turn
off the Traction Control indicator.
3. Cruise Light — If Equipped
This light shows that the Speed Control System is ON.
This light will also illuminate for a 5–second bulb check
when the ignition switch is first turned to the ON
position. (See page 72 for more information.)
4. Airbag Light
The light comes on and remains on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the bulb does not
come on during starting, have the bulb replaced. If the
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 89
4

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.
140 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

A push-button located on the top of the steering column
turns the Traction Control System ON or OFF.
The system is always in the “ON” mode unless:
•The traction control switch has been used to turn the
system off;
•There is a Anti-Lock Brake System malfunction;
•There is a Traction Control System malfunction;
•The system has been automatically deactivated to
prevent damage to the brake system due to overheated
brake temperatures.
NOTE:Extended heavy use of Traction Control may
cause the system to deactivate and turn on the traction
control light located in the instrument cluster.
This is to prevent overheating of the brake system and is
a normal condition. The system will remain disabled for
about 4 minutes until the brakes have cooled. The system
will automatically reactivate and turn off the traction
control light.If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, ice, or snow, turn
the Traction Control System Off before attempting to
“rock” the vehicle free.
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire Markings
NOTE:
•
P (Passenger)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. design
standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P” molded
into the sidewall preceding the size designation. Ex-
ample: P215/65R15 95H.
158 STARTING AND OPERATING

autostick lever to the AUTOSTICK position. The trans-
axle will remain in the current gear until an upshift or
downshift is chosen.
Move the lever back to the Overdrive position to shift out
of the Autostick mode.
Autostick General Information
•
The transaxle will automatically upshift from first to
second gear and from second to third gear when
engine speed reaches about 6300 RPM.
•Downshifts from third to second gear above 66 mph
(106 km/h) and from second to first gear above 37
mph (60 km/h) will be ignored.
•You can start out in first, second, or third gear. Shifting
into fourth gear can occur only after vehicle speed
reaches 15 mph (24 km/h).
•The transaxle will automatically downshift to first
gear when coming to a stop.
•Starting out in third gear is helpful in snowy or icy
conditions.
•While in the Autostick mode, Speed Control will only
function in third or fourth gear. Downshifting out of
third gear turns off speed control.
•If the system detects powertrain overheating, the
transaxle will revert to the automatic shift mode and
remain in that mode until the powertrain cools off.
•If the system detects a problem it will disable the
Autostick mode and the transaxle will return to the
automatic mode until the problem is corrected.
Gear Selector
STARTING AND OPERATING 177
5

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is on top of the steering column,
just behind the steering wheel. Depress the switch
and both cluster indicators and all front and rear direc-
tional signals will flash. Depress the switch again to turn
Hazard Warning Flashers off.
Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed and the vehicle locked.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may wear down
your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
•On the highways — Slow down.
•In city traffic — While stopped, put transaxle in
neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the engine cooling system and turning off the A/C
removes this heat. You can also turn the Temperature
control to maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and
the fan control to High. This allows the heater core to act
as a supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the engine cooling system.
Hazard Flasher Switch
198 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Control, turn
the system off before attempting to “rock” the vehicle.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and First gear. Usually the least accelerator pedal pres-
sure to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transaxle overheating and failure. It can
also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels above
35 mph (55 km/h).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Flat bed towing is the preferred towing method. If a flat
bed towing vehicle is not available, a wheel lift towing
vehicle may be used.
Rear towing is not recommended with the front wheels
on the ground, as transaxle damage can result. If rear
towing is the only alternative, a front end dolly must be
used.
CAUTION!
Do not use sling type towing equipment. Damage to
the fascia and air dam may result.
208 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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

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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