2005 CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE tow

With a malfunction in the vehicle’s electrical system, the
selector lever could remain locked in the PARK position.
To unlock the selector lever manually, insert the end of
the multipurpose tool from the glove box (or ball point
pen) into the covered opening below the position “D” of
the shift pattern. While pushing the tool down, move the
selector lever out of the PARK position. After removal of
the tool from the opening, the cover will not close fully.
Only after moving the selector lever to the “D+” and
“D-” positions does the cover return to its closed posi-
tion.Reverse
Shift into REVERSE gear only when the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped.
Dependent on the program mode selector switch position
“S” or “W,” the maximum speed in the REVERSE gear is
different. However, it is not possible to change the
program mode while in REVERSE.
Neutral
No power is transmitted from the engine to the drive
axle. When the brakes are released, the vehicle can be
moved freely (pushed or towed). Do not engage in
NEUTRAL position while driving except to coast when
the vehicle is in danger of skidding (e.g., on icy roads).
NOTE:Coasting the vehicle, or driving for any other
reason with selector lever in NEUTRAL can result in
transmission damage that is not covered by the Limited
Warranty.
138 STARTING AND OPERATING

The delayed upshift is effective with vehicle speeds
below 31 mph (50 km/h) at partial throttle and engine
temperatures below 95°F (35°C). To prevent the engine
from laboring at low RPM when driving uphill or with
your vehicle heavily loaded, the automatic transmis-
sion will downshift when necessary to maintain en-
gine RPM within the best torque range.
Gear Ranges
“P” PARK
NOTE:If the key is in the ON/RUN position, you must
press the brake pedal to shift out of the PARK position.
PARK supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in
motion.
Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this
range.“R” REVERSE
Shift into this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
“N” NEUTRAL
The engine may be started in this range. Use this range
for starting your vehicle if it is moving or being towed.
“D” OVERDRIVE
This range should be used for most city and highway
driving. It provides the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts and best fuel economy.
Program mode selector switch
The transmission is provided with a selector switch for
Standard “S” and Winter/Wet “W” (snow and ice) pro-
gram modes.
140 STARTING AND OPERATING

To release the parking brake, slightly pull up the handle
while pushing the lock button, and guide the lever
downward to its stop. The brake warning light in the
instrument cluster should go out.
A warning sounds if you start to drive without having
released the parking brake.When parking on a hill, you must set the parking brake
beforeplacing the gear selector in PARK. If you don’t, the
load on the transmission locking mechanism may make it
difficult to move the selector out of PARK. As an added
precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a
downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill
grade.
The parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
WARNING!
Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before
driving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and
an accident.
STARTING AND OPERATING 143
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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
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CAUTION!
•To prevent damage to the roof of your vehicle, DO
NOT carry any loads on the roof luggage rack
which may come in contact with the roof panel.
The load should be secured and placed on top of
the rack, not directly on the roof. If it is necessary
to place some part of the load on the roof, place a
blanket or some other protection between the load
and the roof surface.
•To avoid damage to the roof luggage rack and
vehicle, do not exceed the rated load capacity of
your roof luggage rack system maximum load
capacity. Always distribute heavy loads as evenly
as possible and secure the load appropriately.
•Long loads which extend over the windshield, such
as wood panels or surfboards, should be carefully
secured to both the front and rear of the vehicle.
•Travel at reduced speeds and turn corners care-
fully when carrying large or heavy loads on the
roof luggage rack. Wind forces, due to natural
causes or nearby truck traffic, can add sudden
upward loads. This is especially true on large flat
loads and may result in damage to the cargo or
your vehicle.
WARNING!
Cargo must be securely tied before driving your
vehicle. Improperly secured loads can fly off the
vehicle, particularly at high speeds, resulting in
personal injury or property damage. Follow the roof
luggage rack “Cautions” when carrying cargo on
your roof rack.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with your Crossfire is not recommended.
STARTING AND OPERATING 169
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS

Hazard Warning Flasher.................172

If Your Engine Overheats................172

TIREFIT Tire Repair And Jacking..........174
▫TIREFIT............................174
▫Preparations For Jacking................177
▫Jack Location And Instructions............178

Jump-Starting The Battery...............181

Driving On Slippery Surfaces.............183▫Traction............................184

Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................184

Towing A Disabled Vehicle...............185
▫Towing Eyes.........................186
▫Tow-Away Alarm.....................188

Convertible Top Emergency Operation......189
▫Relieving Hydraulic Pressure.............190
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•Turn on the hazard warning flashers and park the
vehicle on a firm, level surface; avoid ice or slippery
areas.
•Firmly set the parking brake and shift the transmission
selector lever into PARK (manual transmission to
FIRST or REVERSE gear).
•Turn off the engine.
•Block the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire.
•Passengers must not remain in the vehicle when the
vehicle is jacked.
NOTE:The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up
the vehicle at the specified jack location points built
beneath either side of the vehicle.
Jack Location and Instructions
1. Remove the jack and jack handle from stowage be-
neath the cargo compartment carpet.
178 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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.
CAUTION!
Do not try to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Your vehicle cannot be started this way.
Pushing with another vehicle may damage the trans-
mission or the rear of your vehicle. If your vehicle
has a discharged (dead) battery, booster cables may
be used to obtain a start from another vehicle. This
type of start can be dangerous if done improperly, so
follow the procedure carefully.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 181
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