2008 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE parking brake

provided to the custodial entity upon request. General
data that does not identify particular vehicles or crashes
may be released for incorporation in aggregate crash
databases, such as those maintained by the US govern-
ment and various states. Data of a potentially sensitive
nature, such as would identify a particular driver, ve-
hicle, or crash, will be treated confidentially. Confidential
data will not be disclosed by DaimlerChrysler
Corporation to any third party except when:
1. Used for research purposes, such as to match data
with a particular crash record in an aggregate database,
provided confidentiality of personal data is thereafter
preserved
2. Used in defense of litigation involving a
DaimlerChrysler Corporation product
3. Requested by police under a legal warrant
4. Otherwise required by lawData Parameters that May Be Recorded:
²Diagnostic trouble code(s) and warning light status for
electronically-controlled safety systems, including the
airbag system
²Airbag disable light status (if equipped).
²9Time9of airbag deployment (in terms of ignition
cycles and vehicle mileage).
²Airbag deployment level (if applicable).
²Impact acceleration and angle.
²Seat belt status.
²Brake status (service and parking brakes).
²Accelerator status (including vehicle speed).
²Engine control status (including engine speed).
²Transaxle gear selection.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61
2

Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.
76 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

the headlight switch is off, the parking brake is off, the
turn signal is off, and the selector lever is in any position
except ªPº (Park).
NOTE:The Daytime Running Lights will turn off
automatically when the turn signal is in operation and
turn on again when the turn signal is not operating.
Lights-On Reminder
If the headlights or parking lights are on after the ignition
is turned to the LOCK position, a chime will sound to
alert the driver when the driver's door is opened.
Fog Lights Ð If Equipped
To activate the front fog lights, turn on the parking
lights or the low beam headlights and pull out on
the end of the Multi-Function Control Lever.NOTE:The front fog lights will only operate with the
headlights on low beam. Selecting high beam headlights
will turn off the front fog lights.Front Fog Light Control
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 141
3

19. Brake System Warning Light
This light monitors various brake functions,
including brake fluid level and parking brake
application. If the brake light turns on, it may
indicate that the parking brake is applied, that
the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system (if equipped).
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capac-
ity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic
system. Failure of either half of the dual brake system is
indicated by the Brake Warning Light which will turn on
when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has
dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:The light may flash momentarily during sharp
cornering maneuvers which change fluid level condi-
tions. The vehicle should have service performed, and
the brake fluid level checked.If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is neces-
sary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It will
take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have an
accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
Vehicles equipped with Anti-Lock brakes (ABS), are also
equipped with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).
In the event of an EBD failure, the Brake Warning Light
will turn on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair
to the ABS system is required.
182 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

The operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked
by turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to
the ON position. The light should illuminate for approxi-
mately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless
the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected.
If the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected
by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is
applied with the ignition switch in the ON position.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
20. Turn Signal Indicators
The arrows will flash in unison with the exterior
turn signal, when using the turn signal lever.
21. Front Fog Light Indicator Ð If Equipped
This light shows when the front fog lights are ON.22. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Indicator Light
The yellow ESP/BAS malfunction indicator
light will turn on when the ignition switch is
turned to the ªONº position. The light should
go out with the engine running. 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 synchronized (refer to
Synchronizing ESP), see your authorized dealer as soon
as possible to have the problem diagnosed and corrected.
23. Anti-Lock Warning Light (ABS)
This light monitors the ABS. This light will
come on when the ignition key 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 during driving,
it indicates that the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system
is not functioning and that service is required, however,
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 183
4

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

WARNING!
²It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of or if
the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your
foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle
could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or
something. Only shift into gear when the engine is
idling normally and when your right foot is firmly
on the brake pedal.
²Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure
those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is
running. Before exiting a vehicle, you should al-
ways shift the vehicle into PARK, remove the key
from the ignition, and apply the parking brake.
Once the key is removed from the ignition, the
selector lever is locked in the PARK position, secur-
ing the vehicle against unwanted movement. Fur-
thermore, you should never leave children unat-
tended inside a vehicle.
Brake/Transaxle Interlock System
This system prevents you from moving the gear shift out
of ªPº PARK and into any gear unless the brake pedal is
pressed. This system is active only while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.Always press the brake
pedal first, before moving the gear selector out of
PARK.
NOTE:If a malfunction occurs, the transaxle will not
shift out of PARK. Battery power is required to release the
Brake/Transaxle Interlock system. However, an override
system allows you to shift out of PARK in case of loss of
power. To activate the override system:
²Firmly apply the parking brake.
²Insert the ignition key into the ignition key lock
cylinder and rotate it to the ON position.
²Remove the cup holder liner.
256 STARTING AND OPERATING

4 Speed or 6 Speed (AutoStickT) Automatic
Transaxle
The electronically controlled transaxle provides a precise
shift schedule. The transaxle electronics are self-
calibrating; therefore, the first few shifts on a new vehicle
may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and
precision shifts will develop within a few hundred miles.
Gear Ranges
ªPº PARK
ªPº PARK supplements the parking brake by locking the
transaxle. The engine can be started in this range. Never
attempt to use ªPº PARK while vehicle is in motion.
Apply parking brake when leaving vehicle in this range.
When parking on a flat surface, place the selector lever in
the ªPº PARK position first, and then apply the parking
brake.
When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking
brake before placing the selector lever in ªPº PARK,
otherwise the load on the transaxle locking mechanism
may make it difficult to move the selector out of ªPº
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.
Selector Lever
258 STARTING AND OPERATING