low oil pressure DODGE VIPER 2006 ZB / 2.G Owners Manual

Trunk/Liftgate Ajar Light
This light indicates that the trunk/liftgate is not
latched.
Engine Coolant Temperature Light
A red LED light on the Coolant Temperature
gauge will illuminate to warn of an overheated
engine coolant condition.
Low Oil Pressure Light
A red LED light on the Oil Pressure gauge will
illuminate to indicate low engine oil pressure. The
light should come on briefly as a bulb check when the
engine is first started. If the light stays on or comes on
while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine.
DO NOT operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:This light does not indicate how much oil is in
the engine. The engine oil level must be checked using
the procedure shown in section 7. (See page 172 for more
information.)
Charge System Light
A red LED light on the Voltage gauge will illumi-
nate when there is a charging system malfunction
or a possible accessory drive belt failure.
CAUTION!
The accessory belt also drives the water pump.
Operating the vehicle with a failed belt can cause
engine overheating and possible severe engine dam-
age.
Fog Light ON Indicators
This light indicates that the front fog lights are on.
(See page 79 for more information.)
This light indicates that the rear fog lights are on.
94 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Gauges
Tachometer
This gauge shows engine speed in revolutions-
per-minute (RPM) times 1,000. Avoid excessive
engine speeds in any part of the red warning
zone, particularly when driving downhill or in
lower gears.
Coolant Temperature Gauge
This gauge shows the engine coolant tempera-
ture. The gauge pointer will likely show higher
temperatures when driving in hot weather, up
mountain grades, or in heavy stop and go
traffic. If the red LED light turns on, stop the vehicle and
turn off the engine until the cause is corrected.
Oil Temperature Gauge
This gauge shows the oil temperature. The
gauge pointer will likely show higher tempera-
tures when driving in hot weather, up moun-
tain grades, or in heavy stop and go traffic. If
the red LED light turns on, stop the vehicle and turn off
the engine until the cause is corrected.
Oil Pressure Gauge
This gauge shows engine oil pressure when the
engine is running. The pressure will vary with
engine speed, oil viscosity, and engine tem-
perature. Oil pressures will be higher as the
engine is warming up. The normal operating pressure is
between 20 and 80 psi (pounds per square inch). If the
pointer remains in the red range, turn off the engine until
the cause is corrected.
96 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves and will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 inch (2 mm). When the indicators appear
in 2 or more adjacent grooves, the tire should be replaced.
Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this
point.
Life of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including but not limited to:
•Driving style
•Tire pressure
•Distance driven
WARNING!
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to
follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure.
You could lose control and have an accident result-
ing in serious injury or death.
Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (see the paragraph on tread
STARTING AND OPERATING 143
5

•Trailer towing
•Off-road or desert driving
•If equipped for and operating with E–85 (ethanol) fuel
If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
every 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first and follow the maintenance recommenda-
tions in ScheduleA.
CAUTION!
Overfilling the crankcase will cause oil aeration and
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
recommends full synthetic engine oils that are API rated
as SL/CF and meet the requirements of DaimlerChrysler
Material Standard MS-10725. Use Mopar or an equivalent
oil meeting the specification MS-10725.
If you choose to operate this vehicle in a very aggres-
sive driving style, the manufacturer recommends the
use of a full synthetic engine oil, such as Mobil 1SAE
0W-40.
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart
The proper SAE viscosity grade of engine oil should be
selected based on the following recommendation and be
within the operating temperature shown in the engine oil
viscosity chart.
174 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.
NOTE:Also inspect the exhaust system if you notice a
change in the sound of the exhaust system, or if the
exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle.
•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.
228 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Fueling............................... 152
Fuses................................ 203
GasCap .............................. 152
Gasoline.............................. 148
Gasoline, Clean Air...................... 149
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 149
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends................ 149
Gauges................................ 96
Coolant Temperature..................94,96
Fuel................................ 97
Oil Pressure........................... 96
Speedometer.......................... 90
Tachometer........................... 96
Voltmeter............................ 97
General Information...................... 19
Glass Cleaning.......................... 201
Ground Clearance....................... 148Hazard Warning Flasher.................91,156
Headlights............................ 214
Aiming............................. 219
High Beam........................... 80
High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch......... 80
Passing.............................. 80
Switch............................... 78
Time Delay........................... 79
Heater................................ 111
High Beam Indicator...................... 93
Hood Latch Maintenance.................. 188
Hood Release........................... 73
Hoses.............................195,196
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid.................... 198
Ignition
Key ................................. 12
Timing.............................. 178
Wiring System........................ 178
INDEX 255
10

Headlights.........................78,214
High Beam........................... 80
High Beam Indicator.................... 93
Instrument Cluster...................... 78
Interior............................76,77
License............................. 218
Lights On Reminder..................... 78
Malfunction Indicator.................... 92
Map Reading.......................... 75
Oil Pressure........................... 94
Reading.............................. 75
Seat Belt Reminder...................... 93
Service........................... 211,212
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator).... 92
Turn Signal.......................76,80,91
Loading Vehicle......................... 153
Capacities........................... 153
Tires ............................... 134Locks
Door................................ 14
Low Tire Indicator....................... 145
Low Tire Pressure System.................. 145
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) . 38
Lubricants..........................186,187
Lubrication, Body....................... 186
Luggage/Cargo Capacity.................. 153
Maintenance Free Battery.................. 179
Maintenance Schedule.................... 226
Light Duty ScheduleB................. 229
ScheduleA......................... 236
ScheduleB.......................... 229
Malfunction Indicator Light..............92,170
Manual, Service......................... 246
Manual Transmission..................... 122
Shift Speeds.......................... 123
Master Cylinder......................... 197
INDEX 257
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