check engine CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE 2008 1.G Owners Manual

NGeneral Information....................19
NTransmitter Battery Service...............20
mSecurity Alarm System....................21
NTow-Away Alarm......................21
mDecklid Internal Emergency Release - Roadster . . .22
mPower Windows........................24
NPower Window Operation With The
Convertible Top Switch (Roadster Only)......25
mRear Liftgate/Decklid Release...............25
mOccupant Restraints......................26
NLap/Shoulder Belts.....................27NSeat Belts And Pregnant Women............32
NSeat Belt Extender......................32
NSupplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag . .33
NChild Restraint........................52
mEngine Break-In Recommendations...........61
mSafety Tips............................61
NExhaust Gas..........................61
NSafety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle..............................62
NPeriodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle....................63
8 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The engine in your new vehicle does not require a long
break-in period. Following these few simple guidelines is
all that is necessary for a good break-in.
²Drive your vehicle at moderate vehicle and engine
speeds during the first 1,000 mi (1 600 km).
²Do not make any full throttle starts and avoid full
throttle acceleration.
²Use the proper transmission gear for your speed
range.
²Avoid excessive idling.
²Check the engine oil level at every fuel fill.
NOTE:A new engine may consume some oil during the
first few thousand miles of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not an
indication of a problem.
SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing CO follow
the safety tips below.
²Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in
or out of the area.
²If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running, adjust your heating or cooling con-
trols to force outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower
at high speed.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61
2

CAUTION!
To avoid damage to either the top or the rear window,
check the tonneau cover area at the rear of the vehicle
interior to be sure that it is clear of debris or other
items. Do not use the tonneau cover area for other
storage purposes.
CAUTION!
To fully ensure that no damage occurs, be sure that
the vehicle is at a complete stop before attempting to
lower or raise the top.NOTE:If the top stops during the raising or lowering
procedure, start the engine and continue operation.
1. Make sure the rear cargo compartment divider is
unfolded and secured in the vertical position.
If the divider is in its stowed position, first unfold the
panels towards the rear of the vehicle. Pull up on the
vertical panel using the center cutout shown, and hook
the pins at the top into the brackets mounted to the cargo
compartment trim on each side near the forward edge of
the decklid opening. The pins must be hooked in these
brackets in order for the top to operate.
NOTE:See label attached to underside of decklid.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 71
3

The malfunction indicator lamp for the Electronic Stabil-
ity Program (ESP) is combined with the BAS. The yellow
BAS/ESP malfunction indicator light in the instrument
cluster and the yellow ESP warning light in the speed-
ometer dial come on with the key in the ignition switch
turned to the ON/RUN position. They should go out
with the engine running. If the BAS/ESP malfunction
indicator light comes on continuously with the engine
running, a malfunction has been detected in either sys-
tem.
If the malfunction indicator light stays illuminated, have
the BAS and ESP checked at your authorized dealer as
soon as possible.ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM (ESP)
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.
The ESP enhances directional control and reduces driving
wheel spin of the vehicle under various driving condi-
tions.
110 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
1. Low Windshield Washer System Fluid Level
Warning Light
With the key in the ignition switch turned to
the ON/RUN position, the 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, the fluid reservoir
is less than
1¤4filled.
The reservoir should be refilled at the next opportunity
with commercially available premixed windshield
washer solvent/antifreeze or water, depending on ambi-
ent temperature.
The reservoir for the windshield washer system is located
in the engine compartment and the cap is marked with
the above symbol.
WARNING!
Do not overfill the washer reservoir. Do not attempt
to fill to the top of the filler neck. Fluid may leak out
onto the floor or driveway causing a potential slip
and fall hazard. When the indicator light first illumi-
nates, the maximum fill amount is 1 gal (4 L).
2. Tire Pressure Monitoring Indicator Light
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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 129
4

3. Coolant Indicator Light
This indicator illuminates when the engine
coolant has dropped below the required level
in the reservoir or the coolant temperature is
too high (see the Temperature gauge section).
To check the coolant level, the vehicle must be parked on
level ground and the engine stopped.
Check coolant level only when the coolant is cold.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant or
steam from your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, don't open the hood
until the radiator has had time to cool. Never try to
open a cooling system pressure cap when the radiator
or coolant bottle is hot.4. Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
This gauge shows engine coolant temperature. Any read-
ing between the Hot and Cold gauge marks show that the
engine cooling system is operating properly. The gauge
pointer may show a higher temperature when driving in
hot weather, up mountain grades, or in heavy stop-and-
go-traffic.
If the pointer rises to the red (Hot) area, stop the vehicle
and turn off the engine until the problem is corrected.
CAUTION!
Continuing to drive with an overheated engine cool-
ing system can cause damage to the engine or other
components.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 131
4

The red markings on the tachometer indicate excessive
engine speed. Ease off on the accelerator before reaching
the red area.
10. Brake System Warning Light
The dual brake system provides a reserve brak-
ing 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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 133
4

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, stop-
light, low beam headlight, or other exterior lamps.
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 System
(BAS) is combined with the Electronic Stability
Program (ESP). This yellow indicator light in
the instrument cluster comes on with the key in the
ignition switch turned to the ON/RUN position. The
134 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

WARNING!
In the event a malfunction of the airbag is indicated,
the airbag may not be operational. For your safety, we
strongly recommend that you visit an authorized
dealer immediately to have the system checked;
otherwise the airbag may not be activated when
needed in an accident, which could result in serious
or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and
unnecessarily which could also result in injury.
25. Telescoping Wheel Indicator Light
With the key in the ignition and turned to the
ON/RUN position, the indicator light in the
instrument cluster comes on. It should go out
when the engine is running. If the indicator
light does not go out after starting the engine, the
telescoping steering column is not locked properly.
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 engine
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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 141
4

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.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
A sensor in the oil pan allows oil level to be checked
without opening the hood. It provides an accurate mea-
surement of oil level, whereas the low engine oil level
indicator warns that oil level is definitely too low. With
the vehicle parked on a level surface, the engine is
warmed up and shut off for approximately five minutes.
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN
142 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL