engine CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE 2006 1.G Owners Manual

INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your Crossfire. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer-oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations 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 reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold.
When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained
technicians and genuine Moparparts, and is interested
in your satisfaction.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this 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

Power Windows........................21
▫Power Window Operation With The Convertible
Top Switch (Roadster Only)...............22

Rear Liftgate/Decklid Release..............22

Occupant Restraints.....................22
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts.....................23
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women............28
▫Seat Belt Extender......................28
▫Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag . .29▫Child Restraint........................40

Engine Break-In Recommendations..........47

Safety Tips............................47
▫Exhaust Gas..........................47
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle..........................48
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle....................48
8 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Obtaining Replacement Keys
Your vehicle is equipped with a theft deterrent locking
system requiring a special key manufacturing process.
For security reasons, replacement keys can only be ob-
tained from your authorized dealer.
Important!
Removing the key from the steering lock activates the
start lock-out. The engine cannot be started.
Turning the key in the steering lock to the ON/RUN
position deactivates the start lock-out.
NOTE:In case the engine cannot be started, and START
and ERROR are shown in the odometer display field, the
system is not operational. Contact an authorized dealer.
Ignition Key Removal
Turn the key to the LOCK position and remove the key.
NOTE:For vehicles with automatic transmissions, if
you try to remove the key before you place the shift lever
in PARK, the key may become trapped temporarily in the
key cylinder. If this occurs, turn the key clockwise
slightly, then remove the key as described.
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.
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Perform the quick system check which follows: Use
the remote transmitter to set the alarm. If the parking
lamps flash three times, the system is operating prop-
erly. If not, there is a problem with a switch or the
system. See your authorized dealer for service.
Emergency Unlocking Feature
In the case of an accident, the doors unlock automatically
a short time after a strong deceleration is detected, such
as in a collision (this is intended to aid rescue and exit).
However, the key must still be in the ignition.
Start Lockout
Removing the key from the ignition switch activates the
start lockout. The engine cannot be started. Turning the
key to the ON/RUN position deactivates the start lock-
out. If the engine cannot be started, and the messages
START and ERROR are shown in the odometer display
field, the system is not operational. Contact an autho-
rized dealer.
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY
This feature allows you to lock or unlock the vehicle from
remote locations using a hand-held transmitter located in
the key fob. You don’t have to point the transmitter at the
vehicle to activate the system. The vehicle doors, rear
liftgate/decklid, fuel filler door, and center console (road-
ster only) can be locked and unlocked using the remote
control.
To Unlock the Doors:
Press and release the unlock button on the key fob.
NOTE:If within 40 seconds of unlocking with the key
fob, neither door is opened, the key is not inserted in the
ignition switch, or the central locking switch is not
activated, the vehicle will automatically lock.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The engine in your new Crossfire does not require a long
break-in period. Following these few simple guidelines is
all that is necessary for a good break-in.
•Drive your vehicle at moderate vehicle and engine
speeds during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km).
•Do not make any full throttle starts and avoid full
throttle acceleration.
•Use the proper transmission gear for your speed
range.
•Avoid excessive idling.
•Check the engine oil level at every fuel fill.
NOTE:A new engine may consume some oil during the
first few thousand miles of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not an
indication of a problem.
SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
•Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in
or out of the area.
•If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running, adjust your heating or cooling con-
trols to force outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower
at high speed.
•To avoid drawing exhaust gases into the vehicle, close
the rear liftgate/decklid while driving. However, if for
some reason it must remain open, close all windows.
Adjust the heating or cooling system to force outside
air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47
2

CAUTION!
To avoid possible damage to the tonneau cover and
convertible top, do not allow the convertible top to
remain in the suspended position. After approxi-
mately 10 minutes in the suspended position, the
hydraulic pressure will be released which will allow
the top and the tonneau cover to lower. The convert-
ible top switch can be pressed to cancel this opera-
tion.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to either the top or the rear win-
dow, check the tonneau cover area at the rear of the
vehicle interior to be sure that it is clear of debris or
other items. Do not use the tonneau cover area for
other storage purposes.
CAUTION!
To fully insure that no damage occurs, be sure that
the vehicle is at a complete stop before attempting to
lower or raise the top.
NOTE:If the top stops during the raising or lowering
procedure, start the engine and continue operation.
1. Make sure the rear cargo compartment divider is
unfolded and secured in the vertical position.
If the divider is in its stowed position, first unfold the
panels towards the rear of the vehicle. Pull up on the
vertical panel using the center cutout shown, and hook
the pins at the top into the brackets mounted to the cargo
compartment trim on each side near the forward edge of
the decklid opening. The pins must be hooked in these
brackets in order for the top to operate.
54 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:If the indicator light in the instrument cluster
does not go out after starting the engine, the telescoping
column is not locked properly. Do not drive the vehicle
until you have properly locked the steering column.TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be
checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your
vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for
those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when on or
more of your tires is significantly under—inflated. Ac-
cordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates,
you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible,
and inflate them to the proper pressure, Driving on a
significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduced fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 83
3

The BAS is designed to maximize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The
system applies maximum power boost to the brakes
more quickly in emergency braking conditions than
might otherwise be afforded solely by the driver’s brak-
ing style. This can help reduce braking distances. The
BAS complements the antilock brake system (ABS). Ap-
plying the brakes very quickly results in maximum BAS
assistance. To receive the benefit of the system, you must
apply continuous full braking power during the stopping
sequence. Do not reduce brake pedal pressure.
Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
The malfunction indicator lamp for the Electronic Stabil-
ity Program is combined with the BAS. The yellow
BAS/ESP malfunction indicator light in the instrument
cluster and the yellow ESP warning light in the speed-
ometer dial come on with the key in the ignition switch
turned to the ON/RUN position. They should go out
with the engine running. If the BAS/ESP malfunction
indicator light comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in either sys-
tem.
90 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

If the malfunction indicator light stays illuminated, have
the BAS and ESP checked at your authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP)
WARNING!
ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction
afforded. The ESP cannot prevent accidents, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive speed in turns, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an
ESP-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopar-
dize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
The ESP enhances directional control and reduces driving
wheel spin of the vehicle under various driving condi-
tions.The ESP system corrects for over/understeering of the
vehicle by applying brakes to the appropriate wheel.
Engine torque is also limited. The ESP warning light,
located in the instrument cluster, starts to flash as soon as
the tires lose traction and the wheels begin to spin.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 91
3

To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel,
switch off the ESP system by pressing the upper half of
the ESP switch.
With the ESP system switched off, the engine torque
reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced
vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable. ESP al-
ways operates under braking, even with the switch in theOFF position. If one drive wheel loses traction and begins
to spin, the brake is applied by the ESP system until the
wheel regains sufficient traction. The traction control
engages at approximately 24 mph (40 km/h), and
switches off at 50 mph (80 km/h).
If the ESP warning light begins to flash during accelera-
tion, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle
as possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to
the prevailing road conditions. When the ESP warning
light is illuminated continuously, the ESP is switched off.
To return to the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP,
press the lower half of the switch (the ESP warning light
in the speedometer dial goes out). Avoid spinning one
drive wheel. This may cause serious damage to the drive
train and is not covered by the DaimlerChrysler war-
ranty.
92 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE