Page 164 of 299

The ABS malfunction indicator light in the instrument
cluster comes on with the key in the ignition switch
turned to the ON/RUN position, and should go out with
the engine running. If the ABS light does not illuminate
briefly during this procedure, or remains on after the
engine is running, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.When the ABS malfunction indicator light in the instru-
ment cluster comes on while the engine is running, it
indicates that the ABS has detected a malfunction and has
switched off. In this case, the brake system functions in
the usual manner, but without antilock assistance. With
the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are also
switched off. Both malfunction indicator lights come on
with the engine running. If the charging voltage falls
below 10 volts, the malfunction indicator light comes on
and the ABS is switched off. When the voltage is above
this value again, the malfunction indicator light should
go out and the ABS is operational. If the malfunction
indicator light stays illuminated, have the system
checked at your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
164 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 188 of 299

MMT in Gasoline
MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasolines to increase the octane num-
ber. Gasolines blended with MMT offer no performance
advantage beyond gasolines of the same octane number
without MMT. Gasolines blended with MMT have shown
to reduce spark plug life and reduce emission system
performance in some vehicles. DaimlerChrysler Corpo-
ration recommends using gasolines without MMT. Since
the MMT content of gasoline may not be indicated on the
pump, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether or
not his/her gasoline contains MMT.
MMT is prohibited in both Federal and California refor-
mulated gasolines.
In Canada, MMT can be used at levels higher than those
allowed in the United States. For this reason, it is even
more important to look for gasolines without MMT in
Canada.
Materials Added to Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to
contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional
detergents or other additives is not needed under normal
conditions and would result in unnecessary cost. There-
fore, you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
Sulfur in Gasoline
If you live in the Northeast United States, your vehicle
may have been designed to meet California low emission
standards with cleaner burning California reformulated
gasoline with low sulfur. If such fuels are not available in
states adopting California emission standards, your ve-
hicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting Federal
specifications, but emission control system performance
may be adversely affected.
Gasoline sold outside of California is permitted to have
higher sulfur levels, which may affect the performance of
the vehicle's catalytic converter. This may cause the
CHECK ENGINE light to illuminate. DaimlerChrysler
Corporation recommends that you try a different brand
188 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 189 of 299

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
Page 190 of 299

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
Page 198 of 299

16. If a tire pressure of 26 psi (180 kPa) is obtained, press
the air pump switch to 0, turn the ignition switch to the
OFF/LOCK position, and disconnect the TIREFIT sys-
tem.
17. Drive the vehicle for about 10 minutes to ensure
optimum distribution of the tire sealant within the tire.
18. Check the pressure in the tire. If the pressure is above
19 psi (130 kPa), inflate the tire to the pressure indicated
on the tire pressure label on the driver side latch pillar.
19. Have the tire inspected at the earliest opportunity at
an authorized dealer or tire service center.
NOTE:Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) until the tire
has been inspected.
NOTE:If a pressure of at least 19 psi (130 kPa) cannot
be maintained in the tire, the tire is too badly damaged.
Do not attempt to drive the vehicle further, and call for
assistance.
NOTE:Do not operate the electric air pump for more
than eight minutes to avoid overheating. The air pump
may be used again once it has cooled down.
NOTE:Replace the TIREFIT sealant bottle once every
four years to assure optimum operation of the system.
NOTE:If TIREFIT is liquid, clean water and a damp
cloth will remove the material from the vehicle or tire and
wheel components. Once TIREFIT sealing material has
dried, it can easily be peeled off and properly discarded.
Preparations for Jacking
WARNING!
Getting under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The
vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You
could be crushed. Never get any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack. Never start or run
the engine while the vehicle is on a jack. If you need
to get under a raised vehicle, take it to a service
facility where it can be raised on a lift.
198 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 205 of 299

6. Start the engine in the vehicle which has the booster
battery, let the engine idle a few minutes, then start the
engine in the vehicle with the discharged battery.
7. When removing the jumper cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fans.
NOTE:If engine does not run after several unsuccessful
starting attempts, have it checked at the nearest autho-
rized dealer.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
You could lose control of the vehicle and possibly
have an accident. Accelerate slowly and carefully
whenever there is likely to be poor traction (ice,
snow, rain, mud, loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should
be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
2. Slow down if the road has standing water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front to avoid a collision in a sudden stop.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 205
6
Page 211 of 299
CONVERTIBLE TOP EMERGENCY OPERATION
If the convertible top cannot be closed using the convert-
ible top switch, check the following:
²Is the decklid closed properly?
²Is there sufficient battery voltage? Start the engine if
necessary.
²Is the rear cargo compartment divider secured in the
vertical position?
If the power convertible top operation does not function
properly, you can close the convertible top manually.
NOTE:The multifunction tool from the glovebox is
required for this job.CAUTION!
Manually closing the convertible top is a complicated
and technically demanding procedure. Closing the
convertible top manually should be performed with
great care by two people. Close the convertible top
manually in emergency cases only. Otherwise, visit
an authorized DaimlerChrysler Dealer.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 211
6
Page 222 of 299

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