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TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
We recommend that the vehicle be transported using flat
bed equipment. This method is preferable to other types
of towing.
CAUTION!
Important! If towing the vehicle, please note the
following: With the automatic central locking acti-
vated and the key in the ignition switch turned to the
ON/RUN position, the vehicle doors lock if the left
front wheel and the right rear wheel are turning at
vehicle speeds of approximately 9 mph (15 km/h) or
more. To prevent the vehicle door locks from lock-
ing, deactivate the automatic central locking.
CAUTION!
If the vehicle is towed with the front wheels raised,
the engine must be shut off (key in the ignition
switch turned to the OFF/LOCK or ACC positions).
Otherwise, the ESP will immediately be engaged
and will apply the rear wheel brakes. Switch off the
tow-away alarm as well as the automatic central
locking system.
Towing restrictions for vehicles with automatic transmis-
sion: The vehicle may be towed with all wheels on the
ground and the transmission selector lever in the Neutral
position for distances up to 30 miles (48 km) and at a
speed not to exceed 30 mph (48 km/h). The key must be
turned to the ON/RUN position in the ignition. To be
certain to avoid a possibility of damage to the transmis-
sion, however, we recommend the drive shaft be discon-
nected at the rear axle drive flange for any towing
beyond a short tow to a nearby garage.
Always comply with applicable state or local towing
ordinances.
178 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
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Tow-Away Alarm
Once the alarm system has been armed, the exterior
vehicle lights will flash and an alarm will sound when
anyone attempts to raise the vehicle for towing. The
alarm will last approximately three minutes in the form
of flashing exterior lights. At the same time, an alarm will
sound for 30 seconds. The alarm will stay on even if the
vehicle is immediately lowered. To cancel the alarm,
insert the key in the ignition switch or press the transmit
button on the key fob.To prevent triggering the tow-away alarm feature, press
the tow-away alarm switch to turn off the tow-away
alarm before towing the vehicle, or when parking on a
surface subject to movement, such as a ferry or auto train.
To do so, turn the key in the ignition switch to the
OFF/LOCK or ACC positions, or remove key from the
ignition switch. Press the upper half of the tow-away
alarm switch. The indicator light will illuminate briefly.
Then, exit the vehicle and lock with a key or the remote
control. The tow-away alarm remains switched off until
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 181
6
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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
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MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
3.2L SRT Engine.......................191
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).......192
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs
............................193
Replacement Parts.....................194
Dealer Service........................194
Maintenance Procedures.................195
▫Engine Oil..........................195
▫Ignition Wiring System.................201
▫Crankcase Emission Control System........201
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................201
▫Air Conditioner......................202▫Power Steering Fluid...................203
▫Chassis Lubrication....................204
▫Body Lubrication.....................204
▫Windshield Wiper Blades................205
▫Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement.......205
▫Windshield Washer Reservoir.............206
▫Exhaust System......................207
▫Cooling System.......................208
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......211
▫Brakes.............................211
▫Automatic Transmission................214
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Page 193 of 280

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
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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
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In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to DaimlerChrysler Corpo-
ration’s specifications, should be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for a prolonged period.
Ignition Wiring System
The ignition cables should be kept clean and properly
connected. Terminals should be fully seated. Cracked,
damaged, or faulty cables should be replaced.
Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from sticking or plugging due to deposits.
Check ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
Maintenance-Free Battery
The top of the maintenance-free battery is permanently
sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is periodic
maintenance required.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 201
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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