Chrysler Sebring User manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION ............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ..............................9
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ............................. 85
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ..................................141
5
STARTING AND OPERATING ................................................231
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ............................................. 315
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ..............................................333
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES .................................................389
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ........................................ 407
10
INDEX ...................................................................417
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
䡵Introduction ........................... 4
䡵How To Use This Manual .................. 4
䡵Warnings And Cautions ................... 6
䡵Vehicle Identification Number .............. 6
䡵Vehicle Modifications/Alterations ............ 7
1

INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on selecting your new Chrysler Group
LLC vehicle. Be assured that it represents precision
workmanship, distinctive styling, and high quality - all
essentials that are traditional to our vehicles.
This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint
you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle.
It is supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet,
located on the DVD, and various customer-oriented
documents. Please take the time to read these publica-
tions carefully. Following the instructions and recom-
mendations in this manual will help assure safe and
enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient referencing and remain
with the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will
be aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has factory-trained tech-
nicians and genuine MOPAR威parts, and cares about
your satisfaction.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
Since the specification of your vehicle depends on the
items of equipment ordered, certain descriptions and
illustrations may differ from your vehicle’s equipment
The detailed index at the back of this Owner’s Manual
contains a complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this Owner’s Manual:
4 INTRODUCTION

1
INTRODUCTION 5

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This Owner’s Manual contains WARNINGS against op-
erating procedures that could result in an accident or
bodily injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against proce-
dures that could result in damage to your vehicle. If you
do not read this entire manual, you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is found on the left
front corner of the instrument panel, visible through the
windshield. This number also appears on engraved on
the front right door sill under door sill moulding and on
the vehicle registration or title.
Vehicle Identification Number
6 INTRODUCTION

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could
seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and
may lead to an accident resulting in serious injury or
death.
1
INTRODUCTION 7

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
䡵A Word About Your Keys ................. 12
▫Ignition Key Removal .................. 12
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder ............... 14
▫Locking The Doors With The Key .......... 14
䡵Sentry Key威.......................... 15
▫Replacement Keys ..................... 16
▫Customer Key Programming ............. 16
▫General Information ................... 17
䡵Vehicle Security Alarm — If Equipped ........ 18
▫Rearming The System .................. 18
▫To Arm The System ................... 18
▫To Disarm The System ................. 19
䡵Illuminated Entry System — If Equipped ...... 20
䡵Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) — If Equipped . . . 20
▫To Unlock The Doors .................. 21
▫To Lock The Doors .................... 23
▫To Unlatch The Trunk .................. 24
2

▫Using The Remote Open Window Feature —
If Equipped ......................... 24
▫Using The Panic Alarm ................. 24
▫Programming Additional Transmitters ...... 25
▫Transmitter Battery Replacement .......... 25
▫General Information ................... 26
䡵Remote Start System — If Equipped ......... 26
▫How To Use Remote Start ............... 27
䡵Door Locks ........................... 29
▫Manual Door Locks ................... 29
▫Power Door Locks .................... 30
▫Child Protection Door Lock System
(Rear Doors) ......................... 32
䡵Power Windows ....................... 33
▫Power Window Switches ................ 33
▫Auto Window Down — If Equipped ....... 34
▫Auto Window Up — If Equipped .......... 35
▫Window Lockout Switch ................ 36
▫Wind Buffeting ....................... 36
䡵Trunk Lock And Release ................. 37
䡵Trunk Safety Warning ................... 37
▫Trunk Internal Emergency Release ......... 38
䡵Occupant Restraints ..................... 39
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .................... 40
▫Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure .... 46
▫Adjustable Upper Shoulder Belt Anchorage . . . 46
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫Rear Seat Belts ....................... 47
▫Automatic Locking Retractors
(ALR) Mode — If Equipped .............. 47
▫Seat Belt Pretensioners — If Equipped ...... 48
▫Supplemental Rear Impact Active Head
Restraints (AHR) ...................... 48
▫Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System
(BeltAlert威) ......................... 52
▫BeltAlert威Programming ................ 53
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women .......... 54
▫Seat Belt Extender ..................... 54
▫Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) —
Airbags ............................ 54
▫Airbag System Components .............. 55
▫Advanced Front Airbag Features .......... 56
▫Airbag Deployment Sensors And Controls . . . 61
▫Event Data Recorder (EDR) .............. 68
▫Child Restraints ...................... 70
▫Transporting Pets ..................... 81
䡵Engine Break-In Recommendations .......... 81
䡵Safety Tips ........................... 82
▫Transporting Passengers ................ 82
▫Exhaust Gas ......................... 82
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ............................. 83
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ................... 84
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
The authorized dealer that sold you your vehicle has the
key code numbers for your vehicle locks. These numbers
can be used to order duplicate keys from your authorized
dealer. Ask your authorized dealer for these numbers
and keep them in a safe place.
You can insert the double-sided keys into the locks with
either side up.
Ignition Key Removal
Automatic Transaxle
Place the shift lever in PARK. Turn the ignition switch to
the ACC position, push the key and cylinder inward,
rotate the key to the LOCK position, and remove the key.
Vehicle Key
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
• If you try to remove the key before you place the shift
lever in PARK, the key may become trapped tempo-
rarily in the ignition switch lock cylinder. If this
occurs, rotate the key to the right slightly, then remove
the key as described. If a malfunction occurs, the
system will trap the key in the ignition switch lock
cylinder to warn you that this safety feature is inop-
erable. The engine can be started and stopped, but the
key cannot be removed until you obtain service.
• For vehicles not equipped with the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC), the power window switches,
radio, hands–free system (if equipped), and power out-
lets will remain active for 45 seconds after the ignition
switch is turned to the LOCK position. Opening either
door will cancel this feature.
• For vehicles equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC), the power window switches,
radio, hands–free system (if equipped), and power out-
lets will remain active for up to 10 minutes after the
ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position. Opening
either door will cancel this feature. The time for this
Ignition Switch Positions
1 — LOCK 3 — ON
2 — ACC (ACCESSORY) 4 — START
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

feature is programmable. For details, refer to “Key-Off
Power Delay,” under “Personal Settings (Customer-Pro-
grammable Features)” under “Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC)” in Section 4 of this manual.
WARNING!
NEVER leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
unattended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be seri-
ously or fatally injured. Don’t leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove key from the ignition and lock all doors
when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition,
sounds a signal to remind you to remove the key.
NOTE:
• The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds when the
ignition key is placed in the LOCK or ACC position.
• With either front door open, and the key in the
ignition, both the power door locks and Remote Key-
less Entry (RKE) transmitter will not function.
Locking the Doors with the Key
There is only one external door lock cylinder which is
located in the driver’s door only.
You can insert the key with either side up. To lock the
door, turn the key rearward. To unlock the door, turn the
key forward. For door lock lubrication, see “Body Lubri-
cation” under “Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” of this manual.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

SENTRY KEY姞
The Sentry Key威Immobilizer System prevents unautho-
rized vehicle operation by disabling the engine. The
system does not need to be armed or activated. Operation
is automatic, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked
or unlocked.
The system uses ignition keys, which have an embedded
electronic chip (transponder), to prevent unauthorized
vehicle operation. Therefore, only keys that are pro-
grammed to the vehicle can be used to start and operate
the vehicle. The system will shut the engine off in two
seconds if someone uses an invalid key to start the
engine.
NOTE: A key which has not been programmed is also
considered an invalid key even if it is cut to fit the
ignition switch lock cylinder for that vehicle.
During normal operation, after turning on the ignition
switch, the Vehicle Security Light will turn on for three
seconds for a bulb check. If the light remains on after the
bulb check, it indicates that there is a problem with the
electronics. In addition, if the light begins to flash after
the bulb check, it indicates that someone used an invalid
key to start the engine. Either of these conditions will
result in the engine being shut off after two seconds.
If the Vehicle Security Light turns on during normal
vehicle operation (vehicle running for longer than 10 sec-
onds), it indicates that there is a fault in the electronics.
Should this occur, have the vehicle serviced as soon as
possible by an authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
Always remove the Sentry Key威from the vehicle and
lock all doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

NOTE: The Sentry Key威Immobilizer System is not
compatible with some aftermarket remote starting sys-
tems. Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting
problems and loss of security protection.
All of the keys provided with your vehicle have been
programmed to the vehicle electronics.
Replacement Keys
NOTE: Only keys that have been programmed to the
vehicle electronics can be used to start the vehicle. Once
a Sentry Key威has been programmed to a vehicle, it
cannot be programmed to any other vehicle.
At the time of purchase, the original owner is provided
with a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).
The PIN is required for authorized dealer replacement of
keys. Duplication of keys may be performed at an
authorized dealer or by using the Customer Key Pro-
gramming procedure. This procedure consists of pro-
gramming a blank key to the vehicle electronics. A blank
key is one which has never been programmed.
NOTE: When having the Sentry Key威Immobilizer
System serviced, bring all vehicle keys with you to the
authorized dealer.
Customer Key Programming
You can program new keys to the system if you have two
valid Sentry Keys威by performing the following procedure:
1. Cut the additional Sentry Key威Transponder blank(s)
to match the ignition switch lock cylinder key code.
2. Insert the first valid key into the ignition switch. Turn
the ignition switch to the ON position for at least three
seconds, but no longer than 15 seconds. Then, turn the
ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the first
key.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

3. Insert the second valid key into the ignition switch.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON position within
15 seconds. After ten seconds, a chime will sound. In
addition, the Vehicle Security Light will begin to flash.
Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position and
remove the second key.
4. Insert a blank Sentry Key威into the ignition switch.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON position within
60 seconds. After 10 seconds, a single chime will sound.
In addition, the Vehicle Security Light will stop flashing.
To indicate that programming is complete, the indicator
light will turn on again for three seconds and then turn
off.
The new Sentry Key威is programmed. The Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter will also be pro-
grammed during this procedure.
Repeat this procedure to program up to eight keys. If you
do not have a programmed Sentry Key威contact your
authorized dealer for details.
NOTE: If a programmed key is lost, see your authorized
dealer to have all remaining keys erased from the sys-
tems memory. This will prevent the lost key from starting
your vehicle. The remaining keys must then be repro-
grammed. All vehicle keys must be taken to your autho-
rized dealer at the time of service to be reprogrammed.
General Information
The Sentry Key威system complies with FCC rules part 15
and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17

VEHICLE SECURITY ALARM — IF EQUIPPED
The Vehicle Security Alarm monitors the doors and trunk
for unauthorized entry and ignition switch for unautho-
rized operation.
If something triggers the alarm, the Vehicle Security
Alarm will signal for about 18 minutes. For the first three
minutes, the horn will sound intermittently and the
headlights, park lamps and/or turn signals will flash and
the Vehicle Security Light in the cluster will flash. Then
the exterior lights will flash for another 15 minutes.
Rearming The System
If something triggers the alarm, and no action is taken to
disarm it, the Vehicle Security Alarm will turn off the
horn after three minutes, turn off all of the visual signals
after 15 minutes, and then the Vehicle Security Alarm will
rearm itself.
To Arm The System
1. Remove the keys from the ignition switch and get out
of the vehicle.
2. Lock the door using either the power door lock switch
(one door must be open) or the LOCK button on the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter (doors can be
open or closed), and close all doors.
NOTE: The Vehicle Security Alarm will not arm if you
lock the doors with the manual door lock plungers.
3. The Vehicle Security Light in the instrument cluster
will flash for 16 seconds. This shows that the Vehicle
Security Alarm is arming. During this period, if a door is
opened, the ignition switch is turned ON, or the power
door locks are unlocked in any manner, the Vehicle
Security Alarm will automatically disarm.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:
• During the 16 second arming period, if a door is
opened or the ignition switch is turned ON, the
Vehicle Security Alarm will automatically disarm.
• Once armed, the Vehicle Security Alarm disables the
unlock switch on the driver door trim panel and
passenger door trim panel, the trunk release button on
the instrument panel, and the HomeLink威/Garage
Door Opener (if equipped).
To Disarm The System
Either press the UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter
or insert a valid Sentry Key威into the ignition lock
cylinder and turn the key to the ON/START position.
NOTE:
• The driver’s door key cylinder and the trunk button on
the RKE transmitter cannot arm or disarm the Vehicle
Security Alarm.
• The Vehicle Security Alarm remains armed during
trunk entry. Pressing the trunk button will not disarm
the Vehicle Security Alarm. If someone enters the
vehicle through the trunk and opens any door, the
alarm will sound.
The Vehicle Security Alarm is designed to protect your
vehicle; however, you can create conditions where the
Vehicle Security Alarm will give you a false alarm. If one
of the previously described arming sequences has oc-
curred, the Vehicle Security Alarm will arm regardless of
whether you are in the vehicle or not. If you remain in the
vehicle and open a door, the alarm will sound. If this
occurs, disarm the Vehicle Security Alarm.
If the Vehicle Security Alarm is armed and the battery
becomes disconnected the Vehicle Security Alarm will
remain armed when the battery is reconnected. The
exterior lights will flash, and the horn will sound. If this
occurs, disarm the Vehicle Security Alarm.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19

Tamper Alert
If the alarm was triggered, but the warning signals have
timed out, the park and taillights flash three times
(instead of the normal twice), and the horn will chirp
three times, when unlocking the vehicle with a valid RKE
transmitter to alert the driver.
ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED
The courtesy/reading lights will turn on when you use
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or open
either door.
This feature also turns on the approach lighting (if
equipped). For details, refer to “Illumination Approach,”
under “Personal Settings (Customer-Programmable Fea-
tures)” in the “Electronic Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC),” in Section 4 of this manual.
The interior lights will fade to off after approximately
30 seconds or they will immediately fade to off once the
ignition switch is turned ON.
NOTE:
• The front courtesy overhead console and door cour-
tesy lights do not turn on if the dimmer control is in
the interior lights ON position (extreme top position).
• The Illuminated Entry system will not operate if the
dimmer control is in the “defeat” position (extreme
downward position).
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) — IF
EQUIPPED
This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors, open
the trunk, lower both front windows (if equipped), or
activate the Panic Alarm from distances approximately
66 ft (20 m) using a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) trans-
mitter. The RKE transmitter does not need to be pointed
at the vehicle to activate the system.
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE