2005 CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE SRT warning

into another gear that allows for quicker acceleration or
to slow the vehicle down is possible. Downshifts can also
be performed.
Press and hold the selector lever in the“D-”direction.
The transmission will shift from the current gear directly
to the best gear for acceleration.
NOTE:To avoid overrevving the engine when the
selector lever is moved in“D-”direction, the transmis-
sion will not shift to a lower gear if the engine’s revolu-
tions per minute limit would be exceeded.
Briefly press the selector lever in the“D+”direction. The
transmission will shift from the current gear to the next
higher gear.
Press and hold the selector lever in the“D+”direction.
The transmission will shift from the current gear directly
to gear“D.”
WARNING!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order
to obtain braking action. This could result in drive
wheel slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehi-
cle’s ABS will not prevent this type of loss of control.
You could lose control of your vehicle and have an
accident.
NOTE:With transmission in gear“D,”“4,”or“3,”
upshifting from FIRST to SECOND to THIRD gear may
be delayed, depending on vehicle speed and engine
temperature. This allows the catalytic converter to heat
up more quickly to operating temperatures.
The delayed upshift is effective with vehicle speeds
below 31 mph (50 km/h) at partial throttle and engine
temperatures below 95°F (35°C). To prevent the engine
from laboring at low RPM when driving uphill or with
your vehicle heavily loaded, the automatic transmis-
sion will downshift when necessary to maintain en-
gine RPM within the best torque range.
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4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Move the selector lever to the DRIVE position (for
SECOND gear), or move the selector lever to the RE-
VERSE position (for REVERSE gear).
Have the transmission checked at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
PARKING BRAKE
When you apply the parking brake with engine
running, the brake system warning light in the
instrument cluster will come on.
NOTE:This light, when illuminated with parking brake
application, shows only that the parking brake is on. It
does not show the degree of brake application.
NOTE:If the light remains on with the parking brake
released, a brake system malfunction is indicated. Have
the brake system serviced by an authorized dealer im-
mediately.Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the parking
brake is fully applied and place the gear selector in the
PARK position.
To release the parking brake, slightly pull up the handle
while pushing the lock button, and guide the lever
downward to its stop. The brake warning light in the
instrument cluster should go out.
A warning sounds if you start to drive without having
released the parking brake.
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When parking on a hill, you must set the parking brake
beforeplacing the gear selector in PARK. If you don’t, the
load on the transmission locking mechanism may make it
difficult to move the selector out of PARK. As an added
precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a
downhill grade and away from the curb on an uphill
grade.
The parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
WARNING!
Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged before
driving; failure to do so can lead to brake failure and
an accident.
WARNING!
Do not leave children unattended in a vehicle. A
child could be injured, or could injure others, if left
unattended.
BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with power brakes as standard
equipment. In the event power assist is lost for any
reason (for example, repeated brake applications with the
engine off), the brakes will still function. The effort
required to brake the vehicle will be much greater than
that required with the power system operating.
If either the front or rear hydraulic system loses normal
capability, the remaining system will still function with
some loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be
evident by increased pedal travel during application,
greater pedal force required to slow or stop, and activa-
tion of the brake warning light during brake use.
Brake Assist System (BAS)
The BAS is designed to maximize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. Maxi-
mum power boost is applied to the brakes more quickly
in emergency braking conditions. This can help reduce
braking distances relative to what ordinary driving and
braking style might do.
The BAS complements the antilock brake system (ABS).
Applying the brakes very quickly results in maximum
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BAS assistance. To receive the benefit of the system you
must apply continuous, full braking power during the
stopping sequence. Do not reduce brake pedal pressure.
WARNING!
BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking
efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of
the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
The BAS cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a
safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent acci-
dents. The capabilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or
the safety of others.
Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.The malfunction indicator light for the BAS is combined
with the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) malfunction
indicator light.
The BAS/ESP malfunction indicator light in the instru-
ment cluster comes on with the key in the ignition switch
turned to the ON/RUN position and should go out with
the engine running. If the BAS/ESP malfunction indica-
tor light comes on steadily while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected in either the BAS or ESP
140 STARTING AND OPERATING

system. As a result, it is possible that only partial engine
output will be available, and pressing the accelerator
pedal will require more effort.
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system functions in
the usual manner, but without BAS.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP will be
disabled. In this condition, both malfunction indicator
lights come on while the engine is running. If the
malfunction indicator light stays illuminated, have the
BAS and ESP checked at your authorized dealer as soon
as possible.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
The ESP enhances directional control and reduces wheel-
spin under various driving conditions. When ESP is
active, engine torque is limited and the ESP warning light
starts to flash.In winter operation, the effectiveness of the ESP can be
enhanced by equipping the vehicle with DaimlerChrysler
recommended mud and snow (M+S) rated radial-ply
tires and/or snow chains.
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WARNING!
ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction
afforded. The ESP cannot prevent accidents, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive speed in turns, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an
ESP equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopar-
dize the user’s safety or the safety of others.
The ESP warning light starts to flash at any vehicle speed
as soon as the tires lose traction and the wheels begin to
spin.
If the ESP warning light flashes during acceleration, ease
up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as
possible. While driving, adapt your speed to the prevail-
ing road conditions.
CAUTION!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised (see
the What To Do In Emergencies section in this
manual), the engine must be shut off (key in the
ignition switch turned to the OFF/LOCK or ACC
position). Otherwise, the ESP will immediately be
engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes.
NOTE:When the ESP warning light is illuminated
continuously, the ESP is switched off. Adapt your speed
and driving to the prevailing road conditions.
NOTE:Avoid spinning of one drive wheel. This may
cause serious damage to the drivetrain which is not
covered by the DaimlerChrysler Limited Warranty.
NOTE:If the ESP warning light flashes during accel-
eration, ease up on the accelerator.
NOTE:ESP should not be switched off during normal
driving. Disabling of the system under normal operating
conditions will eliminate the benefits of the ESP system.
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Synchronizing ESP
If the power supply was interrupted (battery discon-
nected or discharged), the BAS/ESP malfunction indica-
tor light may be illuminated with the engine running. To
re-synchronize the ESP, and cancel the malfunction indi-
cator light, the steering angle sensor will need to be
recalibrated.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position.
2. Rotate the steering wheel to the center position.
3. Rotate the steering wheel completely to the left, and
then rotate the steering wheel completely to the right.
4. Bring the steering wheel back to the center position.
5. The BAS/ESP malfunction indicator light will go out.
If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator light is still illumi-
nated, the vehicle should be serviced at an authorized
dealer.
ESP Control switch
The ESP control switch is located in the center console.
When the ESP is switched off, the warning light in the
instrument cluster comes on. When the ESP is switched
on, the warning light goes out.
To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand, or gravel,
switch off the ESP by pressing the upper half of the ESP
switch. The ESP warning light will then be continuously
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illuminated. With the ESP system switched off, the en-
gine torque reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the
enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable.
CAUTION!
Snow chains should never be used without the
recommended mud and snow (M+S) rated radial-ply
tires. Damage to your vehicle may result from such
usage.
ESP always operates under braking, even with the switch
in the OFF position.
If one drive wheel loses traction and begins to spin, the
ESP system will apply the brake at the affected wheel
until the wheel regains sufficient traction. The traction
control engages at approximately 24 mph (40 km/h), and
switches off at 50 mph (80 km/h).
To return to the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP,
press the lower half of the switch (the ESP warning light
goes out).
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The ABS gives increased vehicle stability and brake
performance under most braking conditions. The system
automatically“pumps”the brakes during severe braking
conditions to prevent wheel lock-up. The system operates
to prevent wheel lock-up and help avoid skidding on
slippery surfaces.
NOTE:The ABS improves steering control of the ve-
hicle during hard braking maneuvers.
The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up above a
vehicle speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h)
independent of road surface conditions.
At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a
slight pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal, indicat-
ing that the ABS is in the regulating mode.
Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal
while experiencing the pulsation. Continuous, steady
brake pedal pressure results in optimal braking power
while maintaining the ability to steer the vehicle.
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