WARNING!
In the event a malfunction of the airbag is indicated,
the airbag may not be operational. For your safety,
we strongly recommend that you visit an authorized
dealer immediately to have the system checked;
otherwise the airbag may not be activated when
needed in an accident, which could result in serious
or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and
unnecessarily which could also result in injury.
25. Telescoping Wheel Indicator Light
With the key in the ignition and turned to the
ON/RUN position, the indicator light in the
instrument cluster comes on. It should go
out when the engine is running. If the indi-
cator light does not go out after starting the engine, the
telescoping steering column is not locked properly.
WARNING!
Do not drive the vehicle until you have properly
locked the steering column.
26. Check Engine Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system that monitors the emissions and en-
gine control systems. If a problem is detected in one of
these systems, the Check Engine light will come on.
The light comes on and stays on briefly as a bulb check
when the ignition is first turned on.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, or
poor fuel quality may illuminate the light after the engine
is started. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time you
refuel.
108 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
▫ESP Control Switch....................143
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............144
▫Brake Pad Break-In....................147
Power Steering........................147
Ti re s................................148
▫Tire Pressure.........................148
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................149
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................151
▫Tire Spinning........................151
▫Tire Pressure Monitor System.............151
▫Tire Chains..........................153
▫Original Equipment Tires................153
▫Snow Tires..........................154
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................155▫Replacement Tires.....................155
▫Tire Rotation Recommendations...........156
▫Alignment And Balance.................157
Fuel Requirements.....................158
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................158
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............158
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................159
▫Materials Added To Fuel................159
▫Sulfur In Gasoline.....................159
Adding Fuel..........................160
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............160
Vehicle Loading.......................162
▫Roof Luggage Rack....................162
Trailer Towing........................163
128 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
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
FLUID CAPACITIES
Metric U.S.
Fuel (Approximate)60.0 Liters 15.8 Gallons
Fuel Tank Reserve8.0 Liters 2.1 Gallons
Engine Oil (with filter)
3.2 L Supercharged Engine 8.0 Liters 8.5 Qts.
Cooling System *
3.2 L Supercharged Engine 14.5 Liters 15.3 Qts.
Automatic Transmission8.0 Liters 8.5 Qts.
Rear Axle1.3 Liters 1.4 Qts.
Power Steering Reservoir1.0 Liters 1.1 Qts.
Brake Reservoir.5 Liters .5 Qts.
Windshield Washer Reservoir7.0 Liters 7.4 Qts.
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 235
7
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