
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

Relieving Hydraulic Pressure
NOTE:
The hydraulic pressure must be relieved before
the top can manually be raised or lowered.
1. Turn the ignition to the“ON”position.
2. Push down on the convertible top switch and hold in
that position.
3. Turn the ignition“OFF”and continue to push down
on the switch for 5 seconds.
4. After 5 seconds the hydraulic system pressure will be
relieved.
WARNING!
It is important that a second person assist you to
close the convertible top manually to prevent inju-
ries.
1. Lower the windows and open the doors.
2. Turn the ignition key off.
CAUTION!
Ensure that the decklid is closed while raising the
convertible top manually to prevent the possibility
of contact between the decklid and the tonneau
cover.
WARNING!
Do not place your hands near the convertible top
frame, upper windshield area, or the convertible top
storage compartment while the convertible top is
being raised and locked. Serious personal injury
may occur.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 183
6

EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies
the following: the CHECK ENGINE Light is functioning
and is not on when the engine is running, and that the
OBD (Onboard Diagnostic) system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.
Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD system is ready, you must do
the following:1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position, but do not
crank or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON/RUN
position, you will see your CHECK ENGINE light come
on as part of a normal bulb check.
5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The CHECK ENGINE light will flash for about 10
seconds and then return to being fully illuminated
until you turn off the ignition key or start the
engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD system
isnot readyand you shouldnotproceed to the I/M
station.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 193
7

b. The CHECK ENGINE light will not flash at all
and will remain fully illuminated until you turn off
the ignition key or start the engine. This means that
your vehicle’s OBD system isreadyand you can
proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD system isnot ready,you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your
vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD
system to update. A recheck with the above test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD system is
ready or not ready, if the CHECK ENGINE light is
illuminated during normal vehicle operation, you should
have your vehicle serviced before going to the I/M
station. The I/M station can fail your vehicle because the
CHECK ENGINE light is on with the engine running.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine Moparparts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to in-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-Moparparts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the warranty offered
by DaimlerChrysler Corporation.
DEALER SERVICE
Your dealer has the qualified service personnel, special
tools and equipment to perform all service operations in
an expert manner. Service Manuals are available which
include detailed service information for your Crossfire.
Refer to these manuals before attempting any procedure
yourself.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
194 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

It is important to maintain proper lubrication to insure
that the hood mechanisms work properly and safely.
Multi-Purpose Lubricant, NLGI Grade 2, should be ap-
plied sparingly to all pivot and sliding contact areas.
Driver’s Door Lock Cylinder
The driver’s door lock cylinder should be lubricated
twice a year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a
small amount of a high quality lubricant, such as Mopar
Lock Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder
(avoid excess lubricant).
Insert the key into the lock cylinder and rotate from the
unlocked to the locked position without adding more
lubricant. Repeat this procedure three or four times. Wipe
all the lubricant off the key with a clean cloth, to avoid
soiling clothing.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild non-abrasive cleaner, or use the washer solvent.
This will remove accumulations of salt or road film and
help reduce streaking and smearing.Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield. Avoid using the wiper blades to
remove frost or ice from the windshield. Make sure that
they are not frozen to the glass before turning them on to
avoid damaging the blade. Keep the blade rubber out of
contact with petroleum products such as engine oil,
gasoline, etc.
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
1. Lift the wiper arm away from the glass.
2. Rotate the blade 45 degrees to gain access to the
release tab.
3. Push the release tab as shown in the illustration and
slide the wiper blade assembly down along the arm.
Gently place the wiper arm on the windshield.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 205
7

Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-
connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at any time the ignition
key is in the ON position.
•You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant
or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear
steam coming from under the hood, don’t open
the hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check coolant protection every 12 months (before the
onset of freezing weather, where applicable). If the cool-
ant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the system should be
drained, flushed and refilled with fresh coolant.Check the front of the radiator and condenser for an
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. Clean the radiator and
condenser by gently spraying water from a garden hose
at the back of the radiator core.
Check the recovery bottle tank tubing for condition and
tightness of connection at the bottle and radiator. Inspect
the entire system for leaks.
Cooling System - Drain, Flush and Refill
At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules,
the system should be drained, flushed and refilled.
208 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Garage Door Opener..................... 89
GasCap .............................. 160
Gasoline............................. 235
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............... 158
Gear Ratios........................... 233
Glass Cleaning......................... 218
Glove Compartment..................... 65
Hazard Warning Flasher.................. 166
Headlights
Aiming............................. 231
Cleaning............................ 218
Dimmer Switch....................... 76
Heater............................... 120
Hood Latch Maintenance................. 204
Hood Release.......................... 71
Hoses................................ 211
Ignition
Key ................................. 9
Wiring System....................... 201
Illuminated Entry....................... 73
Infant Restraint......................... 40Inside Rearview Mirror................... 66
Instrument Cluster....................... 97
Instrument Panel and Controls.............. 96
Instrument Panel Cover.................. 218
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning............ 219
Interior Appearance Care................. 217
Introduction............................ 4
Jack Location.......................... 172
Jack Operation......................... 167
Jump Starting......................... 174
Key-In Reminder........................ 10
Keyless Entry System..................... 14
Keys.................................. 9
Knee Bolster........................... 29
Lap/Shoulder Belts...................... 23
Light Bulbs........................... 228
Lights
Airbag...........................32,107
Anti-Lock Warning.................... 102
Back-Up............................ 230
INDEX 269
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
10