Page 252 of 288

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
FSS SYSTEM
The Flexible Service System (FSS) permits a flexible
service schedule that is directly related to the operating
conditions of the vehicle. See the Understanding Your
Instrument Panel section for details on how to use the
FSS.The oil change interval for your Crossfire is initially set at
7,000 miles (Canada: 11,000 km). Very light duty driving
cycles (most trips more than 10 miles [16 km] at moderate
speeds in moderate temperature conditions) can extend
the service interval beyond 7,000 miles (Canada: 11,000
km). IfANYof the following apply to your driving, the
oil change interval can be reduced significantly:
Day or night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C).
Stop and go driving.
Extensive engine idling.
Driving in dusty conditions.
Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C).
There are two symbols which will appear in the main
odometer display field prior to the next suggested ser-
vice.
252 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Page 254 of 288

REGULAR CHECK-UPS
To maintain the safe operation of your vehicle, it is
recommended that you perform the following tasks on a
regular basis (i.e., weekly or whenever the vehicle is
refueled).
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
•
Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. See the procedure de-
scribed in Checking Your Engine Oil in the Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel section or under
Engine Oil in the Maintaining Your Vehicle section.
Add oil only when the level is at or below the ADD or
MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
•Inspect wiper blade condition.
•Check operation of lighting systems.
•Inspect tires for unusual wear, damage, and pressure
(at least every 14 days).
•Mechanical assemblies (e.g., engine, transmission, etc.)
- check for leaks.
Once a Month
•
Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder and power steering and add as
needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
254 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Page 255 of 288

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.
Every 2 years:
•Inspect body for paint damage.
•Check chassis and supporting body parts for damage
and corrosion.
At approximately every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 4
years:
•Check condition of driveshaft flex discs.
•Retighten locking bolts for steering (observe torque).
At approximately every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4
years:
•Replace fuel filter.
•Replace air cleaner filter element.At approximately 80,000 miles (129,000 km):
•Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter.
Use the recommended automatic transmission fluid.
After this change it is filled for life. The manual
transmission comes filled for life from the factory.
At approximately every 100,000 miles (161,000 km) or 5
years:
•Replace spark plugs.
Every 100,000 miles (161,000 km) or 5 years:
•Replace engine coolant using coolant approved to MB
325.0, such as Valvoline GO5, or an equivalent ex-
tended life coolant.
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 right equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
maintenance service, take your vehicle to a compe-
tent technician.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 255
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Page 279 of 288

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
10
Page 280 of 288

Safety Checks Outside Vehicle.............. 47
Safety Tips............................. 46
Schedule, Maintenance................... 249
Seat Belts.............................. 21
And Pregnant Women.................. 27
Extender............................ 27
Inspection........................... 47
Maintenance......................... 226
Operating Instructions.................. 24
Reminder........................... 104
Seats................................. 68
Cleaning............................ 224
Service Assistance...................... 258
Service Contract........................ 260
Service Manuals........................ 263
Shift Speeds........................133,134
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............. 183
Snow Chains.......................... 158
Snow Tires............................ 159
Soft Top............................... 52
Spark Plugs........................... 205
Specifications.......................... 241
Standing Lights......................... 74Starting.............................. 131
Cold Weather........................ 132
Emergency (Jump Starting).............. 181
Engine Fails to Start................... 132
Steering
Linkage............................ 210
Power............................. 152
Storage.............................. 239
Storage Bin............................ 62
Stuck, Freeing......................... 184
Sulfur in Gasoline...................... 166
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag....... 28
Telescoping Steering Column............... 79
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant......... 173
Theft Alarm............................ 17
Theft System........................... 17
TIREFIT.............................. 174
Tires .............................153,264
Air Pressure......................... 154
Alignment.......................... 163
Balancing........................... 163
Chains............................. 158
280 INDEX