2008 CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE parking brake

EXTERIOR LIGHTS
Headlights and Parking Lights
When the headlight switch is turned clockwise from OFF
to the first position, the parking lights, taillights, side
marker lights, license plate lights and instrument panel
lights are all illuminated.The headlights turn on when the switch is turned to the
second position.Lights-On Reminder
If the headlights or parking lights are left on after the
ignition is turned off, a warning will sound if the driver's
door is opened.
Daytime Running Lights (Where Applicable)
VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The low beam headlights, parking lights, side marker
lights, taillights and license plate lights are automatically
switched on whenever the vehicle is started and the
transmission shift lever is in a driving position.
VEHICLES WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION
The low beam headlights, parking lights, side marker
lights, taillights, and license plate lights are automatically
switched on whenever the vehicle is started and the
parking brake is released.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 97
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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

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.
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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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5

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