2006 CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE air conditioning

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor
condition, see your authorized dealer.
Airbag Light
The light should come on and remain on for
four seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned ON. If the bulb is not lit
during starting, have it replaced. If the light
stays on or comes on while driving, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
Defrosters
Check operation by pressing the A/C control button,
selecting the defrost mode and placing the blower control
on high speed. You should be able to feel the air directed
against the windshield.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
the Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or sidewall
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness and tires for
proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes are
present, the cause should be corrected immediately.
NOTE:Use of the air conditioning may cause puddles
of water to form under the vehicle.
48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CONSOLE FEATURES
The console has a power outlet/cigar lighter, an ash tray
with a coin holder, a cupholder (if equipped), and the
passenger airbag light. In addition, there are switches to
control the heated seats (if equipped), rear spoiler, elec-
tronic stability program (ESP), hazard flashers, central
locking, rear defroster and towing alarm.
Operating controls for the heating and air conditioning
systems, power windows, power mirrors, convertible top
switch (if equipped), and the automatic transmission
program mode selector switch (if equipped) are also
located in the console.
62 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES
Under certain conditions, the operation of a cellular
phone in your vehicle can cause erratic or noisy perfor-
mance from your radio. This condition may be lessened
or eliminated by relocating the cellular phone antenna.
This condition is not harmful to the radio. If your radio
performance does not satisfactorily “clear” by the repo-
sitioning of the antenna, it is recommended that the radio
volume be turned down or off during cellular phone
operation.
CLIMATE CONTROLS
1. Driver Temperature Control
2. Passenger Temperature Control
3. Fan Speed Control
4. Air Recirculation/REST
5. Air Conditioning ON/OFF
6. Rear Window Defroster
7. Air Distribution (Mode) Control
The climate control system allows you to balance the
temperature, amount and direction of the air circulating
throughout the vehicle.
The system is always at operational readiness, except
when manually switched off. The climate control only
operates with the engine running.
The climate control removes a considerable amount of
moisture from the air during operation in the air condi-
tioning mode, therefore it is considered normal operation
for water to drip on the ground through ducts in the
underbody.
128 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Basic Setting - Air Conditioner
Press the air conditioning ON/OFF switch. The
light in the switch will illuminate. Select a
temperature for each side of the passenger
compartment. Select the air volume with the
fan control switch, at least to position 1. Set the air
distribution control switch to one of the positions shown
above. Open center air outlets. Open left and right side
air outlets.
NOTE:The air conditioning compressor will not run if
the fan control switch is not set to position 1 or higher.
NOTE:The dot between the air distribution control
icons is a mix position between the two modes.
Slight changes in engine speed or power may be noticed
when the compressor is on. This is a normal occurrence,
since the compressor will cycle on and off to maintain
comfort and increase fuel economy.
NOTE:If your air conditioning performance seems
lower than expected, check the front of the A/C con-
denser for an accumulation of dirt or insects.
Defrosting
Set the temperature selectors to the maximum
heating position, set the fan control to position 5,
and the air distribution to the defrost position. Close the
center air outlets. Close the left and right side air outlets.
Turn the defroster outlets for the side windows to the
detent position.
Defogging Windows Fogged Up On Inside
Press the A/C button; the indicator light should illumi-
nate. Switch off the air recirculation; the indicator light
should go out. Set the air distribution control switch to
the defrost position. Increase air volume with the fan
130 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

control switch to position 1 or higher. Close the center,
left, and right side air outlets. Turn the defroster outlets
for the side windows to the detent position.
NOTE:The air conditioner removes moisture from the
air inside your vehicle. The quickest and most efficient
method for defogging your windows, even if the air
temperature in your vehicle is cool, is to use the air
conditioner. Make sure that you press the A/C button to
defog your windows.
Windshield Fogged Up On Outside
Switch on the windshield wipers. Set the air distribution
control switch to the defrost position. Increase air volume
with the fan control switch. Close the center and right
side air outlets. Turn the defroster outlets for the side
windows to the detent position.
Ventilation
To receive outside air through the panel outlets, turn off
the Air Conditioning ON/OFF switch. The light in the
switch should be off. Set the controls as above for basic
air conditioning.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 131
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NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the cooling system and turning off the A/C removes this
heat. You can also turn the temperature control to maxi-
mum heat, the mode control to floor, and the fan control
to high. This allows the heater core to act as a supplement
to the radiator and aids in removing heat from the
cooling system.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot cooling system could damage
your vehicle. If temperature gauge reads “H,” pull
over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the
air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops
back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on
the “H,” turn the engine off immediately, and call for
service.
WARNING!
A hot cooling system is dangerous. You or others
could be badly burned by steam or boiling coolant.
If your temperature gauge pointer is in the red area,
turn off the engine immediately. You may want to
call an authorized dealer for service. If you decide to
look under the hood yourself, see Section 7 of this
manual. Follow the warnings under the Cooling
System Pressure Cap paragraph.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 179
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CAUTION!
It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to the
negative post. Battery posts are marked positive (+)
and negative (-) and identified on the battery case.
Cable clamps should be tight on the terminal posts
and free of corrosion. Apply grease to posts and
clamps after tightening.
If a “fast charger” is used while the battery is in the
vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables be-
fore connecting the charger to battery. Do not use a
“fast charger” to provide starting voltage as battery
damage can result.
Air Conditioner
Check the air conditioning system at the start of the
warm weather season.
NOTE:If your air conditioning performance seems
lower than expected, check the front of the A/C con-
denser for an accumulation of dirt or insects. Clean witha gentle water spray from behind the radiator and
through the condenser as required. Fabric front fascia
protectors may reduce air flow to the condenser, reducing
air conditioning performance.
WARNING!
The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal injury
or damage to the system, adding refrigerant or any
repair requiring lines to be disconnected should be
done by an experienced repair person.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
The air conditioning system of your vehicle contains
R-134a, a refrigerant that does not deplete the ozone layer
in the upper atmosphere. The DaimlerChrysler Corpora-
tion recommends that air conditioning service be done by
facilities using refrigerant recycling and recovery equip-
ment that meets SAE standard J1991.
216 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the recovery bottle does not drop when the
engine cools, the cooling system should be pressure
tested for leaks.
•Maintain a coolant concentration of a minimum of 50%
ethylene glycol Extended Life Coolant and high qual-
ity water with recommended antifreeze for proper
corrosion protection of your engine cooling system
that contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant bottle hoses
are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle has
air conditioning, keep the front of the condenser clean,
also.
•Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor fuel
economy, and increased emissions.
Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions,
and excessive swelling indicate deterioration of the rub-
ber.
Pay particular attention to the hoses nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose rout-
ing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed. Inspect all hose connections such as clamps
and couplings to make sure they are secure and no leaks
are present. Components should be replaced immedi-
ately if there is any evidence of degradation that could
cause failure.
Brakes
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance section.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 225
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