tow CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE 2005 1.G Owner's Manual

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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 169
5

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS

Hazard Warning Flasher.................172

If Your Engine Overheats................172

TIREFIT Tire Repair And Jacking..........174
▫TIREFIT............................174
▫Preparations For Jacking................177
▫Jack Location And Instructions............178

Jump-Starting The Battery...............181

Driving On Slippery Surfaces.............183▫Traction............................184

Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................184

Towing A Disabled Vehicle...............185
▫Towing Eyes.........................186
▫Tow-Away Alarm.....................188

Convertible Top Emergency Operation......189
▫Relieving Hydraulic Pressure.............190
6

•Turn on the hazard warning flashers and park the
vehicle on a firm, level surface; avoid ice or slippery
areas.
•Firmly set the parking brake and shift the transmission
selector lever into PARK (manual transmission to
FIRST or REVERSE gear).
•Turn off the engine.
•Block the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire.
•Passengers must not remain in the vehicle when the
vehicle is jacked.
NOTE:The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up
the vehicle at the specified jack location points built
beneath either side of the vehicle.
Jack Location and Instructions
1. Remove the jack and jack handle from stowage be-
neath the cargo compartment carpet.
178 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
A loose jack or tool thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the ve-
hicle. Always stow the jack parts and tools in the
places provided.
JUMP-STARTING THE BATTERY
WARNING!
Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever
the hood is raised. It can start any time the ignition
switch is on. You can be hurt by the fan.
CAUTION!
Do not try to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Your vehicle cannot be started this way.
Pushing with another vehicle may damage the trans-
mission or the rear of your vehicle. If your vehicle
has a discharged (dead) battery, booster cables may
be used to obtain a start from another vehicle. This
type of start can be dangerous if done improperly, so
follow the procedure carefully.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 181
6

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
We recommend that the vehicle be transported using flat
bed equipment. This method is preferable to other types
of towing.
CAUTION!
Important! If towing the vehicle, please note the
following: With the automatic central locking acti-
vated and the key in the ignition switch turned to the
ON/RUN position, the vehicle doors lock if the left
front wheel and the right rear wheel are turning at
vehicle speeds of approximately 9 mph (15 km/h) or
more. To prevent the vehicle door locks from lock-
ing, deactivate the automatic central locking.
CAUTION!
If the vehicle is towed with the front wheels raised,
the engine must be shut off (key in the ignition
switch turned to the OFF/LOCK or ACC positions).
Otherwise, the ESP will immediately be engaged
and will apply the rear wheel brakes. Switch off the
tow-away alarm as well as the automatic central
locking system.
Towing restrictions for vehicles with automatic transmis-
sion: The vehicle may be towed with all wheels on the
ground and the transmission selector lever in the Neutral
position for distances up to 30 miles (48 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph (48 km/h). The key must be
turned to the ON/RUN position in the ignition. To be
certain to avoid a possibility of damage to the transmis-
sion, however, we recommend the drive shaft be discon-
nected at the rear axle drive flange for any towing
beyond a short tow to a nearby garage.
Always comply with applicable state or local towing
ordinances.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 185
6

CAUTION!
•Do not attempt to tow this vehicle from the front
with sling-type towing equipment. Damage to the
front fascia will result.
•Always use wheel lift equipment when towing
from the front. The only other approved method
of towing is with a flatbed truck.
•Do not tow the vehicle from the rear. Damage to
the rear sheet metal and fascia will occur.
•Do not push or tow this vehicle with another
vehicle as damage to the bumper fascia and trans-
mission may result.
Towing Eyes
The vehicle is equipped with front and rear towing eyes
to allow towing with the wheels on the ground or to
allow the vehicle to be easily drawn up on a flatbed tow
truck. The rear towing eye is located on the right side of
the vehicle below the rear fascia. The front hook islocated behind the lower grille in the fascia. For access, a
snap-in grille must be removed using the multifunction
tool from the glovebox.
186 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Insert the tool (or similar sized screwdriver) into the slot
in the grille as shown (the tool must be inserted far
enough to engage the clip on the left side of the grille).
Push the tool to the left to disengage the clip and detach
the grille. The front towing eye is now accessible.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 187
6

Tow-Away Alarm
Once the alarm system has been armed, the exterior
vehicle lights will flash and an alarm will sound when
anyone attempts to raise the vehicle for towing. The
alarm will last approximately three minutes in the form
of flashing exterior lights. At the same time, an alarm will
sound for 30 seconds. The alarm will stay on even if the
vehicle is immediately lowered. To cancel the alarm,
insert the key in the ignition switch or press the transmit
button on the key fob.To prevent triggering the tow-away alarm feature, press
the tow-away alarm switch to turn off the tow-away
alarm before towing the vehicle, or when parking on a
surface subject to movement, such as a ferry or auto train.
To do so, turn the key in the ignition switch to the
OFF/LOCK or ACC positions, or remove key from the
ignition switch. Press the upper half of the tow-away
alarm switch. The indicator light will illuminate briefly.
Then, exit the vehicle and lock with a key or the remote
control. The tow-away alarm remains switched off until
the vehicle is locked again with a key or the remote
control, at which time it is automatically reactivated.
188 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

6. Move the convertible top toward the windshield
header.
WARNING!
Do not place your hands in the convertible top frame
areas. Serious personal injury may occur.
7. Do not place the convertible top frame onto wind-
shield header.8. Place the rear window section of the convertible top in
its vertical position.
9. Close the tonneau cover by placing hands near the
edges (arrows) and slowly lowering it. The tonneau cover
must lock in the first notch of the compartment cover
catch.
192 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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