Obtaining Replacement Keys
Your vehicle is equipped with a theft deterrent locking
system requiring a special key manufacturing process.
For security reasons, replacement keys can only be ob-
tained from your authorized dealer.
Important!
Removing the key from the steering lock activates the
start lock-out. The engine cannot be started.
Turning the key in the steering lock to the ON/RUN
position deactivates the start lock-out.
NOTE:In case the engine cannot be started, and START
and ERROR are shown in the odometer display field, the
system is not operational. Contact an authorized dealer.
Ignition Key Removal
Turn the key to the LOCK position and remove the key.
NOTE:For vehicles with automatic transmissions, if
you try to remove the key before you place the shift lever
in PARK, the key may become trapped temporarily in the
key cylinder. If this occurs, turn the key clockwise
slightly, then remove the key as described.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition
sounds a signal to remind you to remove the key.
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The engine in your new Crossfire does not require a long
break-in period. Following these few simple guidelines is
all that is necessary for a good break-in.
•Drive your vehicle at moderate vehicle and engine
speeds during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km).
•Do not make any full throttle starts and avoid full
throttle acceleration.
•Use the proper transmission gear for your speed
range.
•Avoid excessive idling.
•Check 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.
•Do 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.
•If 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.
•To 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.
46 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Convertible top switch lamp
flashes quickly and a quick
audible beep is heardMaximum hydraulic pump
run-time reached
Power window motor(s) or
rear spoiler inoperative
Vehicle speed greater than 9
mph (15 km/h) during top
operation
Top operation suspended
longer than 10 minutes
Convertible top switch lamp
flashes rapidlyGeneral top control module
fault
CONSOLE FEATURES
The console has a power outlet/cigar lighter, an ash tray
with a coin holder, a cupholder, and the passenger airbag
light. In addition, there are switches to control the heated
seats, rear spoiler, electronic stability program (ESP),
hazard flashers, central locking, rear defroster and tow-
ing alarm.Operating controls for the heating and air conditioning
systems, power windows, power mirrors, convertible top
switch (if equipped), and the automatic transmission
program mode selector switch (if equipped) are also
located in the console.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 61
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EXTERIOR LIGHTS
Headlights and Parking Lights
When the headlight switch is turned clockwise from OFF
to the first position, the parking lights, taillights, side
marker lights, license plate lights and instrument panel
lights are all illuminated.
The headlights turn on when the switch is turned to the
second position.
Lights-On Reminder
If the headlights or parking lights are left on after the
ignition is turned off, a warning will sound if the driver’s
door is opened.
Daytime Running Lights (Where Applicable)
VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The low beam headlights, parking lights, side marker
lights, taillights and license plate lights are automatically
switched on whenever the vehicle is started and the
transmission gear selector is in a driving position.
VEHICLES WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION
The low beam headlights, parking lights, side marker
lights, taillights, and license plate lights are automatically
switched on whenever the vehicle is started and the
parking brake is released.
For nighttime driving, the exterior lights switch should
be in the low beam position to permit activation of the
high beam headlights.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 73
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To Resume Speed
To resume a previously set speed, pull the speed control
lever toward you, and then release. The resume feature
can be used at any speed above 20 mph (30 km/h).
NOTE:Moving the gear selector lever to the “N”
position will switch the speed control off.
Using Speed Control On Hills
Your vehicle is equipped with interactive speed control.
This feature activates when driving up or down hills with
the speed control engaged and the driver’s foot off the
accelerator.
WARNING!
Speed control can be dangerous where the system
can’t maintain a constant speed. Your vehicle could
go too fast for the conditions, and you could lose
control. An accident could be the result. Don’t use
speed control in heavy traffic or on roads that are
winding, icy, snow-covered, or slippery.
For vehicles with automatic transmission:
On a downgrade or an upgrade, downshifting will occur
automatically to allow the engine’s braking power to
maintain the set speed. When more level roadway is
reached, the transmission will automatically upshift to
fifth gear.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 91
3
For vehicles with manual transmission:
The set speed control is switched off when declutching
exceeds four seconds during downshifting. In some
cases, you may have to step on the brake pedal to slow
down sufficiently to achieve the desired speed.
NOTE:On very steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain
may occur. It may be preferable to drive without speed
control.
GARAGE DOOR OPENER
The HomeLinkUniversal Transceiver replaces up to
three remote controls (hand-held transmitters) that oper-
ate devices such as garage door openers, motorized
gates, or home lighting. The transceiver triggers these
devices at the push of a button. The transceiver operates
off your vehicle’s battery and charging system: no bat-
teries are needed.
For additional information on HomeLink, call 1–800–
355–3515, or on the internet at www.homelink.com.
WARNING!
A moving garage door can cause injury to people and
pets in the path of the door. People or pets could be
seriously or fatally injured. Only use this transceiver
with a garage door opener that has a “stop and
reverse” feature, as required by federal safety stan-
dards. This includes most garage door opener mod-
els manufactured after 1982. Do not use a garage
door opener without these safety features, as it could
cause injury or death. Call toll-free 1–800–355–3515
or, on the internet at www.homelink.com for safety
information and assistance.
Programming The Universal Transceiver
For best results, install a new battery in the hand-held
transmitter before programming. If your garage door
opener (located in the garage) is equipped with an
antenna, make sure that the antenna is hanging straight
down.
1. Turn off the engine.
92 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
If you do not successfully program the universal trans-
ceiver to learn the signal of your hand-held transmitter,
call toll free for customer assistance at 1-800-355-3515, or
on the internet at www.homelink.com.
Gate Operator/Canadian Programming
Canadian radio-frequency laws require transmitter sig-
nals to “time-out” (or quit) after several seconds of
transmission. This may not be long enough for the
universal transceiver to pick up the signal during pro-
gramming. Similar to this Canadian law, some U.S. gate
operators are designed to “time-out” in the same manner.
If you live in Canada or you are having difficulties
programming a gate operator by using the programming
procedures (regardless of where you live), replace Pro-
gramming Step 5 with the following:
NOTE:If programming a garage door opener or gate
operator, it is advised to unplug the device during the
“cycling” process to prevent possible overheating.
5.
Continue to press and hold the universal transceiver
button while you press and release every two seconds
(“cycle”) your hand-held transmitter until the frequencysignal has successfully been accepted by the universal
transmitter. (The indicator light will flash slowly and then
rapidly.) Proceed with Programming Step 6 to complete.
Using the Universal Transceiver
To operate the universal transceiver, simply press and
release the programmed button. Activation will now
occur for the programmed device (i.e. garage door opener,
gate operator, security system, entry door lock, home/
office lighting, etc.) For convenience, the hand-held trans-
mitter of the device may also be used at any time.
Erasing Universal Transceiver Buttons
To erase programming from the three buttons (individual
buttons cannot be erased but can be reprogrammed – see
below), follow this procedure:
•Press and hold the two outer universal transceiver
buttons until the indicator light begins to flash after 20
seconds. Release both buttons. Do not hold for longer
than 30 seconds. The universal transceiver is now in
the program (or learning) mode and can be pro-
grammed at any time beginning with Programming
Step 4.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 95
3
If the charging system indicator light comes on, or a loss
of power steering assistance is noticeable while the
engine is running, this may indicate that the accessory
drive belt has broken. Should this condition occur, the
belt must be replaced before continuing to operate the
vehicle.
CAUTION!
The accessory drive belt also drives the water pump.
Operating the vehicle with a failed belt can cause
engine overheating and possible severe engine dam-
age.
16. High Beam Indicator Light
This indicator will illuminate when the
headlights are in the high beam setting.
To activate the high beams, push the multifunction
control lever past the point of resistance, toward the
instrument panel.
17. Electronic Digital Clock
A digital readout in the instrument cluster shows the
time in hours and minutes whenever the ignition switch
is in the ON/RUN or ACC position.
When the ignition switch is in the OFF/LOCK position,
timekeeping is accurately maintained.
The display can be adjusted with the knob/button lo-
cated to the left of the clock.
18. Gear Indicator
For automatic transmission vehicles, the current gear
shift selector range is indicated in the gear range indica-
tor display.
19. Push Button for Time Setting
To adjust the time display, turn the key in the ignition
switch to the ON/RUN or ACC position. The knob/
button located just to the left of the clock is used to
change the time. Pull out the knob and turn it to the left
for hour adjustment; pull out the knob and turn it to the
right for minute adjustment.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 105
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