
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.To improve the vehicle's traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel,
switch off the ESP system by pressing the upper half of
the ESP switch.
With the ESP system switched off, the engine torque
reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced
vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable. ESP al-
ways operates under braking, even with the switch in the
OFF position. If one drive wheel loses traction and begins
to spin, the brake is applied by the ESP system until the
100 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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

system. As a result, it is possible that only partial engine
output will be available, and pressing the accelerator
pedal will require more effort.
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system functions in
the usual manner, but without BAS.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP will be
disabled. In this condition, both malfunction indicator
lights come on while the engine is running. 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)
The ESP enhances directional control and reduces wheel-
spin under various driving conditions. When ESP is
active, engine torque is limited and the ESP warning light
starts to flash.In winter operation, the effectiveness of the ESP can be
enhanced by equipping the vehicle with DaimlerChrysler
recommended mud and snow (M+S) rated radial-ply
tires and/or snow chains.
STARTING AND OPERATING 159
5

Synchronizing ESP
If the power supply was interrupted (battery discon-
nected or discharged), the BAS/ESP malfunction indica-
tor light may be illuminated with the engine running. To
re-synchronize the ESP, and cancel the malfunction indi-
cator light, the steering angle sensor will need to be
recalibrated.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position.
2. Rotate the steering wheel to the center position.
3. Rotate the steering wheel completely to the left, and
then rotate the steering wheel completely to the right.
4. Bring the steering wheel back to the center position.
5. The BAS/ESP malfunction indicator light will go out.
If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator light is still illumi-
nated, the vehicle should be serviced at an authorized
dealer.
ESP Control switch
The ESP control switch is located in the center console.
When the ESP is switched off, the warning light in the
instrument cluster comes on. When the ESP is switched
on, the warning light goes out.
To improve the vehicle's traction when driving with
snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand, or gravel,
switch off the ESP by pressing the upper half of the ESP
switch. The ESP warning light will then be continuously
STARTING AND OPERATING 161
5

illuminated. With the ESP system switched off, the en-
gine torque reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the
enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable.
CAUTION!
Snow chains should never be used without the
recommended mud and snow (M+S) rated radial-ply
tires. Damage to your vehicle may result from such
usage.
ESP always operates under braking, even with the switch
in the OFF position.
If one drive wheel loses traction and begins to spin, the
ESP system will apply the brake at the affected wheel
until the wheel regains sufficient traction. The traction
control engages at approximately 24 mph (40 km/h), and
switches off at 50 mph (80 km/h).
To return to the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP,
press the lower half of the switch (the ESP warning light
goes out).
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The ABS gives increased vehicle stability and brake
performance under most braking conditions. The system
automatically ªpumpsº the brakes during severe braking
conditions to prevent wheel lock-up. The system operates
to prevent wheel lock-up and help avoid skidding on
slippery surfaces.
NOTE:The ABS improves steering control of the ve-
hicle during hard braking maneuvers.
The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up above a
vehicle speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h)
independent of road surface conditions.
At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a
slight pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal, indicat-
ing that the ABS is in the regulating mode.
Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal
while experiencing the pulsation. Continuous, steady
brake pedal pressure results in optimal braking power
while maintaining the ability to steer the vehicle.
162 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:The pressure in your tires changes with tem-
perature. A significant decrease in temperature could
reduce cold inflation pressure below the TPMS setpoint.
For example, tires inflated to the proper cold inflation
pressure on a warm day or in a warm garage could
illuminate the TPMS Telltale lamp on the following day if
the temperature is very cold.ALWAYScheck the pressure
in your tires if the TPMS Telltale lamp is illuminated.
General Information
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and
RSS 210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:
²This device may not cause harmful interference.
²This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired op-
eration.
The tire pressure sensors are covered under one of the
following licenses:
United States.....................KR5S120123
Canada........................2671-S120123
TIRE CHAINS
The RUD-matictDISC is the only tire chain system
approved for use on the Chrysler Crossfire.
Chains should only be used on the rear wheels and only
with the recommended winter mud and snow (M+S)
tires and wheels. Follow the manufacturer's mounting
instructions.
Tire chains should only be driven on snow-covered roads
at speeds not to exceed 30 mph (48 km/h). Remove
chains as soon as possible when driving on roads without
snow.
When driving with tire chains, press the ESP control
switch to OFF.
CAUTION!
Damage to the vehicle may result if unapproved tire
chains are used.
STARTING AND OPERATING 183
5

If you need snow tires, the recommended size for the
front and rear tires is the same size as the original
equipment front tires. This size tire on the rear allows the
use of tire chains on the rear wheels. Selection of this size
tire also requires the purchase of two additional wheels
with the same size specification as the original equip-
ment front wheels.
Snow tires may have a lower speed rating than factory
equipped tires and may not match the maximum vehicle
speed.
Snow tires should not be operated at sustained speeds
over 75 mph (120 km/h).
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates, and tend to develop irregular wear pat-
terns.These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on all season type
tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to maintain
mud, snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to a
smooth, quiet ride.
Follow the recommended tire rotation frequency for your
type of driving found in the ªMaintenance Schedulesº
Section of this manual. More frequent rotation is permis-
sible if desired. The reasons for any rapid or unusual
wear should be corrected prior to rotation being per-
formed.
STARTING AND OPERATING 185
5

Restraints, Child........................ 47
Restraints, Infant........................ 48
Restraints, Occupant..................... 23
Rotation, Tires......................... 185
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle............... 56
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle.............. 56
Safety Tips............................. 55
Schedule, Maintenance................... 273
Seat Belts.............................. 23
And Pregnant Women.................. 29
Extender............................ 29
Inspection........................... 56
Maintenance......................... 250
Operating Instructions.................. 25
Reminder........................... 118
Seats................................. 79
Cleaning............................ 249
Service Assistance...................... 282
Service Contract........................ 284
Service Manuals........................ 286
Shift Speeds........................147,148
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............. 205Snow Chains (Tire Chains)................ 183
Snow Tires............................ 184
Soft Top............................... 62
Spark Plugs........................... 229
Specifications.......................... 265
Standing Lights......................... 87
Starting.............................. 145
Cold Weather........................ 146
Emergency (Jump Starting).............. 203
Engine Fails to Start................... 146
Steering
Linkage............................ 234
Power............................. 166
Storage.............................. 263
Storage Bin............................ 73
Stuck, Freeing......................... 206
Sulfur in Gasoline...................... 188
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag....... 30
Telescoping Steering Column............... 92
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant......... 195
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)............... 19
Theft System (Security Alarm).............. 19
296 INDEX