if the temperature is very cold.ALWAYScheck the
pressure in your tires if the TPM lamp is illuminated.
Tire Chains
The RUD-maticDISC is the only tire chain system
approved for use on the Chrysler Crossfire.
Chains should only be used on the rear wheels and only
with the recommended winter mud and snow (M+S)
tires and wheels. Follow the manufacturer’s mounting
instructions.
Tire chains should only be driven on snow-covered roads
at speeds not to exceed 30 mph (48 km/h). Remove
chains as soon as possible when driving on roads without
snow.
When driving with tire chains, press the ESP control
switch to OFF.
CAUTION!
Damage to the vehicle may result if unapproved tire
chains are used.
Original Equipment Tires
Your vehicle is equipped with either sport performance
tires or all-season performance tires. The sport perfor-
mance tires offer the maximum road handling capability
in dry and wet weather conditions. The all-season per-
formance tires, while offering slightly less road handling
capability, are able to provide traction capability in snow
and ice conditions. Both types of tires are rated for high
speed operation. It is important that you know what type
of tires your vehicle is equipped with so that you
understand their traction and handling characteristics for
various road conditions. Replacement tires should be of
the same size and speed rating to continue to provide the
same level of performance you are accustomed to.
STARTING AND OPERATING 153
5
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Your engine is designed to meet all emis-
sions regulations and provide satisfactory
fuel economy and optimum performance
when using high quality unleaded gaso-
line having an octane rating of 91 or
higher. DaimlerChrysler Corporation re-
quires the use of 91 octane or higher premium fuel to
minimize the potential for engine damage.
Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to
your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at
high speeds can cause damage and should be reported to
your authorized dealer immediately. Engine damage
resulting from operating with a heavy spark knock may
not be covered by the new vehicle warranty.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard
starting, stalling and stumble. If you experience these
problems, try another brand of gasoline before consider-
ing service for the vehicle.
Over 60 automobile manufacturers around the world
have issued and endorsed consistent gasoline specifica-
tions (the World Wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) to definefuel properties necessary to deliver enhanced emissions,
engine performance, and durability for your vehicle.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation recommends the use of
gasolines that meet the WWFC specifications if they are
available.
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner
burning fuel, referred to as“Reformulated Gasoline”.
Reformulated gasolines contain oxygenates and are spe-
cially blended to reduce vehicle emissions and improve
air quality.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation supports the use of refor-
mulated gasolines. Properly blended reformulated gaso-
lines will provide excellent performance and durability
of engine and fuel system components.
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with mate-
rials called oxygenates such as 10% ethanol, MTBE and
ETBE. Oxygenates are required in some areas of the
country during the winter months to reduce carbon
monoxide emissions. Fuels blended with these oxygen-
ates may be used in your vehicle.
158 STARTING AND OPERATING
states adopting California emission standards, your ve-
hicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting Federal
specifications, but emission control system performance
may be adversely affected.
Gasoline sold outside of California is permitted to have
higher sulfur levels, which may affect the performance of
the vehicle’s catalytic converter. This may cause the
CHECK ENGINE light to illuminate. DaimlerChrysler
Corporation recommends that you try a different brand
of unleaded gasoline having lower sulfur to determine if
the problem is fuel-related prior to returning your vehicle
to an authorized dealer for service.
CAUTION!
If the CHECK ENGINE Light is flashing, immediate
service is required. See the Onboard Diagnostic
System (OBDII) paragraph in the Maintaining Your
Vehicle section of this manual.
ADDING FUEL
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is located under the fuel filler door, on the
passenger’s side of the vehicle. To open the door, be sure
it is unlocked, then gently press the rear edge of the door
until a click can be heard, then release. The door rear
edge will spring open enough to grasp and pull it
completely open. If the central locking system does not
release the fuel filler door, see your authorized dealer for
service. If the gas cap is lost or damaged, be sure the
replacement cap has been designed for use with this
vehicle.
CAUTION!
Damage to the fuel system or emission control
system could result from using an improper gas cap.
A poorly fitting cap could let impurities into the fuel
system. The CHECK ENGINE light will come on if
the gas cap is not properly secured.
160 STARTING AND OPERATING
NOTE:The fuel tank filler tube has a restricting door
about 2 inches (50 mm) down from the opening. If fuel is
poured from a portable container, the container should
have a flexible nozzle long enough to force open the
restricting door.
CAUTION!
To avoid fuel spillage and overfilling, do not“top
off”the fuel tank after filling.
With the key in the ignition switch turned to the ON/
RUN position, the fuel reserve warning light comes on. It
should go out immediately when the engine is running.
If the warning light does not go out after starting the
engine, or if it comes on while driving, it indicates that
the fuel level is down to the reserve quantity of approxi-
mately 2.1 gallons (8 liters).
Leaving the engine running and the fuel cap open can
cause the CHECK ENGINE light to illuminate.
NOTE:
•
When the fuel nozzle“clicks”or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
•Tighten the gas cap until you hear a single click. This
is an indication that the gas cap is properly tightened.
The CHECK ENGINE light will come on if the gas cap
is not properly secured. Make sure that the gas cap is
tightened each time the vehicle is refueled.
WARNING!
•Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank is filled.
•Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
•A fire may result if gasoline is pumped into a
portable container that is inside of a vehicle. You
could be burned. Always place gas containers on
the ground outside the vehicle while filling.
STARTING AND OPERATING 161
5
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
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................215
Convertible Top Care...................219
▫Washing............................220
▫General Cleaning.....................220
▫Weather Strip Care....................221
Fuses...............................221
▫Underhood Accessory Fuse Block Fuses.....221
▫Relay Control Module Fuses.............225
▫Interior Fuses........................226
Replacement Bulbs.....................228
▫Interior Light Bulbs....................228
▫Exterior Light Bulbs...................228
Exterior Light Bulb Service...............228
▫Headlights..........................228▫Front Turn Signal And Parking/Standing
Lights.............................229
▫Front And Rear Sidemarker Lights.........229
▫Tail, Stop, Back Up And Turn Signal Lights . . . 230
▫License Plate Light....................230
▫Headlight Aiming.....................231
Vehicle Storage........................231
Specifications.........................233
Fluid Capacities.......................235
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine
Parts
...............................236
▫Engine.............................236
▫Chassis............................237
▫Body..............................238
190 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
To meet new government regulations and promote
cleaner air, your Crossfire is equipped with a sophisti-
cated onboard diagnostic system called OBD II. This
system monitors the performance of the emissions and
engine control systems. When these systems are operat-
ing properly, your vehicle will provide excellent perfor-
mance and fuel economy, as well as engine emissions
well within current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the CHECK ENGINE Light. It will also store
diagnostic codes and other information to assist your
service technician in making repairs. Although your
vehicle will usually be drivable and not need towing, see
your authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the CHECK ENGINE light
on could cause further damage to the emission
control system. It could also affect fuel economy and
drivability. The vehicle must be serviced before any
state emissions tests can be performed.
If the CHECK ENGINE light is flashing, severe catalytic
converter damage and power loss will soon occur. Im-
mediate service is required.
If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the CHECK
ENGINE light may come on. Be sure the gas cap is
tightened every time you add fuel. Tighten the cap until
you hear it“click”once.
192 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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