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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 163
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NOTE:Do not raise the vehicle until you are sure the
jack is securely engaged, as shown.3. Holding the jack, insert the cradle under the lifting
points. Crank the handle clockwise until the jack base
meets the ground. Place the jack on firm ground. Position
the jack so that it is always level, even if the vehicle is
parked on an incline. Raise the vehicle only until the tire
just clears the surface. Minimum tire lift provides maxi-
mum stability.
4. Replace the tire.
5. Lower the vehicle by cranking the handle counter-
clockwise, then remove the jack assembly.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 173
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the vehicle is locked again with a key or the remote
control, at which time it is automatically reactivated.
CONVERTIBLE TOP EMERGENCY OPERATION
If the convertible top cannot be closed using the convert-
ible top switch, check the following:
•Is the decklid closed properly?
•Is there sufficient battery voltage? Start the engine if
necessary.
•Is the rear cargo compartment divider secured in the
vertical position?
If the power convertible top operation does not function
properly, you can close the convertible top manually.
NOTE:The multifunction tool from the glovebox is
required for this job.
CAUTION!
Manually closing the convertible top is a compli-
cated and technically demanding procedure. Closing
the convertible top manually should be performed
with great care by two people. Close the convertible
top manually in emergency cases only. Otherwise,
visit an authorized DaimlerChrysler Dealer.
182 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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3. Unlock the storage compartment by placing the tool
on the bolt between the backrest and the tonneau cover.
Turn the wrench in the direction of the arrow to its stop
and remove the tool.
4. Open the tonneau cover and secure it in the upright
position.5. Pull up hard on the upper section of the convertible
top to move it out of its storage compartment.
NOTE:Do not let go of the convertible top as it may fall
back into the convertible top storage compartment.
184 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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•If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the recovery bottle does not drop when the
engine cools, the cooling system should be pressure
tested for leaks.
•Maintain a coolant concentration of a minimum of 50%
ethylene glycol Extended Life Coolant and high qual-
ity water with recommended antifreeze for proper
corrosion protection of your engine cooling system
that contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant bottle hoses
are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle has
air conditioning, keep the front of the condenser clean,
also.
•Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor fuel
economy, and increased emissions.
Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions,
and excessive swelling indicate deterioration of the rub-
ber.
Pay particular attention to the hoses nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose rout-
ing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed. Inspect all hose connections such as clamps
and couplings to make sure they are secure and no leaks
are present. Components should be replaced immedi-
ately if there is any evidence of degradation that could
cause failure.
Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance section.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 211
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WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be made to examining those hose sur-
faces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before a hose is replaced
based on leakage.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done
whenever the brake system is serviced and at every
engine oil change.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
212 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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4. Realign the two tabs and push the light in until it
engages into the lock.
Tail, Stop, Back Up and Turn Signal Lights
1. Open the rear liftgate / decklid and remove the access
door in the trim panel.
2. Twist the bulb socket counterclockwise and pull out.
3. Replace the light and return to open socket, turn
clockwise until it stops.
4. Replace the access door in the trim panel.
License Plate Light
1. Remove the two lens assembly mounting screws.
2. Pull the bulb out of the socket.
3. Replace the bulb and reattach the lens assembly.
4. Align and resecure the two lens assembly mounting
screws.
NOTE:Be sure not to over-torque the mounting screws
or permanent damage to the lens may occur.
230 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE