2004 DODGE VIPER coolant level

Trunk Ajar Light
This light indicates that the trunk 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 under
the hood.
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 Indicator
This light indicates that the fog lights are on.
78 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Adding Coolant
DO NOT remove the pressure cap when checking cool-
ant. When adding coolant or refilling system, a 50%
solution of ethylene glycol antifreeze coolant in water
should be used. Higher concentrations (not to exceed
65%) are required if temperatures below ±37ÉF are antici-
pated.
Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water / antifreeze solution. The
use of lower quality water will reduce the amount of
corrosion protection in the engine cooling system.
NOTE:It is the owner's responsibility to maintain the
proper level of protection against freezing according to
the temperatures occurring in the area where the vehicle
is operated.WARNING!
Never add coolant to the radiator when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove pressure cap to
cool overheated engine. The coolant is under pres-
sure and severe scalding could result.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
coolant, and to insure that coolant will return to the
radiator from the coolant reserve tank.
The pressure cap should be inspected and cleaned if there
is any accumulation of foreign material on the sealing
surfaces.
168 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
The warning words ªDO NOT OPEN HOTº on the
pressure cap are a safety precaution. Never add
coolant to the radiator when the engine is over-
heated. Do not loosen or remove the pressure cap to
cool overheated engine. Heat causes pressure 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.
Coolant Level
The coolant recovery bottle provides a visual method for
checking the coolant level without removing the pressure
cap.
With the engine warmed up, the coolant level should be
between MIN and MAX on the coolant recovery bottle.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 169
7

When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant recovery
bottle.
Points to Remember
²
Do not overfill the 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 bottle does not drop when the engine cools,
the cooling system should be pressure tested for leaks.
²Maintain coolant concentration of 50% ethylene glycol
(minimum) with recommended antifreeze for proper
corrosion protection of your engine that contains alu-
minum components.
²Make sure that the radiator and bottle overflow hoses
are not kinked or obstructed.
²Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle has
air conditioning, keep the front of the condenser clean
also.
²Do 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.
Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions,
and excessive swelling suggest deterioration of the rub-
ber. Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to
high heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect
170 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Check the battery every 4 to 6 weeks to ensure that the
voltage is above 12.40. Voltage will drop more rapidly
in hot temperatures. If battery voltage drops below
12.40, follow the battery recharge procedure in the
Service Manual.
²Check that the radiator coolant level of protection is to
at least -20ÉF (-29ÉC).
²Block the wheels. Do not apply the Parking Brake.
²Make sure that all tires are inflated to the optimum
pressure, (29 PSI).
²Cut 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.
²For 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.
²Move the wiper blades away from the windshield.
NOTE:To help prevent the battery from discharging
during shorter periods of inactivity, perform the follow-
ing:
1. Make sure that the trunk, hood, doors, windows and
convertible top are completely closed.
2. Make sure that remote transmitter is operating and
that the battery is good.
3. Make sure that the hood, trunk 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 operating
properly. If not, there is a problem with a switch or the
system. See your dealer for service.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 185
7

FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)18 Gallons 68 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
8.3 Liter Engine 10 Quarts 9.5 Liters
Cooling System*
8.3 Liter Engine 16 Quarts 15 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 195
7

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 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.
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.
²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval shown on
Schedule ªAº 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or every other
interval shown on Schedule ªBº 6,000 miles (10 000
km).
202 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Convertible Top......................... 178
Convertible Top Maintenance............... 178
Cooling System......................... 166
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 168
Coolant Capacity...................... 195
Coolant Level......................... 169
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 167
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 166
Inspection........................... 166
Points to Remember.................... 170
Pressure Cap......................... 168
Rubber and Plastic Components............ 170
Selection of Coolant.................... 167
Crankcase Emission Control System.......... 155
Customer Assistance..................... 216
Dealer Service.......................... 147
Defroster, Windshield...................... 48
Dimmer Switch, Headlight.................. 65Door Locks............................. 13
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 15
Doors................................. 13
Drive Belts............................ 152
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 137
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 55
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 132
Jump Starting......................... 134
Overheating.......................... 132
Towing............................. 139
Emission Control System Maintenance......146,200
Engine
Break-In Recommendations................ 46
Cooling.............................. 78
Oil ..............................148,195
Oil Disposal.......................... 151
228 INDEX