check engine DODGE VIPER 2005 ZB / 2.G Owner's Manual

Cooling System
Inspection
WARNING!
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 radia-
tor is hot.
Coolant Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12
months (before the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If coolant is dirty or rusty in appearance, the
system should be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh
coolant. Check the front of the radiator for any accumu-
lation of bugs, leaves, etc.
Check the coolant bottle tubing for condition and tight-
ness of connection at reserve tank and radiator. Inspect
the entire system for leaks.
NOTE:Check the front of the radiator for debris (leaves,
paper, etc.) regularly. A build up of such material could
lead to engine overheating.
Do not remove the cooling system pressure cap when the
cooling system is hot.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 183
7

WARNING!
•The warning words“DO NOT OPEN HOT”on
the pressure cap are a safety precaution. Never
add coolant to the radiator when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the pressure
cap to cool overheated engine. Heat causes pres-
sure 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.
•Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or
engine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
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. To prevent ingestion by animals or children
do not store ethylene glycol based engine coolant in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
ground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
immediately. Clean up any ground spills immediately.
186 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant recovery
bottle.
Points to Remember
•
Do not overfill the bottle.
•Check coolant freeze point in the coolant bottle. If
antifreeze needs to be added, contents of the coolant
bottle also must be protected against freezing.
•If 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.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT ethylene
glycol engine coolant (minimum) and distilled water
for proper corrosion protection of your engine which
contains aluminum components.Coolant Recovery Bottle
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 187
7

CAUTION!
Brake fluid can damage the finish of your Viper. Do
not allow brake fluid to contact any painted surface.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing underhood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning lamp shows system failure. Be
sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
Brake Fluid Reservoir
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 191
7

the vehicle is not going to be driven in the next 3
weeks, follow the battery recharge procedure in the
Service Manual, then disconnect the battery at the
negative terminal or use the save feature described in
Maintaining your Vehicle section under the Mainte-
nance Procedures sub-section, within Maintenance-
Free Battery.
CAUTION!
Use care when disconnecting the remote positive
cable. It is connected to the battery and can short out
to any metal on the vehicle. Always tape or wrap the
exposed cable end to prevent electrical shorts.
•Disconnecting the battery causes the engine control
system to lose memory of some“learned”functions,
unless using the Battery Save feature described inMaintaining your Vehicle section under the Mainte-
nance Procedures sub-section, within Maintenance-
Free Battery. The engine may run rough when first
started after a battery disconnect until the control
module“relearns”these functions.
Check the battery every 4 to 6 weeks to ensure that the
voltage is above 12.40. Voltage will drop more rapidly
in hot temperatures. If battery voltage drops below
12.40, follow the battery recharge procedure in the
Service Manual.
•Check that the radiator coolant level of protection is to
at least -20°F (-29°C).
•Block the wheels. Do not apply the Parking Brake.
•Make sure that all tires are inflated to the optimum
pressure, (29 PSI).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 203
7

Headlight Aiming
The headlights on your new Viper were aimed at the
factory. The factory setting was made at a no load setting.
A great increase in weight will change the aiming and it
may be necessary to readjust the headlights if you
typically carry an excessive amount of weight in the
trunk or otherwise suspect misalignment.
Aiming Check
Each headlight assembly can be adjusted up and down
only. No left to right adjustment is necessary. To check,
proceed as follows:
1. Fill the fuel tank and park the vehicle on level ground.
A driveway is not normally level. If in doubt and you
have no way to check levelness, do not attempt to adjust
the headlights.
2.
Mark the position of the headlights on a wall prior to
loading the vehicle. Load the trunk with the items you
normally carry. Have someone sit in the driver’s seat who is
about the same weight as the person who drives the vehicle.
3. Push down on the front and rear of the vehicle several
times to make sure that the suspension has settled.
4. Then readjust the headlights to the original position.
NOTE:If any further adjustments are necessary, contact
your dealership.
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIESU.S. Metric
Fuel (approximate)
8.3 Liter Engine (Premium 91
Octane)18 gal-
lons68 liters
Engine Oil-With Filter
8.3 Liter Engines (0W-40) 10 qts. 9.5 Liters
Cooling System *
8.3 Liter Engines* (Mopar
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
102,000 Mile Formula)16 qts. 15 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to
MAX level.
212 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check 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.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the suspension components.
•Lubricate door hinges and check springs.
•Check the engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•Check power steering fluid level.
220 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S

Gas Caution.......................... 173
Jump Starting......................... 150
Keyless Transmitter Replacement............ 19
Bearings.............................. 194
Belt System, Six Point..................... 32
Belts, Drive............................ 168
Belts, Seat.............................. 26
Body Damage.......................... 195
Body Mechanism Lubrication............179,180
Body Mechanisms....................... 181
Boot, Convertible Top...................59,64
B-Pillar Location........................ 126
Brake, Parking.......................... 116
Brake System........................ 117,188
Anti-Lock............................ 117
Fluid Check.......................190,214
Hoses.............................. 189
Master Cylinder....................... 191
Warning Light......................... 91Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle.....50,121
Bulb Replacement....................... 205
Bulbs, Light.........................204,205
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 212
Capacities, Fluid........................ 212
Capacity, Cargo Weight................... 146
Caps, Filler
Power Steering........................ 178
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 185
Car Washes............................ 197
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............51,145
Cargo Compartment
Capacity............................ 146
Carpeting............................. 196
Catalytic Converter...................... 168
CD Player............................95,98
CD Player Maintenance................... 103
Chains, Tire............................ 140
INDEX 245
10

Charging System Light..................... 90
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 123
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . 162
Checks, Safety........................... 51
Child Restraint........................34,39
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 37
Circuit Breakers......................... 197
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 142
Climate Control......................... 104
Clock................................. 93
Compact Disc Maintenance................. 103
Compact Spare Tire...................... 134
Console............................... 66
Console, Floor........................... 66
Contract, Service........................ 236
Converter, Catalytic...................... 168
Convertible............................. 55
Convertible Boot.......................59,64
Convertible Top.......................55,196Convertible Top Maintenance............... 196
Coolant Pressure Cap..................... 185
Cooling System......................... 183
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 185
Coolant Capacity...................... 212
Coolant Level......................183,187
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 186
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 184
Inspection........................... 183
Points to Remember.................... 187
Pressure Cap......................... 185
Radiator Cap......................... 185
Rubber and Plastic Components............ 188
Selection of Coolant...............184,212,213
Crankcase Emission Control System.......... 171
Customer Assistance..................... 235
Daytime Running Lights................... 76
Dealer Service.......................... 163
246 INDEX

Defroster, Windshield...................... 51
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 82
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 161
Dimmer Control......................... 74
Dimmer Switch, Headlight.................. 78
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 186
Door Locks............................. 13
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 15
Doors................................. 13
Drive Belts............................ 168
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 154
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 68
Emergency Brake........................ 116
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 155
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 148Jump Starting......................... 150
Overheating.......................... 148
Towing............................. 155
Emission Control System Maintenance......162,218
Engine............................... 160
Break-In Recommendations................ 50
Checking Oil Level..................... 164
Compartment......................... 160
Coolant (Antifreeze).................183,213
Cooling...........................90,183
Exhaust Gas Caution..................51,145
Fails to Start.......................... 112
Fuel Requirements..................142,212
Oil ...........................164,212,213
Oil Change Interval.................... 165
Oil Disposal.......................... 167
Oil Filter............................ 167
Oil Selection.......................166,212
Overheating........................90,148
INDEX 247
10