key CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE 2005 1.G Owner's Guide

24. Airbag Light
The operational readiness of the airbag sys-
tem is verified by the airbag indicator light
in the instrument cluster when turning the
key in the ignition switch to the ACC or
ON/RUN position. If no fault is detected, the light
will go out after approximately 4 seconds. After the
lamp goes out, the system continues to monitor the
components and circuitry of the airbag system and
will indicate a malfunction by coming on again.
The light will come on and remain on for 4 seconds as a
bulb check when the ignition switch is first turned ON. If
the bulb is not lit during starting, have it replaced. If the
light stays on, or comes on while driving, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer.
WARNING!
In the event a malfunction of the airbag is indicated,
the airbag may not be operational. For your safety,
we strongly recommend that you visit an authorized
dealer immediately to have the system checked;
otherwise the airbag may not be activated when
needed in an accident, which could result in serious
or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and
unnecessarily which could also result in injury.
25. Telescoping Wheel Indicator Light
With the key in the ignition and turned to the
ON/RUN position, the indicator light in the
instrument cluster comes on. It should go
out when the engine is running. If the indi-
cator light does not go out after starting the engine, the
telescoping steering column is not locked properly.
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WARNING!
Do not drive the vehicle until you have properly
locked the steering column.
26. Check Engine Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system that monitors the emissions and en-
gine control systems. If a problem is detected in one of
these systems, the Check Engine light will come on.
The light comes on and stays on briefly as a bulb check
when the ignition is first turned on.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, or
poor fuel quality may illuminate the light after the engine
is started. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time you
refuel.
If the Check Engine light remains on continuously and
the vehicle is driving normally, you may still drive the
vehicle. In most situations, the vehicle will not require
towing. However, we recommend that you have the
system checked at an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.If the vehicle is not driving normally, and the Check
Engine light flashes or remains on continuously, it is an
alert to serious conditions that could lead to loss of power
or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should
be serviced at an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
27. Brake Wear Indicator Light
With the key in the ignition and turned to the
ON/RUN position, the brake wear indicator
light comes on. The light goes out when the
engine is running.
If the indicator light comes on during braking, this
indicates the brake pads are worn down.
Have the brake system checked at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
28. Oil Level Indicator Light
With the key in the ignition switch turned to
the ON/RUN position, the oil level indicator
light comes on. It should go out immediately
when the engine is running. If the light does
not go out, or comes on while driving, the engine oil
level has dropped to approximately the minimum
mark on the dipstick.
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Climate Control - OFF
To switch the climate control off, set the air volume
control switch to position 0. The fresh air supply to the
vehicle interior is shut off. While driving, use this setting
only temporarily, otherwise the windshield could fog up.
Rear Window Defroster
Turn the key in the ignition switch to the
ON/RUN position. To select, press the rear
window defroster button once and release. The
indicator light in the switch should illuminate.
To cancel, press the rear window defroster button again
and release.
NOTE:Heavy accumulation of snow and ice should be
removed before activating the defroster. The rear win-
dow defroster uses a large amount of power. To keep the
battery drain to a minimum, turn off the defroster as soon
as the window is clear. The defroster is automatically
turned off after a maximum of 12 minutes of operation.
If several components in the vehicle are consuming
power simultaneously, or the battery is only partially
charged, it is possible that the defroster will automati-
cally turn itself off. When this happens, the indicator lightinside the switch starts blinking. As soon as the battery
has sufficient voltage, the defroster automatically turns
itself back on.
CAUTION!
To avoid damaging the electrical conductors, do not
use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abrasive window
cleaners on the interior surface of the rear window.
Labels can be peeled off by soaking with warm
water.
Air Recirculation/REST
This mode can be selected to temporarily re-
duce the entry of annoying odors or dust into
the vehicle’s interior. Outside air does not flow
into the vehicle’s interior. To select, press the
recirculation button. To cancel, press the recirculation
button again.
The system will automatically switch from recirculated
air to fresh air after approximately five minutes at
outside temperatures below approximately 40°F (5°C);
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after approximately 30 minutes, at outside temperatures
above approximately 40°F (5°C); after approximately five
minutes, if the A/C button is pressed.
At high outside temperatures, the system automatically
engages the recirculated air mode for approximately 30
minutes, thereby increasing the cooling capacity perfor-
mance. Press the recirculation button again to extend the
recirculated air mode.
Residual Engine Heat Utilization (REST)
With the engine switched off, it is possible to
continue heating the interior for a short while.
Air volume is controlled automatically. Select a
temperature for each side of the passenger
compartment. Set the air distribution control switch to
the desired position.
To select, turn the key in the ignition switch to the ACC
or the OFF/LOCK position or remove. Press the recircu-
lation button. The indicator light in the button illumi-
nates. This function selection will not activate if the
battery charge level is insufficient.To cancel, press the recirculation button. The indicator
light in the button goes out. The system will automati-
cally shut off if you turn the key in the ignition switch to
the ON/RUN position, after approximately 30 minutes,
or if the battery voltage drops.
NOTE:This vehicle is equipped with an air conditioner
system that uses R-134a (HFC: hydrofluorocarbon) as a
refrigerant. Repairs should always be performed by a
qualified technician, and refrigerant should be collected
in a recovery system for recycling.
Dust Filter
Nearly all dust particles and pollen are filtered out before
outside air enters the passenger compartment through
the air distribution system.
NOTE:Keep the air intake grille in front of windshield
free of snow and debris.
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STARTING PROCEDURES
WARNING!
Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Be sure that the parking brake is engaged and that
selector lever is in the NEUTRAL or PARK position
(gearshift lever in Neutral). Turn the key in the ignition
switch to the ON/RUN position. Apply the brakes before
shifting into any driving gear.
Normal Starting
Vehicles with automatic transmissions:
Do not depress the accelerator. Simply turn the key in the
ignition switch clockwise to the START position and
release when the engine starts. If the engine will not run,
turn the key counterclockwise to the OFF/LOCK posi-
tion and repeat the starting procedure. If there are several
unsuccessful attempts, have the system checked at the
nearest authorized dealer.
Vehicles with manual transmissions:
Do not depress the accelerator. Fully depress the clutch
pedal, otherwise the engine cannot be started due to the
integrated safety interlock. Simply turn the key in the
ignition switch clockwise to the START position and
release when the engine starts. The starter will engage
until the engine is running. If the engine will not run,
turn the key counterclockwise to the OFF/LOCK posi-
tion and repeat the starting procedure. If there are several
unsuccessful attempts, have the system checked at the
nearest authorized dealer.
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NOTE:Due to the starter non-repeat feature, the key
must be turned completely to the left before attempting
to start the engine again.
Extremely Cold Weather (below -20°F or -29°C)
For reliable starting in areas where temperatures fre-
quently drop below -20°F (-29°C), we recommend the use
of an externally powered battery and an electric engine
block heater. Advice on these items and installation is
available at your authorized dealer.
If Engine Fails to Start
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. See Section 6 of
this manual for proper jump-starting procedures.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire, causing
serious personal injury.
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If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
Normal Starting procedure, it may be flooded. Push the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there
while cranking the engine. This should clear any excess
fuel in case the engine is flooded.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the key is
released. If this occurs, continue cranking with the accel-
erator pedal pushed all the way to the floor. Release the
accelerator pedal and the key once the engine is running
smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15-
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the Normal Starting procedure should
be repeated.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
TRANSMISSION SHIFTING
Manual Transmission
NOTE:
The parking brake should be engaged and the
gear selector placed in REVERSE before leaving the
vehicle, especially on an incline. To place the transmis-
sion in REVERSE, lift up on the shifter knob, push it to
the left and pull it back.
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WARNING!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key
from the ignition switch, and lock the vehicle. Do
not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could move
the gearshift lever, which could result in an accident
or serious injury.
WARNING!
Skipping more than one gear while downshifting
could cause you to lose control of your vehicle. You
could have an accident.
CAUTION!
If you skip more than one gear while downshifting
or downshift at too high an engine speed, you could
damage the engine, transmission, or clutch.
Automatic Transmission
The automatic transmission selects individual gears au-
tomatically, dependent upon:
•Selector lever position
•Program mode selector switch
•Accelerator position
•Vehicle speed
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Maneuvering
To maneuver in tight areas, control the vehicle speed by
gradually releasing the brakes. Accelerate gently and
never abruptly step on the accelerator.
To rock a vehicle out of soft ground (mud or snow),
alternately shift from forward to reverse, while applying
only slight acceleration. Rocking a vehicle free in this
manner may cause the ABS or traction system malfunc-
tion indicator light to come on. Turn off the engine and
restart the engine to clear the malfunction indication.
Park Position
The PARK position is to be used when parking the
vehicle. Engage only with the vehicle stopped. The PARK
position is not intended to serve as a brake when the
vehicle is parked. Rather, the driver should always use
the parking brake in addition to placing the selector lever
in PARK to secure the vehicle.
NOTE:The key can be removed from the ignition
switch only with the selector lever in the PARK position.
With the key removed, the selector lever is locked in the
PARK position.
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The delayed upshift is effective with vehicle speeds
below 31 mph (50 km/h) at partial throttle and engine
temperatures below 95°F (35°C). To prevent the engine
from laboring at low RPM when driving uphill or with
your vehicle heavily loaded, the automatic transmis-
sion will downshift when necessary to maintain en-
gine RPM within the best torque range.
Gear Ranges
“P” PARK
NOTE:If the key is in the ON/RUN position, you must
press the brake pedal to shift out of the PARK position.
PARK supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in
motion.
Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this
range.“R” REVERSE
Shift into this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
“N” NEUTRAL
The engine may be started in this range. Use this range
for starting your vehicle if it is moving or being towed.
“D” OVERDRIVE
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts and best fuel economy.
Program mode selector switch
The transmission is provided with a selector switch for
Standard “S” and Winter/Wet “W” (snow and ice) pro-
gram modes.
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