Power Windows........................21
▫Power Window Operation With The Convertible
Top Switch (Roadster Only)...............22
Rear Liftgate/Decklid Release..............22
Occupant Restraints.....................22
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts.....................23
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women............28
▫Seat Belt Extender......................28
▫Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag . .29▫Child Restraint........................40
Engine Break-In Recommendations..........47
Safety Tips............................47
▫Exhaust Gas..........................47
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle..........................48
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle....................48
8 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Perform the quick system check which follows: Use
the remote transmitter to set the alarm. If the parking
lamps flash three times, the system is operating prop-
erly. If not, there is a problem with a switch or the
system. See your authorized dealer for service.
Emergency Unlocking Feature
In the case of an accident, the doors unlock automatically
a short time after a strong deceleration is detected, such
as in a collision (this is intended to aid rescue and exit).
However, the key must still be in the ignition.
Start Lockout
Removing the key from the ignition switch activates the
start lockout. The engine cannot be started. Turning the
key to the ON/RUN position deactivates the start lock-
out. If the engine cannot be started, and the messages
START and ERROR are shown in the odometer display
field, the system is not operational. Contact an autho-
rized dealer.
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY
This feature allows you to lock or unlock the vehicle from
remote locations using a hand-held transmitter located in
the key fob. You don’t have to point the transmitter at the
vehicle to activate the system. The vehicle doors, rear
liftgate/decklid, fuel filler door, and center console (road-
ster only) can be locked and unlocked using the remote
control.
To Unlock the Doors:
Press and release the unlock button on the key fob.
NOTE:If within 40 seconds of unlocking with the key
fob, neither door is opened, the key is not inserted in the
ignition switch, or the central locking switch is not
activated, the vehicle will automatically lock.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The engine in your new Crossfire does not require a long
break-in period. Following these few simple guidelines is
all that is necessary for a good break-in.
•Drive your vehicle at moderate vehicle and engine
speeds during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km).
•Do not make any full throttle starts and avoid full
throttle acceleration.
•Use the proper transmission gear for your speed
range.
•Avoid excessive idling.
•Check the engine oil level at every fuel fill.
NOTE:A new engine may consume some oil during the
first few thousand miles of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not an
indication of a problem.
SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
•Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in
or out of the area.
•If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running, adjust your heating or cooling con-
trols to force outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower
at high speed.
•To avoid drawing exhaust gases into the vehicle, close
the rear liftgate/decklid while driving. However, if for
some reason it must remain open, close all windows.
Adjust the heating or cooling system to force outside
air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47
2
CAUTION!
To avoid possible damage to the tonneau cover and
convertible top, do not allow the convertible top to
remain in the suspended position. After approxi-
mately 10 minutes in the suspended position, the
hydraulic pressure will be released which will allow
the top and the tonneau cover to lower. The convert-
ible top switch can be pressed to cancel this opera-
tion.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to either the top or the rear win-
dow, check the tonneau cover area at the rear of the
vehicle interior to be sure that it is clear of debris or
other items. Do not use the tonneau cover area for
other storage purposes.
CAUTION!
To fully insure that no damage occurs, be sure that
the vehicle is at a complete stop before attempting to
lower or raise the top.
NOTE:If the top stops during the raising or lowering
procedure, start the engine and continue operation.
1. Make sure the rear cargo compartment divider is
unfolded and secured in the vertical position.
If the divider is in its stowed position, first unfold the
panels towards the rear of the vehicle. Pull up on the
vertical panel using the center cutout shown, and hook
the pins at the top into the brackets mounted to the cargo
compartment trim on each side near the forward edge of
the decklid opening. The pins must be hooked in these
brackets in order for the top to operate.
54 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE:If the indicator light in the instrument cluster
does not go out after starting the engine, the telescoping
column is not locked properly. Do not drive the vehicle
until you have properly locked the steering column.TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be
checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your
vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for
those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when on or
more of your tires is significantly under—inflated. Ac-
cordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates,
you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible,
and inflate them to the proper pressure, Driving on a
significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduced fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 83
3
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)
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 enhances directional control and reduces driving
wheel spin of the vehicle under various driving condi-
tions.The ESP system corrects for over/understeering of the
vehicle by applying brakes to the appropriate wheel.
Engine torque is also limited. The ESP warning light,
located in the instrument cluster, starts to flash as soon as
the tires lose traction and the wheels begin to spin.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 91
3
CAUTION!
The TPMS is designed to monitor your tire pressure
and will not function as a tire pressure gauge. After
adjusting the air pressure in a tire, there will be a
delay before the system updated the display
NOTE:The TPMS can inform you about a low tire
pressure condition, but it does not replace normal tire
maintenance. The TPMS is not intended to provide you
with notification of a rapid pressure loss.
NOTE:The pressure in your tires changes with tem-
perature. A significant decrease in temperature could
reduce cold inflation pressure below the TPMS setpoint.
ALWAYS check pressure in your tires if the TPMS telltale
lamp is illuminated.
3. Coolant Indicator Light
This indicator illuminates when the engine
coolant has dropped below the required
level in the reservoir or the coolant tempera-
ture is too high (see the Temperature gauge
section).
To check the coolant level, the vehicle must be parked on
level ground and the engine stopped.
Check coolant level only when the coolant is cold.
WARNING!
You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant or
steam from your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, don’t open the hood
until the radiator has had time to cool. Never try to
open a cooling system pressure cap when the radia-
tor or coolant bottle is hot.
4. Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
This gauge shows engine coolant temperature. Any read-
ing between the Hot and Cold gauge marks show that the
engine cooling system is operating properly. The gauge
pointer may show a higher temperature when driving in
hot weather, up mountain grades, or in heavy stop-and-
go-traffic.
If the pointer rises to the red (Hot) area, stop the vehicle
and turn off the engine until the problem is corrected.
108 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
10. Brake System Warning Light
The dual brake system provides a reserve
braking capability if a failure occurs in a
portion of the hydraulic system.
This light monitors both the brake fluid level and the
parking brake. If the light comes on, it indicates either
that the parking brake is on or there is a low fluid level in
the brake master cylinder. Since this vehicle is equipped
with anti-lock brakes (ABS), the brake light may also
indicate reduced braking performance due to the loss of
electronic brake proportioning. If the parking brake is off
and the light remains on, have the brake system in-
spected as soon as possible.
The warning light should be checked frequently to assure
that it is operating properly. This can be done by turning
the ignition switch to START. The light should come on.
If the red brake light does not come on when the ignition
is turned to the ON/RUN position, have the brake
warning light repaired promptly.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It will
take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have an
accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
on. It does not show the degree of brake application.
The brake warning light will come on if the ABS light is
not functioning and there is an ABS system malfunction.
11. Light Outage Indicator
With the key in the ignition switch turned to
the ON/RUN position, an indicator light
comes on. It should go out when the engine
is running. If the indicator light does not go
out after starting the engine, or if it comes on while
driving, it indicates a failure in the parking light,
taillight, stoplight, low beam headlight, or other exte-
rior lamps.
110 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL