2008 CHRYSLER SEBRING SEDAN brake

is not functioning and that service is required, however,
the conventional brake system will continue to operate
normally provided that the BRAKE warning light is not
on.
If the ABS light is on, the brake system should be serviced
as soon as possible to restore the benefit of Anti-Lock
Brakes.
The ABS warning light should be checked frequently to
assure that it is operating properly. Turn the ignition key
to the on position, but do not start the vehicle. The light
should come on. If the light does not come on, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer.
24. Tire Pressure Monitor Light
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehiclehas tires of a different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illumi-
nates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
180 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures.....................264
▫Automatic Transaxle...................264
▫Normal Starting......................265
▫Tip Start Feature — Automatic Transaxle
Only ..............................266
▫Extremely Cold Weather
(Below
20°F Or
29°C)................266
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................266
▫After Starting........................267
▫Remote Start System — If Equipped........267▫How To Use Remote Start...............268

Engine Block Heater — If Equipped.........269

Automatic Transaxle.....................270
▫Brake/Transaxle Interlock...............272
▫Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock
System.............................272
▫Electronically Controlled Automatic
Transaxle...........................273

AutoStick— If Equipped................275
▫AutoStickOperation..................276
5

▫AutoStickGeneral Information...........277

Parking Brake.........................277

Brake System..........................281
▫Anti—Lock Brake System (ABS)...........282

Electronic Brake Control System –
ABS/TCS/BAS/ESP.....................285
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) —
If Equipped.........................285
▫Traction Control System (TCS) —
If Equipped.........................285
▫Brake Assist System (BAS) — If Equipped....286
▫Electronic Stability Program (ESP).........287

Power Steering........................290
Driving On Slippery Surfaces..............291
▫Acceleration.........................291
▫Traction............................292

Driving Through Water..................292
▫Flowing/Rising Water..................292
▫Shallow Standing Water.................293

Tire Safety Information...................294
▫Tire Markings........................294
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........298
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........299

Tires—General Information................303
▫Tire Pressure.........................303
260 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust both
inside and outside mirrors, and fasten your seat belt.
Make sure all occupants have securely fastened their seat
belts.
WARNING!
Never 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 seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
WARNING!
Be sure to turn off the engine and remove the key
from the ignition switch if you want to rest or sleep
in your car. Accidents can be caused by inadvertently
moving the gear selection lever or by pressing the
accelerator pedal. This may cause excessive heat in
the exhaust system, resulting in overheating and
vehicle fire which may cause serious or fatal injuries.
Automatic Transaxle
The gear selector must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting to any driving gear.
NOTE:You must press the brake pedal before shifting
out of Park.
264 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:When the vehicle is in the Remote Start mode,
power window and sunroof operation are disabled for
security.
The following conditions must be met before the engine
will remote start:
•Automatic Transaxle in Park
•All doors are closed
•Hood is closed
•Hazard Switch is off
•Brake Switch is inactive
•Key is not in the ignition
•Battery is at an acceptable charge level
•Panic button on key fob is not depressed
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms engine coolant and
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the cord
to a standard 110-115 volt AC electrical outlet with a
grounded, three-wire extension cord.
The engine block heater cord is bundled under the hood
between the headlight assembly and the Totally Inte-
grated Power Module (Fuse Box) on the driver side of the
vehicle.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the cord before driving.
Damage to the 110-115 volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.
STARTING AND OPERATING 269
5

AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLECAUTION!
Damage to the transaxle may occur if the following
precautions are not observed:
•Shift the gear selector lever into PARK only after
the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
•Shift the gear selector lever into or out of RE-
VERSE only after the vehicle has come to a com-
plete stop and the engine is at idle speed.
•Do not shift the gear selector lever from RE-
VERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL into any forward
gear when the engine is above idle speed.
•Before shifting the gear selector lever into any
gear, make sure your foot is firmly on the brake
pedal.Automatic Gear Selector Lever
270 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift the gear selector lever out of
PARK or NEUTRAL 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 the
gear selector lever into gear when the engine is idling
normally and when your right foot is firmly on the
brake pedal.
WARNING!
Unintended 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 always
shift the gear selector lever into PARK, remove the
key from the ignition, and apply the parking brake.
Once the key is removed from the ignition, the gear
selector lever is locked in the PARK position, secur-
ing the vehicle against unwanted movement. Further-
more, you should never leave children unattended
inside a vehicle.
STARTING AND OPERATING 271
5

BRAKE/TRANSAXLE INTERLOCK
This system prevents you from moving the gear selector
lever out of 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 lever
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, there is an
override system that allows you to shift out of PARK in
case of loss of power. To activate the override system:
•Firmly apply the parking brake
•Insert the ignition key and rotate it to the ON position
•Remove the cup holder liner
•Insert a key, screwdriver, or finger into the front hole
then push and hold the manual override release lever
forward.
•While holding the release lever forward, move the
gear selector lever from PARK to NEUTRAL. Release
the manual override lever.
NOTE:If this occurs, even if the override is successful,
it is recommended that you visit a dealer at your earliest
possible convenience. Your dealer has diagnostic equip-
ment to determine if the problem could recur.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE IGNITION INTERLOCK
SYSTEM
This system prevents the key from being removed unless
the gear selector lever is in PARK. It also prevents shifting
out of PARK unless the key is in the ON position and the
brake pedal is applied.
272 STARTING AND OPERATING