
are general instructions, and not all child restraint sys-
tems will be installed exactly as described here. Again,
carefully follow the installation instructions that were
provided with the child restraint system.
The passenger seat lower anchorages are round bars,
located at the rear of the seat cushion where it meets the
seat back, and are just visible when you lean in to install
the child restraint. You will easily feel them if you run
your finger along the intersection of the seat back and
seat cushion surfaces.The passenger seat tether anchorage is located on the
back of the seat cushion frame. It is visible by moving the
passenger seat forward in the vehicle.
Many, but not all LATCH-Compatible child restraint
systems will be equipped with separate straps on each
side, with each having a hook or connector for attach-
ment to the lower anchorage and a means of adjusting
the tension in the strap. Forward-facing toddler restraints
and some rear-facing infant restraints will also be
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 43
2

equipped with a tether strap, a hook for attachment to the
tether strap anchorage and a means of adjusting the
tension of the strap.
You will first loosen the adjusters on the lower straps and
on the tether strap so that you can more easily attach the
hooks or connectors to the vehicle anchorages. Next, you
can attach the tether strap to the anchor by moving the
passenger seat forward. Route the child restraint tether
directly over the top of the seat, through the strap near
the top of the seat back, and attach the hook to the anchor
bar. Recline the seat back and move the passenger seat as
far rearward as possible. Next, attach the lower hooks to
the passenger seat lower anchor bars by pushing aside
the seat cover material. Finally, tighten all three straps as
you push the child restraint rearward and downward
into the seat, removing slack in the straps according to
the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions.WARNING!
Improper installation of a child restraint to the
LATCH anchorages can lead to failure of an infant or
child restraint. The child could be badly injured or
killed. Follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly
when installing an infant or child restraint.
Installing Child Restraints Using the Vehicle Seat
Belt
Child restraints can be securely fastened in the passenger
seat using the seat belts. For this purpose, the passenger
seat belt retractor provides two modes of operation -
normal emergency locking and automatic locking. For
child restraint installation, the retractor switches to auto-
matic locking when the belt is pulled out to the full extent
of its travel. As the belt retracts, the retractor locks to
prevent the belt from being pulled out again. Pulling the
belt snugly over the child restraint toward the retractor
secures the restraint in place. When the belt retracts fully
after child restraint removal, normal (emergency locking)
44 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

retractor action is restored. Any seat belt system will
loosen with time, so check the belt occasionally and pull
it tight if necessary.
If your child restraint is equipped with a tether strap,
attach it to the vehicle by first moving the seat back fully
forward. Next, route the child restraint tether directly
over the top of the seat, through the strap near the top of
the seat back, and attach the hook to the anchor bar.
Recline the seat back and move the passenger seat as far
rearward as possible. Remove slack in the tether strap as
you push the child restraint downward and rearward,
following the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions.
Child Restraint Tether Anchor - General
Information
Child restraints having tether straps and hooks for con-
nection to tether anchors have been available for some
time. In fact, many child restraint manufacturers will
provide add-on tether strap kits for certain of their older
products. There is a tether strap anchor behind the
passenger seat.To attach the tether strap to the anchor, move the
seatback fully forward. Pass the child restraint tether
hook over the top of the seat, through the strap near the
top of the seat back, and attach it to the anchor bar behind
the passenger seat, below the seatback. After securing the
tether hook to the bar, recline the seatback fully rearward
and move the seat to its most rearward position.
Install the child restraint and return the seatback to an
upright position. Remove slack from the tether strap
according to the child restraint manufacturer’s directions.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 45
2

WARNING!
An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to
increased head motion and possible injury to the
child. Use only the anchor position directly behind
the child seat to secure a child restraint top tether
strap.
Transporting Pets
Deploying airbags could harm your pet. An unrestrained
pet will be thrown about and possibly injured, or injure a
passenger during panic braking or in a collision.
Pets should be restrained in pet harnesses or pet carriers
that are secured by seat belts.
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.
46 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Cargo Compartment
Capacity............................ 162
Catalytic Converter..................... 200
CD Player.......................... 111,115
Chains, Tire........................... 153
Changing A Flat Tire.................... 167
Charging System Light................... 103
Checks, Safety.......................... 47
Child Restraint......................... 39
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............. 45
Cigar Lighter........................... 65
Circuit Breakers........................ 221
Clean Air Gasoline...................... 158
Cleaning
Glass.............................. 218
Headlights.......................... 218
Climate Control........................ 120
Coin Holder........................... 64
Compact Disc Maintenance............... 119
Console............................... 62
Contract, Service....................... 252
Converter, Catalytic..................... 170
Convertible............................ 52Convertible Top......................... 52
Convertible Top Maintenance.............. 219
Convertible Top Manual Override.......... 182
Coolant...........................209,248
Cooling System........................ 208
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze)............. 209
Coolant Level........................ 208
Disposal of Used Coolant............... 209
Drain, Flush, and Refill................. 208
Points to Remember................... 210
Pressure Cap........................ 210
Rubber and Plastic Components.......... 211
Selection of Coolant................... 209
Corrosion Protection.................... 215
Crankcase Emission Control System......... 201
Cup Holder............................ 65
Customer Assistance.................... 250
Cylinders, Lock........................ 205
Dealer Service......................... 194
Deck Lid.............................. 19
Defroster, Windshield..................... 48
INDEX 267
10

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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