2005 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.
90 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Adding Coolant
When adding coolant, or refilling the system, a minimum
solution of 50% recommended HOAT ethylene glycol
engine coolant (antifreeze) and distilled water should be
used. Use higher concentrations (not to exceed 70%) if
temperatures below
34°F(
37°C) are anticipated.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 185
7

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.When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant recovery
bottle.
Points to Remember
•
Do not overfill the bottle.
•Check coolant freeze point in the coolant bottle. If
antifreeze needs to be added, contents of the coolant
bottle also must be protected against freezing.
•If 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.
•Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT ethylene
glycol engine coolant (minimum) and distilled water
for proper corrosion protection of your engine which
contains aluminum components.Coolant Recovery Bottle
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 187
7

the vehicle is not going to be driven in the next 3
weeks, follow the battery recharge procedure in the
Service Manual, then disconnect the battery at the
negative terminal or use the save feature described in
Maintaining your Vehicle section under the Mainte-
nance Procedures sub-section, within Maintenance-
Free Battery.
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.
•Disconnecting the battery causes the engine control
system to lose memory of some“learned”functions,
unless using the Battery Save feature described inMaintaining your Vehicle section under the Mainte-
nance Procedures sub-section, within Maintenance-
Free Battery. The engine may run rough when first
started after a battery disconnect until the control
module“relearns”these functions.
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.
•Check that the radiator coolant level of protection is to
at least -20°F (-29°C).
•Block the wheels. Do not apply the Parking Brake.
•Make sure that all tires are inflated to the optimum
pressure, (29 PSI).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 203
7

Headlight Aiming
The headlights on your new Viper were aimed at the
factory. The factory setting was made at a no load setting.
A great increase in weight will change the aiming and it
may be necessary to readjust the headlights if you
typically carry an excessive amount of weight in the
trunk or otherwise suspect misalignment.
Aiming Check
Each headlight assembly can be adjusted up and down
only. No left to right adjustment is necessary. To check,
proceed as follows:
1. Fill the fuel tank and park the vehicle on level ground.
A driveway is not normally level. If in doubt and you
have no way to check levelness, do not attempt to adjust
the headlights.
2.
Mark the position of the headlights on a wall prior to
loading the vehicle. Load the trunk with the items you
normally carry. Have someone sit in the driver’s seat who is
about the same weight as the person who drives the vehicle.
3. Push down on the front and rear of the vehicle several
times to make sure that the suspension has settled.
4. Then readjust the headlights to the original position.
NOTE:If any further adjustments are necessary, contact
your dealership.
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIESU.S. Metric
Fuel (approximate)
8.3 Liter Engine (Premium 91
Octane)18 gal-
lons68 liters
Engine Oil-With Filter
8.3 Liter Engines (0W-40) 10 qts. 9.5 Liters
Cooling System *
8.3 Liter Engines* (Mopar
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
102,000 Mile Formula)16 qts. 15 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to
MAX level.
212 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check 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.
•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 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.
•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.
220 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Charging System Light..................... 90
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 123
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . 162
Checks, Safety........................... 51
Child Restraint........................34,39
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 37
Circuit Breakers......................... 197
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 142
Climate Control......................... 104
Clock................................. 93
Compact Disc Maintenance................. 103
Compact Spare Tire...................... 134
Console............................... 66
Console, Floor........................... 66
Contract, Service........................ 236
Converter, Catalytic...................... 168
Convertible............................. 55
Convertible Boot.......................59,64
Convertible Top.......................55,196Convertible Top Maintenance............... 196
Coolant Pressure Cap..................... 185
Cooling System......................... 183
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 185
Coolant Capacity...................... 212
Coolant Level......................183,187
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 186
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 184
Inspection........................... 183
Points to Remember.................... 187
Pressure Cap......................... 185
Radiator Cap......................... 185
Rubber and Plastic Components............ 188
Selection of Coolant...............184,212,213
Crankcase Emission Control System.......... 171
Customer Assistance..................... 235
Daytime Running Lights................... 76
Dealer Service.......................... 163
246 INDEX

Defroster, Windshield...................... 51
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 82
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 161
Dimmer Control......................... 74
Dimmer Switch, Headlight.................. 78
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 186
Door Locks............................. 13
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 15
Doors................................. 13
Drive Belts............................ 168
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 154
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 68
Emergency Brake........................ 116
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 155
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 148Jump Starting......................... 150
Overheating.......................... 148
Towing............................. 155
Emission Control System Maintenance......162,218
Engine............................... 160
Break-In Recommendations................ 50
Checking Oil Level..................... 164
Compartment......................... 160
Coolant (Antifreeze).................183,213
Cooling...........................90,183
Exhaust Gas Caution..................51,145
Fails to Start.......................... 112
Fuel Requirements..................142,212
Oil ...........................164,212,213
Oil Change Interval.................... 165
Oil Disposal.......................... 167
Oil Filter............................ 167
Oil Selection.......................166,212
Overheating........................90,148
INDEX 247
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