2005 CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE engine overheat

In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to DaimlerChrysler Corpo-
ration’s specifications, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for a prolonged period.
Ignition Wiring System
The ignition cables should be kept clean and properly
connected. Terminals should be fully seated. Cracked,
damaged, or faulty cables should be replaced.
Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from sticking or plugging due to deposits.
Check ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
Maintenance-Free Battery
The top of the maintenance-free battery is permanently
sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is periodic
maintenance required.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 207
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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.
CAUTION!
Failure to use the proper antifreeze could cause
radiator plugging and engine overheating. Do not
mix antifreeze brands or types. Do not use plain
water alone or alcohol base antifreeze products. Do
not use additional rust inhibitors or antirust prod-
ucts, as they may not be compatible with the radiator
coolant and may plug the radiator.
Adding Coolant
When adding coolant, a minimum solution of 50% eth-
ylene glycol antifreeze coolant and water should be used.
Use higher concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if tempera-
tures below -34°F (-37°C) are anticipated.
Use only high purity water, such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/antifreeze solution. The
use of lower quality water will reduce the amount of
corrosion protection in the engine cooling system.
NOTE:Mixing coolant types other than Moparprod-
ucts will decrease the life of the engine coolant and will
require more frequent coolant changes.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 215
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Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing,
according to the temperatures occurring in the area
where the vehicle is operated.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
coolant, and to insure that coolant will return to the
radiator from the coolant reserve tank.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
The warning words “DO NOT OPEN WHEN HOT”
near the cooling system reservoir cap are a safety
precaution. Never add coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool
an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to build
up in the cooling system. To prevent scalding or
injury, do not remove the pressure cap while the
system is hot or under pressure.
WARNING!
Do not use a pressure cap other than the one speci-
fied for your vehicle. Personal injury or engine
damage may result.
Points to Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulation on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot water to
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
•Do not overfill the coolant bottle.
•Check coolant freeze point in the system.
216 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Disposal
Engine Oil.......................... 204
Door Locks, Automatic................... 13
Drive Belts............................ 205
Drive Shaft Universal Joints............... 210
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces................156,183
Electronic Speed Control.................. 88
Electronic Stability Program................ 86
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 172
Jump Starting........................ 181
Overheating......................... 172
Towing............................. 185
Emergency Trunk Release................. 19
Emission Control System Maintenance....199,249
Engine
Break-In Recommendations............... 46
Checking Oil Level.................... 201
Compartment........................ 197
Oil .............................201,243
Oil Change Interval................... 202Oil Selection......................... 204
Exhaust Gas Caution..................... 46
Exhaust System........................ 213
Exterior Lights......................... 235
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 205
Air Conditioning..................... 256
Engine Fuel......................... 205
Engine Oil.......................... 204
Fluid Capacities.....................241,243
Fluid Leaks............................ 47
Fluid Level Checks
Manual Transmission.................. 221
Four-Way Hazard Flasher................. 172
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 184
Fuel................................. 164
Adding............................. 166
Additives........................... 166
Filler Cap........................... 166
Filter.............................. 205
Octane Rating........................ 164
Fuses................................ 228
276 INDEX

Oil, Engine........................... 201
Change Interval...................... 202
Checking........................... 201
Disposal............................ 204
Filter.............................. 204
Materials Added to.................... 204
Recommendation..................... 204
Oil Filter, Selection...................... 204
Onboard Diagnostic System............198,199
Overheating, Engine..................... 172
Owner’s Manual....................... 263
Paint Care............................ 222
Parking Brake......................... 142
Passing Light........................... 76
Pets.................................. 45
Pets, Transporting....................... 45
Power
Outlet.............................. 64
Steering.........................152,209
Steering, Checking.................... 209
Windows............................ 20
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 27Program Mode Selector Switch............. 140
Programming Transmitters...............95,96
Radial Ply Tires........................ 156
Radio................................ 112
Radio Antenna......................... 120
Radio Operation....................... 120
Rear Liftgate........................... 21
Rear Spoiler............................ 82
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts............................... 244
Reformulated Gasoline................... 164
Refrigerant............................ 209
Remote Keyless Entry.................... 14
Replacement Tires...................... 160
Reporting Safety Defects................. 262
Residual Engine Heat Utilization (REST) . . . 125,126
Restraints, Child........................ 39
Restraints, Infant........................ 39
Restraints, Occupant..................... 21
Rotation, Tires......................... 162
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle............... 47
INDEX 279
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