2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING SEDAN Owners Manual

4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 225

The operator can override the AUTO mode setting to
change airflow distribution by rotating the Mode Control
knob (on the right) to one of the following positions.
•PanelAir is directed through the outlets in the instrument
panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct airflow.
NOTE: The center instrument panel outlets can be
aimed so that they are directed toward the rear seat
passengers for maximum airflow to the rear.
•Bi-Level Air is directed through the panel and floor outlets.
NOTE: For all settings except full cold or full hot, there
is a difference in temperature between the upper and
lower outlets. The warmer air flows to the floor outlets.
This feature gives improved comfort during sunny but
cool conditions.
•Floor Air is directed through the floor outlets with a
small amount flowing through the defrost and side
window demist outlets.
•Mix Air is directed through the floor, defrost, and side
window demist outlets. This setting works best in
cold or snowy conditions that require extra heat to
the windshield. This setting is good for maintaining
comfort while reducing moisture on the windshield.
•Defrost Air is directed through the windshield and side
window demist outlets. Use this mode with maxi-
mum blower and temperature settings for best wind-
shield and side window defrosting.
226 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•Air Conditioner ControlPress this button to turn on the air
conditioning during manual operation
only. When the air conditioning is
turned on, cool dehumidified air will
flow through the outlets selected with
the Mode control dial. Press this but-
ton a second time to turn OFF the air
conditioning. An LED in the button illuminates when
manual compressor operation is selected.
•Recirculation Control
The system will automatically control recircu-
lation. However, pressing the Recirculation
Control button will temporarily put the system
in recirculation mode (ten minutes). This can
be used when outside conditions such as smoke, odors,
dust, or high humidity are present. Activating recircula-
tion will cause the LED in the control button to illumi-
nate. After ten minutes, the system will return to normal
AUTO mode function and the LED will turn off. NOTE:
•When the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK
position, the recirculation feature will be cancelled.
•In cold weather, use of the Recirculation mode may lead
to excessive window fogging. The Recirculation mode is
not allowed in the floor, defrost, or Mix mode in order to
improve window clearing. Recirculation will be dis-
abled automatically if these modes are selected.
•Extended use of recirculation may cause the windows
to fog. If the interior of the windows begins to fog,
press the Recirculation button to return to outside air.
Some temp/humidity conditions will cause captured
interior air to condense on windows and hamper
visibility. For this reason, the system will not allow
Recirculation to be selected while in floor, defrost, or
Mix mode. Attempting to use the recirculation while in
these modes will cause the LED in the control button
to blink and then turn off.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 227

•Most of the time, when in Automatic Operation, you can
temporarily put the system into Recirculation Mode by
pressing the Recirculation button. However, under cer-
tain 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 Recircula-
tion Mode, you must first move the Mode knob to Panel,
Mix and then press the Recirculation button. This fea-
ture reduces the possibility of window fogging.
Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather conditions.
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 Section 7 of this
manual 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.
228 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 Section 7 of this manual for A/C Air Filter service
information or see your authorized dealer for service.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedules” in Section 8 of this
manual for filter service intervals.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 229

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

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 235
▫ Automatic Transaxle .................. 235
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 235
▫ Extreme Cold Weather
(Below 20°F Or 29°C)............... 236
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 236
▫ After Starting ....................... 238
 Engine Block Heater — If Equipped ........ 238
 Automatic Transaxle ................... 239 ▫
Key Ignition Park Interlock ............. 240
▫ Brake/Transaxle Interlock System ......... 240
▫ Automatic Transaxle Ignition Interlock
System ............................ 241
▫ Four-Speed/Six-Speed Automatic Transaxle . . 242
▫ Gear Ranges ........................ 242
 AutoStick — If Equipped ............... 246
▫ Operation ......................... 246
▫ General Information .................. 246
5

Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 247
▫ Acceleration ........................ 247
▫ Traction ........................... 248
 Driving Through Water ................. 248
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 248
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 249
 Power Steering ....................... 250
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 251
 Parking Brake ........................ 252
 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ............ 254
 Electronic Brake Control System ........... 256
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ........... 257
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ........... 257▫
Brake Assist System (BAS) .............. 257
▫ Hill Start Assist (HSA) — If Equipped ..... 258
▫ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ......... 260
 Tire Safety Information ................. 264
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 264
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 267
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 268
 Tires — General Information ............. 272
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 272
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 273
▫ Radial-Ply Tires ..................... 275
▫ Compact Spare Tire ................... 275
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 276
232 STARTING AND OPERATING