2009 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE warning

seat cover material. Then rotate the tether anchorage
cover directly behind the seat where you are placing the
child restraint and attach the tether strap to the anchor-
age, being careful to route the tether strap to provide the
most direct path between the anchor and the child
restraint. Finally, tighten all three straps as you push the
child restraint rearward and downward into the seat,
removing slack in the straps according to the child
restraint manufacturer’s instructions.
NOTE:When using the LATCH attaching system to
install a child restraint, please ensure that all seat belts
not being used for occupant restraints are stowed and out
of reach of children. It is recommended that before
installing the child restraint, buckle the seat belt so the
seat belt is tucked behind the child restraint and out of
reach. If the buckled seat belt interferes with the child
restraint installation, instead of tucking the seat belt
behind the child restraint, route the seat belt through the
child restraint belt path and then buckle it. This shouldstow the seat belt out of the reach of an inquisitive child.
Remind all children in the vehicle that the seat belts are
not toys and should not be played with, and never leave
your child unattended in the vehicle.
WARNING!
Improper installation of a child restraint to the
LATCH anchorages can lead to failure of an infant or
child restraint. The child could be badly injured or
killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly
when installing an infant or child restraint.
Installing Child Restraints Using the Vehicle Seat
Belts
The passenger seat belts are equipped with Automatic
Locking Retractors (ALRs), which are designed to keep
the lap portion tight around the child restraint.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 69
2

WARNING!
An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to
increased head motion and possible injury to the
child. Use only the anchor positions directly behind
the child seat to secure a child restraint top tether
strap.
Transporting Pets
Airbags deploying in the front seat could harm your pet.
An unrestrained pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in
a collision.
Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses
or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the engine in
your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km).
After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or
55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the
limits of local traffic laws, contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detri-
mental and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a
high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with anticipated climate
conditions under which vehicle operations will occur.
The recommended viscosity and quality grades are
72 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

shown under “Engine Oil”, under “Maintenance Proce-
dures” in section 7 of this manual. NON-DETERGENT
OR STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST NEVER BE
USED.
A new engine may consume some oil during its first few
thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as an indication of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
Transporting Passengers
NEVER TRANSPORT PASSENGERS IN THE CARGO
AREA.
WARNING!
•It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people
riding in these areas are more likely to be seri-
ously injured or killed.
•Do not allow people to ride in any area of your
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat
belts.
•Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a seat belt properly.
Lock Your Vehicle
Always remove the key from the ignition and lock all
doors when leaving the vehicle unattended, even in your
own driveway or garage. Try to park your vehicle in a
well-lit area and never invite theft by leaving articles of
value exposed.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 73
2

Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
•Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain
carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and
odorless. Breathing it can make you unconscious
and can eventually poison you. To avoid breathing
(CO), follow these safety tips:
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.If you are required to drive with the trunk open, make
sure that all windows are closed, and the blower switch
on the climate control is set at high speed. DO NOT use
the recirculation mode.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
74 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the seat belt system periodically, checking for
cuts, frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be
replaced immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the
system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the seat belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for six to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see yourauthorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield. See your
authorized dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
the Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect the tread and sidewall for
cuts and cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for proper pressure.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 75
2

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Convertible Top Operation................ 81
▫Power Convertible Top Usage Precautions.... 82
▫Cargo Shield........................ 86
▫Power Convertible Top Controls........... 87
▫Lowering The Power Convertible Top....... 88
▫Raising The Power Convertible Top........ 89
▫Manual Bypass Mode.................. 90
▫Wind Stop — If Equipped............... 90▫Power Convertible Top Operation And
Warning Messages.................... 94
Mirrors.............................. 99
▫Automatic Dimming Mirror.............. 99
▫Outside Mirrors..................... 100
▫Power Mirrors...................... 100
▫Heated Power Mirrors — If Equipped..... 101
▫Vanity Mirror — If Equipped............ 102
3

CONVERTIBLE TOP OPERATION
WARNING!
The convertible top does not provide the structural
protection that a reinforced metal roof does and the
fabric top cannot be expected to prevent the ejection
of the occupants of a vehicle in a collision. Therefore,
it is important that all occupants wear their seat belts
at all times when riding in a convertible. Studies
have shown that it is generally safer to remain inside
a vehicle during a collision than to be ejected from
the vehicle.
You can lower or raise the power convertible top from
inside the vehicle or lower the top remotely using the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. Either operation
takes approximately 30 seconds. The entire process, in-
cluding unlatching or latching the top at the windshield
header is automatic.The top does take up some space in the trunk when
retracted. However, the trunk will still hold a significant
amount of cargo.
When operating the power convertible top, the trunk lid
will pivot at the rear of the vehicle, swing open by the
rear window, and then pivot backward. This allows room
for the top to retract into or unfold from its stowage area
in the trunk.
When lowering the top, the system extends the hard
tonneau cover, which stows conveniently underneath the
trunk lid. The tonneau cover closes the area between the
rear seats and the trunk lid to conceal the top when
stowed.
When raising the top, the system retracts the hard
tonneau cover back into its stowage area underneath the
trunk lid.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 81
3

To complete either operation, the trunk lid returns to its
normal position and then latches.
Spring-loaded flipper doors, which provide clearance for
the linkage, close off notches in the quarter trim panels
when the top is up.
Power Convertible Top Usage Precautions
NOTE:
•The convertible top will not operate unless the vehicle
is stationary, the cargo shield is positioned correctly,
and the trunk lid is closed and latched. In addition, the
system prohibits lowering the top when ambient tem-
perature is at 0°F (-18°C) or lower, However, the
system allows you to raise the top at ambient tempera-
tures as low as -40°F (-40°C).
•The power top Control Module (PTCM) monitors and
controls lowering and raising of the top. A series ofmicro-switches verify that operations are complete
before allowing the next stage of lowering or raising
operation.
•Opening and closing the top consecutively without the
engine running may run the battery down.
•If a fluttering noise is heard from the rear seat belts
while driving with the top down, safely bring the
vehicle to a stop and buckle the rear seat belts over the
empty seats. This will keep tension on the seat belts
and remove the fluttering condition.
CAUTION!
•Correctly position the cargo shield in the trunk
before stowing the top. Doing so closes a switch
that allows top operation (stowing) to proceed. If
the switch is not closed, a warning message dis-
plays in the instrument cluster to notify the driver.
(Continued)
82 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE