2008 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE power steering

CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-
pery surfaces may cause the front wheels to pull errati-
cally to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs when
there is a difference in the surface traction under the front
(driving) wheels.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
Unequal traction can cause sudden pulling of the
front wheels. You could lose control of the vehicle
and possibly have an accident. Accelerate slowly and
carefully whenever there is likely to be poor traction
(ice, snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should
be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
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ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP) Ð IF
EQUIPPED
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. The ESP
corrects for oversteering and understeering the vehicle
by applying the brake of the appropriate wheel. Engine
power may also be reduced to assist in counteracting the
condition of oversteer or understeer and help the vehicle
maintain the desired path.
The ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the path
that the driver intends to steer the vehicle and compares
it to the actual path of the vehicle. When the actual path
does not match the intended path, the ESP applies the
brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting
the condition of oversteer or understeer.
²Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
²Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
The ESP/TCS indicator light, located in the instrument
cluster, starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and
the ESP system becomes active. The indicator light also
flashes when the TCS is active. If the indicator light
begins to flash during acceleration, ease up on the
accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible. Be sure
to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions.
276 STARTING AND OPERATING

The system will turn the ªESP/BAS Malfunction Indica-
tor Lightº on continuously while the engine running if it
detects a malfunction in either the ESP or the BAS or
both. If the light remains on after several ignition cycles,
and you have driven the vehicle several miles at speeds
greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), and the ESP is synchro-
nized (refer to Synchronizing ESP), see your authorized
dealer as soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed
and corrected.
NOTE:
²9The9ESP/TCS Indicator Light9and the9ESP/BAS
Malfunction Indicator Light9will turn on momentarily
each time the ignition switch is turned ON.
²Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
²The ESP Control System will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds
will stop when ESP becomes inactive following the
maneuver that caused the ESP activation.
Synchronizing ESP
If the power supply is interrupted (battery disconnected
or discharged), the ESP/BAS malfunction indicator light
may illuminate with the engine running. If this should
occur, turn the steering wheel completely to the left and
then to the right. The ESP/BAS malfunction indicator
light should go out. However, if the light remains on,
have the ESP and BAS checked at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
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NA/C Air Filter Ð If Equipped............370
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............371
NFront Suspension Ball Joints..............372
NSteering Linkage......................372
NBody Lubrication.....................372
NWindshield Wiper Blades................373
NWindshield Washers...................374
NExhaust System......................374
NCooling System.......................375
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......381
NFuel System.........................381
NBrake System........................381
NAutomatic Transaxle...................384NFront And Rear Wheel Bearings...........387
NAppearance Care And Protection
From Corrosion......................387
NCleaning The Center Console Cup Holders . . . 392
mConvertible Top Care....................393
NSoft Top............................393
NWeather Strip Care Ð Soft & Hard Top......395
mFuses (Totally Integrated Power Module)......395
mVehicle Storage........................400
mReplacement Bulbs......................400
mBulb Replacement......................401
NLow Beam Headlight, High Beam Headlight . . 401
NFront Turn Signal/Park Light.............402
352 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

5. Disengage the two retaining tabs that secure the filter
cover to the HVAC housing and remove the cover.
6. Remove the A/C Air Filter by pulling it straight out of
the housing.7. Install the A/C Air Filter with the arrow on the filter
pointing toward the floor. When installing the filter
cover, make sure the retaining tabs fully engage the
cover.
CAUTION!
The A/C Air Filter is labeled with an arrow to
indicate airflow direction through the filter. Failure
to install the filter properly will result in the need to
replace it more often.
8. Reinstall the glove box door dampener and glove box.
Power Steering Ð Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
A/C Air Filter Replacement
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 371
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apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through a certified
DaimlerChrysler Dealership.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to insure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturers recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Partsº in this section for the correct fluid type.
Front Suspension Ball Joints
There are two front suspension lower ball joints that are
permanently lubricated. Inspect these ball joints when
other maintenance is performed. A damaged seal and the
corresponding potentially damaged ball joint must be
replaced.
Steering Linkage
The tie rod end ball joints should be inspected for
external leakage and damage when other maintenance is
performed.
Body Lubrication
Locks and all body pivot points, including seat tracks,
door hinges, trunk hinges, and hood hinges, should be
lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy operation
and to protect against rust and wear. Prior to the appli-
cation of any lubricant, the parts concerned should be
wiped clean to remove dust and grit; after lubricating
excess oil and grease should be removed. Particular
372 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 wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake And Power Steering Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect the surface of the hoses and nylon tubing for
evidence of heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle
rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and excessive swell-
ing suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular attention
should be made to examining those hose surfaces nearest
to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:
²Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations
to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. Therefore,
oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not necessarily
an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot fluid
when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before a hose is replaced
based on leakage.
²Inspect the brake hoses whenever the brake system is
serviced and at every engine oil change. Inspect hy-
draulic brake hoses for surface cracking, scuffing, or
worn spots. If there is any evidence of cracking,
scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should be replaced
immediately! Eventual deterioration of the hose can
take place resulting in a possibility of a burst failure.
382 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
15 40 Amp
GreenÐ Battery Feed Ð Ra-
diator Fan Relay
16 Ð 15 Amp
Lt. BlueIgnition Run/Acc Ð
Cigar Lighter
17 Ð 10 Amp
RedWireless Control
Module (WCM)/
Clock/Steering Con-
trol Module (SCM)
18 40 Amp
GreenÐ Battery Feed Ð Auto
Shutdown (ASD) Re-
lay
19 Ð 20 Amp
YellowPower Amp Feed 2 -
if equipped
20 Ð 15 Amp
Lt. BlueRadio
21 Ð 10 Amp
RedÐCavity Cartridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
22 Ð 10 Amp
RedIgnition Run Ð Cli-
mate Controls/Hot
Cup Holder - if
equipped
23 Ð 15 Amp
Lt. BlueAuto Shutdown
(ASD) Relay Feed 3
24 Ð 25 Amp
ClearPower Top Module
25 Ð 10 Amp
RedIgnition Run Ð
Heated Mirrors - if
equipped
26 Ð 15 Amp
Lt. BlueAuto Shutdown
(ASD) Relay Feed 2
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 397
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