Hi, I'm new to these forums. I "inherited" my dad's 2008 crossfire last fall. (He's still alive, but can't drive it anymore because of bad eyes.)


Recently I noticed that the "exterior light" warning light was on, but I couldn't locate the problem light. I ended up taking it in to my mechanic to have him sort it out, and he couldn't find the problem either. However, he did tell me that the warning light didn't always stay on, which was something different.


He also mentioned that if the running lights (or headlights) were on, the car would continue running after the ignition was turned off and the key was removed. The car would run until the lights were turned off. I was able to duplicate this problem, but I don't think it was doing this before I took it in. I usually drive with the lights on, and very often turn them off after I open the door and am getting ready to get out. If the car was still running, I'd be having bigger problems!


Finally, the airbag warning light is now on. I'm planning on talking with the mechanic on Monday, but just wondering if this is a common problem.


Thanks!


Michael

 

It is and taking it to ANY "mechanic" is not going to get the car fixed. But be sure to take a blank check with you cause he's going to bill you a lot of hours to not fix the car.

There are two things that often cause this, the second one sounds nuts but it isnt.

If the car won't stop running, open the big box next to the battery and locate the RCM. Pull the connector out of the RCM that looks like this:

If the car dies, send the RCM to DJ in Arizona, your engine control relay is sticking. It will come back fixed, I promise. Alternatively, order an RCM from FCP Euro or Needswings or German Auto Supply.

One other thing to try: Next time the car won't shut off, start yanking light bulbs! Start with tail lights and backup lights first.
It has occurred that an improperly installed bulb has caused this. And now, you've heard everything!

EDIT: DAMN I just re-read your post. I see what happened, he was trying to find out why the "bulb failure" light was on and started messing with things he cant handle, like light bulbs. He re-inserted a bulb improperly and doesn't have the patience to stop and ask himself why the car started acting up worse AFTER he touched it. That's quite a 'mechanic" you have there - it is NO shame to have this happen, but he should have the logical troubleshooting mind that would tell him that he did this - if he caused it, he can fix it.

THIS is why getting things fixed these days is so hard, virtually none of our population can think logically. (Im a life long electronics tech, so logical thinking is second nature to me - therefore, I don't understand people..........)

 

C'mon 180! What bulb was it last time? You remember stuff better than I do.........................

 

Eh, don't be too hard on my mechanic I took it in assuming it would be a quick fix to just find a burnt out bulb, and he gave it back to me when I asked for it with minimal time charged. The owner's a decent guy who seems to appreciate the crossfire and is interested in getting it right. Told me his main mechanic would do some research on the problem. Besides the nearest alternative is a Chrysler dealer... (kidding, I read your signature line).

Anyway, thank you for the advice on the relay control module. I'll just have to think about this over the weekend.

Michael

 

The light out warning light may be one of the rear plate bulbs.
I think the car keeps running because light switch is faulty.
Any codes to be read?

 

I checked the plate bulbs, and they're both working. Also just noticed that the car has fog lights and learned how to turn those on! They're both working also. I guess the next step with the lights is to have someone sit in the car and do the brakes etc.

So, "any codes to read?" Um... I don't know? I'm guessing that would require some diagnostic equipment that I do not have.

 

Wrong. YOu can do it yourself. WATCH FOR THE LIGHT and turn on and off various lights. The bulb out indicator ONLY comes on when the intended bulb is powered up. So if the light comes on, turn off the last thing you turned on, and you will see the light go out. THis is how you can track it down.

There is ONE exception, if a brake light is out, the indicator comes on when you hit the brake, but it does not go out till you shut the car off. It is the only 'latching' lamp out indication in the car. So you see, you can do this yourself, the engineers who designed the car thought of this.

 

Another light that is often missed is the small bulb in the top outside corner of the headlights themselves. Mant people don't even know they are there.

 

I have the same idiot light on. "External Lighting". Thanks for the ideas in this thread. I also noted today that the headlights stayed on after the car was shut off for an extended period Weird. Also the courtesy lights do not dim and shut off with the doors closed when in Auto position.
Update! have been reading about trunk water leaks affecting the locking system. Sounds so similar to my problems, so I will investigate. Its raining as we speak!

Update. April 21 2022 I tore my trunk apart (bad move) and found the trunk and air pump dry as a bone, no problems there. In re-assmbling the passenger side window trim, I have yet to get it on properly. Found numerous broken plasticy things from a previous attempt, and I had to stop trying to save my sanity. I will try again but any hints on getting the trim back in place would be appreciated.

 

Thanks, that was really helpful! I started the car up and in neutral with no brake there was no warning light. I pushed the brakes and the warning light turned on, but then went off again when I let up. I turned the lights on and again the warning light came on, but did NOT go off when I turned the lights off. So, it's kind of like the exception, but not. Finally got a second person to watch the lights during all this and they couldn't spot any that were out. So I'm still stuck without a solution.

 

Ok, so I figured out what the car needs. Apparently to fix the lighting issues it needs an "Illumination Control Module", and to fix the airbag light it needs an "Occupant Control Module". I guess the lighting issue is more of an annoyance, but the airbag needs to be working.

Any suggestions on where to start looking? I've started looking on Ebay, but no luck so far.

Thanks.

 

Try chrysler crossfire air bag module on Ebay.

 

Working on some components the air bag light comes on if the battery was not disconnected first.
The light can be put out using a scanner capable of doing this.
Finally listen to pizzaguy for solutions.

 

And where do I find such a scanner? I hate to say it, but I'm guessing a Chrysler dealership? Well, that's where the car is now because it was my only option. They told me it needed an "Illumination Control Module" , aka Headlight Switch Assembly, and an "Occupant Control Module" aka Airbag Module? They can't order either of them because they aren't made any more, They can't order off Ebay or other used market places, but apparently I can do that and they'll install them and put the car back together.

Well, I'm going to head there today to talk with them. At the very least I need to see the parts I need to order. I guess I'll ask them about the scanner and resetting the air bag light. Going to be really pissed off if that could've been done without tearing the car apart.