towing CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE 2005 1.G User Guide

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
To meet new government regulations and promote
cleaner air, your Crossfire is equipped with a sophisti-
cated onboard diagnostic system called OBD II. This
system monitors the performance of the emissions and
engine control systems. When these systems are operat-
ing properly, your vehicle will provide excellent perfor-
mance and fuel economy, as well as engine emissions
well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the CHECK ENGINE Light. It will also store
diagnostic codes and other information to assist your
service technician in making repairs. Although your
vehicle will usually be drivable and not need towing, see
your authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the CHECK ENGINE light
on could cause further damage to the emission
control system. It could also affect fuel economy and
drivability. The vehicle must be serviced before any
state emissions tests can be performed.
If the CHECK ENGINE light is flashing, severe catalytic
converter damage and power loss will soon occur. Im-
mediate service is required.
If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the CHECK
ENGINE light may come on. Be sure the gas cap is
tightened every time you add fuel. Tighten the cap until
you hear it “click” once.
198 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to DaimlerChrysler Corpo-
ration’s specifications, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for a prolonged period.
Ignition Wiring System
The ignition cables should be kept clean and properly
connected. Terminals should be fully seated. Cracked,
damaged, or faulty cables should be replaced.
Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from sticking or plugging due to deposits.
Check ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
Maintenance-Free Battery
The top of the maintenance-free battery is permanently
sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is periodic
maintenance required.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 207
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Tire and Loading Information Placard
This placard tells you important information about the,
1. number of people that can be carried in the vehicle
2. the total weight your vehicle can carry
3. the tire size designed for your vehicle
4. the cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear and
spare tires.
Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed
the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you
adhere to the loading conditions, tire size and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information placard and the Vehicle Loading section of
this manual.
NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWR’s) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded. For further information on
GAWR’s, vehicle loading and trailer towing, see the
Vehicle Loading section of this manual.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs.” or “Vehicle Capacity” on the Tire and Loading
Information placard. The combined weight of occupants,
cargo/luggage and trailer tongue weight (if applicable)
should never exceed the weight referenced here.
268 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX pounds” or
“Vehicle Capacity” on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas-
sengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if “XXX”
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb.
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400–750 (5 x 15) =
650 lb.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in step 4.6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
NOTE:The following table shows examples on how to
calculate total load, cargo/luggage and towing capacities
of your vehicle with varying seating configurations and
number and size of occupants. This table is for illustra-
tion purposes only and may not be accurate for the
seating and load carry capacity of your vehicle.
NOTE:For the following example the combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs. (392
Kg).
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 269
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Disposal
Engine Oil.......................... 204
Door Locks, Automatic................... 13
Drive Belts............................ 205
Drive Shaft Universal Joints............... 210
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces................156,183
Electronic Speed Control.................. 88
Electronic Stability Program................ 86
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 172
Jump Starting........................ 181
Overheating......................... 172
Towing............................. 185
Emergency Trunk Release................. 19
Emission Control System Maintenance....199,249
Engine
Break-In Recommendations............... 46
Checking Oil Level.................... 201
Compartment........................ 197
Oil .............................201,243
Oil Change Interval................... 202Oil Selection......................... 204
Exhaust Gas Caution..................... 46
Exhaust System........................ 213
Exterior Lights......................... 235
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 205
Air Conditioning..................... 256
Engine Fuel......................... 205
Engine Oil.......................... 204
Fluid Capacities.....................241,243
Fluid Leaks............................ 47
Fluid Level Checks
Manual Transmission.................. 221
Four-Way Hazard Flasher................. 172
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 184
Fuel................................. 164
Adding............................. 166
Additives........................... 166
Filler Cap........................... 166
Filter.............................. 205
Octane Rating........................ 164
Fuses................................ 228
276 INDEX

Changing........................174,178
Inflation Pressures.................... 267
Load Capacity....................... 267
Pressure Label....................... 154
Pressure Monitor System.............80,157
Quality Grading...................... 264
Replacement......................... 160
Rotation............................ 162
Safety............................... 47
Sizes............................... 264
Snow Tires.......................... 159
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 160
Tow-Away Alarm.....................18,188
Towing.............................. 185
Disabled Vehicle...................... 185
Trailering........................... 169
Towing Eyes.......................... 186
Traction.............................. 184
Trailer Towing......................... 169
Transmission
Automatic........................135,220
Fluid.............................. 220
Manual..........................133,221Shifting..........................133,134
Transporting Pets........................ 45
Tread Wear Indicators................... 160
Trunk Release, Emergency................. 19
Turn Signals........................... 75
Umbrella Hook......................... 96
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 264
Universal Transmitter..................92,95
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................ 217
Vehicle Identification Number............... 6
Vehicle Loading........................ 168
Vehicle Storage......................... 239
Vehicle Theft Alarm...................... 17
Warnings and Cautions.................... 6
Warranty Information.................... 261
Washer, Adding Fluid................... 212
Washing Vehicle........................ 222
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care............... 223
Windows
Power.............................. 20
INDEX 281
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