light CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE 2008 1.G Owners Manual

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 vehicle 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 ªSNOWº or ªALL SEASONº tires
on all four wheels for driving in snowy and icy
conditions.
220 STARTING AND OPERATING

FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Your engine is designed to meet all emis-
sions regulations and provide satisfactory
fuel economy and optimum performance
when using high quality unleaded gaso-
line having an octane rating of 91 or
higher. DaimlerChrysler Corporation re-
quires the use of 91 octane or higher premium fuel to
minimize the potential for engine damage.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and should be reported to
your authorized dealer immediately. Engine damage
resulting from operating with a heavy spark knock may
not be covered by the new vehicle warranty.
222 STARTING AND OPERATING

states adopting California emission standards, your ve-
hicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting Federal
specifications, but emission control system performance
may be adversely affected.
Gasoline sold outside of California is permitted to have
higher sulfur levels, which may affect the performance of
the vehicle's catalytic converter. This may cause the
CHECK ENGINE light to illuminate. DaimlerChrysler
Corporation recommends that you try a different brand
of unleaded gasoline having lower sulfur to determine if
the problem is fuel-related prior to returning your vehicle
to an authorized dealer for service.CAUTION!
If the CHECK ENGINE Light is flashing, immediate
service is required. See the Onboard Diagnostic
System (OBDII) paragraph in the Maintaining Your
Vehicle section of this manual.
ADDING FUEL
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is located under the fuel filler door, on the
passenger's side of the vehicle. To open the door, be sure
it is unlocked, then gently press the rear edge of the door
until a click can be heard, then release. The door rear
edge will spring open enough to grasp and pull it
completely open. If the central locking system does not
release the fuel filler door, see your authorized dealer for
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service. If the gas cap is lost or damaged, be sure the
replacement cap has been designed for use with this
vehicle.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control sys-
tem could result from using an improper gas cap. A
poorly fitting cap could let impurities into the fuel
system. The CHECK ENGINE light will come on if
the gas cap is not properly secured.
NOTE:The fuel tank filler tube has a restricting door
about 2 in (50 mm) down from the opening. If fuel is
poured from a portable container, the container should
have a flexible nozzle long enough to force open the
restricting door.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not ªtop
offº the fuel tank after filling.
With the key in the ignition switch turned to the ON/
RUN position, the fuel reserve warning light comes on. It
should go out immediately when the engine is running.
If the warning light does not go out after starting the
engine, or if it comes on while driving, it indicates that
the fuel level is down to the reserve quantity of approxi-
mately 2 gal (7.5 L).
Leaving the engine running and the fuel cap open can
cause the CHECK ENGINE light to illuminate.
NOTE:
²When the fuel nozzle ªclicksº or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
226 STARTING AND OPERATING

²Tighten the gas cap until you hear a single click. This
is an indication that the gas cap is properly tightened.
The CHECK ENGINE light will come on if the gas cap
is not properly secured. Make sure that the gas cap is
tightened each time the vehicle is refueled.
WARNING!
²Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank is filled.
²Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
²A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground outside the vehicle while filling.
VEHICLE LOADING
The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is in the
following chart and on the tire pressure label attached to
the driver door pillar.
Vehicle Loading Capacities
Front Seat Occupants....................... 2
Cargo Capacity (with two persons).... 115lbs(52kg)
Rated Vehicle Capacity............ 415lbs(188 kg)
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Insert the tool (or similar sized screwdriver) into the slot
in the grille as shown (the tool must be inserted far
enough to engage the clip on the left side of the grille).
Push the tool to the left to disengage the clip and detach
the grille. The front towing eye is now accessible.Tow-Away Alarm
Once the alarm system has been armed, the exterior
vehicle lights will flash and an alarm will sound when
anyone attempts to raise the vehicle for towing. The
alarm will last approximately three minutes in the form
of flashing exterior lights. At the same time, an alarm will
sound for 30 seconds. The alarm will stay on even if the
248 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

vehicle is immediately lowered. To cancel the alarm,
insert the key in the ignition switch or press the TRANS-
MIT button on the key fob.
To prevent triggering the tow-away alarm feature, press
the tow-away alarm switch to turn off the tow-away
alarm before towing the vehicle, or when parking on a
surface subject to movement, such as a ferry or auto train.To do so, turn the key in the ignition switch to the
OFF/LOCK or ACC positions, or remove key from the
ignition switch. Press the upper half of the tow-away
alarm switch. The indicator light will illuminate briefly.
Then, exit the vehicle and lock with a key or the remote
control. The tow-away alarm remains switched off until
the vehicle is locked again with a key or the remote
control, at which time it is automatically reactivated.
CONVERTIBLE TOP EMERGENCY OPERATION
If the convertible top cannot be closed using the convert-
ible top switch, check the following:
²Is the decklid closed properly?
²Is there sufficient battery voltage? Start the engine if
necessary.
²Is the rear cargo compartment divider secured in the
vertical position?
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 249
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NExhaust System......................279
NCooling System.......................280
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......284
NBrakes.............................285
NAutomatic Transmission................288
NManual Transmission..................289
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................290
mConvertible Top Care....................295
NWashing............................296
NGeneral Cleaning.....................296
NWeather Strip Care....................297
mFuses...............................297NUnderhood Accessory Fuse Block Fuses.....297
NRelay Control Module Fuses.............302
NInterior Fuses........................303
mReplacement Bulbs......................305
NInterior Light Bulbs....................305
NExterior Light Bulbs...................305
mExterior Light Bulb Service................306
NHeadlights..........................306
NFront Turn Signal And Parking/Standing
Lights.............................307
NFront And Rear Sidemarker Lights.........307
NTail, Stop, Back Up And Turn Signal Lights . . . 308
NLicense Plate Light....................309
258 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NHeadlight Aiming.....................310
mVehicle Storage........................311
mSpecifications..........................313
mFluid Capacities........................315mRecommended Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine
Parts................................316
NEngine.............................316
NChassis............................317
NBody..............................318
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 259
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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 con-
trol 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 ªclickº once.
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