checking oil CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE 2008 1.G Owners Manual

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

position, press the knob to the left of the speedometer
once and wait seven seconds. An ISO oil level icon
appears in the trip odometer window and a ªclockº icon
in the cumulative odometer display. Pressing the knob to
the left of the speedometer twice within one second
displays one of the following messages:
²OK
²-1.0 Q (-1.0L)
²-1.5 Q (-1.5L)
²-2.0 Q (-2.0L)
²HI
The indicated amount of oil must be added to the engine
if the message -2.0 Q (-2.0L) blinks and a signal sounds.
The HI message indicates that the excess oil must be
removed from the pan to avoid possible engine or
catalytic converter damage. If the ISO oil level icon andªclockº icon remain on when attempting to check oil
level and no message follows, or if the low engine oil
level warning lamp comes on, a malfunction in the
engine oil level system is indicated. A conveniently
located dipstick allows manual checking of the oil level.
If no leaks are noted, continue to drive to the nearest
service station where the engine oil should be topped to
the ªfullº mark on the dipstick with an approved oil.
29. Low Fuel Warning Light
When the fuel level drops to about 2 gal (7.5 L), this
symbol will light and remains lit until fuel is added.
ªINFINITY MODULUSº AM/FM STEREO RADIO
WITH SINGLE-DISC CD PLAYER AND GPS
NAVIGATION
(OPTIONAL - See separate User's Manual)
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 143
4

NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the proper equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform
a service job, take your vehicle to a competent
technician.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain the maintenance service
recommended by the engineers who designed your ve-
hicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.
However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
264 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

You can check the oil level using the procedure described
in Checking Engine Oil Level in the Understanding Your
Instrument Panel section, or by checking the engine oil
dipstick.
The best time to check the engine oil level is about five
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off, or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding 1 qt (1 L) of oil when the reading is at
the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on this
engine.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 265
7

Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance section.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be made to examining those hose sur-
faces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
Ensure the nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before a hose is replaced
based on leakage.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 285
7

Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed at 80,000 mi (129 000 km). The fluid is then filled
for life.
NOTE:Refer to Section 8 of this manual for Mainte-
nance Schedules.
Manual Transmission
Selection of Lubricant
No fluid service is required. Use only fluid approved to
MB 236.2. SAE 5W-20 engine oil, meeting API SL or GF-3,
may be substituted. Refer to the Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants and Genuine Parts section for the correct fluid
type.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more than 3/16 in (4.76 mm) below the bottom
of the hole.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill. Dirt and water in the transmission
can cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and water
from entering the transmission after checking or
replenishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap
is seated properly.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 289
7

At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. See the procedure
described in Checking Your Engine Oil in the Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel section or under En-
gine Oil in the Maintaining Your Vehicle section. Add
oil only when the level is at or below the ADD or MIN
mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
²Inspect wiper blade condition.
²Check operation of lighting systems.
²Inspect tires for unusual wear, damage, and pressure
(at least every 14 days).
²Mechanical assemblies (e.g., engine, transmission, etc.)
- check for leaks.
Once a Month
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and power steering and add as
needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
Additional Periodic Maintenance
The following maintenance items should be performed
during the scheduled maintenance nearest the time
elapsed and/or distance shown. Follow the interval that
occurs first.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 327
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Engine
Break-In Recommendations................ 61
Checking Oil Level..................... 264
Compartment......................... 260
Oil ..............................264,315
Oil Change Interval.................... 266
Oil Selection.......................... 267
Exhaust Gas Caution...................... 61
Exhaust System......................... 279
Exterior Lights.......................... 305
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 269
Air Conditioning...................... 329
Engine Fuel.......................... 269
Engine Oil........................... 268
Fluid Capacities......................313,315
Fluid Leaks............................. 63Fluid Level Checks
Manual Transmission................... 289
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 316
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 232
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 244
Fuel................................. 222
Adding............................. 225
Additives............................ 224
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 225
Filter............................... 269
Octane Rating........................ 222
Fuses................................ 297
Garage Door Opener (HomeLinkt) ........... 117
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap).................. 225
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 315
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends................ 223
Gear Ratios............................ 313
General Information...................... 218
INDEX 345
10

Marker Lights, Side...................... 307
Master Cylinder (Brakes).................. 286
Mirrors................................ 85
Electric Powered....................... 86
Electric Remote........................ 86
Exterior Folding........................ 86
Heated.............................. 86
Outside.............................. 86
Rearview............................. 85
Vanity............................... 88
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 214
Mopar Parts.........................263,337
Multi-Function Control Lever................ 99
Occupant Restraints....................... 26
Oil, Engine............................ 264
Change Interval....................... 266
Checking............................ 264
Disposal............................ 268Filter............................... 268
Materials Added to..................... 267
Recommendation...................... 267
Oil Filter, Selection....................... 268
Onboard Diagnostic System..............261,262
Overheating, Engine...................... 232
Owner's Manual (Operator Manual).......... 338
Paint Care............................. 290
Parking Brake.......................... 185
Passing Light........................... 101
Pets.................................. 60
Pets, Transporting........................ 60
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 203
Power
Outlet (Auxiliary Electrical Outlet)........... 83
Steering..........................196,274
Steering, Checking..................... 274
Windows............................. 24
348 INDEX