towing CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE 2006 1.G User Guide

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.
206 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic converter
will not require maintenance. However, it is important to
keep the engine properly serviced to assure proper catalyst
operation and prevent possible catalyst damage.
If the CHECK ENGINE light is flashing, immediate
service is required.
CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In the
event of engine malfunction, particularly involving
engine misfire or other apparent loss of performance,
have your vehicle serviced promptly. Continued opera-
tion of your vehicle with a severe malfunction could
cause the converter to overheat, resulting in possible
damage to the converter and the vehicle.
WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your ex-
haust system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in
areas where your exhaust system can contact any-
thing that can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to DaimlerChrysler Corpo-
ration’s specifications, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
214 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed
the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you
adhere to the loading conditions, tire size and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information placard and the Vehicle Loading section of
this manual.
NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWR’s) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded. For further information on
GAWR’s, vehicle loading and trailer towing, see the
Vehicle Loading section of this manual.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs.” or “Vehicle Capacity” on the Tire and Loading
Information placard. The combined weight of occupants,
cargo/luggage and trailer tongue weight (if applicable)
should never exceed the weight referenced here.Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX pounds” or
“Vehicle Capacity” on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas-
sengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if “XXX”
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb.
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400–750 (5 x 15) =
650 lb.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in step 4.
276 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
NOTE:The following table shows examples on how to
calculate total load, cargo/luggage and towing capacities
of your vehicle with varying seating configurations andnumber and size of occupants. This table is for illustra-
tion purposes only and may not be accurate for the
seating and load carry capacity of your vehicle.
NOTE:For the following example the combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs. (392
Kg).
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 277
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Disposal
Engine Oil.......................... 212
Door Locks, Automatic................... 13
Drive Belts............................ 213
Drive Shaft Universal Joints............... 218
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 189
Electronic Speed Control.................. 94
Electronic Stability Program................ 91
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 178
Jump Starting........................ 187
Overheating......................... 178
Towing............................. 191
Emergency Trunk Release................. 19
Emission Control System Maintenance....207,257
Engine
Break-In Recommendations............... 47
Checking Oil Level.................... 209
Compartment........................ 205
Oil .............................209,251
Oil Change Interval................... 211Oil Selection......................... 212
Exhaust Gas Caution..................... 47
Exhaust System........................ 221
Exterior Lights......................... 243
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 213
Air Conditioning..................... 264
Engine Fuel......................... 213
Engine Oil.......................... 212
Fluid Capacities.....................249,251
Fluid Leaks............................ 48
Fluid Level Checks
Manual Transmission.................. 229
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts........ 252
Four-Way Hazard Flasher................. 178
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 190
Fuel................................. 171
Adding............................. 173
Additives........................... 172
Filler Cap........................... 173
Filter.............................. 213
Octane Rating........................ 171
284 INDEX

Alignment.......................... 165
Chains............................. 167
Changing........................180,184
General Information................... 159
High Speed......................... 161
Inflation Pressures.................160,275
Load Capacity....................... 275
Pressure Monitor System.............83,165
Quality Grading...................... 271
Radial............................. 162
Replacement......................... 163
Rotation............................ 169
Safety............................48,159
Sizes............................... 271
Snow Tires.......................... 168
Spinning............................ 162
Tread Wear Indicators.................. 163
Tow-Away Alarm.....................18,194
Towing.............................. 191
Disabled Vehicle...................... 191
Trailering........................... 176
Towing Eyes.......................... 192
Traction.............................. 190Trailer Towing......................... 176
Transmission
Automatic........................141,228
Fluid.............................. 228
Manual..........................139,229
Shifting..........................139,140
Transporting Pets........................ 46
Tread Wear Indicators................... 163
Trunk Release, Emergency................. 19
Turn Signals........................... 78
Umbrella Hook........................ 102
Uniform Tire Quality Grades.............. 271
Universal Transmitter..................98,101
Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses................ 225
Vehicle Identification Number............... 6
Vehicle Loading........................ 175
Vehicle Storage......................... 247
Vehicle Theft Alarm...................... 18
Warnings and Cautions.................... 6
Warranty Information.................... 269
INDEX 289
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