2008 CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE check engine

WARNING!
The warning words ªDO NOT OPEN WHEN HOTº
near the cooling system reservoir cap are a safety
precaution. Never add coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool
an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to build
up in the cooling system. To prevent scalding or
injury, do not remove the pressure cap while the
system is hot or under pressure.
WARNING!
Do not use a pressure cap other than the one speci-
fied for your vehicle. Personal injury or engine
damage may result.
Points to Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/
kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulation on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot water to
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
²Do not overfill the coolant bottle.
²Check coolant freeze point in the system.
²If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the recovery bottle does not drop when the
engine cools, the cooling system should be pressure
tested for leaks.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 283
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²Maintain a coolant concentration of a minimum of 50%
ethylene glycol Extended Life Coolant and high qual-
ity water with recommended antifreeze for proper
corrosion protection of your engine cooling system
that contains aluminum components.
²Make sure that the radiator and coolant bottle hoses
are not kinked or obstructed.
²Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle has
air conditioning, keep the front of the condenser clean,
also.
²Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor fuel
economy, and increased emissions.
Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions,
and excessive swelling indicate deterioration of the rub-
ber.
Pay particular attention to the hoses nearest to high heat
sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose rout-
ing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat source or
moving component that may cause heat damage or
mechanical wear.
Ensure the 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.
284 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done when-
ever the brake system is serviced and at every engine oil
change.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing under hood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning light is on.Be sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. Fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. Brake fluid level should be checked
when pads are replaced. However, low fluid level may be
caused by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
286 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Fluid and Filter Changes
Automatic transmission fluid and filter should be
changed at 80,000 mi (129 000 km). The fluid is then filled
for life.
NOTE:Refer to Section 8 of this manual for Mainte-
nance Schedules.
Manual Transmission
Selection of Lubricant
No fluid service is required. Use only fluid approved to
MB 236.2. SAE 5W-20 engine oil, meeting API SL or GF-3,
may be substituted. Refer to the Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants and Genuine Parts section for the correct fluid
type.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug. The fluid
level should be between the bottom of the fill hole and a
point not more than 3/16 in (4.76 mm) below the bottom
of the hole.
CAUTION!
Do not overfill. Dirt and water in the transmission
can cause serious damage. To prevent dirt and water
from entering the transmission after checking or
replenishing fluid, make certain that the dipstick cap
is seated properly.
Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 289
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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
CONTENTS
mIntroduction..........................320
mWarranty.............................320
mEmission Control System Maintenance........321
mMaintenance Schedules...................322
NScope Of Work For ªAº Schedule Maintenance
Service.............................322
NScope Of Work For ªBº Schedule Maintenance
Service.............................323
mFSS System...........................325mRegular Check-Ups.....................326
NAdditional Periodic Maintenance..........327
mSpecial Maintenance Requirements..........329
NCoolant............................329
NDust Filter For Heating/Ventilation
Replacement (If Equipped)...............329
mEngine Oil Change And Filter Replacement....330
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²Check tires for damage and general condition
²Check tire inflation pressures and correct if necessary
Fluid Levels
Check fluid levels for the following systems and correct if
necessary. Should there be a loss of fluid that cannot be
explained by regular use, trace and eliminate the cause.
²Engine cooling system (check corrosion inhibitor/
antifreeze)
²Hydraulic brake system
²Power steering system
²Windshield washer system
SCOPE OF WORK FOR ªBº SCHEDULE
MAINTENANCE SERVICE
Oil Change
²Change oil and replace filter
Maintenance
²Rotate tires
²Replace dust filter (if equipped)
²Lubricate hood hinges, latch, and secondary latch
²Reset FSS Display
Function Check
²Horn, hazard warning flashers, turn signals, and indi-
cator lamps
²Headlamps and exterior lighting
²Windshield wipers and washer system
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 323
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²Check seat belts for damage and proper function
²Test hydraulic brakes and check parking brake func-
tion
Inspection
²Check front and rear brake pads for lining thickness
²Check condition of front and rear brake discs
²Check tires for damage and general condition
²Check tire inflation pressures and correct if necessary
²Check major underbody components for leakage or
damage (if there are signs of leakage, determine cause
and repair)
²Check condition of front axle ball joints and rubber
boots
²Check condition of steering components and rubber
boots
²Check underhood components for leakage or damage
(if there are signs of leakage determine cause and
repair)
²Check condition of accessory drive belt
²Check headlamp aiming, adjust if necessary
²Check windshield wiper blades, replace if necessary
Fluid Levels
Check fluid levels for the following systems and correct if
necessary. Should there be a loss of fluid that cannot be
explained by regular use, trace and eliminate the cause.
²Engine cooling system (check corrosion inhibitor/
antifreeze)
²Hydraulic brake system
²Power steering system
²Windshield washer system
324 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Depending on operating conditions through-
out the year, a clock symbol may appear next to
the service symbol. When this occurs, the next
service is calculated and displayed in days
remaining before the next service is required.
You should have the maintenance performed within the
stated time period or distance.
Following a completed A or B service your authorized
dealer sets the counter to 7,000 mi (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.
Regardless of the service interval determined by your
FSS, the scheduled services as posted in this manual must
be followed to properly care for your vehicle.
REGULAR CHECK-UPS
To maintain the safe operation of your vehicle, it is
recommended that you perform the following tasks on a
regular basis (i.e., weekly or whenever the vehicle is
refueled).
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
326 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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