tow DODGE VIPER 2004 ZB / 2.G User Guide

NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped.........120
NTire Spinning........................121
NTread Wear Indicators..................122
NReplacement Tires.....................122
NAlignment And Balance.................123
mLow Tire Pressure (Ltp) System.............124
NLow Tire Indicator....................124
mTire Chains...........................125
mSnow Tires...........................125
mTire Storage...........................126
mTire Rotation Recommendations............126mGround Clearance......................126
mFuel Requirements......................127
NReformulated Gasoline.................127
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............128
NMMT In Gasoline.....................128
NSulfur In Gasoline.....................129
NMaterials Added To Fuel................129
mAdding Fuel..........................129
mVehicle Loading........................130
mTrailer Towing.........................130
96 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic
converter and once the engine has started, ignite and
damage the converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has
a discharged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from a booster battery or the battery in
another vehicle. This type of start can be dangerous
if done improperly, so follow this procedure care-
fully. See section 6 of this manual for jump starting
instructions.
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
ªNORMAL STARTINGº procedure, it may be flooded.
Push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and
hold it there while cranking the engine. This should clear
any excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.NOTE:To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank
the engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the start
button is released. If this occurs, continue cranking with
the accelerator pedal pushed all the way to the floor.
Release the accelerator pedal and the start button once
the engine is running smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the ªNORMAL STARTINGº procedure
should be repeated.
STARTING AND OPERATING 99
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Before leaving the vehicle, make sure you fully apply the
parking brake. Place the transmission in REVERSE. Fail-
ure to do so may cause the vehicle to roll and cause
damage or injury.
As an added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.
Always apply the parking brake whenever you are not in
the vehicle.WARNING!
Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is danger-
ous for a number of reasons. A child or others could
be injured. Children should be warned not to touch
the parking brake release lever or the gear selection
lever as doing so may move the vehicle. Don't leave
the keys in the ignition. Be sure the parking brake is
fully disengaged before driving: failure to do so can
lead to brake failure, and an accident.
STARTING AND OPERATING 103
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Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed
the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire's load carrying capacity if you
adhere to the loading conditions, tire size and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information placard and the Vehicle Loading section of
this manual.
NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWR's) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded. For further information on
GAWR's, vehicle loading and trailer towing, see the
Vehicle Loading section of this manual.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement ªThe combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs.º on the Tire and Loading Information placard. Thecombined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed
the weight referenced here.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement ªThe combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX poundsº on
your vehicle's placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas-
sengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if ªXXXº
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb.
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lb. (1400±750 (5 x 150) =
650 lb.)
STARTING AND OPERATING 113
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5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
NOTE:The following table shows examples on how to
calculate total load, cargo/luggage and towing capacitiesof your vehicle with varying seating configurations and
number and size of occupants. This table is for illustra-
tion purposes only and may not be accurate for the
seating and load carry capacity of your vehicle.
NOTE:For the following example the combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs. (392
Kg).
114 STARTING AND OPERATING

WARNING!
Remove the fuel tank filler tube cap (gas cap) slowly
to prevent fuel spray from the filler neck that may
cause injury. The volatility of some gasolines may
cause a buildup of pressure in the fuel tank that may
increase while you drive the vehicle. This pressure
can result in a spray of gasoline and/or vapors when
you remove the cap from a hot vehicle. Removing the
cap slowly allows the pressure to vent and prevents
fuel spray. Never have any smoking materials lit in
or near the vehicle when the fuel tank filler tube cap
(gas cap) is removed or when filling the tank. Never
fill the gas tank while the engine is running.
VEHICLE LOADING
Vehicle Loading Capacities
Front Seat Occupants....................... 2
Luggage....................... 115lbs. (51 kg)
Rated Vehicle Capacity............ 415lbs. (187kg)
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with your Viper is not recommended.
130 STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
mHazard Warning Flasher..................132
mIf Your Engine Overheats.................132
mJump-Starting Procedures.................134
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces..............137NTraction............................137
mFreeing A Stuck Vehicle..................138
mTowing A Disabled Vehicle................139
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JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES
WARNING!
²Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic
converter and once the engine has started, ignite
and damage the converter and vehicle. If the
vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables
may be used to obtain a start from a booster
battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type
of start can be dangerous if done improperly, so
follow this procedure carefully.
²Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fan and
accessory drive whenever the hood is raised. You
can be hurt by the moving components.
WARNING!
²Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not
allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin or cloth-
ing. Don't lean over battery when attaching
clamps or allow the clamps to touch each other. If
acid splashes in eyes or on skin, flush contami-
nated area immediately with large quantities of
water.
²A battery generates hydrogen gas that is flam-
mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away
from the top of the battery. Do not use a booster
battery or any other booster source with an output
that exceeds 12 volts.
134 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Do not tow with sling type equipment. Only use flat bed
equipment. Always comply with applicable state or local
towing ordinances.
CAUTION!
Towing with equipment other than flat bed types
may damage your vehicle.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 139
6

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
To meet new government regulations and promote
cleaner air, your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated
onboard diagnostic system called OBD II. This system
monitors the performance of the emissions and engine
control systems. When these systems are operating prop-
erly, your vehicle will provide excellent performance and
fuel economy, as well as engine emissions well within
current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light. It will also
store diagnostic codes and other information to assist
your service technician in making repairs. Although your
vehicle will usually be driveable and not need towing,
see your dealer for service as soon as possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the light on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any state emissions
tests can be performed.
If the light is flashing, severe catalytic converter damage
and power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the light may
come on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time you
add fuel.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 145
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