Chrysler Crossfire (2008 year). Instruction — part 17

You can check the oil level using the procedure described
in Checking Engine Oil Level in the Understanding Your
Instrument Panel section, or by checking the engine oil
dipstick.

The best time to check the engine oil level is about five
minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off, or before
starting the engine after it has sat overnight.

Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground will
improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Maintain
the oil level between the MIN and MAX markings on the
dipstick. Adding 1 qt (1 L) of oil when the reading is at
the MIN mark will result in a MAX reading on this
engine.

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Change Engine Oil
The oil change interval for yourvehicle is initially set at
7,000 mi (Canada: 11 000 km).

The Flexible Service System (FSS) in your vehicle evalu-
ates engine temperature, oil level, vehicle speed, engine
speed, distance driven, and the time elapsed since your
last service. It determines when your vehicle needs
maintenance service and alerts you in advance. The next
necessary service is indicated by the FSS in your instru-
ment cluster.

NOTE:

Also see the FSS system details in the Under-

standing Your Instrument Panel section of this instruction.

Very light duty driving cycles (most trips more than 10
mi [16 km]) at moderate speeds in moderate temperature
conditions) can extend the service interval beyond 7,000
mi (Canada: 11 000 km).

If ANY of the following apply to your driving, the oil
change interval can be reduced significantly:

• Day and night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C)
• Stop-and-go driving
• Extensive engine idling
• Driving in dusty conditions
• Short trips of less than 10 mi (16 km)
• More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high

speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C)

• Taxi, Police, or delivery service (commercial service)

Observe the oil change interval indicated by your FSS
system. This system will monitor the driving conditions
seen by your vehicle, and will recommend the best
interval for servicing your vehicle to maintain it in top
condition.

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CAUTION!

Overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause
oil aeration or loss of oil pressure. This could damage
your engine.

Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, only use synthetic engine
oils, approved to MB 229.3 or MB 229.5, such as Mobil 1
SAE 0W-40. The FSS may not alert for an oil change at the
proper interval if an unapproved engine oil is used;
engine damage and reduced engine life may result.

Materials Added To Engine Oils
Do not add materials (other than leak detection dyes) to
engine oil. Engine oil is an engineered product and its
performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-
tives.

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Disposing of Used Engine Oil
Care should be taken in disposing of used engine oil from
your vehicle. Used oil, indiscriminately discarded, can
present a problem to the environment. Contact your
dealer, service station, or governmental agency for advice
on how and where used oil can be safely discarded in
your area.

Engine Oil Filter
The engine oil filter should be replaced at every engine
oil change.

Engine Oil Filter Selection
All DaimlerChrysler Corporation engines have a full-
flow type disposable oil filter. Use a filter of this type for
replacement. The quality of replacement filters varies
considerably. Only high quality filters should be used to
assure most efficient service. Mopar

t Engine Oil Filters

are high quality oil filters and are recommended.

Drive Belts - Check Condition and Tension
At the distance shown in the maintenance schedules,
check all drive belts for condition and proper tension.
Improper belt tension can cause belt slippage and failure.

Inspect the drive belts for evidence of cuts, cracks, or
glazing and replace them if there is any sign of damage
which could result in belt failure. If adjustment is re-
quired, adjust the belts according to the specifications
and procedures shown in the Service Instruction.

Special tools are required to properly measure tension
and to restore belt tension to factory specifications. Also,
check belt routing to make sure there is no interference
between the belts and other engine components.

Spark Plugs
Spark plugs must fire properly to assure engine perfor-
mance and emission control. New spark plugs should be
installed at the distance specified in the appropriate
maintenance chart. The entire set should be replaced if

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there is any malfunction due to a faulty spark plug.
Check the specifications section for the proper type of
spark plug for use in your vehicle.

Engine Air Cleaner Filter
Under normal driving conditions, replace the air filter at
each interval called out by FSS.

WARNING!

The air cleaner can provide a measure of protection
in the case of engine backfire. Do not remove the air
cleaner unless such removal is necessary for repair or
maintenance. Make sure that no one is near the
engine compartment before starting the vehicle with
the air cleaner removed. Failure to do so can result in
serious personal injury.

Engine Fuel Filter
A plugged fuel filter can cause hard starting or limit the
speed at which a vehicle can be driven. Should an
excessive amount of dirt accumulate in the fuel tank,
frequent fuel filter replacement may be necessary. See
your authorized dealer for service.

Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.

Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly serviced to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.

If the CHECK ENGINE light is flashing, immediate
service is required.

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CAUTION!

Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction, particularly involv-
ing engine misfire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced promptly. Contin-
ued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.

WARNING!

A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.

In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may suggest severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this occurs, stop
the vehicle, turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
Service, including a tune up to DaimlerChrysler Corpo-
ration’s specifications, should be obtained immediately.

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To minimize the possibility of catalyst damage:

• Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition

when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.

• Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the

vehicle.

• Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires

disconnected for a prolonged period.

Ignition Wiring System

The ignition cables should be kept clean and properly
connected. Terminals should be fully seated. Cracked,
damaged, or faulty cables should be replaced.

Crankcase Emission Control System

Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from sticking or plugging due to deposits.

Check the ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.

Maintenance-Free Battery

The top of the maintenance-free battery is permanently
sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is periodic
maintenance required.

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WARNING!

Battery posts, terminals and related accessories con-
tain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.

Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can burn
or even blind you. Don’t allow battery fluid to
contact your eyes, skin or clothing. Don’t lean over a
battery when attaching clamps. If acid splashes in
eyes or on skin, flush the area immediately with
large amounts of water.

Battery gas is flammable and explosive. Keep flame
or sparks away from the battery. Don’t use a booster
battery or any other booster source with an output
greater than 12 volts. Don’t allow cable clamps to
touch each other.

CAUTION!

It is essential when replacing the cables on the
battery that the positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative cable is attached to the
negative post. Battery posts are marked positive (+)
and negative (-) and identified on the battery case.
Cable clamps should be tight on the terminal posts
and free of corrosion. Apply grease to posts and
clamps after tightening.

If a “fast charger” is used while the battery is in the
vehicle, disconnect both vehicle battery cables before
connecting the charger to battery. Do not use a “fast
charger” to provide starting voltage as battery dam-
age can result.

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Air Conditioner

Check the air conditioning system at the start of the
warm weather season.

NOTE:

If your air conditioning performance seems

lower than expected, check the front of the A/C con-
denser for an accumulation of dirt or insects. Clean with
a gentle water spray from behind the radiator and
through the condenser as required. Fabric front fascia
protectors may reduce air flow to the condenser, reducing
air conditioning performance.

WARNING!

The air conditioning system contains refrigerant un-
der high pressure. To avoid risk of personal injury or
damage to the system, adding refrigerant or any
repair requiring lines to be disconnected should be
done by an experienced repair person.

Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
The air conditioning system of your vehicle contains
R-134a, a refrigerant that does not deplete the ozone layer
in

the

upper

atmosphere.

The

DaimlerChrysler

Corporation recommends that air conditioning service be
done by facilities using refrigerant recycling and recovery
equipment that meets SAE standard J1991.

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Power Steering Fluid

No power steering fluid service is required. The system is
filled at the factory with Pentosin CHF 11S. Steering noise
and reduced component life may result if an unapproved
fluid is used.

During scheduled maintenance, check the power steering
fluid level at the power steering fluid reservoir. Nor-
mally, it will not be necessary to add power steering
fluid.

Before removing the reservoir cap, wipe the outside of
the cap and reservoir so that no dirt can fall into the
reservoir.

The power steering pump has a dipstick. Fluid level
should be maintained at the proper level indicated on the
dipstick. If the indicated level of power steering fluid is
low, see your authorized dealer. With a clean cloth, wipe
any spilled fluid from all surfaces.

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Chassis Lubrication

Front Suspension Ball Joints
There are two front suspension lower ball joints that are
permanently lubricated. Inspect these ball joints when-
ever under-vehicle service is done.

Steering Linkage
Inspect tie rod ends whenever the vehicle is serviced.
They are permanently lubricated and do not require
periodic lubrication.

Drive Shaft Universal Joints
Your vehicle has four constant velocity universal joints.
Periodic lubrication of these joints is not required. How-
ever, the joint boots should be inspected for external
leakage or damage when other maintenance is per-
formed.

If leakage or damage is evident, replace the universal
joint boot and grease immediately.

Continued operation could result in failure of the univer-
sal joint due to water and dirt contamination of the
grease. This would require complete replacement of the
joint assembly.

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7

Body Lubrication

Locks and all body pivot points, including such items as
seat tracks, doors, and rear liftgate/decklid hinges,
should be lubricated periodically to assure quiet, easy
operation and to protect against rust and wear.

Hood Latch
When performing other under hood services, the hood
latch release mechanism and safety catch should be
inspected, cleaned, and lubricated.

It is important to maintain proper lubrication to insure
that the hood mechanisms work properly and safely.
Multi-Purpose Lubricant, NLGI Grade 2, should be ap-
plied sparingly to all pivot and sliding contact areas.

Driver’s Door Lock Cylinder
The driver’s door lock cylinder should be lubricated
twice a year, preferably in the fall and spring. Apply a

small amount of a high quality lubricant, such as Mopar

t

Lock Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder
(avoid excess lubricant).

Insert the key into the lock cylinder and rotate from the
unlocked to the locked position without adding more
lubricant. Repeat this procedure three or four times. Wipe
all the lubricant off the key with a clean cloth, to avoid
soiling clothing.

Windshield Wiper Blades

Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild non-abrasive cleaner, or use the washer solvent.
This will remove accumulations of salt or road film and
help reduce streaking, chatter, and smearing.

Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield. Avoid using the wiper blades to

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remove frost or ice from the windshield. Make sure that
they are not frozen to the glass before turning them on to
avoid damaging the blade. Keep the blade rubber out of
contact with petroleum products such as engine oil,
gasoline, etc.

Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement

1. Lift the wiper arm away from the glass.

2. Rotate the blade 45 degrees to gain access to the
release tab.

3. Push the release tab as shown in the illustration and
slide the wiper blade assembly down along the arm.
Gently place the wiper arm on the windshield.

4. Install the new blade assembly onto the wiper arm tip
until it locks in place.

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Windshield Washer Reservoir

The washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine
compartment and should be checked for fluid level at
regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with windshield
washer solvent (not radiator antifreeze) rated not to
freeze at -25°F (-31°C). Operate the system for a few
seconds to flush out the residual water.

WARNING!

Do not overfill the washer reservoir. Do not attempt
to fill to the top of the filler neck. Fluid may leak out
onto the floor or driveway causing a potential slip
and fall hazard. When the indicator light first illumi-
nates, the maximum fill amount is 1 gal (4 L).

WARNING!

Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.

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Exhaust System

The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.

If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system,
or if exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle, or
when the underside or rear of the vehicle is damaged,
have a competent technician inspect the complete ex-
haust system and adjacent body areas for broken, dam-
aged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams
or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep
into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the
exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for lubri-
cation or oil change. Replace as required.

WARNING!

Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide which is colorless and odorless. Breathing
it can make you unconscious and can eventually
poison you. Follow the above precautions to keep
your exhaust system as safe as possible.

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Cooling System

WARNING!

• When working near the radiator cooling fan, dis-

connect the fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fan is temperature
controlled and can start at any time the ignition
key is in the ON position.

• You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant

or steam from your radiator. If you see or hear
steam coming from under the hood, don’t open the
hood until the radiator has had time to cool. Never
try to open a cooling system pressure cap when the
radiator is hot.

Coolant Checks
Check coolant protection every 12 months (before the
onset of freezing weather, where applicable). If the cool-
ant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the system should be
drained, flushed and refilled with fresh coolant.

Check the front of the radiator and condenser for an
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. Clean the radiator and
condenser by gently spraying water from a garden hose
at the back of the radiator core.

Check the recovery bottle tank tubing for condition and
tightness of connection at the bottle and radiator. Inspect
the entire system for leaks.

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