2008 DODGE VIPER radiator

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
7

Fuses (Mini-Power Distribution Center)
A mini-power distribution center is located in the engine
compartment on the passenger's side of the vehicle. This
center contains radiator fan control relays and has two
externally-mounted 40 Amp fuses for the radiator fans.CAUTION!
²When installing the Mini-Power Distribution
Center cover, it is important to ensure the cover is
properly positioned and fully latched. Failure to
do so may allow water to get into the Power
Distribution Center, and possibly result in an
electrical system failure.
²When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to
use only a fuse having the correct amperage rating.
The use of a fuse with a rating other than indicated
may result in a dangerous electrical system over-
load. If a properly rated fuse continues to blow, it
indicates a problem in the circuit that must be
corrected.
Mini-Power Distribution Center
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 237
7

VEHICLE STORAGE
We recommend that you follow these guidelines for
storing your vehicle for extended periods.
²Fill the fuel tank. This will prevent water condensation
inside the tank. If you plan to store your vehicle more
than 2 months, add an anti-oxidant fuel stabilizer to
the fuel tank.
²Change the oil to remove any corrosive combustion
related acids in the crankcase.
²Check that the radiator coolant level of protection is to
at least -20ÉF (-29ÉC).
²Make sure that all tires are inflated to the optimum
pressure. (See page 158 for more information.)
²Wash and wax the vehicle to protect the finish.
²Store the vehicle in a dry, well-ventilated location.
²Move the wiper blades away from the windshield.
²Block the wheels. Do not apply the Parking Brake.
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.
²If the vehicle will be subjected to freezing tempera-
tures, either remove the battery and store it in a dry,
well ventilated area or connect a trickle charger (1.5
Amp) with automatic shutdown / overcharge protec-
tion to the battery. However, do not leave the trickle
charger hooked up to the battery without being
plugged in to a 110 volt AC outlet, as this will result in
further drain on the vehicle's battery. If the vehicle is
not going to be driven in the next 3 weeks, perform the
battery recharge procedure in the Service Manual.
238 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Emergency Starting..................... 186
Jump Starting......................... 186
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 21
Location..........................186,206
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 210
Storing Vehicle........................ 210
Bearings.............................. 230
Belt System, Six Point..................... 38
Belts, Drive............................ 202
Belts, Seat.............................. 31
Body Damage.......................... 231
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 215
Body Mechanisms....................... 216
Boot, Convertible Top...................67,72
B-Pillar Location........................ 153
Brake, Parking.......................... 142
Brake System........................144,225
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................144,145
Fluid Check.......................226,253Hoses.............................. 225
Master Cylinder....................... 226
Warning Light......................... 99
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle.....56,144
Bulb Replacement....................... 242
Bulbs, Light............................ 240
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 251
Capacities, Fluid........................ 251
Capacity, Cargo Weight................... 173
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 171
Oil (Engine).......................... 200
Power Steering........................ 213
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 221
Car Washes............................ 230
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............57,171
Cargo Compartment
Capacity............................ 173
INDEX 287
10

Carpeting............................. 233
Catalytic Converter...................... 204
CD (Compact Disc) Changer................ 114
CD (Compact Disc) Player...............108,112
Chains, Tire............................ 164
Charging System Light.................... 106
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 150
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............... 196
Checks, Safety........................... 57
Child Restraint....................50,51,52,55
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 53
Circuit Breakers......................... 234
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 168
Climate Control......................... 122
Clock................................ 106
Clutch Fluid........................... 228
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 122
Console............................... 92Console, Floor........................... 92
Contract, Service........................ 279
Converter, Catalytic...................... 204
Convertible............................. 63
Convertible Boot.......................67,72
Convertible Top.......................63,232
Convertible Top Maintenance............... 232
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 221
Cooling System......................... 219
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 221
Coolant Capacity...................... 251
Coolant Level......................219,222
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 222
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 220
Inspection........................... 222
Points to Remember.................... 223
Pressure Cap......................... 221
Radiator Cap......................... 221
Rubber and Plastic Components............ 224
288 INDEX

Parking On Hill......................... 142
Passing Light........................... 84
PCV Valve............................ 206
Pedals, Adjustable........................ 90
Pets.................................. 56
Pets, Transporting........................ 56
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 153
Power
Accessory Delay......................13,26
Brakes.............................. 144
Distribution Center (Fuses)............... 234
Door Locks........................... 24
Mirrors.............................. 76
Steering..........................148,213
Steering, Checking..................... 213
Windows............................. 26
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 39
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 20Radial Ply Tires......................... 160
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......... 221
Radio Antenna......................... 122
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 106
Radio Operation........................ 122
Radio, Satellite.......................... 117
Radio (Sound Systems).................... 108
Rear Axle (Differential).................... 230
Rear Liftgate............................ 28
Rear Wheel Bearings..................... 230
Rear Window Defroster................... 128
Rear Window Features.................... 128
Rearview Mirrors........................ 75
Reclining Front Seats...................... 78
Recreational Towing...................... 174
Reformulated Gasoline.................... 168
Refrigerant............................ 213
Reminder, Lights On...................... 82
Reminder, Seat Belt....................36,103
296 INDEX