2008 DODGE VIPER overheating

Charge System Light
The red Charge System Light is located in the
Voltage Gauge. It will turn on when there is a
charging system malfunction or a possible accessory
drive belt failure.
CAUTION!
The accessory belt also drives the water pump. Op-
erating the vehicle with a failed belt can cause engine
overheating and possible severe engine damage.
SETTING THE DIGITAL CLOCK
The digital display panel on the radio displays the time in
hours and minutes. The display panel is operative when
the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN or ACC position.
Press and release the Time button on the radio to display
the time. Press and release the button a second time to
turn off the time display.
Clock Setting Procedure
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ªON/RUNº or ªACCº
position.
2. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
press either the ªHº (Hour) or ªMº (Minute) button on
the radio. The display will show the time.
3. Press the ªHº button to set hours or the ªMº button to
set minutes. The time setting will increase each time you
press a button.
RADIO GENERAL INFORMATION
Radio Broadcast Signals
The radio will provide excellent reception under most
operating conditions. Like any system, however, car
radios have performance limitations, due to mobile op-
eration and natural phenomena, which might lead you to
believe your sound system is malfunctioning. To help
106 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A 50% solution of ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant in water is recommended. Refer
to ªMaintenance Proceduresº in Section 7 of this manual
for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
²
Use the Defrost mode to direct cold air away from the
occupants during engine warm-up in cold weather.
²The blower air will heat faster in cold weather if you
use only the low blower speeds for the first ten
minutes of vehicle operation.
²Use of the air Recirculation mode during winter
months is not recommended because it may cause
window fogging.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e. vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air condi-
tioning system at idle for about five minutes in the fresh
air and high blower setting. This will insure adequate
system lubrication to minimize the possibility of com-
pressor damage when the system is started again.
126 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct any other occupant to buckle their seat
belt.WARNING!
²Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
injured seriously or fatally. Don't leave the keys in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
²Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
²Be sure to turn off the engine if you want to rest or
sleep in your car. Accidents can be caused by
inadvertently moving the gear selection lever or
by pressing the accelerator pedal. This may cause
excessive heat in the exhaust system, resulting in
overheating and vehicle fire, which may cause
serious or fatal injuries.
132 STARTING AND OPERATING

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is on the top of the steering
column, just behind the steering wheel. Depress
the flasher button and all front and rear directional
signals will flash. Depress the flasher button again to turn
off the flashers.Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.
If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may run down
your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
²On the highways ÐSlow down and use the highest
gear possible.
²In city traffic ÐWhile stopped, put the transmission
in neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
Hazard Flasher Switch
176 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
Any procedure other than above could result in:
1. Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting out
the battery vent;
2. Personal injury or property damage due to battery
explosion;
3. Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or
of immobilized vehicle.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverseand First gear. Usually the least accelerator pedal pres-
sure to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission/axle overheating and fail-
ure. It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the
wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Do not tow with sling type equipment. Only use flat bed
equipment. Always comply with applicable state or local
towing ordinances.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 189
6

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park over
materials that can burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming in contact with your exhaust
system. Do not park or operate your vehicle in areas
where your exhaust system can contact anything that
can burn.
In unusual situations involving grossly malfunctioning
engine operation, a scorching odor may indicate severe
and abnormal catalyst overheating. If this should occur,
safely bring the vehicle to a complete stop, shut the
engine off, and allow the vehicle to cool. Thereafter,
obtain service, including a tune-up to manufacturer's
specifications immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter damage:
²Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
²Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
²Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Ignition Wiring System and Ignition Timing
The ignition cables should be kept clean and the termi-
nals fully seated. Do not remove the nipple assemblies
from the coil towers. Cracked, damaged, or faulty cables
should be replaced. See your authorized dealer for ser-
vice.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 205
7

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