Airbag Light
You will want to have the airbags ready for
your protection in case of a collision. While the
airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) is
designed to be maintenance free, if any of the
following occurs, have an authorized dealer service the
system immediately.
²The AIRBAG light does not come on or flickers during
the four seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned on.
²The light remains on or flickers after the four second
interval.
²The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time, babies and children, too. Every state in the United
States and all Canadian provinces require that small
children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law,
and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
WARNING!
In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny baby,
can become a missile inside the vehicle. The force
required to hold even an infant on your lap could
become so great that you could not hold the child, no
matter how strong you are. The child and others
could be badly injured. Any child riding in your
vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the child's
size.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47
2
or while driving when reaching the service warning
threshold. It can be canceled manually by pressing the
knob/button.
Once the suggested term has passed, the message plus
either the symbol for Service A or the symbol for
Service B preceded by a ± (minus symbol) blinks for
approximately 30 seconds and a signal sounds every
time when turning the key to the ON/RUN position.
The FSS display can also be called up for approxi-
mately 10 seconds with the display illuminated by
pressing the knob/button twice within one second.
Following a completed A or B service your authorized
dealer sets the counter to 7,000 miles (Canada: 11,000
km).
NOTE:When disconnecting vehicle battery for one or
more days at a time, such days will not be counted. Any
such days not counted by FSS can be added by your
authorized dealer.
The interval between services is determined by the type
of vehicle operation. Driving at extreme speeds, and coldstarts combined with short distance driving in which the
engine does not reach normal operating temperature,
reduce the interval between services.
However you choose to set your reference numbers, the
scheduled services as posted in the Service Booklet must
be followed to properly care for your vehicle.
23. Outside Temperature Display
The temperature display is located on the left side of the
instrument cluster, below the fuel and engine tempera-
ture gauges.
The sensor for the outside temperature indicator is
located in the front fascia area. Due to its location, the
sensor can be affected by road or engine heat during
idling or slow driving. This means that the accuracy of
the displayed temperature can only be verified by com-
parison to a thermometer placed next to the sensor, not
by comparison to external displays (e.g., bank signs, etc.).
Adaptation to ambient temperature takes place in steps
and depends on the prevailing driving conditions (stop-
and- go or moderate, constant driving) and amount of
temperature change.
122 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the proper equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to perform
a service job, take your vehicle to a competent
technician.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain the maintenance service
recommended by the engineers who designed your ve-
hicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items that should
operate satisfactorily without periodic maintenance.However, if a malfunction of these items does occur, it
could adversely affect the engine or vehicle performance.
These items should be inspected if a malfunction is
observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
You can check the oil level using the procedure described
in Checking Engine Oil Level in the Understanding Your
Instrument Panel section, or by checking the engine oil
dipstick.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 225
7
Change Engine Oil
The oil change interval for your Crossfire is initially set at
7,000 miles (Canada: 11,000 km).
The Flexible Service System (FSS) in your vehicle evalu-
ates engine temperature, oil level, vehicle speed, engine
speed, distance driven, and the time elapsed since your
last service. It determines when your vehicle needs
maintenance service and alerts you in advance. The next
necessary service is indicated by the FSS in your instru-
ment cluster.
NOTE:Also see the FSS system details in the Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel section of this manual.
Very light duty driving cycles (most trips more than 10
miles [16 km] at moderate speeds in moderate tempera-
ture conditions) can extend the service interval beyond
7,000 miles (Canada: 11,000 km).
IfANYof the following apply to your driving, the oil
change interval can be reduced significantly:
²Day and night temperatures are below 32ÉF (0ÉC)
²Stop-and-go driving
²Extensive engine idling
²Driving in dusty conditions
²Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km)
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90ÉF (32ÉC)
²Taxi, Police, or delivery service (commercial service)
Observe the oil change interval indicated by your FSS
system. This system will monitor the driving conditions
seen by your vehicle, and will recommend the best
interval for servicing your vehicle to maintain it in top
condition.
CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 227
7
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, only use synthetic engine
oils, approved to MB 229.3 or MB 229.5, such as Mobil 1
SAE 0W-40. The FSS may not alert for an oil change at the
proper interval if an unapproved engine oil is used;
engine damage and reduced engine life may result.
Materials Added To Engine Oils
Do not add materials (other than leak detection dyes) to
engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives.
Disposing of Used Engine Oil
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil from
your vehicle. Used oil, indiscriminately discarded, can
present a problem to the environment. Contact your
dealer, service station, or governmental agency for advice
on how and where used oil can be safely discarded in
your area.
Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.
Engine Oil Filter Selection
All DaimlerChrysler Corporation engines have a full-
flow type disposable oil filter. Use a filter of this type for
replacement. The quality of replacement filters varies
considerably. Only high quality filters should be used to
assure most efficient service. MopartEngine Oil Filters
are high quality oil filters and are recommended.
228 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Drive Belts - Check Condition and Tension
At the distance shown in the maintenance schedules,
check all drive belts for condition and proper tension.
Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage and failure.
Inspect the drive belts for evidence of cuts, cracks, or
glazing and replace them if there is any sign of damage
which could result in belt failure. If adjustment is re-
quired, adjust the belts according to the specifications
and procedures shown in the Service Manual.
Special tools are required to properly measure tension
and to restore belt tension to factory specifications. Also,
check belt routing to make sure there is no interference
between the belts and other engine components.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New plugs should be in-
stalled at the distance specified in the appropriate main-
tenance chart. The entire set should be replaced if there is
any malfunction due to a faulty spark plug. Check the
specifications section for the proper type of spark plug
for use in your vehicle.
Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Under normal driving conditions, replace the air filter at
each interval called out by FSS.
WARNING!
The air cleaner can provide a measure of protection
in the case of engine backfire. Do not remove the air
cleaner unless such removal is necessary for repair or
maintenance. Make sure that no one is near the
engine compartment before starting the vehicle with
the air cleaner removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.
Engine Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause hard starting or limit the
speed at which a vehicle can be driven. Should an
excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the fuel tank,
frequent filter replacement may be necessary. See your
authorized dealer for service.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 229
7
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.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be made to examining those hose sur-
faces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,
and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before a hose is replaced
based on leakage.
242 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
INTRODUCTION
This is intended as a guide to the service requirements of
your vehicle.
It contains all necessary instructions concerning service
intervals and operations which have to be carried out.
Scope and frequency of maintenance work primarily
depend on the vehicle's operating conditions. In the
interest of maintaining the vehicle's operating safety, the
specified work should be performed regularly and in
good time.
Our vehicles are subject to ongoing development. Tech-
nical progress may also affect the scope of service work
performed.
ªDaily vehicle checksº before starting a journey are the
responsibility of the driver.
WARRANTY
The DaimlerChrysler Corporation Dealer network is at
your disposal for maintenance work. Each of these work-
shops has the equipment and tools, the specially trained,
skilled and experienced personnel and receives regular
technical instruction from DaimlerChrysler Corporation
to ensure that your vehicle is inspected and maintained
thoroughly and in accordance with the latest procedures.
Please follow the instructions given in this Owner's
Manual and ensure that they are observed, even if you
hand the vehicle over to a third party for use or care. By
not observing these instructions you may void your
warranty rights.
If the specified oil and maintenance services are not
carried out regularly or at the time intervals specified, a
decision as to the validity of a warranty claim can only be
made after DaimlerChrysler Corporation has investi-
gated your claim.
272 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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