•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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The use of Special lubricant additives is not recom-
mended. The use of such additives may affect your
warranty rights. With regard to legal stipulations con-
cerning emissions control, please note that engines have
to be serviced and adjusted in accordance with special
instructions and using special measuring equipment.
Modifications to or interference with the emissions con-
trol systems are not permissible.
All DaimlerChrysler Corporation dealers are familiar
with the relevant and applicable regulations.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The“Scheduled”maintenance services, listed inbold
typemust be done at the times or mileages specified to
assure the continued proper functioning of the emission
control system. These, and all other maintenance services
included in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for your Crossfire in severe
operating conditions such as dusty areas and very short
trip driving.Inspection and service also should be done any time a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the
emission control devices and systems on your vehicle
may be performed by any automotive repair establish-
ment or individual using any automotive part which has
been certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of
California, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
There are two maintenance schedules that show the
requiredservice for your vehicle.
Schedule“A”typically rotates with Schedule“B.”Follow
Schedule“A”after the first service interval, Schedule“B”
after the second service interval, and so on. In some cases
where the service interval has been extended due to very
light duty driving, a Schedule“B”service may be indi-
cated following a previous Schedule“B”service. There
are additional service tasks required under Schedule“B.”
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 241
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SCOPE OF WORK FOR“B”SCHEDULE
MAINTENANCE SERVICE
Oil Change
•Change oil and replace filter
Maintenance
•Rotate tires
•Replace dust filter
•Lubricate hood hinges, latch, and secondary latch
•Reset FSS Display
Function Check
•Horn, hazard warning flashers, turn signals, and indi-
cator lamps
•Headlamps and exterior lighting
•Windshield wipers and washer system
•Check seat belts for damage and proper function
•Test hydraulic brakes and check parking brake func-
tionInspection
•Check front and rear brake pads for lining thickness
•Check condition of front and rear brake discs
•Check tires for damage and general condition
•Check tire inflation pressures and correct if necessary
•Check major underbody components for leakage or
damage (if there are signs of leakage, determine cause
and repair)
•Check condition of front axle ball joints and rubber
boots
•Check condition of steering components and rubber
boots
•Check underhood components for leakage or damage
(if there are signs of leakage determine cause and
repair)
•Check condition of accessory drive belt
•Check headlamp aiming, adjust if necessary
•Check windshield wiper blades, replace if necessary
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 243
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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.
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 247
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ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System............. 102
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 209
Adding Fuel.......................... 160
Aiming Headlights...................... 231
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . 199
Air Conditioning....................120,202
Air Conditioning Filter................... 248
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 203
Air Conditioning System................. 202
Air Pressure, Tires...................148,149
Airbag................................ 29
Airbag Deployment...................... 33
Airbag Light........................32,107
Airbag Maintenance...................... 39
Airbag On/Off Switch..................36,41
Alignment and Balance.................. 157
Antenna.............................. 119
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 235
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 102
Appearance Care....................... 215
Ashtrays and Lighter..................... 63
Automatic Door Locks.................... 13
Automatic Transmission...............131,214Fluid and Filter Changes................ 214
Fluid Level Check..................... 214
Fluid Type.......................... 214
Autostick............................. 134
Ball Joints............................ 204
Battery............................103,201
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 73
Belts, Drive........................... 199
Belts, Seat............................. 22
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 204
Brake Assist System...................... 82
Brake, Parking......................... 138
Brake System.......................139,211
Anti-Lock........................... 139
Hoses.............................. 212
Master Cylinder...................... 213
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle . . . 46,147
Bulbs, Light........................... 228
Capacities, Fluid....................... 233
Capacity, Cargo Weight.................. 162
Carbon Monoxide Warning................ 47
266 INDEX
Disposal
Engine Oil.......................... 198
Door Locks, Automatic................... 13
Drive Belts............................ 199
Drive Shaft Universal Joints............... 204
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces................151,176
Electronic Speed Control.................. 86
Electronic Stability Program................ 83
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 166
Jump Starting........................ 174
Overheating......................... 166
Towing............................. 178
Emergency Trunk Release................. 19
Emission Control System Maintenance....193,241
Engine
Break-In Recommendations............... 46
Checking Oil Level.................... 195
Compartment........................ 191
Oil .............................195,235Oil Change Interval................... 197
Oil Selection......................... 198
Exhaust Gas Caution..................... 47
Exhaust System........................ 207
Exterior Lights......................... 228
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 199
Air Conditioning..................... 248
Engine Fuel......................... 199
Engine Oil.......................... 198
Fluid Capacities.....................233,235
Fluid Leaks............................ 48
Four-Way Hazard Flasher................. 166
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 177
Fuel................................. 158
Adding............................. 160
Additives........................... 159
Filler Cap........................... 160
Filter.............................. 199
Octane Rating........................ 158
Fuses................................ 221
268 INDEX