2008 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE service indicator

These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves. They will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 inch (2 mm). When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the tire should be replaced.
Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this
point.
Life of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including but not limited to:
²Driving style
²Tire pressure
²Distance driven
WARNING!
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after six years,
regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to follow
this warning can result in sudden tire failure. You
could lose control and have an accident resulting in
serious injury or death.
STARTING AND OPERATING 295
5

Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (refer to the paragraph on
ªTread Wear Indicatorsº). Refer to the ªTire and Loading
Informationº placard for the size designation of your tire.
The service description and load identification will be
found on the original equipment tire. Failure to use
equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend
that you contact your original equipment or an autho-
rized tire dealer with any questions you may have on tire
specifications or capability.
WARNING!
²Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that
specified for your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change suspension
dimensions and performance characteristics, result-
ing in changes to steering, handling, and braking of
your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable handling
and stress to steering and suspension components.
You could lose control and have an accident resulting
in serious injury or death. Use only the tire and wheel
sizes with load ratings approved for your vehicle.
²Never use a tire with a smaller load index or capacity,
other than what was originally equipped on your
vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load index could
result in tire overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have an accident.
²Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having ad-
equate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
296 STARTING AND OPERATING

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM Ð OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard
diagnostic system called OBD II. This system monitors
the performance of the emissions, engine, and automatic
transaxle control systems. When these systems are oper-
ating properly, your vehicle will provide excellent per-
formance and fuel economy, as well as engine emissions
well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the ªMalfunction Indicator Light.º It will
also store diagnostic codes and other information to
assist your service technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as
possible.CAUTION!
²Prolonged driving with the ªMalfunction Indica-
tor Lightº on could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could also affect fuel
economy and driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions tests can be per-
formed.
²If the ªMalfunction Indicator Lightº is flashing
while the engine is running, severe catalytic con-
verter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 357
7

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Message
If the vehicle diagnostic system determines that the fuel
filler cap in loose, improperly installed, or damaged, a
ªgASCAPº message will display in the instrument clus-
ter. Tighten the gas cap until a ªclickingº sound is heard.
This is an indication that the gas cap is properly tight-
ened. Press the trip odometer reset button to turn off the
message. If the problem persists, the message will appear
the next time the vehicle is started. This might indicate a
fuel evaporation system error. If the problem is detected
twice in a row, the system will turn on the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL). Resolving the problem will turn
the MIL light off.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle's emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states, which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light)
is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.
Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
358 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The ªScheduledº maintenance services, listed inbold
typemust be done at the times or mileages specified to
assure the continued proper functioning of the emission
control system. These, and all other maintenance services
included in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service also should be done anytime a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-
sion control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part, which has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
equipped vehicles ªOil Change Requiredº will be dis-
played in the EVIC and a single chime will sound,
indicating that an oil change is necessary.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles ªChange Oilº will flash
in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime
will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change
indicator message will illuminate, this means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced
as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
414 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Engine Temperature Warning.............. 178
Exterior.............................. 76
Fog ..........................141,183,403
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 336
Headlight Switch...................138,139
Headlights........................139,401
Headlights On Reminder................. 141
Headlights On With Wipers............139,148
High Beam........................142,401
High Beam Indicator.................... 186
High Beam/Low Beam Select............. 142
Illuminated Entry....................... 20
Instrument Cluster..................... 138
Intensity Control....................... 144
Interior............................. 144
License............................. 407
Lights On Reminder.................... 141
Low Fuel............................ 177
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine)........ 186Map Reading......................... 144
Oil Pressure.......................... 177
Parade Mode (Daytime Brightness).......... 145
Park.............................138,139
Passing............................. 143
Rear Servicing.....................401,404
Rear Tail............................ 404
Seat Belt Reminder..................... 177
Service...........................400,401
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).............. 177
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS)........... 299
Traction Control....................... 278
Turn Signal.............76,138,142,183,402,404
Voltage............................. 177
Warning (Instrument Cluster Description)..... 176
Loading Vehicle......................319,321
Capacities........................... 321
Tires ............................... 284
Locks................................. 29
INDEX 443
10

Auto Unlock.......................... 31
Automatic Door........................ 31
Door................................ 29
Power Door........................... 30
Low Tire Pressure System.................. 299
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren
(LATCH)............................66,68
Lubrication, Body....................... 372
Lumbar Support........................ 132
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 367
Maintenance, General..................... 361
Maintenance Procedures................... 361
Maintenance Schedule.................... 414
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 186,358
Manual, Service......................... 428
Map/Reading Lights..................... 144
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 383
Memory Feature (Memory Seat)............. 133Methanol............................. 309
Mini-Trip Computer...................... 190
Mirrors................................ 96
Automatic Dimming..................... 96
Electric Powered....................... 98
Electric Remote........................ 98
Heated.............................. 99
Outside.............................. 97
Vanity............................... 99
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 299
Mopar Parts.........................360,426
MP3 Player.........................213,217
MTBE/ETBE........................... 309
Multi-Function Control Lever............... 138
Navigation Radio........................ 217
Navigation System....................... 217
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 72
444 INDEX

To Open Hood.......................... 137
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight.............. 326
Tonneau Cover.......................... 81
Towing............................... 322
Behind a Motor Home.................. 333
Disabled Vehicle....................... 349
Guide.............................. 325
Recreational.......................... 333
Weight.............................. 325
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motor Home......... 333
Traction.............................. 271
Traction Control......................... 274
Traction Control Light.................... 274
Traction Control Switch................... 274
Trailer Towing.......................... 322
Cooling System Tips.................... 332
Hitches............................. 324
Minimum Requirements................. 327
Tips ................................ 331Trailer and Tongue Weight................ 326
Wiring.............................. 330
Trailer Towing Guide..................... 325
Trailer Weight.......................... 325
Transaxle
Additives............................ 386
Automatic......................251,255,384
Autostick............................ 262
Filter............................... 386
Maintenance.......................... 384
Operation........................... 255
Overdrive........................... 260
Selection of Lubricant................... 412
Transmission
Range Indicator....................... 178
Transmission.....................See Transaxle
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 26
INDEX 451
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