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.
²Drive your vehicle at moderate vehicle and engine
speeds during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km).
²Do not make any full throttle starts and avoid full
throttle acceleration.
²Use the proper transmission gear for your speed
range.
²Avoid excessive idling.
²Check 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.
²Do 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.
²If 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.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 55
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²To 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.
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 litduring 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.
56 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.
72 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
Coin Holder
With the ashtray open, folding down the cover plate
reveals the coin holder, which can accommodate nine
coins in various sizes up to a U.S. quarter. The coin slots
are shaped to retain the coins, and the cover plate ensures
that the coins remain in the coin holder.
Power Outlet/Cigar Lighter
The dual-purpose power outlet is located in the console,
next to the passenger airbag off warning light. The power
outlet can accommodate a lighter or electrical accessoriesup to a maximum of 15 amps. The outlet is protected by
a 15 amp fuse, located behind the fuse cover on the left
end of the instrument panel.
The lighter will operate only when the ignition switch is
in the ON/ACC position. It heats up when pushed in and
pops out automatically when ready for use. To preserve
the heating element, do not hold the lighter in the heating
position.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 75
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If the indicator light blinks rapidly for two seconds
and then turns to a constant light, continue with
Programming Steps 8-10 to complete programming of
a rolling code equipped device (most commonly a
garage door opener).
8. At the garage door opener receiver (motor-head unit)
in the garage, locate the ªlearnº or ªsmartº button. This
can usually be found where the hanging antenna wire is
attached to the motor-head unit.
9. Firmly press and release the ªlearnº or ªsmartº but-
ton. (The name and color of the button may vary by
manufacturer.)
NOTE:There are 30 seconds in which to initiate Step 10.
10. Return to the vehicle and firmly press, hold for two
seconds and release the programmed universal trans-
ceiver button. Repeat the ªpress/hold/releaseº sequence
a second time, and, depending on the brand of the garage
door opener (or other rolling code equipped device),
repeat this sequence a third time to complete the pro-
gramming.The universal transceiver should now activate your roll-
ing code equipped device.
If you do not successfully program the universal trans-
ceiver to learn the signal of your hand-held transmitter,
call toll free for customer assistance at 1-800-355-3515, or
on the internet at www.homelink.com.
Gate Operator/Canadian Programming
Canadian radio-frequency laws require transmitter sig-
nals to ªtime-outº (or quit) after several seconds of
transmission. This may not be long enough for the
universal transceiver to pick up the signal during pro-
gramming. Similar to this Canadian law, some U.S. gate
operators are designed to ªtime-outº in the same manner.
If you live in Canada or you are having difficulties
programming a gate operator by using the programming
procedures (regardless of where you live), replace Pro-
gramming Step 5 with the following:
NOTE:If programming a garage door opener or gate
operator, it is advised to unplug the device during the
ªcyclingº process to prevent possible overheating.
108 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
The seat belt indicator light will remain lit until the seat
belts are fastened.
15. Charging System Indicator Light
Should the charging system indicator light
fail to come on prior to starting when the key
is in the ignition switch in the ON/RUN
position, or should it fail to go out after
starting or during operation, it indicates a malfunction
that must be repaired immediately at an authorized
dealer.
If the charging system indicator light comes on, or a loss
of power steering assistance is noticeable while the
engine is running, this may indicate that the accessory
drive belt has broken. Should this condition occur, the
belt must be replaced before continuing to operate the
vehicle.
CAUTION!
The accessory drive belt also drives the water pump.
Operating the vehicle with a failed belt can cause
engine overheating and possible severe engine
damage.
16. High Beam Indicator Light
This indicator will illuminate when the
headlights are in the high beam setting.
To activate the high beams, push the multifunction
control lever past the point of resistance, toward the
instrument panel.
17. Electronic Digital Clock
A digital readout in the instrument cluster shows the
time in hours and minutes whenever the ignition switch
is in the ON/RUN or ACC position.
When the ignition switch is in the OFF/LOCK position,
timekeeping is accurately maintained.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 119
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Call up the user menu, then press the right rotary
control/push button repeatedly until AUDIO PH or PH
MUTE is displayed (depending on the currently selected
setting, you may need to turn the knob also for your
selection).
COMPACT DISC MAINTENANCE
To keep the compact discs in good condition, take the
following precautions:
1. Handle the disc by its edge; avoid touching the
surface.
2. If the disc is stained, clean the surface with a soft cloth,
wiping from center to edge.
3. Do not apply paper or tape to the disc; avoid scratch-
ing the disc.
4. Do not use solvents such as benzine, thinner, cleaners,
or antistatic sprays.
5. Store the disc in its case after playing.
6. Do not expose the disc to direct sunlight.7. Do not store the disc where temperatures may become
too high.
RADIO ANTENNA
The radio antenna is located in the rear liftgate glass on
the coupe vehicles and mounted on the left rear body
panel on the roadster vehicles. The antenna requires no
maintenance.
CAUTION!
Window tint films applied to the liftgate glass of
coupe vehicles can significantly degrade radio recep-
tion if they contain any metallic content. Before
applying any film to increase occupant privacy or
reduce the heating effect of the sun, make sure that
the film does not contain any metallic substances.
134 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
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 137
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