2008 CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE ABS

The BAS is designed to maximize the vehicle's braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The
system applies maximum power boost to the brakes
more quickly in emergency braking conditions than
might otherwise be afforded solely by the driver's brak-
ing style. This can help reduce braking distances. The
BAS complements the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS).
Applying the brakes very quickly results in maximum
BAS assistance. To receive the benefit of the system, you
must apply continuous full braking power during the
stopping sequence. Do not reduce brake pedal pressure.
Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 109
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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

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

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.
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WARNING!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order
to obtain braking action. This could result in drive
wheel slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehi-
cle's ABS will not prevent this type of loss of control.
You could lose control of your vehicle and have an
accident.
NOTE:With transmission in gear ªD,º ª4,º or ª3,º
upshifting from FIRST to SECOND to THIRD gear may
be delayed, depending on vehicle speed and engine
temperature. This allows the catalytic converter to heat
up more quickly to operating temperatures.
The delayed upshift is effective with vehicle speeds
below 31 mph (50 km/h) at partial throttle and engine
temperatures below 95ÉF (35ÉC). To prevent the engine
from laboring at low RPM when driving uphill or withyour vehicle heavily loaded, the automatic transmission
will downshift when necessary to maintain engine RPM
within the best torque range.
Gear Ranges
PARK
NOTE:If the key is in the ON/RUN position, you must
press the brake pedal to shift out of the PARK position.
PARK supplements the parking brake by locking the
transmission. The engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in
motion.
Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this
range.
REVERSE
Shift into this range only after the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
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greater pedal force required to slow or stop, and activa-
tion of the brake warning light during brake use.
Brake Assist System (BAS)
The BAS is designed to maximize the vehicle's braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. Maxi-
mum power boost is applied to the brakes more quickly
in emergency braking conditions. This can help reduce
braking distances relative to what ordinary driving and
braking style might do.
The BAS complements the antilock brake system (ABS).
Applying the brakes very quickly results in maximum
BAS assistance. To receive the benefit of the system you
must apply continuous, full braking power during the
stopping sequence. Do not reduce brake pedal pressure.
WARNING!
BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking
efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of
the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
The BAS cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a
safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent acci-
dents. The capabilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user's safety or
the safety of others.
Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
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The malfunction indicator light for the BAS is combined
with the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) malfunction
indicator light.The BAS/ESP malfunction indicator light in the instru-
ment 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 BAS/ESP malfunction indica-
tor light comes on steadily while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected in either the BAS or ESP
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.
188 STARTING AND OPERATING