cooling CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE 2008 1.G Owners Manual

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
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²To avoid drawing exhaust gases into the vehicle, close
the rear liftgate/decklid while driving. However, if for
some reason it must remain open, close all windows.
Adjust the heating or cooling system to force outside
air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the seat belt system periodically, checking for
cuts, frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be
replaced immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the
system.
Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding seat belt or
retractor condition, see your authorized dealer.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for
four seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the bulb is not lit
during starting, have it replaced. If the light
stays on or comes on while driving, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
Defrosters
Check operation by pressing the A/C control button,
selecting the defrost mode and placing the blower control
on high speed. You should be able to feel the air directed
against the windshield. See your authorized dealer for
service if your defroster is inoperable.
62 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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
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If several components in the vehicle are consuming
power simultaneously, or the battery is only partially
charged, it is possible that the defroster will automati-
cally turn itself off. When this happens, the indicator light
inside the switch starts blinking. As soon as the battery
has sufficient voltage, the defroster automatically turns
itself back on.
CAUTION!
To avoid damaging the electrical conductors, do not
use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abrasive window
cleaners on the interior surface of the rear window.
Labels can be peeled off by soaking with warm
water.
Air Recirculation/REST
This mode can be selected to temporarily re-
duce the entry of annoying odors or dust into
the vehicle's interior. Outside air does not flow
into the vehicle's interior. To select, press the
recirculation button. To cancel, press the recirculation
button again.
The system will automatically switch from recirculated
air to fresh air after approximately five minutes at
outside temperatures below approximately 40ÉF (5ÉC);
after approximately 30 minutes, at outside temperatures
above approximately 40ÉF (5ÉC); after approximately five
minutes, if the A/C button is pressed.
At high outside temperatures, the system automatically
engages the recirculated air mode for approximately 30
minutes, thereby increasing the cooling capacity perfor-
mance. Press the recirculation button again to extend the
recirculated air mode.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 161
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In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
²On the highways ±Slow down and use the highest
gear possible.
²In city traffic ±While stopped, put the transmission in
NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
²In city traffic ±While moving, shift into the highest
gear possible to reduce engine RPM.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the cooling system and turning off the A/C removes this
heat. You can also turn the temperature control to maxi-
mum heat, the mode control to floor, and the fan controlto HIGH. This allows the heater core to act as a supple-
ment to the radiator and aids in removing heat from the
cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads ªH,º pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air
conditioner turned OFF until the pointer drops back
into the normal range. If the pointer remains on the
ªH,º turn the engine OFF immediately, and call for
service.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 233
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WARNING!
A hot cooling system is dangerous. You or others
could be badly burned by steam or boiling coolant. If
your temperature gauge pointer is in the red area,
turn OFF the engine immediately. You may want to
call an authorized dealer for service. If you decide to
look under the hood yourself, see Section 7 of this
manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
TIREFIT TIRE REPAIR AND JACKING
TIREFIT
Small punctures, particularly those in the tread, can be
sealed with TIREFIT. Foreign objects (e.g., screws or
nails) should not be removed from the tire. TIREFIT can
be used in outside temperatures down to approximately
-4ÉF (-20ÉC).1. TIREFIT sealant bottle
2. Air pump flap
3. Recess in air pump
4. Power plug and cable
5. Air pump hose with pressure gauge
6. Hose connection on sealant bottle
234 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

parked on an incline. Raise the vehicle only until the tire
just clears the surface. Minimum tire lift provides maxi-
mum stability.
4. Replace the tire.
5. Lower the vehicle by cranking the handle counter-
clockwise, then remove the jack assembly.
NOTE:Before storing the jack, it should be fully col-
lapsed.
6. Ensure proper tire pressure.
WARNING!
Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make
the vehicle less stable. It could slip off the jack and
hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only enough
to make the necessary repair.
WARNING!
A loose jack or tool thrown forward in a collision or
hard stop could endanger the occupants of the ve-
hicle. Always stow the jack parts and tools in the
places provided.
JUMP-STARTING THE BATTERY
WARNING!
Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan whenever
the hood is raised. It can start any time the ignition
switch is ON. You can be hurt by the fan.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 241
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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

Cooling System
WARNING!
²When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at any time the ignition
key is in the ON position.
²You 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 is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check coolant protection every 12 months (before the
onset of freezing weather, where applicable). If the cool-
ant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the system should be
drained, flushed and refilled with fresh coolant.
Check the front of the radiator and condenser for an
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. Clean the radiator and
condenser by gently spraying water from a garden hose
at the back of the radiator core.
Check the recovery bottle tank tubing for condition and
tightness of connection at the bottle and radiator. Inspect
the entire system for leaks.
280 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cooling System - Drain, Flush and Refill
At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules,
the system should be drained, flushed and refilled.
If the solution is dirty and contains a considerable
amount of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable
cooling system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to
remove all deposits and chemicals.
Engine Coolant Disposal
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. Do not store ethylene glycol based engine
coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. Prevent ingestion by animals or
children. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately.
Selection Of Coolant
Use only coolant approved to MB 325.0, such as Valvoline
GO5, or an equivalent extended life coolant. Refer to the
recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for
correct coolant type.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 281
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