checking oil CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE 2005 1.G Owners Manual

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor
condition, see your authorized dealer.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for
four 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.
Defrosters
Check operation by pressing the A/C control button,
selecting the defrost mode and placing the blower control
on high speed. You should be able to feel the air directed
against the windshield.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
the Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness and tires for
proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes are
present, the cause should be corrected immediately.
NOTE:Use of the air conditioning may cause puddles
of water to form under the vehicle.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47
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CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
A sensor in the oil pan allows oil level to be checked
without opening the hood. It provides an accurate mea-
surement of oil level, whereas the low engine oil level
indicator warns that oil level is definitely too low. With
the vehicle parked on a level surface, the engine is
warmed up and shut off for approximately five minutes.
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN
position, an ISO oil level icon appears in the trip odom-
eter window and a “clock” icon in the cumulative
odometer display. Pressing the knob to the left of the
speedometer twice within one second displays one of the
following messages:
•OK
•-1.0 Q (-1.0L)
•-1.5 Q (-1.5L)
•-2.0 Q (-2.0L)
•HIThe indicated amount of oil must be added to the engine
if the message -2.0 Q (-2.0L) blinks and a signal sounds.
The HI message indicates that the excess oil must be
removed from the pan to avoid possible engine or
catalytic converter damage. If the ISO oil level icon and
“clock” icon remain on when attempting to check oil
level and no message follows, or if the low engine oil
level warning lamp comes on, a malfunction in the
engine oil level system is indicated. A conveniently
located dipstick allows manual checking of the oil level.
If no leaks are noted, continue to drive to the nearest
service station where the engine oil should be topped to
the “full” mark on the dipstick with an approved oil.
29. Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level drops to about 2 gallons (7.5
liters), this symbol will light and remains lit until
fuel is added.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 111
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WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the proper equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform
a service job, take your vehicle to a competent
technician.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain the maintenance service
recommended by the engineers who designed your ve-
hicle.Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
You can check the oil level using the procedure described
in Checking Engine Oil Level in the Understanding Your
Instrument Panel section, or by checking the engine oil
dipstick.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 201
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The best time to check the engine oil level is about 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off, or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding one quart of oil when the reading is at
the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on this
engine.
Change Engine Oil
The oil change interval for your Crossfire is initially set at
7,000 miles (Canada: 11,000 km).
202 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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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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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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

Oil, Engine........................... 201
Change Interval...................... 202
Checking........................... 201
Disposal............................ 204
Filter.............................. 204
Materials Added to.................... 204
Recommendation..................... 204
Oil Filter, Selection...................... 204
Onboard Diagnostic System............198,199
Overheating, Engine..................... 172
Owner’s Manual....................... 263
Paint Care............................ 222
Parking Brake......................... 142
Passing Light........................... 76
Pets.................................. 45
Pets, Transporting....................... 45
Power
Outlet.............................. 64
Steering.........................152,209
Steering, Checking.................... 209
Windows............................ 20
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 27Program Mode Selector Switch............. 140
Programming Transmitters...............95,96
Radial Ply Tires........................ 156
Radio................................ 112
Radio Antenna......................... 120
Radio Operation....................... 120
Rear Liftgate........................... 21
Rear Spoiler............................ 82
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts............................... 244
Reformulated Gasoline................... 164
Refrigerant............................ 209
Remote Keyless Entry.................... 14
Replacement Tires...................... 160
Reporting Safety Defects................. 262
Residual Engine Heat Utilization (REST) . . . 125,126
Restraints, Child........................ 39
Restraints, Infant........................ 39
Restraints, Occupant..................... 21
Rotation, Tires......................... 162
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle............... 47
INDEX 279
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