2005 CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE brake light

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 accel-
eration, 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.
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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 147
5

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.
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 ESPswitch. 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).
148 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 “pumps” 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 ve-
hicle during hard braking maneuvers.
The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up above a
vehicle speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h)
independent 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, indicat-
ing that the ABS is in the regulating mode.
Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal
while experiencing the pulsation. Continuous, steadybrake 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 in-
creased likelihood of locking wheels. The pulsating
brake pedal can 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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 149
5

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.
WARNING!
Pumping of the brake pedal will diminish the effec-
tiveness of the anti-lock brakes and may lead to an
accident. Pumping makes the stopping distance
longer. Just press firmly on your brake pedal when
you need to slow down or stop.
NOTE:During severe braking conditions, a pulsing
sensation may occur and a clicking noise will be heard.
This is normal, indicating that the anti-lock brake system
is functioning.The ABS malfunction indicator light in the instrument
cluster 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 light does not illuminate
briefly during this procedure, or remains on after the
engine is running, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
150 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 151
5

Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning light is on.
Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked
when pads are replaced. However, low fluid level may be
caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.Use brake fluid approved to MB 331.0, or a DOT 4 brake
fluid with: minimum dry boiling point (ERBP) 500°F,
minimum wet boiling point (WERBP) 356°F, maximum
viscosity 1500 mm 2/s, conforming to FMVSS 116 and
ISO 4925.
WARNING!
Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point or unidentified as to specification, may
result in sudden brake failure during hard pro-
longed braking. You could have an accident.
WARNING!
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign mat-
ter. Use of contaminated fluid may result in reduced
brake performance or a sudden brake failure. You
could have an accident.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 219
7

The fuse access door is located on the end of the
instrument panel on the driver’s side behind the trim
panel cover. Use a coin or flat blade screwdriver to open
and close this access door.
Interior Fuses
Cavity Fuse Circuits
1 Not Assigned
2 15 Amp
BlueBrake Lamp/Speed Control
3 7.5 Amp
BrownRight High Beam, High Beam
Indicator Light
Cavity Fuse Circuits
4 15 Amp
BlueReverse/Turn signal Light
5 7.5 Amp
BrownLeft High Beam
6 15 Amp
BlueRight Low Beam
7 7.5 Amp
BrownRight Parking/Tail Light Side
Marker
8 15 Amp
BlueLeft Low Beam
9 15 Amp
BlueFog Light
10 7.5 Amp
BrownLeft Parking/Tail Light Side
Marker
11 7.5 Amp
BrownLicense Plate/Instrument Cluster
Lighting/Symbol Lighting
12 7.5 Amp
BrownRear Fog Light (European Mar-
kets Only)
13 Not Used - Spare Fuse
14 Not Used - Spare Fuse
234 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Your Flexible Service System (FSS) — see Understanding
Your Instrument Panel section — should give you an
exact indication of when your vehicle should be sched-
uled for service and which schedule to follow.
Additional Periodic Maintenanceitems should also be
performed beyond the items listed in the following charts
to assure the optimum performance of your Crossfire.
SCOPE OF WORK FOR “A” SCHEDULE
MAINTENANCE SERVICE
Oil Change
•Change oil and replace filter
Maintenance
•Lubricate hood hinges, latch, and secondary latch
•Reset FSS Display
Function Check
•Horn, hazard warning flashers, turn signals, and indi-
cator lamps
•Headlamps and exterior lighting
•Windshield wipers and washer system
Inspection
•Check front and rear brake pads for lining thickness
•Check tires for damage and general condition
•Check tire inflation pressures and correct if necessary
Fluid Levels
Check fluid levels for the following systems and correct if
necessary. Should there be a loss of fluid that cannot be
explained by regular use, trace and eliminate the cause.
•Engine cooling system (check corrosion inhibitor/
antifreeze)
•Hydraulic brake system
•Power steering system
•Windshield washer system
250 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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