check engine DODGE VIPER 2010 ZB II / 2.G Owner's Manual

Disposal of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposal
rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol based
engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers or allow it
to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child
or pet, seek emergency assistance immediately. Clean up
any ground spills immediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the engine coolant (antifreeze) level is
adequate. With the engine idling, and warm to normal
operating temperature, the level of the engine coolant
(antifreeze) 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
engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing en-
gine coolant (antifreeze). Advise your 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 engine coolant (antifreeze) 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
(kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 231

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.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the
coolant bottle. If engine coolant (antifreeze) needs to
be added, contents of the coolant bottle also must be
protected against freezing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine, which contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
•Do 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, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals.
232 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Hydraulic Clutch
Master Cylinder – Clutch Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid in the clutch master cylinder when
performing underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. If necessary, add fluid to the reservoir.
Do not overfill. Overfilling can cause clutch release
problems as the clutch wears. A low fluid level may
indicate a leak, in which case, hydraulic clutch linkage
replacement may be required. The fluid level in the
reservoir will rise as the clutch wears - do not remove
fluid.
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended clutch fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
WARNING!
Overfilling the clutch fluid reservoir can result in
spilling clutch fluid on hot engine parts and the
clutch fluid catching fire.
Use only clutch fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter.
CAUTION!
•Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate
the clutch fluid, all clutch seal components could
be damaged causing partial or complete clutch
failure.
•Clutch fluid can damage the finish of your vehicle.
Do not allow clutch fluid to contact any painted
surface.
236 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

terminal or use the “Battery Save Feature” to conserve
battery power. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures/
Battery Save Feature” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”
for further information.
NOTE: Disconnecting the battery causes the engine
control system to lose memory of some “learned” func-
tions. After reconnecting the battery, the engine may run
rough until the control module “relearns” 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. Check the battery every four to six 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.
NOTE:
To help prevent the battery from discharging
during shorter periods of inactivity, perform the follow-
ing:
1. Make sure that the trunk/liftgate, hood, doors, win-
dows, and convertible top are completely closed.
2. Make sure that Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmit-
ter is operating and that the battery is good.
3. Make sure that the HOOD, TRUNK/LIFTGATE, and
DOOR switches are in adjustment. Perform the quick
system check, which follows:
Use the remote transmitter to set the alarm. If the alarm
SET light comes on and flashes, the system is operating7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 249

At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy 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 the 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.
8
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S266 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Jump Starting......................... 202
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE) ....... 22
Location .......................... 202,217
Saving Feature (Protection) ............... 219
Storing Vehicle ........................ 219
Belts, Seat .......................... 32,34,65
Body Mechanism Lubrication ............... 223
Boot, Convertible Top ................... 75,79
B-Pillar Location ........................ 167
Brake, Parking .......................... 155
Brake System ........................ 157,232
Anti-Lock (ABS) .................... 157,158
Fluid Check ....................... 233,262
Master Cylinder ....................... 233
Warning Light ........................ 112
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle .....63,157
Bulb Replacement ....................... 251
Bulbs, Light .......................... 67,250Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)
........ 260
Capacities, Fluid ........................ 260
Caps, Filler Fuel ............................... 185
Power Steering ........................ 154
Radiator (Coolant Pressure) ............... 230
Car Washes ............................ 238
Carbon Monoxide Warning ...............64,185
CD (Compact Disc) Changer ................ 125
CD (Compact Disc) Player ............... 119,123
Cellular Phone .......................... 134
Charging System Light .................... 118
Chart, Tire Sizing ........................ 163
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light) ............... 211
Checking Your Vehicle For Safety ............. 64
Checks, Safety ........................... 64
Child Restraint ...................... 56,58,62
Child Restraint Tether Anchors ............... 60
10
INDEX 297

DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 231
Door Locks ............................. 24
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 26
Doors ................................. 24
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................... 151
Through Flowing, Rising,
or Shallow Standing Water ............... 151
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 84
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet) ...... 100
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ...... 113
Emergency Brake ........................ 155
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............... 205
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 190
Jump Starting ......................... 202
Overheating .......................... 190 Towing
............................. 206
Emission Control System Maintenance ...... 211,264
Engine ............................... 209
Air Cleaner .......................... 216
Break-In Recommendations ................ 63
Checking Oil Level ..................... 214
Compartment ......................... 209
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 227,261
Cooling .......................... 1 16,227
Exhaust Gas Caution ................ 30,64,185
Fails to Start .......................... 146
Flooded, Starting ...................... 146
Fuel Requirements .................. 181,260
Oil ........................... 214,260,261
Oil Change Interval .................... 214
Oil Disposal .......................... 216
Oil Filter ............................ 216
Oil Selection ....................... 215,260
Overheating ....................... 1 16,190
10
INDEX 299

Engine Oil Viscosity................... 215,260
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart ................. 215
Enhanced Accident Response Feature .......... 53
Ethanol ............................... 182
Exhaust Gas Caution ............30,64,185,224,225
Exhaust System ....................... 64,224
Express Down Windows ................... 21
Exterior Finish Care ...................... 238
Exterior Lights .......................... 67
Filters Air Cleaner .......................... 216
Engine Oil ........................ 216,261
Engine Oil Disposal .................... 216
Finish Care ............................ 238
Flashers Hazard Warning .................... 11 1,190
Turn Signal ...................... 67,91,111
Flash-To-Pass ........................... 91 Flooded Engine Starting
................... 146
Floor Console .......................... 102
Fluid Capacities ......................... 260
Fluid Leaks ............................. 67
Fluid Level Checks Brake ............................ 233,262
Capacities ........................... 260
Clutch Fluid .......................... 236
Cooling System ....................... 227
Engine Oil ........................... 214
Manual Transmission ................235,262
Power Steering ..................... 154,262
Fluids ................................ 261
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts .......... 261
Fog Lights ......................... 88,90,110
Four-Way Hazard Flasher .................. 190
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle ................... 205
Fuel ................................. 181
Adding ............................. 185
300 INDEX

Light Bulbs............................. 67
Lights ............................... 67,88
Airbag ........................ 49,56,65,112
Anti-Lock ......................... 1 10,161
Anti-Lock Warning ..................... 110
Battery Saver ........................ 90,93
Brake Warning ........................ 112
Bulb Replacement ...................... 250
Courtesy/Reading ...................... 92
Daytime Running ....................... 89
Dimmer Switch, Headlight ................ 91
Electronic Throttle Control Warning ......... 113
Engine Temperature Warning .............. 116
Exterior .............................. 67
Fog .............................. 90,110
Hazard Warning Flasher .............. 111,190
Headlight Switch ....................... 88
Headlights ......................... 88,252
Headlights On Reminder ................. 90 High Beam
........................ 91,109
High Beam Indicator .................... 109
Illuminated Entry ....................... 17
Instrument Cluster ...................... 88
Intensity Control ....................... 93
Interior ............................ 91,93
Lights On Reminder ..................... 90
LowTire ............................ 113
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) ........ 110
Map Reading .......................... 92
Oil Pressure .......................... 117
Park ................................ 88
Passing .............................. 91
Reading ............................. 92
Seat Belt Reminder ..................... 115
Service ........................... 250,251
Service Engine Soon (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 110
Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ........ 113,179
Turn Signal ...................... 67,91,111
10
INDEX 303

Voltage............................. 118
Loading Vehicle Tires ............................... 167
Locks ................................. 24
Door ................................ 24
Power Door ........................... 26
Low Tire Indicator ....................... 179
Low Tire Pressure System .................. 179
Lubrication, Body ....................... 223
Maintenance Free Battery .................. 217
Maintenance Procedures ................... 213
Maintenance Schedule .................... 264
Light Duty Schedule “B” ................. 267
Schedule “A” ......................... 278
Schedule “B” ......................... 267
Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine) . . 110,211
Manual, Service ......................... 291 Manual Transmission
..................... 147
Fluid Level Check ................... 235,262
Lubricant Selection ..................... 262
Shift Speeds .......................... 149
Message Center ......................... 109
Methanol ............................. 182
Mirrors ................................ 82
Electric Remote ........................ 84
Outside ............................ 83,84
Rearview ............................. 82
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle ............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System ............... 179
Mopar Parts ......................... 212,290
MTBE/ETBE ........................... 182
Multi-Function Control Lever ................ 88
New Vehicle Break-In Period ................ 63
304 INDEX