tire size CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE 2006 1.G Owners Manual

NOTE:If the indicator light in the instrument cluster
does not go out after starting the engine, the telescoping
column is not locked properly. Do not drive the vehicle
until you have properly locked the steering column.TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be
checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your
vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for
those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when on or
more of your tires is significantly under—inflated. Ac-
cordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates,
you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible,
and inflate them to the proper pressure, Driving on a
significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduced fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 83
3

CAUTION!
The TPM system has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPM system pressures
have been established for the tire size equipped on
your vehicle. Undesirable operation or sensor dam-
age may result when using replacement equipment
that is not of the same size, type, and/or style.
Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage. Do
not use aftermarket tire sealant or balance beads, as
damage to the sensors may result.
NOTE:The standard TIREFIT system (refer to What To
Do In Emergencies for more information) is specifically
designed to operate in conjunction with the TPM system,
and will not damage the sensors.
If your tire pressure is low, you should correct your tire
inflation pressure as soon as possible and inspect all of
your tires. Low tire pressure will cause the tire pressure
light to illuminate and the alert will sound. They will
remain on for the rest of the driving cycle, or until the tire
pressure is corrected.In addition to monitoring tire pressures, the TPM system
also monitors faults within the system. If the TPM light
and alarm continue after the tire pressure has been
corrected, see your authorized dealer.
This device complies with part 15 of FCC rules and with
RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation.NOTE:Changes and modifications not expressly ap-
proved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
86 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The ABS gives increased vehicle stability and brake
performance under most braking conditions. The system
automatically “pumps” the brakes during severe braking
conditions to prevent wheel lock-up. The system operates
to prevent wheel lock-up and help avoid skidding on
slippery surfaces.
NOTE:The ABS improves steering control of the ve-
hicle during hard braking maneuvers.
The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up above a
vehicle speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h)
independent of road surface conditions.
At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a
slight pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal, indicat-
ing that the ABS is in the regulating mode.
Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal
while experiencing the pulsation. Continuous, steady
brake pedal pressure results in optimal braking power
while maintaining the ability to steer the vehicle.In the case of an emergency brake maneuver, keep
continuous full pressure on the brake pedal. In this
manner only can the ABS be most effective.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will respond even
with light brake pedal pressure because of the in-
creased likelihood of locking wheels. The pulsating
brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road
conditions and functions as a reminder to take extra
care while driving.WARNING!
Significant over- or under-inflation of tires, or mix-
ing sizes of front or rear tires or wheels on the
vehicle can reduce braking effectiveness. Maintain
proper tire pressure and always use the tires and
wheels specified in this manual for your vehicle.
The anti-lock brake system conducts a low-speed self-test
at about 12 mph (20 km/h). If you have your foot lightly
on the brake while this test is occurring, you may feel
slight pedal movement. The movement can be more
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Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced.
These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves and will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 inch (2 mm). When the indicators appear
in 2 or more adjacent grooves, the tire should be replaced.
Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this
point.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (see the paragraph on tread
wear indicators). Refer to the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion placard for the size designation of your tire. The
service description and load identification will be found
on the original equipment tire. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect the safety, han-
dling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend that you
contact your original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer with any questions you may have on tire specifi-
cations or capability.
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Recommended Tire Inflation Pressures
Sport Performance (Y speed rating) tires and All-Season
Performance (W speed rating) tires
Front 225/40 ZR18............... 32psi(221 kPa)
Rear 255/35 ZR19................ 33psi(227 kPa)
Sport Performance (Y speed rating) tires and All-Season
Performance (W speed rating) tires above 100 mph (161
km/h)
Front 225/40 ZR18............... 36psi(248 kPa)
Rear 255/35 ZR19................ 36psi(248 kPa)
Winter tires
Front 225/40 VR18 M+S........... 33psi(227 kPa)
Rear 225/40 VR18 M+S............ 36psi(248 kPa)WARNING!
•When obtaining replacement tires, assure that the
tires are specified for replacement on the Cross-
fire. Tires with the same size, speed, or load
ratings that are specified for replacement on other
vehicles may not properly fit on the original
equipment wheels of your vehicle.
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combina-
tions of unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance charac-
teristics, resulting in changes to steering, han-
dling, and braking of your vehicle. This can cause
unpredictable handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose control
and have an accident resulting in serious injury or
death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load
ratings approved for your vehicle.
•Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.
•Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
164 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings. Check with your authorized dealer before
replacing tires with a different size.
Alignment And Balance
The suspension components of your vehicle should be
inspected and aligned when needed to obtain full tire
tread mileage
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
•Fast tire wear.
•Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
•Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (If
Equipped)
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses wireless
technology with wheel rim mounted electronic sensors to
monitor tire pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each
wheel as part of the valve stem, transmit tire pressure
readings to a computer which monitors for low pressure.
If low pressure is measured, the TPMS Telltale Lamp will
illuminate.
NOTE:It is particularly important, for you to check the
tire pressure in all of your tires regularly and to maintain
the proper pressure.
The TPMS informs you of a low tire pressure condition.
If this occurs, correct your tire inflation pressure as soon
as possible, and inspect all of your tires. Be sure to use a
high quality gauge when adjusting pressure. The TPMS
is designed to periodically monitor your tire pressure but
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cannot be expected to function as a tire pressure gauge.
There can be a delay between the instant you adjust the
air pressure in a tire and when the system updates the
display. The TPMS is not intended to provide you with
notification of rapid air loss.
The TPMS will cause the Telltale lamp in the instrument
cluster to illuminate whenever the pressure in one tire
falls 25% below the recommended pressure shown on the
tire label.
NOTE:A TPMS does not replace normal tire mainte-
nance.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures have
been established for the tire size equipped on your
vehicle. Undesirable operation or sensor damage
may result when using replacement equipment that
is not of the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermar-
ket wheels can cause sensor damage. Do not use
aftermarket tire sealant or balance beads as damage
to the sensors may result. The standard TIREFIT
system (see Tirefit Tire Repair and Jacking Instruc-
tions in the What To Do In Emergencies section) is
specifically designed to operate in conjunction with
the TPMS, and will not damage the sensors.
NOTE:The pressure in your tires changes with tem-
perature. A significant decrease in temperature could
reduce cold inflation pressure below the TPMS setpoint.
For example, tires inflated to the proper cold inflation
pressure on a warm day or in a warm garage could
illuminate the TPMS Telltale lamp on the following day if
166 STARTING AND OPERATING

ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT TIRES
Your vehicle is equipped with either sport performance
tires or all-season performance tires. The sport perfor-
mance tires offer the maximum road handling capability
in dry and wet weather conditions. The all-season per-
formance tires, while offering slightly less road handling
capability, are able to provide traction capability in snow
and ice conditions. Both types of tires are rated for high
speed operation. It is important that you know what type
of tires your vehicle is equipped with so that you
understand their traction and handling characteristics for
various road conditions. Replacement tires should be of
the same size and speed rating to continue to provide the
same level of performance you are accustomed to.
SNOW TIRES
Some countries or regions require the use of snow tires
during winter. See the recommended snow type winter
tire applications in this section.
WARNING!
Your vehicle may be equipped with sport perfor-
mance tires that are optimized for driving in dry and
wet weather conditions. However, these tires have
reduced traction capability in snow and ice. When
driving your Crossfire in these conditions with these
tires, you must take special care to maintain control
and avoid accidents. We recommend that you equip
your vehicle with “SNOW” or “ALL SEASON” tires
on all four wheels for driving in snowy and icy
conditions.
168 STARTING AND OPERATING

If you need snow tires, the recommended size for the
front and rear tires is the same size as the original
equipment front tires. This size tire on the rear allows the
use of tire chains on the rear wheels. Selection of this size
tire also requires the purchase of two additional wheels
with the same size specification as the original equip-
ment front wheels.
Snow tires may have a lower speed rating than factory
equipped tires and may not match the maximum vehicle
speed.
Snow tires should not be operated at sustained speeds
over 75 mph (120 km/h).TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates, and tend to develop irregular wear pat-
terns.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on all season type
tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain
mud, snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to a
smooth, quiet ride.
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Check the battery every four to six weeks to ensure that
the voltage is above 12.40. Voltage will drop more rapidly
in hot temperatures. If battery voltage drops below 12.40,
follow the battery recharge procedure in the Service
Manual.
•Check that the radiator coolant level of protection is to
at least -20°F (-29°C).
•Block the wheels. Do not apply the parking brake.
•Make sure that all tires are inflated to the optimum
pressure.
•Cut blocks of plywood about the same size of the tires.
Cover each block with indoor/outdoor carpeting and
place them between the tires and concrete. This will
prevent tire flat spotting.
•For long term storage, remove the tires and put the
vehicle up on blocks. Stack the tires on plywood and
cover with a tarp to prevent flat spotting.
•Move the wiper blades away from the windshield.
NOTE:To help prevent the battery from discharging
during shorter periods of inactivity, perform the follow-
ing:
1. Make sure that the rear liftgate/decklid, hood, and
doors are completely closed.
2. Make sure that the remote transmitter is operating and
that the battery is good.
3. Make sure that the hood, rear liftgate and door
switches are in adjustment.
4. Use the remote transmitter to set the alarm.
248 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE