2008 DODGE VIPER engine coolant

The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
²The warning words ªDO NOT OPEN HOTº on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to
cool an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to
build up in the cooling system. To prevent scald-
ing or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while
the system is hot or under pressure.
²Do not use a pressure cap other than the one
specified for your vehicle. Personal injury or en-
gine damage may result.
Disposal of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based engine coolant 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 in open
containers or allow it to remain in puddles on the
ground. If ingested by a child, contact a physician
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 idling, and warm to normal operating tempera-
ture, the level of the coolant 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
coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Advise your
222 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 coolant 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 (a
few 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 vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot coolant 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.
²Do not overfill the coolant recovery 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 coolant recovery bottle does not drop when
the engine cools, the cooling system should be pres-
sure tested for leaks.
²Maintain coolant concentration at 50% HOAT engine
coolant (minimum) and distilled water for proper
corrosion protection of your engine, which contains
aluminum components.
²Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
²Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean, also.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 223
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HEADLIGHT AIMING
The headlights on your new vehicle were aimed at the
factory under a no load setting. A great increase in weight
will change the aiming of the headlights. Therefore, it
may be necessary to readjust the headlights if you
typically carry an excessive amount of weight in the rear
compartment or generally suspect misalignment. In ei-
ther case, see your authorized dealer if the headlights
require adjustment.
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (approximate)
8.4 Liter Engine 16 gal-
lons60.6 li-
ters
Engine Oil-With Filter
8.4 Liter Engine (SAE 0W-40) 10 qts. 9.5 Li-
ters
Cooling System *
8.4 Liter Engine* (Mopart
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
102,000 Mile Formula) or
equivalent.16 qts. 15 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to
MAX level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 251
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FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/102,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology) or equivalent.
Engine Oil For best performance and maximum protection under all types of operating
conditions, the manufacturer only recommends full synthetic engine oils that
meet the American Petroleum Institute (API) categories of SM or SM/CF, and
meet the requirements of DaimlerChrysler Material Standard MS-10725. The
manufacturer recommends the use of a full synthetic engine oil, such as Mobil
1tSAE 0W-40 or equivalent. For additional information, refer to the ªEngine
Oil Selectionº and ªEngine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)º in the ªMaintenance
Proceduresº section of this manual.
Engine Oil Filter MopartEngine Oil Filter or equivalent.
Spark Plugs RE10PMC5 (Gap.050)
Fuel Selection Premium Unleaded 91 Octane Only or higher
252 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²Off-road or desert operation.
²If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first, and follow the maintenance rec-
ommendations in Schedule ªBº in this section.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you, then flush and
replace the engine coolant every 102,000 miles (170 000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow the
maintenance recommendations in Schedule ªBº in this
section.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule9B.9Second is ScheduleªA.ºIt is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
ule9B.9
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months,
whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 257
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At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check 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.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
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 the 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.
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.
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.
258 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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SCHEDULE ªBº
Follow schedule ªBº if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions.
²Day or night temperatures are below 32É F (0É C).
²Stop and go driving.
²Extensive engine idling.
²Driving in dusty conditions.
²Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90É F (32É C).
²Trailer towing.
²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
²Off-road or desert operation.
²If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you, then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first, and follow the maintenance rec-
ommendations in Schedule ªBº in this section.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you, then flush and
replace the engine coolant every 102,000 miles (170 000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow the
maintenance recommendations in Schedule ªBº in this
section.
SCHEDULE ªBº 259
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Miles 57,000 60,000 63,000 66,000 69,000 72,000
(Kilometers) (95 000) (100 000) (105 000) (110 000) (115 000) (120 000)
Changeengine oilandengine oil filter,if not re-
placed at 3 months.XXXXXX
Rotate the tires.LL
XXX
Inspect and replace theair cleaner filterif necessary.
X
Inspect and replace thePCV valveif necessary.
X
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60 months, if
not done at 102,000 miles.X
Inspect and replace the Auto Tension Drive Belt if
necessary. ³X
Inspect the transmission fluid.
X
Change the transmission fluid.X
Inspect the brake linings. X X
Change the rear axle fluid. X X
Change the brake fluid. X
Change the brake and clutch fluid.X
Lubricate the front and rear suspension ball joints. X
SCHEDULE ªBº 263
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