2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE Owners Manual

•Most of the time, when in Automatic Operation, you
can temporarily put the system into Recirculation
Mode by pressing the Recirculation button. However,
under certain conditions, while in Automatic Mode,
the system is blowing air out the defrost vents. When
these conditions are present, and the Recirculation
button is pressed, the indicator will flash and then turn
off. This tells you that you are unable to go into
Recirculation Mode at this time. If you would like the
system to go into Recirculation Mode, you must first
move the Mode knob to Panel, Mix and then press the
Recirculation button. This feature reduces the possibil-
ity of window fogging.
Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A solution of 50% ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant and 50% water is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation Mode during winter months is
not recommended because it may cause window fogging.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower settings. This will ensure
adequate system lubrication to minimize the possibility
of compressor damage when the system is started again.
240 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The Mix
mode can be used to maintain a clear windshield and
provide sufficient heating. If side window fogging be-
comes a problem, increase blower speed. Vehicle win-
dows tend to fog on the inside in mild but rainy or humid
weather.
NOTE:Recirculate without A/C should not be used for
long periods as fogging may occur.
Side Window Demisters
A side window demister outlet is located at each end of
the instrument panel. These non-adjustable outlets direct
air toward the side windows when the system is in the
FLOOR, MIX, or DEFROST mode. The air is directed at
the area of the windows through which you view the
outside mirrors.
Outside Air Intake
Make sure the air intake, located directly in front of the
windshield, is free of obstructions such as leaves. Leaves
collected in the air intake may reduce airflow, and if they
enter the plenum, they could plug the water drains. In
winter months, make sure the air intake is clear of ice,
slush, and snow.
A/C Air Filter — If Equipped
The A/C Filter prevents most dust and pollen from
entering the cabin. The filter acts on air coming from
outside the vehicle and recirculated air within the pas-
senger compartment. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for A/C Air Filter service
information or see your authorized dealer for service.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedules” for filter service
intervals.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 241

Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
242 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 247
▫ Automatic Transmission ............... 247
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 247
▫ Extreme Cold Weather (Below 20°F Or
29°C) ............................ 248
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 248
▫ After Starting ....................... 249
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 250
 Automatic Transmission ................. 250 ▫
Key Ignition Park Interlock ............. 252
▫ Brake/Transmission Interlock System ...... 252
▫ Automatic Transmission Ignition Interlock
System ............................ 253
▫ Four-Speed/Six-Speed Automatic
Transmission ....................... 253
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 254
 AutoStick — If Equipped ............... 258
▫ Operation ......................... 258
▫ General Information .................. 259
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Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 260
▫ Acceleration ........................ 260
▫ Traction ........................... 260
 Driving Through Water ................. 261
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 261
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 261
 Power Steering ....................... 263
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 264
 Parking Brake ........................ 264
 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............ 267
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 269
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 269
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 270▫
Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 270
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) – If Equipped ...... 271
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ......... 273
 Tire Safety Information ................. 277
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 277
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 280
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 281
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 282
 Tires — General Information ............. 286
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 286
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 287
▫ Radial-Ply Tires ..................... 289
▫ Compact Spare Tire ................... 289
244 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Tire Spinning ....................... 290
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 291
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ 292
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 292
 Tire Chains .......................... 294
 Snow Tires .......................... 294
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 294
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 295
▫ Base System ........................ 298
▫ Premium System – If Equipped .......... 300
▫ General Information .................. 304
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 304
▫ 2.4L And 2.7L Engine ................. 304 ▫
3.5L Engine ........................ 304
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 305
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 305
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 306
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 307
▫ Materials Added To Fuel ............... 307
▫ Fuel System Cautions ................. 308
▫ Carbon Monoxide Warnings ............ 309
 Flexible Fuel (2.7L Only) — If Equipped ..... 310
▫ E85 General Information ............... 310
▫ Ethanol Fuel (E85) ................... 311
▫ Fuel Requirements ................... 311
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STARTING AND OPERATING 245

▫Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (E85) And Gasoline Vehicles ...... 312
▫ Starting ........................... 313
▫ Cruising Range ...................... 313
▫ Replacement Parts ................... 313
▫ Maintenance ........................ 313
 Adding Fuel ......................... 314
▫ Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap) .............. 314
▫ Loose Filler Cap Message .............. 316
 Vehicle Loading ...................... 316
▫ Vehicle Certification Label .............. 316
▫ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) ...... 316
▫ Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) ........ 317▫
Overloading ........................ 317
▫ Loading ........................... 317
 Trailer Towing ........................ 318
▫ Common Towing Definitions ............ 318
▫ Trailer Hitch Classification .............. 319
▫ Trailer Towing Weights (Maximum Trailer
Weight Ratings) ..................... 321
▫ Trailer And Tongue Weight ............. 322
▫ Towing Requirements ................. 323
▫ Towing Tips ........................ 327

Recreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.). . 328
▫ Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground) ........................... 328
246 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct all other occupants to buckle 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. Do not leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
Automatic Transmission
The shift lever must be in the PARK or NEUTRAL
position before you can start the engine. Apply the brakes
before shifting to any driving gear.NOTE:
The ignition switch must be in the ON position,
and you must press the brake pedal before shifting out of
PARK.
Normal Starting
NOTE: Normal starting of either a cold or a warm
engine is obtained without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
For vehicles not equipped with Tip Start (Four-Speed
Transmission), turn the ignition switch to the START
position and release it when the engine starts. If the
engine fails to start within 10 seconds, turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then
repeat the “Normal Starting” procedure.
For vehicles equipped with Tip Start (Six-Speed Trans-
mission), turn the ignition switch to the START position
and release it as soon as the starter engages. The starter
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STARTING AND OPERATING 247