2008 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE Owners Manual

The operator can override the AUTO mode setting to
change airflow distribution by rotating the Mode Control
knob (on the right) to one of the following positions.
²Panel
Air is directed through the outlets in the instrument
panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct airflow.
NOTE:The center instrument panel outlets can be
aimed so that they are directed toward the rear seat
passengers for maximum airflow to the rear.
²Bi-Level
Air is directed through the panel and floor outlets.
NOTE:For all settings except full cold or full hot, there
is a difference in temperature between the upper and
lower outlets. The warmer air flows to the floor outlets.
This feature gives improved comfort during sunny but
cool conditions.
²Floor
Air is directed through the floor outlets with a
small amount flowing through the defrost and
side window demist outlets.
²Mix
Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and
side window demist outlets. This setting works
best in cold or snowy conditions that require
extra heat to the windshield. This setting is good for
maintaining comfort while reducing moisture on the
windshield.
²Defrost
Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use this mode with
maximum blower and temperature settings for best
windshield and side window defrosting.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 241
4

²Air Conditioner Control
Press this button to turn on the air conditioning
during manual operation only. When the air
conditioning is turned on, cool dehumidified air
will flow through the outlets selected with the Mode
control dial. Press this button a second time to turn off
the air conditioning. An LED in the button illuminates
when manual compressor operation is selected.
²Recirculation Control
The system will automatically control recir-
culation. However, pressing the Recircula-
tion Control button will temporarily put the
system in recirculation mode (ten minutes).
This can be used when outside conditions such as
smoke, odors, dust, or high humidity are present.
Activating recirculation will cause the LED in the
control button to illuminate. After ten minutes, the
system will return to normal AUTO mode function
and the LED will turn off.NOTE:
²When the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK
position, the recirculation feature will be cancelled.
²In cold weather, use of the Recirculation mode may
lead to excessive window fogging. The Recirculation
mode is not allowed in the floor, defrost, or defrost/
floor mode in order to improve window clearing.
Recirculation will be disabled automatically if these
modes are selected.
²Extended use of recirculation may cause the windows
to fog. If the interior of the windows begins to fog,
press the Recirculation button to return to outside air.
Some temp/humidity conditions will cause captured
interior air to condense on windows and hamper
visibility. For this reason, the system will not allow
Recirculation to be selected while in floor, defrost, or
defrost/floor mode. Attempting to use the recircula-
tion while in these modes will cause the LED in the
control button to blink and then turn off.
242 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

²Most of the time, when in Automatic Operation, you
can temporarily put the system into Recirculation
Mode by pressing the Recirculation Button. However,
under certain conditions, while in Automatic Mode,
the system is blowing air out the defrost vents. When
these conditions are present, and the Recirculation
Button is pressed, the indicator will flash and then
turn off. This tells you that you are unable to go into
recirculation mode at this time. If you would like the
system to go into Recirculation Mode, you must first
move the Mode Knob to Panel, Panel/Floor and then
press the Recirculation Button. This feature reduces
the possibility of window fogging.
Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A 50% solution of ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant in water is recommended. Refer
to ªMaintenance Proceduresº in Section 7 of this manual
for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during winter months is
not recommended because it may cause window fogging.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e. vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air condi-
tioning system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh
air and high blower settings. This will insure adequate
system lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 243
4

Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem, increase blower speed.
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.
NOTE:Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods as fogging may occur.
Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is located at each end of
the instrument panel. These non-adjustable outlets direct
air toward the side windows when the system is in the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter Ð If Equipped
The A/C Air Filter will reduce, but not eliminate, diesel
and agricultural smells. The filter acts on air coming from
outside the vehicle and recirculated air within the pas-
senger compartment. Refer to ªMaintenance Proceduresº
in Section 7 of this manual for A/C Air Filter service
information or see your authorized dealer for service.
Refer to the ªMaintenance Schedulesº in Section 8 of this
manual for filter service intervals.
244 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 245
4

REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Electric Rear Window Defroster Ð If Equipped
The electric Rear Window Defroster Control is
located on the climate control. Press this button to
turn on the rear window defroster and the heated side
mirrors (if equipped). An LED in the button will illumi-
nate when the rear window defroster is ON. The de-
froster automatically turns off after approximately 10
minutes of operation for the first push of the button, and
will turn off after approximately five minutes for the
second push of the button.
CAUTION!
To avoid damaging the electrical conductors of the
rear window defroster, do not use scrapers, sharp
instruments, or abrasive window cleaners on the
interior surface of the window.
Labels can be peeled off after soaking with warm
water.
246 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures.....................251
NAutomatic Transaxle...................251
NNormal Starting......................252
NExtremely Cold Weather
(Below220ÉF Or229ÉC)................252
NIf Engine Fails To Start.................253
NAfter Starting........................254
mEngine Block Heater Ð If Equipped.........255
mAutomatic Transaxle.....................255
NBrake/Transaxle Interlock System..........256NAutomatic Transaxle Ignition
Interlock System......................257
N4 Speed Or 6 Speed (AutoStickt)
Automatic Transaxle...................258
mAutoSticktÐ If Equipped................262
NAutoSticktOperation..................263
NAutoSticktGeneral Information...........263
mParking Brake.........................264
mBrake System..........................267
NAnti-Lock Brake System Ð If Equipped.....268
5

mPower Steering........................270
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces..............271
NAcceleration.........................271
NTraction............................271
mDriving Through Water..................272
NFlowing/Rising Water..................272
NShallow Standing Water.................272
mTraction Control System (TCS) Ð If Equipped . . 274
mBrake Assist System (BAS) Ð If Equipped.....275
mElectronic Stability Program (ESP) Ð
If Equipped...........................276
NESP Operating Modes..................277
NESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light And
ESP/TCS Indicator Light................278NSynchronizing ESP....................279
mTire Safety Information...................280
NTire Markings........................280
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........283
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........284
mTires Ð General Information...............288
NTire Pressure.........................288
NTire Inflation Pressures.................289
NRadial-Ply Tires......................291
NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped.........292
NLimited Use Spare Ð If Equipped.........293
NTire Spinning........................294
NTread Wear Indicators..................294
248 STARTING AND OPERATING