check engine CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE 2005 1.G Owner's Guide

Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
1. Lift the wiper arm away from the glass.
2. Rotate the blade 45 degrees to gain access to the
release tab.
3. Push the release tab as shown in the illustration and
slide the wiper blade assembly down along the arm.
Gently place the wiper arm on the windshield.
4. Install the new blade assembly onto the wiper arm tip
until it locks in place.
Windshield Washer Reservoir
The washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine
compartment and should be checked for fluid level at
regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield
washer solvent (not radiator antifreeze) rated not to
freeze at -25°F (-31°C). Operate the system for a few
seconds to flush out the residual water.
212 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cooling System - Drain, Flush and Refill
At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules,
the system should be drained, flushed and refilled.
If the solution is dirty and contains a considerable
amount of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable
cooling system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to
remove all deposits and chemicals.
Engine Coolant Disposal
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. Do not store ethylene glycol based engine
coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. Prevent ingestion by animals or
children. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately.
Selection Of Coolant
Use only coolant approved to MB 325.0, such as Valvoline
GO5, or an equivalent extended life coolant. Refer to the
recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for
correct coolant type.
CAUTION!
Failure to use the proper antifreeze could cause
radiator plugging and engine overheating. Do not
mix antifreeze brands or types. Do not use plain
water alone or alcohol base antifreeze products. Do
not use additional rust inhibitors or antirust prod-
ucts, as they may not be compatible with the radiator
coolant and may plug the radiator.
Adding Coolant
When adding coolant, a minimum solution of 50% eth-
ylene glycol antifreeze coolant and water should be used.
Use higher concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if tempera-
tures below -34°F (-37°C) are anticipated.
Use only high purity water, such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/antifreeze solution. The
use of lower quality water will reduce the amount of
corrosion protection in the engine cooling system.
NOTE:Mixing coolant types other than Moparprod-
ucts will decrease the life of the engine coolant and will
require more frequent coolant changes.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 215
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Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing,
according to the temperatures occurring in the area
where the vehicle is operated.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
coolant, and to insure that coolant will return to the
radiator from the coolant reserve tank.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
The warning words “DO NOT OPEN WHEN HOT”
near the cooling system reservoir cap are a safety
precaution. Never add coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool
an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to build
up in the cooling system. To prevent scalding or
injury, do not remove the pressure cap while the
system is hot or under pressure.
WARNING!
Do not use a pressure cap other than the one speci-
fied for your vehicle. Personal injury or engine
damage may result.
Points to Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulation on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot water to
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant bottle.
•Check coolant freeze point in the system.
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•If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the recovery bottle does not drop when the
engine cools, the cooling system should be pressure
tested for leaks.
•Maintain a coolant concentration of a minimum of 50%
ethylene glycol Extended Life Coolant and high qual-
ity water with recommended antifreeze for proper
corrosion protection of your engine cooling system
that contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant bottle hoses
are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle has
air conditioning, keep the front of the condenser clean,
also.
•Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor fuel
economy, and increased emissions.
Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions,
and excessive swelling indicate deterioration of the rub-
ber.
Pay particular attention to the hoses nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose rout-
ing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed. Inspect all hose connections such as clamps
and couplings to make sure they are secure and no leaks
are present. Components should be replaced immedi-
ately if there is any evidence of degradation that could
cause failure.
Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance section.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 217
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WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be made to examining those hose sur-
faces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before a hose is replaced
based on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done
whenever the brake system is serviced and at every
engine oil change.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
218 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed at 80,000 miles (129,000 km). The fluid is then
filled for life.
NOTE:Refer to Section 8 of this manual for Mainte-
nance Schedules.
Manual Transmission
Selection of Lubricant
No fluid service is required. Use only fluid approved to
MB 236.2. SAE 5W-20 engine oil, meeting API SL or GF-3,
may be substituted. Refer to the Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants and Genuine Parts section for the correct fluid
type.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more than 3/16 inch (4.76 mm) below the
bottom of the hole.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill. Dirt and water in the transmission
can cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and water
from entering the transmission after checking or
replenishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap
is seated properly.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
Frequency of Fluid Change
Under normal operation conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
the vehicle. Fluid changes are not necessary unless the
lubricant has become contaminated with water. If con-
taminated with water, the fluid should be changed im-
mediately.
Special Additives
Do not add any fluid additives to the transmission. The
only exception to this policy is the use of special dyes to
aid in detecting fluid leaks. The use of transmission
sealers should be avoided as this may adversely affect
seals.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 221
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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
CONTENTS

Introduction..........................248

Warranty............................248

Emission Control System Maintenance......249

Maintenance Schedules..................249
▫Scope Of Work For “A” Schedule Maintenance
Service.............................250
▫Scope Of Work For “B” Schedule Maintenance
Service.............................251

FSS System...........................252

Regular Check-Ups.....................254
▫Additional Periodic Maintenance..........255

Special Maintenance Requirements.........256
▫Coolant............................256
▫Dust Filter For Heating/Ventilation
Replacement.........................256

Engine Oil Change And Filter Replacement...2568
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Your Flexible Service System (FSS) — see Understanding
Your Instrument Panel section — should give you an
exact indication of when your vehicle should be sched-
uled for service and which schedule to follow.
Additional Periodic Maintenanceitems should also be
performed beyond the items listed in the following charts
to assure the optimum performance of your Crossfire.
SCOPE OF WORK FOR “A” SCHEDULE
MAINTENANCE SERVICE
Oil Change
•Change oil and replace filter
Maintenance
•Lubricate hood hinges, latch, and secondary latch
•Reset FSS Display
Function Check
•Horn, hazard warning flashers, turn signals, and indi-
cator lamps
•Headlamps and exterior lighting
•Windshield wipers and washer system
Inspection
•Check front and rear brake pads for lining thickness
•Check tires for damage and general condition
•Check tire inflation pressures and correct if necessary
Fluid Levels
Check fluid levels for the following systems and correct if
necessary. Should there be a loss of fluid that cannot be
explained by regular use, trace and eliminate the cause.
•Engine cooling system (check corrosion inhibitor/
antifreeze)
•Hydraulic brake system
•Power steering system
•Windshield washer system
250 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Fluid Levels
Check fluid levels for the following systems and correct if
necessary. Should there be a loss of fluid that cannot be
explained by regular use, trace and eliminate the cause.
•Engine cooling system (check corrosion inhibitor/
antifreeze)
•Hydraulic brake system
•Power steering system
•Windshield washer system
FSS SYSTEM
The Flexible Service System (FSS) permits a flexible
service schedule that is directly related to the operating
conditions of the vehicle. See the Understanding Your
Instrument Panel section for details on how to use the
FSS.The oil change interval for your Crossfire is initially set at
7,000 miles (Canada: 11,000 km). Very light duty driving
cycles (most trips more than 10 miles [16 km] at moderate
speeds in moderate temperature conditions) can extend
the service interval beyond 7,000 miles (Canada: 11,000
km). IfANYof the following apply to your driving, the
oil change interval can be reduced significantly:
Day or night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C).
Stop and go driving.
Extensive engine idling.
Driving in dusty conditions.
Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C).
There are two symbols which will appear in the main
odometer display field prior to the next suggested ser-
vice.
252 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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REGULAR CHECK-UPS
To maintain the safe operation of your vehicle, it is
recommended that you perform the following tasks on a
regular basis (i.e., weekly or whenever the vehicle is
refueled).
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. See the procedure de-
scribed in Checking Your Engine Oil in the Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel section or under
Engine Oil in the Maintaining Your Vehicle section.
Add oil only when the level is at or below the ADD or
MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
•Inspect wiper blade condition.
•Check operation of lighting systems.
•Inspect tires for unusual wear, damage, and pressure
(at least every 14 days).
•Mechanical assemblies (e.g., engine, transmission, etc.)
- check for leaks.
Once a Month
•
Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and power steering and add as
needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
254 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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