2007 CHRYSLER SEBRING SEDAN engine overheat

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is located on the instrument panel,
below the radio. Depress the switch and both cluster
indicators and all front and rear directional 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.
If the pointer rises to theH(red) mark, the instrument
cluster will sound a chime. Pull over and stop the vehicle
with the engine at idle, when safe. Turn off the air
conditioning and wait until the pointer drops back into
the normal range. If the pointer remains on the H (red)
mark for more than a minute, turn the engine off imme-
diately and call for service.
Hazard Warning Flasher
272 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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.
Engine Oil Overheating — 2.4L Engine Only (If
Equipped)
During sustained high speed driving or trailer tow up
long grades on hot day, the engine oil temperature may
become too hot. If this happens, the “HOTOIL” message
flashes, the vehicle speed will be reduced to 53 mph (85
km/h) until the engine oil temperature is reduced.
NOTE:Engine speed is reduced to 53 mph (85 km/h) at
the maximum. You may, of course, reduce your speed
further if needed.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads “H”, pull
over and stop the vehicle with the engine at idle,
when safe. Turn the air conditioner off and wait until
the pointer drops back into the normal range. After
appropriate action has been taken, if the pointer
remains on the “H”, turn the engine off immediately,
and call for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or
others could be badly burned by steam or boiling
coolant. You may want to call a service center if your
vehicle overheats. If you decide to look under the
hood yourself, refer to Section 7, Maintenance, of
this manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 273
6

WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause axle, tire
damage or failure. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle’s wheels faster
than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30 seconds
continuously without stopping when you are stuck.
And don’t let anyone near a spinning wheel, no
matter what the speed.
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
30 mph (48 km/h). Do not spin the wheels continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
With Ignition Key
Automatic And Manual Transaxle
Front-wheel-drive vehicles must have the front wheels
elevated; all-wheel-drive vehicles must be hauled on a
flatbed truck.
All Transaxles
CAUTION!
If the vehicle being towed requires steering, the
ignition switch must be in the ACCESSORY posi-
tion, not in the LOCK position.
Do not attempt to use sling type equipment when
towing. When securing vehicle to flat bed truck, do
not attach to front or rear suspension components.
Damage to your vehicle may result from improper
towing.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 283
6

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 tuned 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.
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, including a tune up to manufacturers specifica-
tions, 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.
298 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
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 307
7

Electrical Power Outlets...............124,125
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)..... 113
Electronic Stability Program (ESP).......... 222
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) . . 147
Emergency, In Case of
Jacking............................. 274
JumpStarting ........................ 280
Towing ............................. 283
Emergency Trunk Release................. 30
Emission Control System Maintenance....291,332
Engine.........................287,288,289
Break-In Recommendations............... 63
Checking Oil Level.................... 293
Coolant (Antifreeze)................... 328
Cooling ............................ 305
Exhaust Gas Caution.................. 253
Fuel Requirements.................250,327
JumpStarting ........................ 280
Oil ..........................293,327,328
Oil Change Interval................... 294
Oil Filler Cap...............287,288,289,296
OilSelection ......................295,327
Oil Synthetic......................... 297Overheating......................... 272
Temperature Gauge................... 139
Event Data Recorder..................... 52
Exhaust Gas Caution............... 64,253,304
Exhaust System........................ 304
Extender, Seat Belt....................... 40
FabricCare ........................315,316
Filler Location Fuel..................... 139
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 299
Air Conditioning..................... 200
Engine Fuel......................... 299
Engine Oil.......................297,328
Flashers.............................. 272
Hazard Warning...................... 272
Turn Signal.......................... 324
Flash-To-Pass.......................... 106
Flat Tire Stowage....................... 279
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
Cruising Range....................... 255
Engine Oil.......................... 255
Fuel Requirements.................253,254
INDEX 361
10

Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel)............. 250
Odometer............................ 142
Trip ............................142,143
Oil, Engine.........................293,328
Capacity............................ 327
Change Interval...................... 294
Checking........................... 293
Disposal............................ 297
Filter...........................297,328
Identification Logo.................... 295
Materials Added to.................... 297
Recommendation..................295,327
Synthetic........................... 297
Viscosity.........................296,327
Oil Pressure Light...................... 140
Onboard Diagnostic System............290,291
Opener, Garage Door (HomeLink) ......... 115
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual).......... 4
Overdrive............................ 213
Overheating, Engine..................... 272
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual)....... 4,353
PaintCare ............................ 313Panic Alarm........................... 19
Parking Brake......................... 216
Passing Light.......................... 106
Personal Settings....................... 155
Pets .................................. 63
Phone, Cellular......................... 73
Phone, Hands-Free (UConnect™)............ 73
Placard, Tire and Loading Information....... 231
Power
Distribution Center (Fuses).............. 318
Door Locks.......................... 24
Mirrors ............................. 71
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet).....124,125
Seats............................... 98
Steering .........................225,302
Steering, Checking.................... 302
Sunroof............................ 121
Windows............................ 26
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 39
Preparation for Jacking................... 275
Pretensioners
Seat Belts............................ 38
Programmable Electronic Features..... 115,119,155
366 INDEX