2012 CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE Precautions

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Convertible Top Operation ................ 91
▫ Power Convertible Top Usage Precautions .... 92
▫ Cargo Shield ........................ 97
▫ Power Convertible Top Controls ........... 98
▫ Lowering The Power Convertible Top ....... 99
▫ Raising The Power Convertible Top ....... 100
▫ Wind Stop — If Equipped .............. 101
▫ Power Convertible Top Operation And
Warning Messages ................... 105 ▫
Emergency Bypass Mode (To Raise The Top
Only) ............................. 110
 Mirrors ..............................111
▫ Inside Day/Night Mirror ................111
▫ Automatic Dimming Mirror — If Equipped . . . 111
▫ Outside Mirrors ..................... 112
▫ Power Mirrors ...................... 112
▫ Heated Mirrors — If Equipped ........... 113
▫ Vanity Mirror — If Equipped ............ 114
3

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.
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 down.
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).
•Do not attempt to lower the top when frost, ice, or
snow may be present, this could cause damage or
prevent the top from stowing completely.
92 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Manually
Closing the power convertible top manually is a compli-
cated and physically demanding procedure, and it re-
quires a special tool to do so. In the event that you
experience a malfunction when operating the power
convertible top:
1. Read all of the Notes, Cautions, and Warning found
under “Power Convertible Top Usage Precautions” to
verify all operating conditions are met.
2. Check for Operation and Warning Messages as de-
scribed under “Power Convertible Top Operation and
Warning Messages.” If applicable, perform the related
action to correct the condition present.
3. If Steps 1 and 2 do not resolve the problem, refer to
“Emergency Bypass Mode”.
Wind Stop — If Equipped
The Wind Stop installs in the backseat area of the vehicle.
The Wind Stop will not interfere with power top opera-
tion. Therefore, it can remain installed when the top is up.
However, when not in use, the Wind Stop folds to allow
for convenient storage underneath the cargo shield in the
trunk.
NOTE:It is recommended that you lower the convert-
ible top before installing or removing the Wind Stop.
Installing The Wind Stop
1. Remove the Wind Stop from the trunk.
2. Unfold the Wind Stop framework.
3. Lay the small frame (1) flat on top of the large frame
(2) and snap the two frames together by engaging the
frame lock (3).
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 101

The button located in the center of the left-hand switch
will tune to the next preset station that you have pro-
grammed in the radio preset pushbutton.
CD Player
Pressing the top of the switch once will go to the next
track on the CD. Pressing the bottom of the switch once
will go to the beginning of the current track, or to the
beginning of the previous track if it is within one second
after the current track begins to play.
If you press the switch up or down twice it plays the
second track; three times, it will play the third, etc.
The button in the center of the left-hand switch has no
function in this mode.
CD/DVD DISC MAINTENANCE
To keep a CD/DVD in good condition, take the following
precautions:
1. Handle the disc by its edge; avoid touching the
surface.
2. If the disc is stained, clean the surface with a soft cloth,
wiping from center to edge.
3. Do not apply paper or tape to the disc; avoid scratch-
ing the disc.
4. Do not use solvents such as benzene, thinner, cleaners,
or anti-static sprays.
5. Store the disc in its case after playing.
6. Do not expose the disc to direct sunlight.
7. Do not store the disc where temperatures may become
too high.
284 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the follow-
ing precautions are not observed:
•Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop.
•Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the
vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine
is at idle speed.
•Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE, NEU-
TRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is above idle
speed.
•Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot
is firmly pressing on the brake pedal.
NOTE: You MUST press and hold the brake pedal while
shifting out of PARK.
WARNING!
•It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK
or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly pressing on
the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate
quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose
control of the vehicle and hit someone or some-
thing. Only shift into gear when the engine is
idling normally and when your foot is firmly
pressing on the brake pedal.
(Continued)
308 STARTING AND OPERATING

Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should
be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when the roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if the road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace the tires when tread wear indicators first
become visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a sudden
stop.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Driving through water more than a few inches/
centimeters deep will require extra caution to ensure
safety and prevent damage to your vehicle.
Flowing/Rising Water
WARNING!
Do not drive on or across a road or path where water
is flowing and/or rising (as in storm run-off). Flow-
ing water can wear away the road or path’s surface
and cause your vehicle to sink into deeper water.
Furthermore, flowing and/or rising water can carry
your vehicle away swiftly. Failure to follow this
warning may result in injuries that are serious or
fatal to you, your passengers, and others around you.
320 STARTING AND OPERATING

Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, which can
kill. Never run the engine in a closed area, such as
a garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the
vehicle is stopped in an open area with the engine
running for more than a short period, adjust the
ventilation system to force fresh, outside air into
the vehicle.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Guard against carbon monoxide with proper
maintenance. Have the exhaust system inspected
every time the vehicle is raised. Have any abnor-
mal conditions repaired promptly. Until repaired,
drive with all side windows fully open.
•Keep the trunk closed when driving your vehicle
to prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous
exhaust gases from entering the vehicle.
FLEXIBLE FUEL (3.6L ENGINE ONLY) — IF
EQUIPPED
E-85 General Information
The information in this section is for Flexible Fuel ve-
hicles only. These vehicles can be identified by a unique
fuel filler door label that statesEthanol (E-85) or Un-
leaded Gasoline Only. This section only covers those
subjects that are unique to these vehicles. Please refer to
368 STARTING AND OPERATING

Fuel Requirements
Your vehicle will operate on both unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating of 87, or E-85 fuel, or any mixture of
these two. For best results, a refueling pattern that
alternates between E-85 and unleaded gasoline should be
avoided.
When you do switch fuel types it is recommended that:
•you do not switch when the fuel gauge indicates less
than 1/4 full
•you do not add less than 5 gallons (19 Liters) when
refueling
•you operate the vehicle immediately after refueling for
a period of at least 5 minutes
Observing these precautions will avoid possible hard
starting and/or significant deterioration in driveability
during warm up. NOTE:
•When the ambient temperature is above 90° F (32° C),
you may experience hard starting and rough idle
following start up even if the above recommendations
are followed.
•Some additives used in regular gasoline are not fully
compatible with E-85 and may form deposits in your
engine. To eliminate driveability issues that may be
caused by these deposits, a supplemental gasoline
additive, such as MOPAR
Injector Cleanup or
Techron may be used.
Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(E-85) And Gasoline Vehicles
FFV vehicles operated on E-85 require specially formu-
lated engine oils. These special requirements are included
in MOPAR engine oils, and in equivalent oils meeting
Chrysler Specification MS-6395. The manufacturer re-
quires engine oils that are API Certified and meet the
370 STARTING AND OPERATING