brake CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE 2006 1.G User Guide

10. Brake System Warning Light
The dual brake system provides a reserve
braking capability if a failure occurs in a
portion of the hydraulic system.
This light monitors both the brake fluid level and the
parking brake. If the light comes on, it indicates either
that the parking brake is on or there is a low fluid level in
the brake master cylinder. Since this vehicle is equipped
with anti-lock brakes (ABS), the brake light may also
indicate reduced braking performance due to the loss of
electronic brake proportioning. If the parking brake is off
and the light remains on, have the brake system in-
spected as soon as possible.
The warning light should be checked frequently to assure
that it is operating properly. This can be done by turning
the ignition switch to START. The light should come on.
If the red brake light does not come on when the ignition
is turned to the ON/RUN position, have the brake
warning light repaired promptly.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It will
take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have an
accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
on. It does not show the degree of brake application.
The brake warning light will come on if the ABS light is
not functioning and there is an ABS system malfunction.
11. Light Outage Indicator
With the key in the ignition switch turned to
the ON/RUN position, an indicator light
comes on. It should go out when the engine
is running. If the indicator light does not go
out after starting the engine, or if it comes on while
driving, it indicates a failure in the parking light,
taillight, stoplight, low beam headlight, or other exte-
rior lamps.
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The indicator light will come on when the exterior light
fails. If a brake light fails, the light outage indicator will
come on when applying the brake and stays on until the
engine is turned off.
NOTE:If additional lighting equipment is installed
(e.g., auxiliary headlights, etc.) be certain to connect into
the fuse before the failure indicator monitoring unit in
order to avoid damaging the system.
12. Antilock Warning Indicator Light
The ABS warning indicator light comes on
with the key in the ignition switch turned to
the ON/RUN position, and should go out
with the engine running.
If the ABS warning indicator light 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 an-
tilock assistance.
If the ABS light is on, have the system checked at your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
13. Brake Assist Indicator Light
The indicator light for the Brake Assist Sys-
tem (BAS) is combined with the Electronic
Stability Program (ESP). This yellow indica-
tor light in the instrument cluster comes on with the
key in the ignition switch turned to the ON/RUN
position. The BAS/ESP warning indicator light also
comes on when a malfunction is detected in either the
Brake Assist System or the Electronic Stability Pro-
gram. It should go out with the engine running. If the
BAS/ESP indicator light comes on continuously, see
an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
14. Seat Belt Indicator Light
With the key in the ignition, the light comes
on, and a warning sounds for a short time if
the driver’s seat belt is not fastened.
After starting the engine, the seat belt indicator light
blinks and a chime sounds periodically for up to 90
seconds to remind the driver and passenger to fasten the
seat belts. Fastening the seat belts will extinguish the
light and silence the chime.
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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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STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures....................137
▫Normal Starting......................137
▫
Extremely Cold Weather (Below -20°F Or -29°C). 138
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................138
▫After Starting........................139

Transmission Shifting...................139
▫Manual Transmission..................139
▫Recommended Shift Speeds..............140
▫Automatic Transmission................141
▫Stopping...........................142
▫Maneuvering........................143▫Park Position........................143
▫Reverse............................144
▫Neutral............................144
▫Drive..............................145
▫AutoStickGear Selection...............145
▫Gear Ranges.........................146
▫Program Mode Selector Switch............147
▫Emergency Operation (Limp Home Mode) . . . 148

Parking Brake.........................148

Brake System.........................150
▫Brake Assist System (BAS)...............150
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▫Electronic Stability Program (ESP).........152
▫Synchronizing ESP....................153
▫ESP Control Switch....................154
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............155
▫Brake Pad Break-In....................158

Power Steering........................158

Tire Safety Information..................159

Tires—General Information...............159
▫Tire Pressure.........................159
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................160
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................162
▫Tire Spinning........................162
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................163
▫Replacement Tires.....................163
▫Alignment And Balance.................165

Tire Pressure Monitor System (If Equipped). . 165▫General Information...................167

Tire Chains...........................167

Original Equipment Tires................168

Snow Tires...........................168

Tire Rotation Recommendations...........169

Fuel Requirements.....................171
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................171
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............171
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................172
▫Materials Added To Fuel................172
▫Sulfur In Gasoline.....................172

Adding Fuel..........................173
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............173

Vehicle Loading.......................175
▫Roof Luggage Rack....................175

Trailer Towing........................176
136 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 137
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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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 139
5

•Program mode selector switch
•Accelerator position
•Vehicle speed
The gear shifting process is continuously adapted, de-
pendent on the driving style, the driving situation and
the road characteristics.
The selector lever is automatically locked while in the
PARK position. To move the selector lever out of the
PARK position, the brake pedal must be firmly depressed
before the shift lock will release.
Shift the selector lever to the desired position only when
the engine is idling normally and the brake pedal is
applied. Do not release the brake until ready to drive. The
vehicle may otherwise accelerate quickly when the selec-
tor lever is in DRIVE or REVERSE position.
NOTE:After selecting any driving position, wait a
moment to allow the gear to fully engage before acceler-
ating, especially when the engine is cold.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of PARK
or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle
speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal,
the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when
the engine is idling normally and when your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal.
Stopping
For brief stops, leave the transmission in gear and hold
the vehicle with the brake pedal. For longer stops with
the engine idling, shift into the NEUTRAL or PARK
position and hold the vehicle with the parking brake.
When stopping the vehicle uphill, do not hold it with the
accelerator; use the brake. This avoids unnecessary trans-
mission heat build-up.
142 STARTING AND OPERATING

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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With a malfunction in the vehicle’s electrical system, the
selector lever could remain locked in the PARK position.
To unlock the selector lever manually, insert the end of
the multipurpose tool from the glove box (or ball point
pen) into the covered opening below the position “D” of
the shift pattern. While pushing the tool down, move the
selector lever out of the PARK position. After removal of
the tool from the opening, the cover will not close fully.
Only after moving the selector lever to the “D+” and
“D-” positions does the cover return to its closed posi-
tion.Reverse
Shift into REVERSE gear only when the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped.
Dependent on the program mode selector switch position
“S” or “W,” the maximum speed in the REVERSE gear is
different. However, it is not possible to change the
program mode while in REVERSE.
Neutral
No power is transmitted from the engine to the drive
axle. When the brakes are released, the vehicle can be
moved freely (pushed or towed). Do not engage in
NEUTRAL position while driving except to coast when
the vehicle is in danger of skidding (e.g., on icy roads).
NOTE:Coasting the vehicle, or driving for any other
reason with selector lever in NEUTRAL can result in
transmission damage that is not covered by the Limited
Warranty.
144 STARTING AND OPERATING