Page 137 of 280

For standard mode, press the“S”symbol on the switch.
Use this mode for all regular driving. The vehicle starts
out in FIRST gear.
Depressing the accelerator pedal rapidly or nearly to the
floor while driving (kickdown position), rather than
depressing the accelerator pedal in slow, small move-
ments, will cause the automatic transmission to shift
down into a lower gear. Rapid release of the accelerator
pedal will normally result in an upshift. This gear shift-
ing process is dependent on the current vehicle speed.
For Winter/Wet (snow and ice) mode, press the“W”
symbol on the switch. The vehicle starts out in SECOND
gear, unless FIRST gear has been selected, or the accel-
erator pedal is in the kickdown position. The“W”mode
helps to improve traction and driving stability of the
vehicle. The gear shifting process occurs at lower vehicle
and engine speeds than in the“S”program mode.CAUTION!
Never change the program mode when the selector
lever is out of the PARK position. It could result in a
change of driving characteristics for which you may
not be prepared.
Emergency Operation (Limp Home Mode)
If vehicle acceleration worsens, or the transmission no
longer shifts, the transmission is most likely operating in
Limp Home Mode which engages when there is a
malfunction of the transmission.
This condition may be accompanied by the CHECK
ENGINE light in the instrument cluster coming on.
In this mode only the SECOND gear or REVERSE gear
can be activated.
To engage SECOND gear or REVERSE:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the selector lever to the PARK position.
3. Turn off the engine.
STARTING AND OPERATING 137
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Page 144 of 280

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).
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, steady
brake pedal pressure results in optimal braking power
while maintaining the ability to steer the vehicle.
144 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 197 of 280

Change Engine Oil
The oil change interval for your Crossfire is initially set at
7,000 miles (Canada: 11,000 km).
The Flexible Service System (FSS) in your vehicle evalu-
ates engine temperature, oil level, vehicle speed, engine
speed, distance driven, and the time elapsed since your
last service. It determines when your vehicle needs
maintenance service and alerts you in advance. The next
necessary service is indicated by the FSS in your instru-
ment cluster.
NOTE:Also see the FSS system details in the Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel section of this manual.
Very light duty driving cycles (most trips more than 10
miles [16 km] at moderate speeds in moderate tempera-
ture 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 and 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)
•Taxi, Police, or delivery service (commercial service)
Observe the oil change interval indicated by your FSS
system. This system will monitor the driving conditions
seen by your vehicle, and will recommend the best
interval for servicing your vehicle to maintain it in top
condition.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could dam-
age your engine.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 197
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Page 271 of 280

Disposal............................ 198
Filter.............................. 198
Materials Added to.................... 198
Recommendation..................... 198
Oil Filter, Selection...................... 198
Onboard Diagnostic System............192,193
Overheating, Engine..................... 166
Owner’s Manual....................... 255
Paint Care............................ 215
Parking Brake......................... 138
Passing Light........................... 77
Pets.................................. 46
Pets, Transporting....................... 46
Power
Outlet.............................. 65
Steering.........................147,203
Steering, Checking.................... 203
Windows............................ 21
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts............. 28
Program Mode Selector Switch............. 136
Programming Transmitters...............92,93Radial Ply Tires........................ 151
Radio Antenna......................... 119
Radio Operation........................ 119
Radio (Sound Systems)................... 111
Rear Liftgate........................... 22
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts............................... 236
Reformulated Gasoline................... 158
Refrigerant............................ 203
Remote Keyless Entry.................... 14
Replacement Tires...................... 155
Reporting Safety Defects................. 254
Residual Engine Heat Utilization (REST)...... 125
Restraints, Child........................ 39
Restraints, Infant........................ 40
Restraints, Occupant..................... 22
Rotation, Tires......................... 156
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle............... 47
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle.............. 48
Safety Tips............................. 47
Schedule, Maintenance................... 241
INDEX 271
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