towing DODGE VIPER 2008 ZB II / 2.G User Guide

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 drivable 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 195
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²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90ÉF (32ÉC)
²Trailer towing
²Taxi, Police, or delivery service (commercial service)
²Off-road or desert driving
²If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol) fuel
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you, then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first, and follow schedule ªBº in the
9Maintenance Schedules9in this manual.
If none of these applies to you, then change your engine
oil at every interval shown on schedule9A9in the
9Maintenance Schedules9in this manual.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months,
whichever comes first.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
recommends full synthetic engine oils that meet the
American Petroleum Institute (API) categories of SM or
SM/CF, and meet the requirements of DaimlerChrysler
Material Standard MS-10725.
The manufacturer recommends the use of a full synthetic
engine oil, such as Mobil 1tSAE 0W-40 or equivalent.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
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.
200 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming in contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this should occur,
safely bring the vehicle to a complete stop, shut the
engine off, and allow the vehicle to cool. Thereafter,
obtain service, including a tune-up to manufacturer's
specifications immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:
²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Ignition Wiring System and Ignition Timing
The ignition cables should be kept clean and the termi-
nals fully seated. Do not remove the nipple assemblies
from the coil towers. Cracked, damaged, or faulty cables
should be replaced. See your authorized dealer for ser-
vice.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 205
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EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The ªScheduledº maintenance services, listed inbold
typemust be done at the times or mileages specified to
assure the continued proper functioning of the emission
control system. These, and all other maintenance services
included in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service also should be done anytime a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-
sion control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part, which has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
There are two maintenance schedules that show the
requiredservice for your vehicle.
First is ScheduleªB.ºIt is for vehicles that are operated
under the conditions that are listed below and at the
beginning of the schedule.
²Day or night temperatures are below 32É F (0É C).
²Stop and go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90É F ( 32É C).
²Trailer towing.
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
256 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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SCHEDULE ªBº
Follow schedule ªBº if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions.
²Day or night temperatures are below 32É F (0É C).
²Stop and go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90É F (32É C).
²Trailer towing.
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
²Off-road or desert operation.
²If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you, then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first, and follow the maintenance rec-
ommendations in Schedule ªBº in this section.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you, then flush and
replace the engine coolant every 102,000 miles (170 000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow the
maintenance recommendations in Schedule ªBº in this
section.
SCHEDULE ªBº 259
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Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......220,251,252
Crankcase Emission Control System.......... 206
Customer Assistance..................... 277
Daytime Running Lights................... 82
Dealer Service.......................... 198
Defroster, Rear Window................... 128
Defroster, Windshield...................58,125
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 87
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 195
Dimmer Control......................... 85
Dimmer Switch, Headlight.................. 83
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 222
Door Locks............................. 23
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 25
Doors................................. 23
Drive Belts............................ 202Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 139
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water........................ 140
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 76
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 100
Emergency Brake........................ 142
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 189
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 176
Jump Starting......................... 186
Overheating.......................... 176
Towing............................. 189
Emission Control System Maintenance......196,256
Engine............................... 194
Air Cleaner.......................... 203
Break-In Recommendations................ 56
Checking Oil Level..................... 198
INDEX 289
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Parking On Hill......................... 142
Passing Light........................... 84
PCV Valve............................ 206
Pedals, Adjustable........................ 90
Pets.................................. 56
Pets, Transporting........................ 56
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 153
Power
Accessory Delay......................13,26
Brakes.............................. 144
Distribution Center (Fuses)............... 234
Door Locks........................... 24
Mirrors.............................. 76
Steering..........................148,213
Steering, Checking..................... 213
Windows............................. 26
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 39
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 20Radial Ply Tires......................... 160
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......... 221
Radio Antenna......................... 122
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 106
Radio Operation........................ 122
Radio, Satellite.......................... 117
Radio (Sound Systems).................... 108
Rear Axle (Differential).................... 230
Rear Liftgate............................ 28
Rear Wheel Bearings..................... 230
Rear Window Defroster................... 128
Rear Window Features.................... 128
Rearview Mirrors........................ 75
Reclining Front Seats...................... 78
Recreational Towing...................... 174
Reformulated Gasoline.................... 168
Refrigerant............................ 213
Reminder, Lights On...................... 82
Reminder, Seat Belt....................36,103
296 INDEX

Tire Safety Information.................... 149
TIREFIT.............................. 177
Tires ............................59,157,283
Aging (Life of Tires).................... 162
Air Pressure.......................... 157
Alignment........................... 163
Chains.............................. 164
General Information.................... 157
High Speed.......................... 160
Inflation Pressures..................... 158
Life of Tires.......................... 162
Load Capacity.....................153,154
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........... 166
Quality Grading....................... 283
Radial.............................. 160
Replacement......................... 162
Rotation............................. 164
Safety..........................59,149,157
Sizes............................... 150Snow Tires........................... 164
Spinning............................ 161
Storage............................. 164
Tread Wear Indicators................... 161
Top Cover.............................. 67
Towing............................174,189
Behind a Motor Home.................. 174
Disabled Vehicle....................... 189
Recreational.......................... 174
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motor Home......... 174
Traction.............................. 140
Trailer Towing.......................... 174
Transmission........................... 228
Fluid............................... 253
Shifting..........................136,138
Transmitter Battery Service
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 21
Transmitter Programming
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 20
INDEX 299
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