below 10 volts, the malfunction indicator light comes on
and the ABS is switched off. When the voltage is above
this value again, the malfunction indicator light should
go out and the ABS is operational. If the malfunction
indicator light stays illuminated, have the system
checked at your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING!
ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by the con-
dition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded. The ABS cannot prevent accidents, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydroplan-
ing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ABS-
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reck-
less or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
WARNING!
To use your brakes and accelerator more safely,
follow these tips:
•Do not “ride” the brakes by resting your foot on
the pedal. This could overheat the brakes and
result in unpredictable braking action, longer
stopping distances, or brake damage.
•When descending mountains or hills, repeated
braking can cause brake fade with loss of braking
control. Avoid repeated heavy braking by down-
shifting the transmission whenever possible.
•Do not drive too fast for road conditions, espe-
cially when roads are wet or slushy. A wedge of
water can build up between the tire tread and the
road. This hydroplaning action can cause loss of
traction, braking ability, and control.
•After going through deep water or a car wash,
brakes may become wet, resulting in decreased
performance and unpredictable braking action.
Dry the brakes by gentle, intermittent pedal ac-
tion while driving at very slow speeds.
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Brake Pad Break-In
The brakes on your vehicle do not require a long break-in
period, but avoid repeated hard brake applications from
high speeds during initial break-in. Also avoid severe
brake loading such as may be encountered when de-
scending long mountain grades.
POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason, the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and does not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power
steering pump may make noise for a short period of
time. This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering
system. This noise should be considered normal, and
does not in any way damage the steering system.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolong operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
158 STARTING AND OPERATING
CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure al-
ways reinstall the valve stem cap–if equipped. This
will prevent moisture and dirt from entering the
valve stem, which could damage the valve stem.
Inflation pressures specified on the placard are always
“cold tire inflation pressure”. Cold tire inflation pressure
is defined as the tire pressure after the vehicle has not
been driven for at least 3 hours, or driven less than 1 mile
(1 km) after a 3 hour period. The cold tire inflation
pressure must not exceed the maximum inflation pres-
sure molded into the tire side wall.
Check tire pressures more often if subject to a wide range
of outdoor temperatures, as tire pressures vary with
temperature changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per
12° F (7° C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure inside a garage especially in
the winter.Example: If garage temperature = 68° F (20° C) and the
outside temperature = 32° F (0° C) then the cold tire
inflation pressure should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa),
which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12° F (7° C) for this
outside temperature condition.
Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi (13 to 40 kPa)
during operation. DO NOT reduce this normal pressure
build up or your tire pressure will be too low.
Tire Pressures for High Speed Operation
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds
within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi-
tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high
speeds, maintaining correct tire inflation pressure is very
important. Increased tire pressure and reduced vehicle
loading may be required for high speed vehicle opera-
tion. Refer to original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer for recommended safe operating speeds, loading
and cold tire inflation pressures.
STARTING AND OPERATING 161
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the temperature is very cold.ALWAYScheck the pressure
in your tires if the TPMS Telltale lamp is illuminated.
General Information
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and
RSS 210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:
•This device may not cause harmful interference.
•This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired op-
eration.
The tire pressure sensors are covered under one of the
following licenses:
United States.....................KR5S120123
Canada........................2671-S120123
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.
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If you need snow tires, the recommended size for the
front and rear tires is the same size as the original
equipment front tires. This size tire on the rear allows the
use of tire chains on the rear wheels. Selection of this size
tire also requires the purchase of two additional wheels
with the same size specification as the original equip-
ment front wheels.
Snow tires may have a lower speed rating than factory
equipped tires and may not match the maximum vehicle
speed.
Snow tires should not be operated at sustained speeds
over 75 mph (120 km/h).TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates, and tend to develop irregular wear pat-
terns.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on all season type
tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain
mud, snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to a
smooth, quiet ride.
STARTING AND OPERATING 169
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CAUTION!
DO NOT use gasolines containing Methanol. Use of
these blends may result in starting and drivability
problems and may damage critical fuel system com-
ponents.
Problems that result from using methanol/gasoline
blends are not the responsibility of DaimlerChrysler
Corporation and may not be covered by the Limited
Warranty. While MTBE is an oxygenate made from
Methanol, it does not have the negative effects of Metha-
nol.
MMT in Gasoline
MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasolines to increase the octane num-
ber. Gasolines blended with MMT offer no performance
advantage beyond gasolines of the same octane number
without MMT. Gasolines blended with MMT have shown
to reduce spark plug life and reduce emission system
performance in some vehicles. DaimlerChrysler Corpo-
ration recommends using gasolines without MMT. Sincethe MMT content of gasoline may not be indicated on the
pump, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether or
not his/her gasoline contains MMT.
MMT is prohibited in both Federal and California refor-
mulated gasolines.
In Canada, MMT can be used at levels higher than those
allowed in the United States. For this reason, it is even
more important to look for gasolines without MMT in
Canada.
Materials Added to Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions and would result in unnecessary cost. There-
fore, you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
Sulfur in Gasoline
If you live in the Northeast United States, your vehicle
may have been designed to meet California low emission
standards with cleaner burning California reformulated
gasoline with low sulfur. If such fuels are not available in
172 STARTING AND OPERATING
CAUTION!
•To prevent damage to the roof of your vehicle, DO
NOT carry any loads on the roof luggage rack
which may come in contact with the roof panel.
The load should be secured and placed on top of
the rack, not directly on the roof. If it is necessary
to place some part of the load on the roof, place a
blanket or some other protection between the load
and the roof surface.
•To avoid damage to the roof luggage rack and
vehicle, do not exceed the rated load capacity of
your roof luggage rack system maximum load
capacity. Always distribute heavy loads as evenly
as possible and secure the load appropriately.
•Long loads which extend over the windshield,
such as wood panels or surfboards, should be
carefully secured to both the front and rear of the
vehicle.
•Travel at reduced speeds and turn corners care-
fully when carrying large or heavy loads on the
roof luggage rack. Wind forces, due to natural
causes or nearby truck traffic, can add sudden
upward loads. This is especially true on large flat
loads and may result in damage to the cargo or
your vehicle.
WARNING!
Cargo must be securely tied before driving your
vehicle. Improperly secured loads can fly off the
vehicle, particularly at high speeds, resulting in
personal injury or property damage. Follow the roof
luggage rack “Cautions” when carrying cargo on
your roof rack.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with your Crossfire is not recommended.
176 STARTING AND OPERATING
WARNING!
Cuts or punctures larger than approximately 0.16 in. (4
mm), tire damage caused by driving with extremely
low tire pressure or on a flat tire, or a damaged wheel
can pose a hazard while driving. TIREFIT should not
be used in such circumstances. Do not drive the
vehicle under such circumstances. Contact your near-
est authorized dealer for assistance.
Take care not to allow the contents of TIREFIT to come
in contact with hair, eyes or clothing. TIREFIT is
harmful if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the
skin: It causes skin, eye and respiratory irritation. Any
contact with eyes or skin should be flushed immedi-
ately with plenty of water. If clothing comes in contact
with TIREFIT, change clothing as soon as possible.
In case of allergic reaction or rash, consult a physician
immediately. Keep TIREFIT out of reach of children. If
swallowed, rinse mouth immediately with plenty of
water and drink plenty of water. Do not induce
vomiting! Consult a physician immediately.
Keep away from open flame or heat source.
Sealing tire with TIREFIT
1. Set the parking brake and turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
2. Move the transmission selector lever to the PARK
position (manual transmission to FIRST or REVERSE
gear) and turn off the engine.
3. Remove the TIREFIT kit and electric air pump from
the area below the cargo compartment carpet.
4. Open flap (2) on the electric air pump.
5. Pull the power plug (4) and air hose (5) along with the
pressure gauge out of the air pump housing.
6. Screw the air hose (5) onto the hose connection on the
TIREFIT sealant bottle (1).
7. Holding the sealant bottle by the top, insert it down-
wards into the recess (3) on the air pump.
8. Unscrew the valve cap from the valve on the deflated
tire.
9. Screw the filler hose from the sealant bottle on the tire
valve.
10. Insert the power plug (4) into the power point on the
instrument panel.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 181
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