Chrysler 2004 Crossfire User manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1INTRODUCTION .............................................................3
2THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ...........................7
3UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ............................47
4UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ..................................87
5STARTING AND OPERATING ................................................117
6WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES .............................................157
7MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ..............................................175
8MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ................................................225
9IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE .......................................235
10 INDEX ...................................................................243
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INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
mIntroduction ...........................4
mHow To Use This Manual .................4
mWarnings And Cautions ..................6
mVehicle Identification Number ..............6
1

INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your Crossfire. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer-oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold.
When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained
technicians and genuine Mopartparts, and is interested
in your satisfaction.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this owner’s manual:
4 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION 5
1

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This manual contains WARNINGS against operating
procedures which could result in an accident or bodily
injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against procedures
which could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do
not read this entire manual you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is located be-
neath the left front corner of the instrument panel, visible
through the windshield. This number also appears on the
Automobile Information Disclosure Label affixed to a
window on your vehicle. Save this label as a convenient
record of your vehicle identification number and optional
equipment.
6 INTRODUCTION

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys .................9
▫Keys ...............................9
▫Obtaining Replacement Keys ..............9
▫Ignition Key Removal ...................10
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................10
mGlove Compartment Lock .................10
mDoor Locks ...........................11
▫Central Locking Switch ..................12
▫Automatic Central Locking ...............12
▫General Notes On The Central Locking
System ..............................13
▫Emergency Unlocking Feature .............13
▫Start Lockout .........................13
mRemote Keyless Entry ....................14
▫To Unlock The Doors ...................14
▫To Lock The Doors .....................14
▫Panic Alarm ..........................15
▫To Use The Panic Alarm .................15
▫General Information ....................15
▫Transmitter Battery Service ...............16
mSecurity Alarm System ...................17
▫Tow-Away Alarm ......................17
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mPower Windows ........................18
mRear Liftgate Release ....................19
mOccupant Restraints .....................20
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................21
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............25
▫Seat Belt Extender ......................25
▫Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag . .26
▫Child Restraint ........................36
mEngine Break-In Recommendations ..........43
mSafety Tips ............................44
▫Exhaust Gas ..........................44
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ..............................44
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ....................45
8 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
You can insert the double-sided keys into the locks with
either side up.
The dealer that sold you your new vehicle has the key
code numbers for your vehicle locks. These numbers can
be used to order duplicate keys only from an authorized
dealer. Ask your dealer for these numbers and keep them
in a safe place.
CAUTION!
An unlocked car is an invitation to thieves. Always
remove the key from the ignition and lock all the
doors when leaving the vehicle unattended.
Keys
Included with your vehicle are two remote controls with
folding keys. The remote control operates all locks on the
vehicle, including the locking fuel filler door.
To release the key from the folded position, press the
button. The key unfolds from the fob.
The transmitter for the remote control is located in the
key fob.
Obtaining Replacement Keys
Your vehicle is equipped with a theft deterrent locking
system requiring a special key manufacturing process.
For security reasons, replacement keys can only be ob-
tained from your authorized dealer.
Important!
Removing the key from the steering lock activates the
start lock-out. The engine cannot be started.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 9
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Turning the key in the steering lock to the ON/RUN
position deactivates the start lock-out.
NOTE: In case the engine cannot be started, and START
and ERROR are shown in the odometer display field, the
system is not operational. Contact an authorized dealer.
Ignition Key Removal
Turn the key to the LOCK position and remove the key.
NOTE: For vehicles with automatic transmissions, if
you try to remove the key before you place the shift lever
in PARK, the key may become trapped temporarily in the
key cylinder. If this occurs, turn the key clockwise
slightly, then remove the key as described.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition
sounds a signal to remind you to remove the key.
GLOVE COMPARTMENT LOCK
The glove compartment can be locked by turning the key
straight up to the vertical or right position, and then
removing the key.
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To unlock the glove compartment, turn the key to the
horizontal or left position, and then remove the key.
DOOR LOCKS
The vehicle doors can be locked when the doors are
closed by either manually pressing the button down at
the top of the door panel, pressing and releasing the
bottom portion of the central locking switch located in
the console, or by pressing and releasing the Lock
transmit button on the key fob. Also, by turning the key
clockwise in the driver’s door, both doors, liftgate and
fuel door will lock.
The doors can be unlocked by pulling on the inside door
handle, pressing and releasing the top portion of the
central locking switch located in the console, or by
pressing and releasing the Unlock transmit button on the
key fob. Both doors can also be unlocked by turning the
key counterclockwise in the driver’s door.
NOTE: If the key in the ignition switch is in the
ON/RUN position, the vehicle cannot be locked or
unlocked with the remote control.
When you lock the vehicle, both door lock buttons
should move down. If either one stays up, the respective
door is not properly closed. You should then unlock the
vehicle, open and reclose the door, and lock the vehicle
again.
Each individual door can be locked with the respective
door lock button - the driver’s door can only be locked
when it is closed. If the vehicle has previously been
locked from the outside, only the door being opened
from the inside will unlock, and the alarm will come on.
The other door, the rear liftgate, and fuel filler door will
remain locked.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
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NOTE: In case of a malfunction in the central locking
system, the doors can be locked and unlocked individu-
ally. To lock, turn the key in the driver’s door lock
clockwise, or push down the lock buttons. To unlock,
turn the key in the driver’s door lock counterclockwise,
or pull the inside door handles.
WARNING!
For personal security and safety in the event of an
accident, lock the vehicle doors as you drive and
when you park and leave the vehicle.
Central Locking Switch
The central locking switch is located in the console. The
doors and rear liftgate can only be locked with the central
locking switch if both doors are closed.
If the vehicle was previously locked with the remote
control or key, the doors and rear liftgate cannot be
unlocked with the central locking switch. If the vehicle
was previously locked with the central locking switch,
the complete vehicle is unlocked when a door is opened
from the inside.
NOTE: The fuel filler door cannot be locked or un-
locked with the central locking switch.
Automatic Central Locking
The central locking switch also operates the automatic
central locking feature. With the automatic central lock-
ing feature activated, the doors and rear liftgate are
locked at vehicle speeds of approximately 9 mph (15
km/h) or more; however, the fuel filler door remains
unlocked.
To activate this feature, turn the key to the ON/RUN
position and hold the upper portion of the switch for a
minimum of five seconds. To deactivate, turn the key to
the ON/RUN position and hold the lower portion of the
switch for a minimum of five seconds.
NOTE: If the doors are unlocked with the central
locking switch after activating the automatic central
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

locking feature and neither door is opened, the doors
remain unlocked even at vehicle speeds of approximately
9 mph (15 km/h) or more.
NOTE: If you attempt to lock the doors with the key in
the ignition and the driver’s door open, the doors will not
lock.
General Notes On the Central Locking System
If the key in the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN
position, the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked with
the remote control.
If the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked at any time
with the remote control, it may be necessary to change
the batteries in the remote.
NOTE: To help prevent the vehicle battery from dis-
charging during short periods of inactivity, perform the
following:
1. Make sure that the rear liftgate, hood and doors are
completely closed.
2. Make sure that remote transmitter is operating and
that the battery is good.
3. Make sure that the hood, rear liftgate and door
switches are in adjustment.
Perform the quick system check which follows: Use
the remote transmitter to set the alarm. If the parking
lamps flash three times, the system is operating prop-
erly. If not, there is a problem with a switch or the
system. See your authorized dealer for service.
Emergency Unlocking Feature
In the case of an accident, the doors unlock automatically
a short time after a strong deceleration is detected, such
as in a collision (this is intended to aid rescue and exit).
However, the key must still be in the ignition.
Start Lockout
Removing the key from the ignition switch activates the
start lockout. The engine cannot be started. Turning the
key to the ON/RUN position deactivates the start lock-
out. If the engine cannot be started, and the messages
START and ERROR are shown in the odometer display
field, the system is not operational. Contact an autho-
rized dealer.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
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REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY
This feature allows you to lock or unlock the vehicle from
remote locations using a hand-held transmitter located in
the key fob. You don’t have to point the transmitter at the
vehicle to activate the system. The vehicle doors, rear
liftgate, and fuel filler door can be locked and unlocked
using the remote control.
To Unlock the Doors:
Press and release the unlock button on the key fob.
NOTE: If within 40 seconds of unlocking with the key
fob, neither door is opened, the key is not inserted in the
ignition switch, or the central locking switch is not
activated, the vehicle will automatically lock.
Press the Unlock transmit button on the key fob once to
unlock driver’s door, rear liftgate, and fuel filler door.
Press the Unlock transmit button twice to unlock both
doors, rear liftgate, and fuel filler door.
To Lock The Doors:
Press the Lock button on the key fob once. All turn signal
lights blink three times to indicate that the vehicle is
locked. If the turn signal lights do not blink, a door or
rear liftgate is not closed properly.
The entire vehicle, including the fuel filler door, may be
locked or unlocked by using the key in the driver’s door.
The doors and liftgate can be locked or unlocked by
pressing the central locking switch located in the center
console.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

If the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked by pressing
the transmit button, then it may be necessary to change
the batteries in the remote control.
Panic Alarm
The panic alarm unlocks the driver’s door, turns on the
interior lights, flashes the foglights and sounds the horn
for about three minutes or until the alarm is turned off.
The vehicle can be driven while in the Panic mode.
To Use the Panic Alarm:
Press and hold the Panic button to activate the alarm.
Press and hold the Panic button or unlock the door with
the key to deactivate the alarm. The alarm will also shut
off after three minutes or when vehicle speed reaches 15
mph (24 km/h).
General Information
This transmitter complies with FCC rules part 15. Opera-
tion is subject to the following conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
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2. This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation.
Transmitter Battery Service
The recommended replacement Lithium battery is Pana-
sonictCR 2025 or equivalent.
To change the batteries:
• Press release button (2) on the key fob. The key folds
out.
• Press the battery cover (1) in the direction of the arrow.
• Remove the old batteries.
• Insert the new batteries in the direction of the arrow
with the positive symbol facing upwards.
• Replace the battery cover and press on it until you feel
it engage.
NOTE: Only replace the batteries in pairs.
The system may have to be resynchronized if the trans-
mitter is without voltage for several minutes. To synchro-
nize, aim the transmitter eye at the vehicle and briefly
press either the Lock or the Unlock button twice. Within
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

approximately 30 seconds, insert the key in the ignition
and turn it to the ON/RUN position. The remote control
should once again be operational.
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM
The system monitors the doors, rear liftgate, hood, and
ignition for unauthorized operation. The security alarm
system is automatically armed or disarmed with the
remote control or any of your vehicle’s keys by locking or
unlocking the vehicle.
The antitheft alarm is armed within approximately 10
seconds after locking the vehicle. A blinking light in the
tow away alarm switch indicates that the alarm is armed.
Once the alarm system has been armed, the exterior
vehicle lights will flash and an alarm will sound when a
door, the rear liftgate, the hood, or the glove compart-
ment is opened, or if someone attempts to raise the
vehicle for towing. The alarm will flash the exterior
lamps for approximately three minutes and sound an
audible alarm for 30 seconds. The alarm will stay on even
if the activating element is immediately closed.
Tow-Away Alarm
The tow-away alarm switch is located on the console. To
deactivate for towing or jacking up the vehicle, press and
release the upper portion of the switch. Press and release
the lower portion to activate it again.
After the alarm system has been armed, the exterior
vehicle lights will flash and an alarm will sound when
someone attempts to raise the vehicle. The alarm will
flash the exterior lamps for approximately three minutes
and sound an audible alarm for 30 seconds. The alarm
will stay on even if the vehicle is immediately lowered.
To cancel the alarm, insert the key into the ignition switch
or press a transmit button on the key fob.
To prevent triggering the tow-away alarm feature when
parking on a surface subject to movement (such as a
ferry), switch off the tow-away alarm. To do so, turn the
key in the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK or ACC
position, or remove the key from the ignition switch.
Press the tow-away alarm switch and the indicator light
will illuminate briefly. Exit the vehicle, and lock the
vehicle with the key or the remote control.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
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The tow-away alarm remains switched off until the
vehicle is locked again with the key or the remote control,
at which time it is automatically reactivated.
POWER WINDOWS
The power window switches are located in the console.
To operate, turn the key in the ignition switch to the ACC
or ON/RUN position. Press the switch in to the resis-
tance point to open; release the switch when the window
is in the desired position.
For express opening of windows, press the switch past
the resistance point and release; the window lowers to
the fully open position. To interrupt the procedure,
briefly press the switch again and release.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

When closing the windows, be sure that there is no
danger of anyone being harmed by the closing proce-
dure.
WARNING!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key
from the ignition switch, and lock the vehicle. Do
not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of
vehicle equipment can cause serious personal injury.
REAR LIFTGATE RELEASE
You can open the rear liftgate by using the handle located
on the liftgate just above the rear license plate pocket.
WARNING!
Do not allow children to have access to the rear cargo
area by climbing into the rear cargo area from
outside, or through the inside of the vehicle. Always
close the liftgate when your vehicle is unattended.
Once in the cargo area, young children may not be
able to escape, even if they entered through the rear
seat. If trapped in the cargo area, children can die
from suffocation or heat stroke.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
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OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS
Some of the most important safety features in your
vehicle are the restraint systems. These include the lap/
shoulder seat belts for the driver and passenger, emer-
gency tensioning retractors for the seat belts, and front
and side airbags for the driver and passenger. If you will
be carrying children too small for adult-size belts, the
passenger side seat belt also can be used to hold infant
and child restraint systems.
Please pay close attention to the information in this
section. It tells you how to use your restraint system
properly to keep you and your passengers as safe as
possible.
WARNING!
In a collision, you and your passengers can suffer
much greater injuries if you are not properly buck-
led up. You can strike the interior of your vehicle or
other occupants, or you can be thrown out of the
vehicle. Always be sure you and others in your
vehicle are buckled up properly.
Buckle up even though you are an excellent driver, even
on short trips. Someone on the road may be a poor driver
and cause a collision that includes you. This can happen
far away from home or on your street.
Research has shown that seat belts save lives. They also
can reduce the seriousness of injuries in a collision. Some
of the worst injuries happen when people are thrown
from the vehicle. Seat belts provide protection from that,
and they reduce the risk of injury caused by striking the
inside of the vehicle. Everyone in a motor vehicle needs
to be buckled up all the time.
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE