2008 CHRYSLER SEBRING SEDAN brake

NOTE:If a malfunction occurs, the system will trap the
key in the ignition cylinder to warn you that this safety
feature is inoperable. The engine can be started and
stopped, but the key cannot be removed until you obtain
service.
ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED 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
PARK
PARK supplements the parking brake by locking the
transaxle. The engine can be started in this range. Never
attempt to use 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 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 PARK, other-
wise 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.
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.
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AutoStickGeneral Information
•
You can start out in first or second gear. The system
will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of a vehicle
speed.
•If a ratio other than 1st is selected, and the vehicle is
brought to a stop, the transaxle control logic will
automatically select the 1st gear ratio.
•Starting out in second gear is helpful in snowy or icy
conditions.
•Avoid using speed control when Autostickis en-
gaged.
•The transaxle will automatically shift up when maxi-
mum engine speed is reached while Autostickis
engaged.
•Transaxle shifting will be more noticeable when
Autostickis engaged.
•If 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.
•If the system detects powertrain overheating, the
transaxle will revert to the automatic shift mode and
remain in that mode until the powertrain cools off.
•If the system detects a problem, it will disable the
AutoStickmode and the transaxle will return to the
automatic mode until the problem is corrected.
PARKING BRAKE
When the parking brake is applied with the
ignition on, the Brake Light in the instrument
cluster will come on.
NOTE:This light, when illuminated with parking brake
application, shows only that the parking brake is on. It
does not show the degree of brake application.
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NOTE:If the light remains on with the parking brake
released, a brake system malfunction is indicated. Have
the brake system serviced by an authorized dealer im-
mediately.
NOTE:If 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.
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied and the gear selector is in the PARK
position.
To release the parking brake, slightly pull up the handle
while pushing the lock button, and guide the lever
downward to its stop. The brake warning light in the
instrument cluster should go out.
NOTE:The parking brake lever will not release unless
the lever is pulled up slightly past its applied position.Operation with an Automatic Transaxle
When parking on a flat surface, place the gear selector
lever in the PARK position first, and then apply the
parking brake.
NOTE:When parking on a hill, it is important to set the
parking brakeBEFOREplacing the gear selector in
PARK, otherwise the load on the automatic 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.
Operation with a Manual Transaxle — If Equipped
Place the gear selector in REVERSE. As an added precau-
tion, when parking on a hill, turn the front wheels toward
the curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on
an uphill grade.
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Applying the Parking Brake
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:You should always apply the parking brake
before leaving the vehicle.
Parking Brake Lever
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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.
WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
injured. Don’t leave the keys in the ignition. A
child could operate power windows, other con-
trols, or move the vehicle.
•Be 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 power assisted brakes as
standard equipment. 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!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
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.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.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
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.
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WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. A significant decrease in braking performance 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.
ANTI—LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
The Anti-Lock Brake System provides increased vehicle
stability and brake performance under most braking
conditions. The system automatically “pumps” the
brakes during severe braking conditions to prevent
wheel lock-up.
WARNING!
Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish their
effectiveness 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.
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WARNING!
•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.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
•The 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.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 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.
If both the Brake Warning Light and the ABS Light
remain on, the Anti-Lock brakes (ABS) and Electronic
Brake Force Distribution (EBD) systems are not function-
ing. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.
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