ESP CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE 2005 1.G Owner's Manual

If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator light is still illumi-
nated, the vehicle should be serviced at an authorized
dealer.
ESP Control switch
The ESP control switch is located in the center console.
When the ESP is switched off, the warning light in the
instrument cluster comes on. When the ESP is switched
on, the warning light goes out.
To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand, or gravel,
switch off the ESP by pressing the upper half of the ESPswitch. The ESP warning light will then be continuously
illuminated. With the ESP system switched off, the en-
gine torque reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the
enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable.
CAUTION!
Snow chains should never be used without the
recommended mud and snow (M+S) rated radial-ply
tires. Damage to your vehicle may result from such
usage.
ESP always operates under braking, even with the switch
in the OFF position.
If one drive wheel loses traction and begins to spin, the
ESP system will apply the brake at the affected wheel
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).
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To return to the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP,
press the lower half of the switch (the ESP warning light
goes out).
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The ABS gives increased vehicle stability and brake
performance under most braking conditions. The system
automatically “pumps” the brakes during severe braking
conditions to prevent wheel lock-up. The system operates
to prevent wheel lock-up and help avoid skidding on
slippery surfaces.
NOTE:The ABS improves steering control of the ve-
hicle during hard braking maneuvers.
The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up above a
vehicle speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h)
independent of road surface conditions.
At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a
slight pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal, indicat-
ing that the ABS is in the regulating mode.
Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal
while experiencing the pulsation. Continuous, steadybrake pedal pressure results in optimal braking power
while maintaining the ability to steer the vehicle.
In the case of an emergency brake maneuver, keep
continuous full pressure on the brake pedal. In this
manner only can the ABS be most effective.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will respond even
with light brake pedal pressure because of the in-
creased likelihood of locking wheels. The pulsating
brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road
conditions and functions as a reminder to take extra
care while driving.WARNING!
Significant over- or under-inflation of tires, or mix-
ing sizes of front or rear tires or wheels on the
vehicle can reduce braking effectiveness. Maintain
proper tire pressure and always use the tires and
wheels specified in this manual for your vehicle.
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When the ABS malfunction indicator light in the instru-
ment cluster comes on while the engine is running, it
indicates that the ABS has detected a malfunction and has
switched off. In this case, the brake system functions in
the usual manner, but without antilock assistance. With
the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are also
switched off. Both malfunction indicator lights come on
with the engine running. If the charging voltage falls
below 10 volts, the malfunction indicator light comes on
and the ABS is switched off. When the voltage is above
this value again, the malfunction indicator light should
go out and the ABS is operational. If the malfunction
indicator light stays illuminated, have the system
checked at your authorized dealer as soon as possible.WARNING!
ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by the con-
dition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded. The ABS cannot prevent accidents, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydroplan-
ing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ABS-
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reck-
less or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
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WARNING!
To use your brakes and accelerator more safely,
follow these tips:
•Do not “ride” the brakes by resting your foot on
the pedal. This could overheat the brakes and
result in unpredictable braking action, longer
stopping distances, or brake damage.
•When descending mountains or hills, repeated
braking can cause brake fade with loss of braking
control. Avoid repeated heavy braking by down-
shifting the transmission whenever possible.
•Do not drive too fast for road conditions, espe-
cially when roads are wet or slushy. A wedge of
water can build up between the tire tread and the
road. This hydroplaning action can cause loss of
traction, braking ability, and control.
•After going through deep water or a car wash,
brakes may become wet, resulting in decreased
performance and unpredictable braking action.
Dry the brakes by gentle, intermittent pedal ac-
tion while driving at very slow speeds.
Brake Pad Break-In
The brakes on your vehicle do not require a long break-in
period, but avoid repeated hard brake applications from
high speeds during initial break-in. Also avoid severe
brake loading such as may be encountered when de-
scending long mountain grades.
POWER STEERING
The power-assisted steering system of your vehicle pro-
vides mechanical steering capability in the event power
assist is lost.
If, for some reason, the hydraulic pressure is interrupted,
it will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions, you will observe a substantial increase in
steering effort.
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CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure al-
ways reinstall the valve stem cap—if equipped. This
will prevent moisture and dirt from entering the
valve stem, which could damage the valve stem.
Inflation pressures specified on the placard are always
“cold tire inflation pressure.” Cold tire inflation pressure
is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not
been driven for at least 3 hours, or driven less than 1 mile
(1.6 km) after a 3 hour period. The cold tire inflation
pressure must not exceed the maximum inflation pres-
sure molded into the tire side wall.
Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide range
of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary with
temperature changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per
12°F (7°C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure inside a garage especially in
the winter.Example: If garage temperature = 68°F (20°C) and the
outside temperature = 32°F (0°C) then the cold tire
inflation pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa),
which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this
outside temperature condition.
Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi (13 to 40 kPa)
during operation. DO NOT reduce this normal pressure
build up or your tire pressure will be too low.
Tire Pressures for High Speed Operation
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds
within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi-
tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high
speeds, maintaining correct tire inflation pressure is very
important. Increased tire pressure and reduced vehicle
loading may be required for high speed vehicle opera-
tion. Refer elsewhere in this section for recommended
safe operating speeds, loading and cold tire inflation
pressures.
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NOTE:The pressure in your tires changes with tem-
perature. A significant decrease in temperature could
reduce cold inflation pressure below the TPM setpoint.
For example, tires inflated to the proper cold inflation
pressure on a warm day or in a warm garage could
illuminate the TPM indicator lamp on the following day
if the temperature is very cold.ALWAYScheck the
pressure in your tires if the TPM lamp is illuminated.
Tire Chains
The RUD-maticDISC is the only tire chain system
approved for use on the Chrysler Crossfire.
Chains should only be used on the rear wheels and only
with the recommended winter mud and snow (M+S)
tires and wheels. Follow the manufacturer’s mounting
instructions.
Tire chains should only be driven on snow-covered roads
at speeds not to exceed 30 mph (48 km/h). Remove
chains as soon as possible when driving on roads without
snow.
When driving with tire chains, press the ESP control
switch to OFF.
CAUTION!
Damage to the vehicle may result if unapproved tire
chains are used.
Original Equipment Tires
Your vehicle is equipped with either sport performance
tires or all-season performance tires. The sport perfor-
mance tires offer the maximum road handling capability
in dry and wet weather conditions. The all-season per-
formance tires, while offering slightly less road handling
capability, are able to provide traction capability in snow
and ice conditions. Both types of tires are rated for high
speed operation. It is important that you know what type
of tires your vehicle is equipped with so that you
understand their traction and handling characteristics for
various road conditions. Replacement tires should be of
the same size and speed rating to continue to provide the
same level of performance you are accustomed to.
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CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings. Check with your authorized dealer before
replacing tires with a different size.
Tire Rotation Recommendations
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates, and tend to develop irregular wear pat-
terns.These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on all season type
tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain
mud, snow and wet traction levels, and contribute to a
smooth, quiet ride.
Rotate your tires at intervals shown on the maintenance
schedules. More frequent rotation is permissible if de-
sired. The reasons for any rapid or unusual wear should
be corrected before rotating.
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Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with mate-
rials called oxygenates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE and
ETBE. Oxygenates are required in some areas of the
country during the winter months to reduce carbon
monoxide emissions. Fuels blended with these oxygen-
ates may be used in your vehicle.
CAUTION!
DO NOT use gasolines containing Methanol. Use of
these blends may result in starting and drivability
problems and may damage critical fuel system com-
ponents.
Problems that result from using methanol/gasoline
blends are not the responsibility of DaimlerChrysler
Corporation and may not be covered by the Limited
Warranty. While MTBE is an oxygenate made from
Methanol, it does not have the negative effects of Metha-
nol.
MMT in Gasoline
MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasolines to increase the octane num-
ber. Gasolines blended with MMT offer no performance
advantage beyond gasolines of the same octane number
without MMT. Gasolines blended with MMT have shown
to reduce spark plug life and reduce emission system
performance in some vehicles. DaimlerChrysler Corpo-
ration recommends using gasolines without MMT. Since
the MMT content of gasoline may not be indicated on the
pump, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether or
not his/her gasoline contains MMT.
MMT is prohibited in both Federal and California refor-
mulated gasolines.
In Canada, MMT can be used at levels higher than those
allowed in the United States. For this reason, it is even
more important to look for gasolines without MMT in
Canada.
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CAUTION!
•To prevent damage to the roof of your vehicle, DO
NOT carry any loads on the roof luggage rack
which may come in contact with the roof panel.
The load should be secured and placed on top of
the rack, not directly on the roof. If it is necessary
to place some part of the load on the roof, place a
blanket or some other protection between the load
and the roof surface.
•To avoid damage to the roof luggage rack and
vehicle, do not exceed the rated load capacity of
your roof luggage rack system maximum load
capacity. Always distribute heavy loads as evenly
as possible and secure the load appropriately.
•Long loads which extend over the windshield, such
as wood panels or surfboards, should be carefully
secured to both the front and rear of the vehicle.
•Travel at reduced speeds and turn corners care-
fully when carrying large or heavy loads on the
roof luggage rack. Wind forces, due to natural
causes or nearby truck traffic, can add sudden
upward loads. This is especially true on large flat
loads and may result in damage to the cargo or
your vehicle.
WARNING!
Cargo must be securely tied before driving your
vehicle. Improperly secured loads can fly off the
vehicle, particularly at high speeds, resulting in
personal injury or property damage. Follow the roof
luggage rack “Cautions” when carrying cargo on
your roof rack.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with your Crossfire is not recommended.
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WARNING!
Cuts or punctures larger than approximately 0.16 in.
(4 mm), tire damage caused by driving with ex-
tremely low tire pressure or on a flat tire, or a
damaged wheel can pose a hazard while driving.
TIREFIT should not be used in such circumstances.
Do not drive the vehicle under such circumstances.
Contact your nearest authorized dealer for assistance.
Take care not to allow the contents of TIREFIT to
come in contact with hair, eyes or clothing. TIREFIT
is harmful if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed
through the skin: It causes skin, eye and respiratory
irritation. Any contact with eyes or skin should be
flushed immediately with plenty of water. If cloth-
ing comes in contact with TIREFIT, change clothing
as soon as possible.
In case of allergic reaction or rash, consult a physician
immediately. Keep TIREFIT out of reach of children.
If swallowed, rinse mouth immediately with plenty
of water and drink plenty of water. Do not induce
vomiting! Consult a physician immediately.
Keep away from open flame or heat source.
Sealing tire with TIREFIT
1. Set the parking brake and turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
2. Move the transmission selector lever to the PARK
position (manual transmission to FIRST or REVERSE
gear) and turn off the engine.
3. Remove the TIREFIT kit and electric air pump from
the area below the cargo compartment carpet.
4. Open flap (2) on the electric air pump.
5. Pull the power plug (4) and air hose (5) along with the
pressure gauge out of the air pump housing.
6. Screw the air hose (5) onto the hose connection on the
TIREFIT sealant bottle (1).
7. Holding the sealant bottle by the top, insert it down-
wards into the recess (3) on the air pump.
8. Unscrew the valve cap from the valve on the deflated
tire.
9. Screw the filler hose from the sealant bottle on the tire
valve.
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