2008 CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE brake

For vehicles with automatic transmission:
On a downgrade or an upgrade, downshifting will occur
automatically to allow the engine's braking power to
maintain the set speed. When more level roadway is
reached, the transmission will automatically upshift to
fifth gear.
For vehicles with manual transmission:
The set speed control is switched off when declutching
exceeds four seconds during downshifting. In some
cases, you may have to step on the brake pedal to slow
down sufficiently to achieve the desired speed.
NOTE:On very steep hills, a greater speed loss or gain
may occur. It may be preferable to drive without speed
control.GARAGE DOOR OPENER (If Equipped)
The HomeLinktUniversal Transceiver replaces up to
three remote controls (hand-held transmitters) that oper-
ate devices such as garage door openers, motorized
gates, or home lighting. The transceiver triggers these
devices at the push of a button. The transceiver operates
off your vehicle's battery and charging system; no bat-
teries are needed.
For additional information on HomeLinkt, call 1±800±
355±3515, or on the internet at www.homelink.com.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 117
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The red markings on the tachometer indicate excessive
engine speed. Ease off on the accelerator before reaching
the red area.
10. Brake System Warning Light
The dual brake system provides a reserve brak-
ing capability if a failure occurs in a portion of
the hydraulic system.
This light monitors both the brake fluid level and the
parking brake. If the light comes on, it indicates either
that the parking brake is on or there is a low fluid level in
the brake master cylinder. Since this vehicle is equipped
with Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), the brake light may also
indicate reduced braking performance due to the loss of
electronic brake proportioning. If the parking brake is off
and the light remains on, have the brake system in-
spected as soon as possible.The warning light should be checked frequently to assure
that it is operating properly. This can be done by turning
the ignition switch to START. The light should come on.
If the red brake light does not come on when the ignition
is turned to the ON/RUN position, have the brake
warning light repaired promptly.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It will
take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have an
accident. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
on. It does not show the degree of brake application.
The brake warning light will come on if the ABS light is
not functioning and there is an ABS system malfunction.
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11. Light Outage Indicator
With the key in the ignition switch turned to
the ON/RUN position, an indicator light
comes on. It should go out when the engine is
running. If the indicator light does not go out
after starting the engine, or if it comes on while driving,
it indicates a failure in the parking light, taillight, stop-
light, low beam headlight, or other exterior lamps.
The indicator light will come on when the exterior light
fails. If a brake light fails, the light outage indicator will
come on when applying the brake and stays on until the
engine is turned off.
NOTE:If additional lighting equipment is installed
(e.g., auxiliary headlights, etc.) be certain to connect into
the fuse before the failure indicator monitoring unit in
order to avoid damaging the system.12. Antilock Warning Indicator Light
The ABS warning indicator light 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 warning indicator light 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 an-
tilock assistance.
If the ABS light is on, have the system checked at your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
13. Brake Assist Indicator Light
The indicator light for the Brake Assist System
(BAS) is combined with the Electronic Stability
Program (ESP). This yellow indicator light in
the instrument cluster comes on with the key in the
ignition switch turned to the ON/RUN position. The
134 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

BAS/ESP warning indicator light also comes on when a
malfunction is detected in either the Brake Assist System
or the Electronic Stability Program. It should go out with
the engine running. If the BAS/ESP indicator light comes
on continuously, see an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
14. Seat Belt Indicator Light
With the key in the ignition, the light comes on,
and a warning sounds for a short time if the
driver's seat belt is not fastened.
After starting the engine, the seat belt indicator light
blinks and a chime sounds periodically for up to 90
seconds to remind the driver and passenger to fasten the
seat belts. Fastening the seat belts will extinguish the
light and silence the chime.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.
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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 require
towing. 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.
28. Oil Level Indicator Light
With the key in the ignition switch turned to
the ON/RUN position, the oil level indicator
light comes on. It should go out immediately
when the engine is running. If the light does
not go out, or comes on while driving, the engine oil level
has dropped to approximately the minimum mark on the
dipstick.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
A sensor in the oil pan allows oil level to be checked
without opening the hood. It provides an accurate mea-
surement of oil level, whereas the low engine oil level
indicator warns that oil level is definitely too low. With
the vehicle parked on a level surface, the engine is
warmed up and shut off for approximately five minutes.
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON/RUN
142 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NProgram Mode Selector Switch............180
NEmergency Operation (Limp Home Mode) . . . 181
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces..............182
NTraction............................182
mDriving Through Water..................183
NFlowing/Rising Water..................183
mParking Brake.........................185
mBrake System..........................186
NBrake Assist System (BAS)...............187
NElectronic Stability Program (ESP).........189
NSynchronizing ESP....................191
NESP Control Switch....................191
NAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............192NBrake Pad Break-In....................196
mPower Steering........................196
mTire Safety Information...................198
NTire Markings........................198
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........203
mTires Ð General Information...............207
NTire Pressure.........................207
NTire Inflation Pressures.................208
NTire Pressures For High Speed Operation....210
NRadial-Ply Tires......................210
NTire Spinning........................211
NTread Wear Indicators..................211
NLife Of Tire.........................212
166 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
WARNING!
Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Be sure that the parking brake is engaged and that the
shift lever is in the NEUTRAL or PARK position. Turn the
key in the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position.
Apply the brakes before shifting into any driving gear.
Normal Starting
Vehicles with automatic transmissions:
Do not depress the accelerator. Simply turn the key in the
ignition switch clockwise to the START position and
release when the engine starts. If the engine will not run,turn the key counterclockwise to the OFF/LOCK posi-
tion and repeat the starting procedure. If there are several
unsuccessful attempts, have the system checked at the
nearest authorized dealer.
Vehicles with manual transmissions:
Do not depress the accelerator. Fully depress the clutch
pedal, otherwise the engine cannot be started due to the
integrated safety interlock. Simply turn the key in the
ignition switch clockwise to the START position and
release when the engine starts. The starter will engage
until the engine is running. If the engine will not run,
turn the key counterclockwise to the OFF/LOCK posi-
tion and repeat the starting procedure. If there are several
unsuccessful attempts, have the system checked at the
nearest authorized dealer.
168 STARTING AND OPERATING

TRANSMISSION SHIFTING
Manual TransmissionNOTE:The parking brake should be engaged and the
shift lever placed in REVERSE before leaving the vehicle,
especially on an incline. To place the transmission in
REVERSE, lift up on the shift lever knob, push it to the
left and pull it back.
Fully depress the clutch pedal before you shift gears. As
you release the clutch pedal, lightly depress the accelera-
tor pedal.
Be sure the transmission is in FIRST gear, (not THIRD),
when starting from a stopped position. Damage to the
clutch can result from starting in THIRD.
NOTE:If there is a need to restart your engine, you
must recycle your ignition switch to the OFF position
before restarting the engine.
For most city driving, you will find it easier to use only
the lower gears. For steady highway driving with light
accelerations, sixth gear is recommended.
STARTING AND OPERATING 171
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