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.
If the Check Engine light remains on continuously and
the vehicle is driving normally, you may still drive the
vehicle. In most situations, the vehicle will not requiretowing. However, we recommend that you have the
system checked at an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
If the vehicle is not driving normally, and the Check
Engine light flashes or remains on continuously, it is an
alert to serious conditions that could lead to loss of power
or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should
be serviced at an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
27. Brake Wear Indicator Light
With the key in the ignition and turned to the
ON/RUN position, the brake wear indicator
light comes on. The light goes out when the
engine is running.
If the indicator light comes on during braking, this
indicates the brake pads are worn down.
Have the brake system checked at your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
124 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
NSynchronizing ESP....................161
NESP Control Switch....................161
NAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............162
NBrake Pad Break-In....................166
mPower Steering........................166
mTire Safety Information..................167
NTire Markings........................167
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........170
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........171
mTiresÐGeneral Information...............175
NTire Pressure.........................175
NTire Inflation Pressures.................176
NRadial-Ply Tires......................178
NTire Spinning........................178
NTread Wear Indicators..................179
NReplacement Tires.....................179
NAlignment And Balance.................181
mTire Pressure Monitor System (If Equipped). . 181
NGeneral Information...................183
mTire Chains...........................183
mOriginal Equipment Tires................184
mSnow Tires...........................184
mTire Rotation Recommendations...........185
mFuel Requirements.....................186
NReformulated Gasoline.................187
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............187
NMMT In Gasoline.....................188
NMaterials Added To Fuel................188
NSulfur In Gasoline.....................188
mAdding Fuel..........................189
NFuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............189
mVehicle Loading.......................191
NRoof Luggage Rack....................191
mTrailer Towing........................192
144 STARTING AND OPERATING
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 sys-
tem 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.
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 ªtop
offº the fuel tank after filling.
STARTING AND OPERATING 189
5
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 gallons (7.5 liters).
Leaving the engine running and the fuel cap open can
cause the CHECK ENGINE light to illuminate.
NOTE:
²
When the fuel nozzle ªclicksº or shuts off, the fuel
tank is full.
²Tighten 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!
²Never have any smoking materials lit in or near
the vehicle when the gas cap is removed or the
tank is filled.
²Never add fuel to the vehicle when the engine is
running.
²A 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.
190 STARTING AND OPERATING
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 con-
trol 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 ªclickº once.
222 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)15.8 Gallons 60.0 Liters
Fuel Tank Reserve2 Gallons 7.5 Liters
Engine Oil (with filter)
3.2 L Engine 8.5 Qts. 8.0 Liters
Cooling System *
3.2 L Engine 11.8 Qts. 11.2 Liters
Manual Transmission1.9 Qts. 1.8 Liters
Automatic Transmission8.5 Qts. 8.0 Liters
Rear Axle1.4 Qts. 1.3 Liters
Power Steering Reservoir1.1 Qts. 1.0 Liters
Brake Reservoir.5 Qts. .5 Liters
Windshield Washer Reservoir(MAX fill when empty) 7.4 Qts. 7.0 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 267
7
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............. 118
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)......... 239
Adding Fuel.......................... 189
Aiming Headlights...................... 262
Air Cleaner, Engine
(Engine Air Cleaner Filter)................ 229
Air Conditioning....................135,232
Air Conditioning Filter................... 280
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............. 233
Air Conditioning System................. 232
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 176
Airbag................................ 30
Airbag Deployment...................... 36
Airbag Light........................35,123
Airbag Maintenance...................... 46
Airbag On/Off Switch..................43,48
Alignment and Balance.................. 181
Antenna.............................. 134
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 267
Anti-Lock Warning Light................. 118
Appearance Care....................... 246
Ashtrays and Lighter..................... 74
Automatic Door Locks.................... 13Automatic Transmission...............149,244
Fluid and Filter Changes................ 245
Fluid Level Check..................... 245
Fluid Type.......................... 244
Special Additives..................... 246
Autostick............................. 152
Ball Joints............................ 234
Battery............................ 119,231
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 85
Belts, Drive........................... 229
Belts, Seat............................. 23
Body Mechanism Lubrication.............. 235
Brake Assist System...................... 98
Brake, Parking......................... 156
Brake System.......................157,242
Anti-Lock (ABS)...................... 157
Hoses.............................. 242
Master Cylinder...................... 243
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle . . . 55,166
Bulbs, Light........................... 259
Capacities, Fluid....................... 265
290 INDEX
Defroster, Windshield..................... 56
Disposal
Engine Oil.......................... 228
Door Locks, Automatic................... 13
Drive Belts............................ 229
Drive Shaft Universal Joints............... 234
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................. 205
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control)..... 102
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)........... 99
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher................ 194
Jump Starting........................ 203
Overheating......................... 194
Towing............................. 206
Emergency Trunk Release................. 20
Emission Control System Maintenance....223,273
Engine
Break-In Recommendations............... 55
Checking Oil Level.................... 225
Compartment........................ 221
Oil .............................225,267Oil Change Interval................... 227
Oil Selection......................... 228
Exhaust Gas Caution..................... 55
Exhaust System........................ 237
Exterior Lights......................... 259
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 229
Air Conditioning..................... 280
Engine Fuel......................... 229
Engine Oil.......................... 228
Fluid Capacities.....................265,267
Fluid Leaks............................ 57
Fluid Level Checks
Manual Transmission.................. 245
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts........ 268
Four-Way Hazard Flasher................. 194
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle.................. 206
Fuel................................. 186
Adding............................. 189
Additives........................... 188
Filler Cap (Gas Cap)................... 189
Filter.............................. 229
292 INDEX