2008 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE brake

WARNING!
Never use PARK position on an Automatic Transaxle
as a substitute for the parking brake. Always apply
parking brake fully when parked to guard against
vehicle movement and possible injury or damage.
CAUTION!
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK
or NEUTRAL positions into another gear range as
this can damage the drivetrain.REVERSE
Use this range for moving the vehicle rearward. Shift into
this range only after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
NEUTRAL
Engine may be started in this range.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off the
ignition to coast down a hill. These are unsafe
practices that limit your response to changing traffic
or road conditions. You might lose control of the
vehicle and have an accident.
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DRIVE (OVERDRIVE) With 6±Speed Transaxle
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,
and best fuel economy. However, use the AutoStickt
mode and select the[5]range when frequent transaxle
shifting occurs while using the DRIVE range, such as
when operating the vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, (i.e. in hilly terrain, traveling into strong head
winds or while towing heavy trailers). Under these
conditions, using the[5]range will improve performance
and extend transaxle life by reducing excessive shifting
and heat build-up.
DRIVE (OVERDRIVE) With 4±Speed Transaxle
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts, downshifts,
and best fuel economy. However, select the[3]range
when frequent transaxle shifting occurs while using the
DRIVE (OVERDRIVE) range, such as when operating the
vehicle under heavy loading conditions, (i.e. in hillyterrain, traveling into strong head winds or while towing
heavy trailers). Under these conditions, using the[3]
range will improve performance and extend transaxle life
by reducing excessive shifting and heat build-up.
[3](DRIVE) With 4±Speed Transaxle
This range eliminates shifts into DRIVE (OVERDRIVE).
The transaxle will operate normally in First, Second, and
Third while in this range. The[3](DRIVE) range should
also be used when descending steep grades to prevent
brake system distress.
NOTE:Using the [3] (DRIVE) range while operating the
vehicle under heavy operating conditions will improve
performance and extend transaxle life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat build up.
LOW With 4±Speed Transaxle
This range should be used for engine braking when
descending very steep grades. In this range, upshifts will
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²Transaxle shifting will be more noticeable when
Autosticktis engaged.
²If a low range is selected and the engine accelerates to
the rev limit, the transaxle will automatically select the
next higher ratio.
²If a downshift would cause the engine to over-speed,
that shift will not occur until it is safe for the engine.
Mostly the transaxle will stay in the manually selected
ratio, however:
þIf the system detects powertrain overheating, the
transaxle will revert to the automatic shift mode and
remain in that mode until the powertrain cools off.
þIf the system detects a problem, it will disable the
AutoSticktmode and the transaxle will return to the
automatic mode until the problem is corrected.
PARKING BRAKE
The parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
WARNING!
Never use Park position on an automatic transaxle as
a substitute for the parking brake. Always apply
parking brake fully when parked to guard against
vehicle movement and possible injury or damage.
When parking on a flat surface, place the gear selector
lever in the ªPº (Park) position first, and then apply the
parking brake.
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When parking on a hill, it is important to apply the
parking brake before placing the gear selector lever in
ªPº (Park), otherwise the load on the transaxle locking
mechanism may make it difficult to move the selector out
of park. As an added precaution, turn the front wheels
toward the curb on a downhill grade and away from the
curb on an uphill grade.
To apply the parking brake, grasp the handle and pull it
upward until you feel resistance. To release the parking
brake, grasp the handle and pull it slightly while pressing
the button on the end of the handle. When the button
drops into the handle (releasing the lock), guide the
handle downward to its stop and then release the button
and the handle.NOTE:
²The parking brake will not release unless the handle is
pulled upward slightly past its applied position.
Parking Brake Lever
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²If the parking brake is applied while the vehicle is
moving, a chime will sound to alert the driver. The
chime will sound up to 10 times or until the vehicle
has returned to a stop.
The Brake System Warning Light in the instru-
ment cluster will turn on when the parking
brake is applied and the ignition switch is on.
NOTE:This light only shows that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
CAUTION!
If the Brake System Warning Light remains on with
the parking brake released, a brake system malfunc-
tion is indicated. Have the brake system serviced by
an authorized dealer immediately.
WARNING!
²Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Don't leave the keys in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
²Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving: failure to do so can lead to brake
failure, and an accident.
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BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with dual hydraulic
brake systems. If either of the two hydraulic
systems loses normal capability, the remaining
system will still function. However, there will
be some loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be
evident by increased pedal travel during application and
greater pedal force required to slow or stop the vehicle. In
addition, if the malfunction is caused by a leak in the
hydraulic system, the brake warning indicator will turn
on as the brake fluid level drops in the master cylinder.
In the event power assist is lost for any reason (i.e.
repeated brake applications with the engine off) the
brakes will still function. However, the effort required to
brake the vehicle will be much greater than that required
with the power system operating.WARNING!
²Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot rest-
ing 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.
²Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is dan-
gerous. A significant decrease in braking perfor-
mance or vehicle stability during braking may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle or
will make your vehicle harder to control. You
could have an accident. Have the vehicle checked
immediately.
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Anti-Lock Brake System Ð If Equipped
The Anti-Lock Brake System provides increased vehicle
stability and brake performance under most braking
conditions. The system automatically ªpumpsº the
brakes during severe braking conditions to prevent
wheel lock-up.
When the vehicle is driven over 7 mph (11 km/h), you
may also hear a slight clicking sound as well as some
related motor noises. These noises are the system per-
forming its self-check cycle to ensure that the ABS system
is working properly. This self check occurs each time the
vehicle is started and accelerated past 7 mph (11 km/h).
ABS is activated during braking under certain road or
stopping conditions. ABS-inducing conditions can in-
clude ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad tracks, loose
debris, or panic stops.You also may experience the following when the brake
system goes into Anti-lock:
²The ABS motor running (it may continue to run for a
short time after the stop).
²A clicking sound of solenoid valves.
²Brake pedal pulsations.
²A slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the end
of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of ABS.
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WARNING!
²The Anti-Lock Brake System contains sophisticated elec-
tronic equipment that may be susceptible to interference
caused by improperly installed or high output radio trans-
mitting equipment. This interference can cause possible loss
of anti-lock braking capability. Installation of such equip-
ment should be performed by qualified professionals.
²Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish their effec-
tiveness and may lead to an accident. Pumping makes the
stopping distance longer. Just press firmly on your brake
pedal when you need to slow down or stop.
²
Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking
or steering efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition
of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
²The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting
from excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents.
²The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner, which could
jeopardize the user's safety or the safety of others.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type and tires must be properly inflated to produce
accurate signals for the computer.
Anti-Lock Brake Light
The ABS light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake
System. The light will come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position
and may stay on for as long as four seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or comes on while driving, it
indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required. However,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally if the Brake System Warning Light is not on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefits of Anti-Lock
brakes. If the ABS light does not come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position, have the
bulb repaired as soon as possible.
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