Chrysler Crossfire (2008 year). Manual — part 18

Cooling System - Drain, Flush and Refill
At the intervals shown on the Maintenance Schedules,
the system should be drained, flushed and refilled.

If the solution is dirty and contains a considerable
amount of sediment, clean and flush with a reliable
cooling system cleaner. Follow with a thorough rinsing to
remove all deposits and chemicals.

Engine Coolant Disposal
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal. Check with your
local authorities to determine the disposal rules for your
community. Do not store ethylene glycol based engine
coolant in open containers or allow it to remain in
puddles on the ground. Prevent ingestion by animals or
children. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately.

Selection Of Coolant
Use only coolant approved to MB 325.0, such as Valvoline
GO5, or an equivalent extended life coolant. Refer to the
recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts for
correct coolant type.

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CAUTION!

Failure to use the proper antifreeze could cause
radiator plugging and engine overheating. Do not
mix antifreeze brands or types. Do not use plain
water alone or alcohol base antifreeze products. Do
not use additional rust inhibitors or antirust prod-
ucts, as they may not be compatible with the radiator
coolant and may plug the radiator.

Adding Coolant
When adding coolant, a minimum solution of 50% eth-
ylene glycol antifreeze coolant and water should be used.
Use higher concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if tempera-
tures below -34°F (-37°C) are anticipated.

Use only high purity water, such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/antifreeze solution. The

use of lower quality water will reduce the amount of
corrosion protection in the engine cooling system.

NOTE:

Mixing coolant types other than Mopar

t prod-

ucts will decrease the life of the engine coolant and will
require more frequent coolant changes.

Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing,
according to the temperatures occurring in the area
where the vehicle is operated.

Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
coolant, and to ensure that coolant will return to the
radiator from the coolant reserve tank.

The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.

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WARNING!

The warning words “DO NOT OPEN WHEN HOT”
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.

• Do not overfill the coolant bottle.
• Check coolant freeze point in the system.
• If 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.

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• Maintain 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.

• Make sure that the radiator and coolant bottle hoses

are not kinked or obstructed.

• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle has

air conditioning, keep the front of the condenser clean,
also.

• Do 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.

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Brakes

In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Suggested service intervals can be found in the Mainte-
nance section.

WARNING!

Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.

Brake and Power Steering System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,

cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be made to examining those hose sur-
faces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.

Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.

Ensure the nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.

NOTE:

Often, fluids such as oil, power steering fluid,

and brake fluid are used during assembly plant opera-
tions to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not neces-
sarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of hot
fluid when systems are under pressure (during vehicle
operation) should be noted before a hose is replaced
based on leakage.

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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.

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Use brake fluid approved to MB 331.0, or a DOT 4 brake
fluid with: minimum dry boiling point (ERBP) 500°F,
minimum wet boiling point (WERBP) 356°F, maximum
viscosity 1500 mm

2

/s, conforming to FMVSS 116 and

ISO 4925.

WARNING!

Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial
boiling point or unidentified as to specification, may
result in sudden brake failure during hard prolonged
braking. You could have an accident.

WARNING!

Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign mat-
ter. Use of contaminated fluid may result in reduced
brake performance or a sudden brake failure. You
could have an accident.

CAUTION!

Do not allow petroleum-based fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid as seal damage will result!

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Automatic Transmission

The fluid in the automatic transmission should be
changed at 80,000 mi (129 000 km), along with the
transmission fluid filter. After that, the transmission fluid
is filled for life.

Selection of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only ATF approved to MB 236.10, MB 236.12.
Synthetic Dexron III

t Automatic Transmission Fluid may

be substituted. Refer to the Recommended Fluids, Lubri-
cants and Genuine Parts section for the correct fluid type.
It is important that the transmission fluid be maintained
at the prescribed level using the recommended fluid.

CAUTION!

Using a transmission fluid other than the fluid rec-
ommended by DaimlerChrysler Corporation may
cause deterioration in transmission shift quality
and/or torque converter shudder. Using a transmis-
sion fluid other than that recommended by the
DaimlerChrysler Corporation will result in more
frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to the Rec-
ommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts
section for correct fluid type.

Fluid Level Check
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks and
changes are not required. For this reason the dipstick is
omitted.

If you notice fluid loss or gear shift malfunction, have
your authorized dealer check the transmission fluid level.

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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.

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7

Frequency of Fluid Change
Under normal operation conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
the vehicle. Fluid changes are not necessary unless the
lubricant has become contaminated with water. If con-
taminated with water, the fluid should be changed im-
mediately.

Special Additives
Do not add any fluid additives to the transmission. The
only exception to this policy is the use of special dyes to
aid in detecting fluid leaks. The use of transmission
sealers should be avoided as this may adversely affect
seals.

Appearance Care and Protection from Corrosion

Protection of Body and Paint from Corrosion
Vehicle body protection requirements vary according to
geographic locations and usage. Chemicals that make
roads passable in snow and ice, and those that are

sprayed on trees and road surfaces during other seasons,
are highly corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside
parking, which exposes your vehicle to airborne contami-
nants, road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated,
extreme hot or cold weather and other extreme condi-
tions will have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and
underbody protection.

The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.

What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of
paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.

The most common causes are:

• Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation.
• Stone and gravel impact.

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• Insects, tree sap and tar.
• Salt in the air near seacoast localities.
• Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants.
• Bird droppings.

Washing

• Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your ve-

hicle in the shade using a mild car wash soap, and
rinse the panels completely with clear water.

• If insects, tar or other similar deposits have accumu-

lated on your vehicle, wash it as soon as possible.

• Use Mopart auto polish to remove road film and

stains and to polish your vehicle. Take care never to
scratch the paint.

• Avoid using abrasive compounds and power buffing

that may diminish the gloss or thin out the paint
finish.

CAUTION!

Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning materials such
as steel wool or scouring powder, which will scratch
metal and painted surfaces.

Special Care

• If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you drive

near the ocean, hose off the undercarriage at least once
a month.

• It is important that the drain holes in the lower edges

of the doors, rocker panels and rear liftgate/decklid be
kept clear and open.

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• If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint,

touch them up immediately. The cost of such repairs is
considered the responsibility of the owner.

• Use Mopart touch-up paint on scratches or chips as

soon as possible. Your dealer has touch-up paint to
match the color of your vehicle.

• If your vehicle is damaged due to an accident or

similar cause which destroys the paint and protective
coating, have your vehicle repaired as soon as pos-
sible. The cost of such repairs is considered the respon-
sibility of the owner.

• If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers,

deicer salt, etc., be sure that such materials are well
packaged and sealed.

• Aluminum wheels should be cleaned regularly with

mild soap and water to prevent corrosion. To remove
heavy soil, select a non-abrasive, non-acidic cleaner.

Do not use scouring pads or metal polishes. Avoid
automatic car washes that use acidic solutions or harsh
brushes that may damage the wheels’ protective fin-
ish.

Wheel And Wheel Trim Care
All wheels and wheel trim, especially Aluminum, should
be cleaned regularly, using mild soap and water to
maintain their luster and to prevent corrosion. Wash
them with the same soap solution as the body of your
vehicle. Rinse the wheels thoroughly.

When cleaning extremely dirty wheels, care must be
taken in the selection of tire and wheel cleaning chemi-
cals and equipment to prevent damage to the wheels.
Only Mopar

t Wheel Cleaners are recommended. Any of

the “DO NOT USE” items listed below can damage
wheels and wheel trim.

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DO NOT USE:

• Any abrasive cleaner
• Any abrasive cleaning pad (such as steel wool) or

abrasive brush

• Any cleaner that contains an acid which can react with

and discolor the chrome surface

• Oven cleaner
• A car wash that uses carbide-tipped wheel cleaning

brushes or acidic solutions.

CAUTION!

Many wheel cleaners contain acids that may harm the
wheel surface.

Interior Care
Use Mopar

t Fabric Cleaner to clean fabric upholstery

and carpeting.

Use Mopar

t Vinyl Cleaner to clean vinyl upholstery.

Mopar

t Vinyl Cleaner is specifically recommended for

vinyl trim.

Leather Seat Care and Cleaning
Leather is best preserved by regular cleaning with a
damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt can act as an
abrasive and damage the leather surface and should be
removed immediately with a damp cloth. Stubborn soils
can be removed easily with a soft cloth and Mopar

t Total

Clean. Care should be taken to avoid soaking your
leather upholstery with any liquid. Please do not use
polishes, oils, cleaning fluids, solvents, detergents, or
ammonia based cleaners to clean your leather upholstery.
Application of a leather conditioner is not required to
maintain the original condition.

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CAUTION!

The use of vinyl, leather or plastic protectants may
cause excessive gloss and/or discoloration of interior
trim parts.

WARNING!

Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.

Cleaning Headlights
Your vehicle has plastic headlights that are lighter and
less susceptible to stone breakage than glass headlights.

Plastic is not as scratch resistant as glass and therefore
different lens cleaning procedures must be followed.

To minimize the possibility of scratching the lenses and
reducing light output, avoid wiping with a dry cloth. To
remove road dirt, wash with a mild soap solution fol-
lowed by rinsing.

Do not use abrasive cleaning components, solvents, steel
wool or other aggressive material to clean the lenses.

Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with any commercial household-type glass cleaner.
Never use an abrasive-type cleaner. Use caution when
cleaning inside rear windows equipped with electric
defrosters. Do not use scrapers or other sharp instru-
ments which may scratch the elements.

Instrument Panel Cover
The instrument panel cover has a low glare surface which
minimizes reflections in the windshield. Do not use

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protectants or other products which may cause undesir-
able reflections. Use soap and warm water to restore the
low glare surface.

Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in the vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.

• Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be

used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.

• Dry with a soft cloth.

Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the seat belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.

If the seat belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the seat belts from the
vehicle to wash them.

Replace the seat belts if they appear frayed or worn or if
the buckles do not work properly.

CONVERTIBLE TOP CARE

CAUTION!

Due not use sharp-edged instruments to remove
snow or ice from the soft top.

NOTE:

Place a suitable cover over the top if you are

going to park the vehicle outside for a extended period of
time.

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Immediate removal of any contaminant is recommended.
Regular washing of the top will enhance its life and
appearance, and make successive cleanings easier. Do not
subject the top to excessive heat. Frequently vacuum the
top and cargo compartment divider.

Washing

CAUTION!

• Remove bird droppings immediately. The organic

acid can damage the material and cause the top to
leak.

• Never use a power washer to clean the top, as you

may damage the top material.

• If an automatic car wash is used, never use

hot-wax.

Hand washing is highly recommended. Automatic car
washing equipment can damage the top material. If you
must use an automatic car wash, soft cloth systems are
preferred.

General Cleaning

CAUTION!

Do not use any of the following to clean the top:
• Gasoline
• Paint Thinner
• Tar and Stain Removers
• Glass Cleaner
• Similar Organic Solvents
• Abrasive Type Cleaners or Bleaches

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