2008 CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE stop start

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

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.
WARNING!
The outside temperature indicator is not designed to
serve as an ice-warning device and is unsuitable for
that purpose. Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road surface
is free of ice.24. Airbag Light
The operational readiness of the airbag system
is verified by the airbag indicator light in the
instrument cluster when turning the key in the
ignition switch to the ACC or ON/RUN posi-
tion. If no fault is detected, the light will go out after
approximately four seconds. After the lamp goes out, the
system continues to monitor the components and cir-
cuitry of the airbag system and will indicate a malfunc-
tion by coming on again.
The light will 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 lit during starting, have it replaced. If
the light stays on, or comes on while driving, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer.
140 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures.....................168
NNormal Starting......................168
NExtremely Cold Weather (Below -20ÉF
Or -29ÉC)...........................169
NIf Engine Fails To Start.................169
NAfter Starting........................170
mTransmission Shifting....................171
NManual Transmission..................171
NRecommended Shift Speeds..............172NAutomatic Transmission................174
NStopping...........................175
NManeuvering........................175
NPark Position........................176
NReverse............................177
NNeutral............................177
NDrive..............................178
NAutoSticktGear Selection...............178
NGear Ranges.........................179
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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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Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, or
try to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal
partially engaged. This will cause abnormal wear on the
clutch.
Never shift into REVERSE until the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
NOTE:During cold weather, until the transmission
lubricant has warmed, you may have difficulty shifting.
This is normal and not harmful to the transmission.Recommended Shift Speeds
To use your manual transmission for both fuel economy
and performance, it should be upshifted as shown in the
chart. Shift at the vehicle speeds listed for acceleration.
Earlier upshifts during cruise conditions (relatively
steady speeds) will result in increased fuel economy, and
may be used as indicated.
Higher upshift speeds may be used to obtain a desired
acceleration rate.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
RECOMMENDED SHIFT SPEEDS
1-2 2-3 3-4 4-5 5-6
MPH 15 25 40 45 50
(km/h) (24) (40) (64) (72) (80)
172 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift the shift lever out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle
speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal,
the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and when your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal.
Stopping
For brief stops, leave the transmission in gear and hold
the vehicle with the brake pedal. For longer stops with
the engine idling, shift into the NEUTRAL or PARK
position and hold the vehicle with the parking brake.When stopping the vehicle uphill, do not hold it with the
accelerator; use the brake. This avoids unnecessary trans-
mission heat build-up.
Maneuvering
To maneuver in tight areas, control the vehicle speed by
gradually releasing the brakes. Accelerate gently and
never abruptly step on the accelerator.
To rock a vehicle out of soft ground (mud or snow),
alternately shift from FORWARD to REVERSE, while
applying only slight acceleration. Rocking a vehicle free
in this manner may cause the ABS or traction system
malfunction indicator light to come on. Turn off the
engine and restart the engine to clear the malfunction
indication.
STARTING AND OPERATING 175
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Park Position
The PARK position is to be used when parking the
vehicle. Engage only with the vehicle stopped. The PARK
position is not intended to serve as a brake when the
vehicle is parked. Rather, the driver should always use
the parking brake in addition to placing the shift lever in
PARK to secure the vehicle.
NOTE:The key can be removed from the ignition
switch only with the shift lever in the PARK position.
With the key removed, the shift lever is locked in the
PARK position.
With a malfunction in the vehicle's electrical system, the
shift lever could remain locked in the PARK position. To
unlock the shift lever manually, insert the end of the
multipurpose tool from the glove box (or ball point pen)
into the covered opening below the position ªDº of the
shift pattern. While pushing the tool down, move the
shift lever out of the PARK position. After removal of the
176 STARTING AND OPERATING

tool from the opening, the cover will not close fully. Only
after moving the selector lever to the ªD+º and ªD-º
positions does the cover return to its closed position.Reverse
Shift into REVERSE gear only when the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped.
Dependent on the program mode selector switch position
Standard ªSº and Winter/Wet ªWº (snow and ice), the
maximum speed in the REVERSE gear is different. How-
ever, it is not possible to change the program mode while
in REVERSE.
Neutral
No power is transmitted from the engine to the drive
axle. When the brakes are released, the vehicle can be
moved freely (pushed or towed). Do not engage in
NEUTRAL position while driving except to coast when
the vehicle is in danger of skidding (e.g., on icy roads).
NOTE:Coasting the vehicle, or driving for any other
reason with selector lever in NEUTRAL can result in
transmission damage that is not covered by the Limited
Warranty.
STARTING AND OPERATING 177
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