coolant temperature DODGE VIPER 2017 VX / 3.G User Guide

Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of engine
coolant (antifreeze), and to insure that engine coolant
(antifreeze) will return to the radiator from the coolant
recovery bottle.
The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add engine coolant (antifreeze) when the
engine is overheated. Do not loosen or remove the
cap to cool an 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 speci-
fied for your vehicle. Personal injury or engine
damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Engine 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 animals 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 coolant level is adequate. With the
engine OFF and cold, 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/coolant pressure cap
unless checking for engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point
or replacing coolant. 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, only OAT coolant that meets the
requirements of FCA Material Standard MS.90032 should
be added to the coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
278 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 normally
a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high humidity
accumulating on the radiator and being vaporized when
the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine coolant (anti-
freeze) 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.
• Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
• Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in the
coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (antifreeze)
needs to be added, the contents of the coolant expansion
bottle must also be protected against freezing.
• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, the cooling system should be pressure tested
for leaks.
•
Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a
minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of your
engine which contains aluminum components.
• Make sure that the coolant expansion 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 engine coolant (antifreeze) performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
To ensure brake system performance, all brake system com-
ponents should be inspected periodically. Refer to “Mainte-
nance Schedule” for the proper maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possi-
bly an accident. Driving with your foot resting or
riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 279

CAUTION!
•When installing the power distribution center cover,
it is important to ensure the cover is properly posi-
tioned and fully latched. Failure to do so may allow
water to get into the power distribution center and
possibly result in an electrical system failure.
• When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to use
only a fuse having the correct amperage rating. The
use of a fuse with a rating other than indicated may
result in a dangerous electrical system overload. If a
properly rated fuse continues to blow, it indicates a
problem in the circuit that must be corrected.
VEHICLE STORAGE
We recommend that you follow these guidelines for storing
your vehicle for extended periods.
• Fill the fuel tank. This will prevent water condensation
inside the tank. If you plan to store your vehicle more
than two months, add an anti-oxidant fuel stabilizer to
the fuel tank.
• Change the oil to remove any corrosive combustion
related acids in the crankcase. •
Check that the radiator coolant level of protection is to at
least -20°F (-29°C).
• Make sure that all tires are inflated to the optimum
pressure.
• Wash and wax the vehicle to protect the finish.
• Store the vehicle in a dry, well-ventilated location.
• Move the wiper blades away from the windshield.
• Block the wheels. Do not apply the parking brake.
• Cut blocks of plywood about the same size of the tires.
Cover each block with indoor/outdoor carpeting and
place them between the tires and concrete. This will
prevent tire flat spotting.
• For long-term storage, remove the tires and put the
vehicle up on blocks. Stack the tires on plywood and
cover with a tarp to prevent flat spotting.
• If the vehicle will be subjected to freezing temperatures,
either remove the battery and store it in a dry, well
ventilated area or connect a trickle charger (1.5 Amp)
with automatic shutdown / overcharge protection to the
battery. However, do not leave the trickle charger
hooked up to the battery without being plugged in to a
110 Volt AC outlet, as this will result in further drain on
294 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

About Your Brakes........................ .203
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) .................205
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze) .............277
Adding Fuel ............................. .238
Adding Washer Fluid ....................... .273
Additives, Fuel ........................... .237
Adjust Forward ................................79
Rearward ...............................79
Adjustable Pedals ...........................90
AirBag ..................................38 Advance Front Air Bag .....................38
Air Bag Operation .........................40
Air Bag Warning Light ...................36, 40
Enhanced Accident Response ..............53, 260
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .................260
FrontAirBag ........................ .38, 40
If A Deployment Occurs ....................52
Knee Impact Bolsters .......................50
Maintaining Your Air Bag System ..............54
Transporting Pets .........................64
Air Bag Light ....................... .36, 67, 117
Air Bag Maintenance .........................54
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) ......269Air Conditioner Maintenance
..................271
Air Conditioning Filter ...................... .169
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips ...............168
Air Conditioning Refrigerant ...............271, 272
Air Conditioning System ..................167, 271
Air Pressure, Tires ......................... .221
Alarm (Security Alarm) ......................119
Alarm System (Security Alarm) .................14
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle ................6
Antenna ................................ .160
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) ................276, 298
Capacities ............................. .298
Disposal .............................. .278
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .................205
Anti-Lock Warning Light .....................206
Appearance Care .......................... .282
Auto

Down Power Windows ...................22
Automatic Door Locks ........................21
Automatic Headlights ........................84
Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) ...........167
Auto Unlock, Doors .........................21
Auto Up Power Windows .....................23
Auxiliary Electrical Outlet (Power Outlet) .........103
Auxiliary Power Outlet ..................... .103
314 INDEX