check engine DODGE VIPER 2008 ZB II / 2.G Owner's Manual

The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
²The warning words ªDO NOT OPEN HOTº on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to
cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to
build up in the cooling system. To prevent scald-
ing or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while
the system is hot or under pressure.
²Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal of Used 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.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine idling, and warm to normal operating tempera-
ture, the level of the coolant in the bottle should be
between the ranges indicated on the bottle.
The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator cap unless checking for
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise your
222 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

service attendant of this. As long as the engine operating
temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only
be checked once a month.
When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant bottle. Do
not overfill.
Points to Remember
NOTE:When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles (a
few kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor
coming from the front of the engine compartment. This is
normally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant to
enter the radiator.
If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
²Do not overfill the coolant recovery 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 coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
²Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine, which contains
aluminum components.
²Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
²Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 223
7

²Inspect the brake hoses whenever the brake system is
serviced and at every engine oil change. Inspect hy-
draulic brake hoses for surface cracking, scuffing, or
worn spots. If there is any evidence of cracking,
scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should be replaced
immediately! Eventual deterioration of the hose can
take place resulting in a possibility of a burst failure.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Master Cylinder - Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the fluid level up
to the requirements described on the brake fluid reser-
voir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
With disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused
by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
226 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Then, either disconnect the battery at the negative
terminal or use the ªBattery Save Featureº to conserve
battery power. Refer to ªBattery Save Featureº under
ªMaintenance Proceduresº in this section for details.
NOTE:Disconnecting the battery causes the engine
control system to lose memory of some ªlearnedº func-
tions. After reconnecting the battery, the engine may run
rough until the control module ªrelearnsº these func-
tions. Using the Battery Save Feature will prevent the
engine controller from loosing its memory.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.
²Check the battery every 4 to 6 weeks to ensure that the
voltage is above 12.40 volts. The voltage will drop
more rapidly in hot temperatures. If battery voltage
drops below 12.40 volts, follow the battery recharge
procedure in the Service Manual.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 239
7

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.
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 the 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.
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.
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.
258 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Emergency Starting..................... 186
Jump Starting......................... 186
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 21
Location..........................186,206
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 210
Storing Vehicle........................ 210
Bearings.............................. 230
Belt System, Six Point..................... 38
Belts, Drive............................ 202
Belts, Seat.............................. 31
Body Damage.......................... 231
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 215
Body Mechanisms....................... 216
Boot, Convertible Top...................67,72
B-Pillar Location........................ 153
Brake, Parking.......................... 142
Brake System........................144,225
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................144,145
Fluid Check.......................226,253Hoses.............................. 225
Master Cylinder....................... 226
Warning Light......................... 99
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle.....56,144
Bulb Replacement....................... 242
Bulbs, Light............................ 240
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 251
Capacities, Fluid........................ 251
Capacity, Cargo Weight................... 173
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 171
Oil (Engine).......................... 200
Power Steering........................ 213
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 221
Car Washes............................ 230
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............57,171
Cargo Compartment
Capacity............................ 173
INDEX 287
10

Carpeting............................. 233
Catalytic Converter...................... 204
CD (Compact Disc) Changer................ 114
CD (Compact Disc) Player...............108,112
Chains, Tire............................ 164
Charging System Light.................... 106
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 150
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............... 196
Checks, Safety........................... 57
Child Restraint....................50,51,52,55
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 53
Circuit Breakers......................... 234
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 168
Climate Control......................... 122
Clock................................ 106
Clutch Fluid........................... 228
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 122
Console............................... 92Console, Floor........................... 92
Contract, Service........................ 279
Converter, Catalytic...................... 204
Convertible............................. 63
Convertible Boot.......................67,72
Convertible Top.......................63,232
Convertible Top Maintenance............... 232
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 221
Cooling System......................... 219
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 221
Coolant Capacity...................... 251
Coolant Level......................219,222
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 222
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 220
Inspection........................... 222
Points to Remember.................... 223
Pressure Cap......................... 221
Radiator Cap......................... 221
Rubber and Plastic Components............ 224
288 INDEX

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
10

Compartment......................... 194
Coolant (Antifreeze).................219,252
Cooling..........................104,219
Exhaust Gas Caution................29,57,171
Fails to Start.......................... 135
Flooded, Starting...................... 135
Fuel Requirements..................168,251
Oil ...........................198,251,252
Oil Change Interval.................... 199
Oil Disposal.......................... 201
Oil Filler Cap......................... 200
Oil Filter............................ 201
Oil Selection.......................200,251
Overheating.......................104,176
Engine Oil Viscosity...................200,251
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................. 200
Ethanol............................... 169
Exhaust Gas Caution..............29,57,171,218
Exhaust System.......................57,218Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 203
Engine Fuel.......................... 204
Engine Oil........................201,252
Engine Oil Disposal.................... 201
Flashers
Hazard Warning.....................99,176
Turn Signal.........................82,99
Flash-To-Pass........................... 84
Flooded Engine Starting................... 135
Floor Console........................... 92
Fluid Capacities......................... 251
Fluid Leaks............................. 59
Fluid Level Checks
Brake............................226,253
Capacities........................... 251
Clutch Fluid.......................... 228
Cooling System....................... 219
Engine Oil........................... 198
290 INDEX

Key-In Reminder......................... 13
Keyless Entry System...................... 17
Keys................................. 12
Knee Bolster..........................40,41
Lane Change and Turn Signals............... 82
Lap/Shoulder Belts....................... 31
Latch Plate............................. 32
Latches................................ 59
Hood.............................79,215
Lead Free Gasoline...................... 168
Life of Tires............................ 162
Liftgate................................ 28
Lights...............................59,81
Airbag.........................44,50,58,99
Anti-Lock..........................97,147
Anti-Lock Warning...................... 97
Battery Saver........................82,85
Brake Warning......................... 99Bulb Replacement...................... 240
Courtesy/Reading...................... 84
Daytime Running....................... 82
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................ 83
Electronic Throttle Control Warning......... 100
Engine Temperature Warning.............. 104
Exterior Check......................... 59
Fog ...............................82,97
Hazard Warning Flasher...............99,176
Headlight Switch....................... 81
Headlights.........................81,243
Headlights On Reminder................. 82
High Beam.........................83,97
High Beam Indicator.................... 97
Illuminated Entry....................... 16
Instrument Cluster...................... 81
Intensity Control....................... 85
Interior............................84,85
Lights On Reminder..................... 82
INDEX 293
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