check engine DODGE VIPER 2004 ZB / 2.G Owner's Manual

Adding Coolant
DO NOT remove the pressure cap when checking cool-
ant. When adding coolant or refilling system, a 50%
solution of ethylene glycol antifreeze coolant in water
should be used. Higher concentrations (not to exceed
65%) are required if temperatures below ±37ÉF are antici-
pated.
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:It is the owner's responsibility to maintain the
proper level of protection against freezing according to
the temperatures occurring in the area where the vehicle
is operated.WARNING!
Never add coolant to the radiator when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove pressure cap to
cool overheated engine. The coolant is under pres-
sure and severe scalding could result.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
coolant, and to insure that coolant will return to the
radiator from the coolant reserve tank.
The pressure cap should be inspected and cleaned if there
is any accumulation of foreign material on the sealing
surfaces.
168 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
The warning words ªDO NOT OPEN HOTº on the
pressure cap are a safety precaution. Never add
coolant to the radiator when the engine is over-
heated. Do not loosen or remove the pressure cap to
cool 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.
Coolant Level
The coolant recovery bottle provides a visual method for
checking the coolant level without removing the pressure
cap.
With the engine warmed up, the coolant level should be
between MIN and MAX on the coolant recovery bottle.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 169
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When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant recovery
bottle.
Points to Remember
²
Do not overfill the bottle.
²Check coolant freeze point in the coolant bottle. If
antifreeze needs to be added, contents of the coolant
bottle also must be protected against freezing.
²If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the bottle does not drop when the engine cools,
the cooling system should be pressure tested for leaks.
²Maintain coolant concentration of 50% ethylene glycol
(minimum) with recommended antifreeze for proper
corrosion protection of your engine that contains alu-
minum components.
²Make sure that the radiator and bottle overflow hoses
are not kinked or obstructed.
²Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle has
air conditioning, keep the front of the condenser clean
also.
²Do 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 cooling performance.
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 suggest deterioration of the rub-
ber. Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to
high heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect
170 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).L
²Off-road or desert operation.
²If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule9B9.
Second is ScheduleªAº. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
ule9B9.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 201
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Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the suspension components.
²Lubricate door hinges and check springs.
²Check the engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Check power steering fluid level.
²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval shown on
Schedule ªAº 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or every other
interval shown on Schedule ªBº 6,000 miles (10 000
km).
202 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Body Damage.......................... 178
Body Mechanism Lubrication............162,163
Body Mechanisms....................... 164
B-Pillar Location........................ 112
Brake, Parking.......................... 102
Brake System........................104,171
Anti-Lock........................... 104
Fluid Check.......................... 173
Master Cylinder....................... 174
Warning Light......................... 79
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle.....46,107
Bulbs, Light............................ 186
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 195
Capacities, Fluid......................195,196
Capacity, Cargo Weight................... 130
Caps, Filler
Power Steering........................ 161
Car Washes............................ 179Carbon Monoxide Warning................. 47
Cargo Compartment
Capacity............................ 130
Carpeting............................. 179
Catalytic Converter...................... 153
CD Player............................82,85
Chains, Tire............................ 125
Charging System Light..................... 78
Checks, Safety........................... 47
Child Restraint.......................... 33
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 36
Circuit Breakers......................... 180
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 127
Climate Control.......................... 90
Clock................................. 81
Compact Disc Maintenance................. 89
Compact Spare Tire...................... 120
Contract, Service........................ 218
Converter, Catalytic...................... 153
INDEX 227
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Schedule9B9.......................... 203
Malfunction Indicator Light..............76,146
Manual, Service......................... 220
Manual Transmission..................... 100
Master Cylinder......................... 174
Message Center.......................... 75
Mirrors................................ 55
Electric Remote........................ 55
Outside.............................. 56
Rearview............................. 55
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Mopar Parts.........................147,219
Multi-Function Control Lever................ 61
Occupant Restraints....................... 26
Oil, Engine.........................148,195
Capacity............................ 195
Checking............................ 148
Disposal............................ 151Filter............................... 152
Identification Logo..................... 150
Materials Added to..................... 151
Pressure Gauge........................ 80
Quality............................. 150
Recommendation...................... 150
Synthetic............................ 151
Oil Filter, Selection....................... 152
Onboard Diagnostic System..............145,146
Operator Manuals......................... 4
Overheating, Engine...................... 132
Owner's Manual.......................4,220
Paint Care............................. 177
Parking Brake.......................... 102
Parking On Hill......................... 103
Passing Light........................... 65
PCV Valve............................ 155
Pedals, Adjustable........................ 66
232 INDEX