2008 DODGE VIPER engine overheat

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
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Fuel Filter
The fuel filter is a part of the fuel module and it does not
require maintenance.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition.
Have your vehicle serviced promptly in the event of
engine malfunction, particularly when involving en-
gine misfire or other apparent loss of performance.
Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
204 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

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

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
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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

Methanol............................. 169
Mirrors................................ 75
Electric Remote........................ 76
Outside............................75,76
Rearview............................. 75
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 166
Mopar Parts.........................197,280
MTBE/ETBE........................... 169
Multi-Function Control Lever................ 81
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 56
Occupant Restraints....................... 31
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 168
Odometer.............................. 96
Trip ................................ 96
Oil, Engine.......................198,251,252
Capacity............................ 251Change Interval....................... 199
Checking............................ 198
Dipstick............................. 198
Disposal............................ 201
Filter............................201,252
Filter Disposal........................ 201
Materials Added to..................... 201
Pressure Gauge....................... 104
Recommendation...................200,251
Viscosity..........................200,251
Oil Filter, Selection....................... 201
Onboard Diagnostic System..............195,196
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 75
Overheating, Engine...................... 176
Owner's Manual (Operator Manual).......... 282
Paint Care............................. 231
Panic Alarm............................ 19
Parking Brake.......................... 142
INDEX 295
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