2008 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE engine

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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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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5

CAUTION!
²Always check the depth of the standing water before driving
through it. Never drive through standing water that is deeper
than the bottom of the tire rims mounted on the vehicle.
²Determine the condition of the road or the path that is under
water and if there are any obstacles in the way before driving
through the standing water.
²Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving through
standing water. This will minimize wave effects.
²Driving through standing water may cause damage to your
vehicle's drivetrain components. Always inspect your vehi-
cle's fluids (i.e., engine oil, transmission, axle, etc.) for signs
of contamination (i.e., fluid that is milky or foamy in
appearance) after driving through standing water. Do not
continue to operate the vehicle if any fluid appears contami-
nated, as this may result in further damage. Such damage is
not covered by the new vehicle limited warranty.
²Getting water inside your vehicle's engine can cause it to
lockup and stall out and cause serious internal damage to the
engine. Such damage is not covered by the new vehicle
limited warranty.
WARNING!
²Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle's traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph (8
km/h) when driving through standing water.
²Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle's braking capabilities, which increases stop-
ping distances. Therefore, after driving through
standing water, drive slowly and lightly press on
the brake pedal several times to dry the brakes.
²Getting water inside your vehicle's engine can
cause it to lockup and stall out and leave you
stranded.
²Failure to follow these warnings may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
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5

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) Ð IF
EQUIPPED
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake
pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and engine
power is reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and
stability. A feature of the TCS system functions similar to
a limited slip differential and controls the wheel spin
across a driven axle. If one wheel on a driven axle is
spinning faster than the other, the system will apply the
brake of the spinning wheel. This will allow more engine
torque to be applied to the wheel that is not spinning.
This feature remains active even if the ESP is in the
ªPartial Offº mode. Refer to ªElectronic Stability Pro-
gram (ESP)º in this Section of the manual.
The Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator
Light, located in the instrument cluster, starts
to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and the
wheels begin to spin. This indicates that theTCS is active. If the indicator light flashes during accel-
eration, 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.
WARNING!
²The TCS cannot prevent the natural laws of phys-
ics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
the traction afforded.
²The TCS cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
²The capabilities of a TCS-equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner, which could jeopardize the user's safety
or the safety of others.
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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.
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When in ªPartial Offº mode, the engine torque reduction
feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced vehicle
stability offered by ESP is unavailable. However, a fea-
ture of the system remains active. This feature controls
wheel spin across an axle quite similarly to a limited slip
differential. If one wheel on an axle is spinning faster
than the other, the system will apply the brake of the
spinning wheel and allow more engine torque to be
applied to the wheel that is not spinning.
To enter the ªPartial Offº mode, momentarily
depress the ªESP OFFº switch in the switch
bank above the climate controls. To turn the
ESP on again, momentarily depress the ªESP
OFFº switch again. This will restore the normal ªESP Onº
mode of operation. This may be done while the vehicle is
in motion.WARNING!
In the Partial Off mode, the engine torque reduction
is cancelled and the stability features are desensi-
tized. Therefore, the enhanced vehicle stability of-
fered by ESP is unavailable.
ESP/BAS Malfunction Indicator Light and
ESP/TCS Indicator Light
The malfunction indicator light for the ESP is
combined with the BAS indicator. The ªESP/
BAS Malfunction Indicator Lightº and the
ªESP/TCS Indicator Lightº in the instrument
cluster both come on when the ignition switch is turned
to the ªONº position. They should go out with the engine
running.
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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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Compact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped
The compact spare is for temporary emergency use with
radial tires. It is engineered to be used on your style
vehicle only. Since this tire has limited tread life, the
original tire should be repaired (or replaced) and rein-
stalled at the first opportunity.
WARNING!
Temporary use spare tires are for emergency use only.
With these tires, do not drive more than 50 mph (80
km/h). Temporary-use spare tires have limited tread
life. When the tread is worn to the tread wear
indicators, the temporary use spare tire needs to be
replaced. Be sure to follow the warnings, which
apply to your spare. Failure to do so could result in
spare tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Prolonged use of limited use spare, or an incorrect
tire size on either front wheel, may damage transaxle
differential and result in loss of vehicle mobility.
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount a
conventional tire on the compact spare wheel, since the
wheel is designed specifically for the compact spare.
Do not install more than one compact spare tire/wheel
on the vehicle at any given time.
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