ESP CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE 2008 1.G Owner's Manual

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
The ESP enhances directional control and reduces wheel-
spin under various driving conditions. When ESP is
active, engine torque is limited and the ESP warning light
starts to flash.In winter operation, the effectiveness of the ESP can be
enhanced by equipping the vehicle with DaimlerChrysler
recommended mud and snow (M+S) rated radial-ply
tires and/or snow chains.
WARNING!
ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction
afforded. The ESP cannot prevent accidents, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive speed in turns, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an
ESP equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopar-
dize the user's safety or the safety of others.
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The ESP warning light starts to flash at any vehicle speed
as soon as the tires lose traction and the wheels begin to
spin.
If the ESP warning light flashes during acceleration, ease
up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as
possible. While driving, adapt your speed to the prevail-
ing road conditions.
CAUTION!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised (see
the What To Do In Emergencies section in this
manual), the engine must be shut off (key in the
ignition switch turned to the OFF/LOCK or ACC
position). Otherwise, the ESP will immediately be
engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes.NOTE:When the ESP warning light is illuminated
continuously, the ESP is switched off. Adapt your speed
and driving to the prevailing road conditions.
NOTE:Avoid spinning of one drive wheel. This may
cause serious damage to the drivetrain which is not
covered by the DaimlerChrysler Limited Warranty.
NOTE:If the ESP warning light flashes during accelera-
tion, ease up on the accelerator.
NOTE:ESP should not be switched off during normal
driving. Disabling of the system under normal operating
conditions will eliminate the benefits of the ESP system.
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Synchronizing ESP
If the power supply was interrupted (battery discon-
nected or discharged), the BAS/ESP malfunction indica-
tor light may be illuminated with the engine running. To
re-synchronize the ESP, and cancel the malfunction indi-
cator light, the steering angle sensor will need to be
recalibrated.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position.
2. Rotate the steering wheel to the center position.
3. Rotate the steering wheel completely to the left, and
then rotate the steering wheel completely to the right.
4. Bring the steering wheel back to the center position.
5. The BAS/ESP malfunction indicator light will go out.
If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator light is still illumi-
nated, the vehicle should be serviced at an authorized
dealer.
ESP Control switch
The ESP control switch is located in the center console.
When the ESP is switched off, the warning light in the
instrument cluster comes on. When the ESP is switched
on, the warning light goes out.
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To improve the vehicle's traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand, or gravel,
switch off the ESP by pressing the upper half of the ESP
switch. The ESP warning light will then be continuously
illuminated. With the ESP system switched off, the en-
gine torque reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the
enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable.
CAUTION!
Snow chains should never be used without the
recommended mud and snow (M+S) rated radial-ply
tires. Damage to your vehicle may result from such
usage.
ESP always operates under braking, even with the switch
in the OFF position.If one drive wheel loses traction and begins to spin, the
ESP system will apply the brake at the affected wheel
until the wheel regains sufficient traction. The traction
control engages at approximately 24 mph (40 km/h), and
switches off at 50 mph (80 km/h).
To return to the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP,
press the lower half of the switch (the ESP warning light
goes out).Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The ABS gives increased vehicle stability and brake
performance under most braking conditions. The system
automatically ªpumpsº 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 vehicle
during hard braking maneuvers.
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The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up above a
vehicle speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) indepen-
dent 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, indicating
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 increased
likelihood of locking wheels. The pulsating brake pedalcan 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
apparent on ice and snow. The anti-lock brake system
pump motor makes a low humming noise during opera-
tion, which is normal.
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When the ABS malfunction indicator light in the instru-
ment cluster 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 antilock assistance. With
the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are also
switched off. Both malfunction indicator lights come on
with the engine running. If the charging voltage falls
below 10 volts, the malfunction indicator light comes on
and the ABS is switched off. When the voltage is above
this value again, the malfunction indicator light should
go out and the ABS is operational. If the malfunction
indicator light stays illuminated, have the system
checked at your authorized dealer as soon as possible.WARNING!
ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by the con-
dition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded. The ABS cannot prevent accidents, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydroplan-
ing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ABS-
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reck-
less or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the
user's safety or the safety of others.
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WARNING!
To use your brakes and accelerator more safely, follow these
tips:
²Do not ªrideº the brakes by resting your foot on the pedal.
This could overheat the brakes and result in unpredictable
braking action, longer stopping distances, or brake dam-
age.
²When descending mountains or hills, repeated braking
can cause brake fade with loss of braking control. Avoid
repeated heavy braking by downshifting the transmission
whenever possible.
²Do not drive too fast for road conditions, especially when
roads are wet or slushy. A wedge of water can build up
between the tire tread and the road. This hydroplaning
action can cause loss of traction, braking ability, and
control.
²After going through deep water or a car wash, brakes may
become wet, resulting in decreased performance and un-
predictable braking action. Dry the brakes by gentle,
intermittent pedal action while driving at very slow
speeds.
Brake Pad Break-In
The brakes on your vehicle do not require a long break-in
period, but avoid repeated hard brake applications from
high speeds during initial break-in. Also avoid severe
brake loading such as may be encountered when de-
scending long mountain grades.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason, the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
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TIRE SIZING TERMS
Service Description:
95= Load Index
Ð A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry
H= Speed Symbol
Ð A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding to its
load index under certain operating conditions
Ð The maximum speed corresponding to the speed symbol should only be achieved under speci-
fied operating conditions (i.e., tire pressure, vehicle loading, road conditions, and posted speed
limits)
Load Identification:
(....blank....(= Absence of any text on the sidewall of the tire indicates a Standard Load (SL) Tire
Extra Load (XL)= Extra load (or reinforced) tire
Light Load= Light load tire
C, D, E= Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure
Maximum LoadÐ Maximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to carry
Maximum Pressure
Ð Maximum pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this tire
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Economy
Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wear
patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life resulting in a need for
earlier tire replacement. Underinflation also increases tire
rolling resistance and results in higher fuel consumption.
Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride.
Overinflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride.
Both underinflation and overinflation affect the stability
of the vehicle and can produce a feeling of sluggish
response or over responsiveness in the steering.
Unequal tire pressures can cause erratic and unpredict-
able steering response.
Unequal tire pressure from side to side may cause the
vehicle to drift left or right.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed on either
the face of the driver's door or the driver's side B-pillar.
The pressure should be checked and adjusted, as well as
inspected for signs of tire wear or visible damage, at least
once a month. Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to
Tire Placard Location
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check tire pressure. Do not make a visual judgement
when determining proper inflation. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they are underinflated.
CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure, al-
ways reinstall the valve stem cap (if equipped). This
will prevent moisture and dirt from entering the
valve stem, which could damage it.
Inflation pressures specified on the placard are always
cold tire inflation pressure. Cold tire inflation pressure is
defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not been
driven for at least three hours, or driven less than 1 mi
(1.6 km) after a three-hour period. The cold tire inflation
pressure must not exceed the maximum inflation pres-
sure molded into the tire sidewall.Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide range
of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary with
temperature changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per
12ÉF (7ÉC) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure inside a garage, especially in
the winter.
Example: If garage temperature = 68ÉF (20ÉC) and the
outside temperature = 32ÉF (0ÉC) then the cold tire
inflation pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa),
which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12ÉF (7ÉC) for this
outside temperature condition.
Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi (13 to 40 kPa)
during operation. DO NOT reduce this normal pressure
build-up, or your tire pressure will be too low.
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