2008 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE Owners Manual

CONVERTIBLE TOP OPERATION
WARNING!
The convertible top does not provide the structural
protection that a reinforced metal roof does and the
fabric top cannot be expected to prevent the ejection
of the occupants of a vehicle in a collision. Therefore,
it is important that all occupants wear their seat belts
at all times when riding in a convertible. Studies
have shown that it is generally safer to remain inside
a vehicle during a collision than to be ejected from
the vehicle.
You can lower or raise the power convertible top from
inside the vehicle or lower the top remotely using the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. Either operationtakes approximately 30 seconds. The entire process, in-
cluding unlatching or latching the top at the windshield
header is automatic.
The top does take up some space in the trunk when
retracted. However, the trunk will still hold a significant
amount of cargo.
When operating the power convertible top, the trunk lid
will pivot at the rear of the vehicle, swing open by the
rear window, and then pivot backward. This allows room
for the top to retract into or unfold from its stowage area
in the trunk.
When lowering the top, the system extends the hard
tonneau cover, which stows conveniently underneath the
trunk lid. The tonneau cover closes the area between the
rear seats and the trunk lid to conceal the top when
stowed.
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When raising the top, the system retracts the hard
tonneau cover back into its stowage area underneath the
trunk lid.
To complete either operation, the trunk lid returns to its
normal position and then latches.
Spring-loaded flipper doors, which provide clearance for
the linkage, close off notches in the quarter trim panels
when the top is up.
Power Convertible Top Usage Precautions
NOTE:
²The convertible top will not operate unless the vehicle
is stationary, the cargo protector is positioned cor-
rectly, and the trunk lid is closed and latched. In
addition, the system prohibits lowering the top when
ambient temperature is at 0ÉF (-18ÉC) or lower, How-
ever, the system allows you to raise the top at ambient
temperatures as low as -40ÉF (-40ÉC).
²The Power Top Control Module (PTCM) monitors and
controls lowering and raising of the top. A series of
micro-switches verify that operations are complete
before allowing the next stage of lowering or raising
operation.
²Opening and closing the top consecutively without the
engine running may run the battery down.
²If a fluttering noise is heard from the rear seat belts
while driving with the top down, safely bring the
vehicle to a stop and buckle the rear seat belts over the
empty seats. This will keep tension on the seat belts
and remove the fluttering condition.
82 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
²Correctly position the cargo protector in the trunk
before stowing the top. Doing so closes a switch
that allows top operation (stowing) to proceed. If
the switch is not closed, a warning message dis-
plays in the instrument cluster to notify the driver.
²Always place items carefully into the trunk.
²Do not push items too far into the trunk, particu-
larly when the top is retracted into its stowage area
in the trunk.
²Do not use the area near the tonneau cover for
storage.
Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage to
the convertible top components, trunk contents, and
the vehicle interior.
CAUTION!
Before operating the Power Top:
1. Always check the tonneau cover area to be sure that it is
clear of debris or other items.
2. Make sure the ambient temperature is above 0ÉF (-18ÉC).
a. Never attempt to lower a frozen convertible top. Wait until
the top is thawed before lowering it into the stowage
compartment.
b. Make sure the convertible top is dry before lowering it
into the stowage compartment. Lowering the top when
damp, wet, or dirty can cause stains, mildew, and damage to
the inside of your vehicle.
3. Make sure there is sufficient clearance of at least 7.5 ft. (2.2
m) for the top to move up.
a. To prevent striking a low ceiling or automatic door opener
with the top, it is strongly recommended that you do not
operate the power top inside a garage or parking structure.
Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage to the
convertible top components, trunk contents, and the vehicle
interior.
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3

CAUTION!
²Do not operate the Power Top when the vehicle is in motion.
²Do not operate the Power Top with the hydraulic pump
valve open.
²Do not allow the top to remain in the suspended position.
After approximately 10 minutes in the suspended position,
the hydraulic pressure will release, which will allow the top
and the trunk lid to lower. Pressing the Power Top switch
will cancel this operation.
²Always use a normal ice scraper to remove snow or ice from
the rear window. Use of a sharp object or other tools could
scratch the fabric or panels when removing snow or ice.
²Always close the top when leaving your vehicle so as not to
leave the interior exposed to potentially damaging outdoor
conditions.
²Do not leave the top lowered for several weeks at a time.
Close it occasionally to prevent discoloration in the folds of
the fabric and to allow the creases to smooth out. This is
especially important if the top was stowed when not com-
pletely dry.
Failure to follow these cautions can cause damage to the convert-
ible top components, trunk contents, and the vehicle interior.
WARNING!
²Before operating the Power Top, make sure that no moving
parts of the convertible top can injure a person or animal.
²Never place any extremities (hands, feet, etc.) near the
convertible top components, the upper windshield area, the
shelf area behind the rear seats, or the convertible top
stowage area while raising or lowering the convertible top.
²When using the Power Top button on RKE transmitter, if
potential danger exists while lowering the top, release the
button immediately to interrupt the operation.
²When using the Power Top switch on the instrument panel,
if potential danger exists while lowering the top, press and
release the switch immediately to interrupt the operation.
²When using the Power Top switch on the instrument panel,
if potential danger exists while raising the top, release the
switch immediately to interrupt the operation.
²
Only drive the vehicle with the convertible top completely closed
and latched or fully lowered into its stowage compartment.
²Do not operate the Power Top when the vehicle is in motion.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in injuries that are
serious or fatal to you, your passengers, and others around you. 84 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Cargo Protector
The cargo protector is located in the trunk. Before low-
ering the convertible top, you must unfold the cargo
protector and seat the tabs at each end of the cargo
protector in the V slots in the trunk liner. Doing so closes
a switch that allows top operation. If the switch is not
closed, a warning message displays in the instrument
cluster to notify the driver.
Positioning the Cargo Protector for Top Operation
Pull the cargo protector toward you to begin unfolding
the panels. Grasp the handle in the center of the outer-
most (top) panel and raise the cargo protector. Then,
align and seat the tabs at each end of the cargo protector
in the V slots in the trunk liner as shown in the illustra-
tion.
Cargo Protector
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3

Power Convertible Top Controls
The Power Top switch is located on the instrument panel
to the left of the steering column.There is also a Power Top button on the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) Transmitter for remotely lowering the power
convertible top.
Power Top SwitchPower Top Button
86 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Lowering the Power Convertible Top
Using the Power Top Switch
NOTE:The Power Top switch will operate when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON or ACC position and
when in the power accessory delay.
There are two Top Down switch positions.
Press the switch to the first detent and release
it. The system will lower all fully raised win-
dows approximately 0.5 inches (10 mm), lower
the top to its fully retracted position, and then raise the
windows. Press the switch to the second detent and
release it. The system will lower all four windows and the
top to their fully retracted positions.
Using the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter
1. Press and release the Unlock button.
2. Press, release, then press, and hold the
Power Top button down until the operation of
lowering the top and all four windows to their
fully retracted positions is complete.
NOTE:If you release the Power Top button before fully
retracting the top, you must repeat steps 1 and 2 above to
resume lowering the top.
Raising the Power Convertible Top
Using the Power Top Switch
NOTE:The Power Top switch will operate when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON or ACC position and
when in the power accessory delay.
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Press and hold the switch in the Top Up
position until the operation of raising the top
and latching it is complete, which is indicated
by the system raising the windows and dis-
playing ªTOP DONEº in the odometer or ªCONVERT-
IBLE TOP COMPLETEº in the EVIC (if equipped).
Using the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter
You cannot use the Power Top button on the RKE
transmitter to raise the power convertible top. You must
use the Power Top switch inside the vehicle to perform
this operation.
Manually
Closing the power convertible top manually is a compli-
cated and physically demanding procedure, and it re-
quires a special tool to do so. In the event that you
experience a malfunction when operating the power
convertible top:1. Read all of the Notes, Cautions, and Warning found
under ªPower Convertible Top Usage Precautionsº to
verify all operating conditions are met.
2. Check for Operation and Warning Messages as de-
scribed under ªPower Convertible Top Operation &
Warning Messages.º If applicable, perform the related
action to correct the condition present.
3. If Steps 1 and 2 do not resolve the problem, see your
authorized dealer for service.
Wind Stop
The Wind Stop installs in the backseat area of the vehicle.
The Wind Stop will not interfere with power top opera-
tion. Therefore, it can remain installed when the top is up.
However, when not in use, the Wind Stop folds to allow
for convenient storage underneath the cargo protector in
the trunk.
88 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE