2009 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE steering

Wind Buffeting
Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of
pressure on the ears or a helicopter type sound in the
ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with one
window down in certain open or partially open posi-
tions. This is a normal occurrence and can be minimized.
If the buffeting occurs with one window open, then open
both windows together to minimize the buffeting.
TRUNK LOCK AND RELEASE
To unlatch the trunk lid from inside the vehicle, press and
release the TRUNK RELEASE Button located on the
instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel.
NOTE:The convertible top must be either closed and
latched or open and latched.The trunk release button on the
dash will be disabled if the vehicle
is locked by pressing the power
door lock switch or by pressing
the LOCK button on the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
The trunk release button will be
enabled when the vehicle is un-
locked by the RKE or if the key is
inserted into the ignition and
turned to ON or START.
NOTE:This provides a locked area in the vehicle even
if the convertible top is open.
To unlatch the trunk lid from outside the vehicle, press
and release the TRUNK RELEASE button on the RKE
transmitter two times.
Trunk Release
Button
36 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Trunk Internal Emergency Release
As a security measure, a Trunk Internal Emergency Release
lever is built into the trunk latching mechanism. In the event
of an individual being locked inside the trunk, the trunk can
be simply opened by pulling on the glow-in-the-dark handle
attached to the trunk latching mechanism.
OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS
Some of the most important safety features in your
vehicle are the restraint systems. The following safety
features are standard on your vehicle:
•Three point lap and shoulder belts for all seating
positions
•Pretensioning and load-limiting retractors for the front
seat belts
•Advanced dual-stage driver and front passenger air-
bags
•New active-vent front passenger airbags
•Knee bolsters/blockers for front seat occupants
•An energy absorbing steering column and steering
wheel
•Supplemental seat side (Thorax) airbagsTrunk Internal Emergency Release
38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Seat Belts and Pregnant Women
We recommend that pregnant women use the seat belts
throughout their pregnancy. Keeping the mother safe is
the best way to keep the baby safe.
Pregnant women should wear the lap part of the belt
across the thighs and as snug across the hips as possible.
Keep the belt low so that it does not come across the
abdomen. That way the strong bones of the hips will take
the force if there is a collision.
Seat Belt Extender
If a seat belt is too short, even when fully extended, your
authorized dealer can provide you with a seat belt
extender. This extender should be used only if the
existing belt is not long enough. When it is not required,
remove the extender, and stow it.
WARNING!
Using a seat belt extender when not needed can
increase the risk of injury in a collision. Only use
when the lap belt is not long enough when it is worn
low and snug, and in the recommended seating
positions. Remove and store the extender when not
needed.
Driver and Front Passenger Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag
This vehicle has airbags for both the driver and front
passenger as a supplement to the seat belt restraint
systems. The driver’s front airbag is mounted in the
center of the steering wheel. The passenger’s front airbag
is mounted in the instrument panel, above the glove
compartment. The words SRS AIRBAG are embossed on
the airbag covers.
48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)
•Being too close to the steering wheel or instrument
panel during front airbag deployment could cause
serious injury. Airbags need room to inflate. Sit
back, comfortably extending your arms to reach
the steering wheel or instrument panel.
•Seat airbags also need room to inflate. Do not lean
against the door. Sit upright in the center of the
seat.
Airbag System Components
The airbag system consists of the following:
•Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
•Airbag Warning Light
•Driver Airbag
•Front Passenger Airbag
•Supplemental Seat Side (Thorax and Head) Airbags
•Front Impact Sensors
•Side Impact Sensors (if equipped)
•Steering Wheel and Column
•Instrument Panel
•Seat Belt Warning Light
•Knee Impact Bolsters
•Driver and Front Passenger Seat Belt Pretensioners
How the Airbag System Works
•
Front Airbag Features
The front airbag system has dual-stage driver and front
passenger airbags. This system provides output appro-
priate to the level of crash severity as determined by the
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) and the impact
sensors at the front of the vehicle.
52 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic parts of
the system whenever the ignition switch is in the START
or ON position. These include all of the items listed
above except the steering wheel and column, instrument
panel, and passenger knee bolsters. If the key is in the
LOCK position, in the ACC position, or not in the
ignition, the airbags are not on and will not inflate.
The ORC contains a backup power supply system that
will deploy the airbags even if the battery loses power or
it becomes disconnected prior to deployment.
•The ORC also turns on the Airbag Warning
Light in the instrument panel for six to eight
seconds for a self-check when the ignition is
first turned on. After the self-check, the
Airbag Warning Light will turn off. If the ORC detects
a malfunction in any part of the system, it turns on theAirbag Warning Light either momentarily or continu-
ously. A single chime will sound if the light comes on
again after initial start up.
It also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the
instrument cluster Airbag Warning Light if a malfunc-
tion is noted. The diagnostics also record the nature of
the malfunction.
WARNING!
Ignoring the Airbag Warning Light in your instru-
ment panel could mean you won’t have the airbags to
protect you in a collision. If the light does not come
on, stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes
on as you drive, have the airbag system checked right
away.
54 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Deployed airbags and seat belt pretensioners cannot
protect you in another collision. Have the airbags,
seat belt pretensioners, and the front passenger seat
belt retractor assembly, replaced by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible. Also, have the Occupant
Restraint Controller System serviced as well.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact that causes airbag deployment,
with the vehicle stopped, and the vehicle communication
network intact, and the power intact, the Enhanced
Accident Response System performs the following func-
tions:
•Cuts off fuel to the engine
•Flashes hazard lights
•Turns on the interior lights, which remain on as long as
the battery has power or until the ignition key is
removed
•Unlocks the doors automatically
Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
•Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured if the airbag system is not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or the
upper right side of the instrument panel. Do not
modify the front bumper, vehicle body structure,
or add aftermarket side steps or running boards.
(Continued)
58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

▫Headlights With Wipers (Available With
Auto Headlights Only)................ 144
▫Headlight Time Delay — If Equipped...... 145
▫Daytime Running Lights (DRL) —
If Equipped........................ 145
▫Lights-On Reminder.................. 146
▫Fog Lights — If Equipped.............. 146
▫Turn Signals........................ 147
▫High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch...... 148
▫Flash-To-Pass....................... 148
▫Interior Lights...................... 148
Windshield Wipers And Washers.......... 151
▫Intermittent Wiper System.............. 152
▫Mist Feature........................ 153▫Headlights With Wipers (Available With
Auto Headlights Only)................ 153
▫Windshield Washers.................. 153
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column.......... 154
Electronic Speed Control — If Equipped..... 155
▫To Activate......................... 156
▫To Set At A Desired Speed.............. 156
▫To Deactivate....................... 156
▫To Resume Speed.................... 157
▫To Vary The Speed Setting.............. 157
▫To Accelerate For Passing.............. 158
Garage Door Opener — If Equipped........ 158
▫Programming HomeLink.............. 159
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 79
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