2008 DODGE VIPER ECU

²Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions,
and excessive swelling suggest deterioration of the rub-
ber.
Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not come in contact with any
heat source or moving component, which may cause heat
damage or mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of degradation that could result in failure.Fuel System
High pressure fuel system hoses have unique material
characteristics that provide adequate sealing and resist
attack by deteriorated gasoline.
Use only manufacturer specified hoses or their equiva-
lent in material and specification, in any fuel system
servicing. It is mandatory to replace all clamps that have
been loosened or removed during service.
224 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Recommended service intervals can be found in the
ªMaintenance Schedulesº in this manual.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be made to examining those hose sur-
faces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:
²Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations
to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping
of hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before a hose is
replaced based on leakage.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 225
7

About Your Brakes....................... 144
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)............97,145
Accessory Delay, Power..................13,26
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 221
Adding Fuel........................... 171
Adding Washer Fluid...................89,217
Adjustable Pedals........................ 90
Aiming Headlights....................... 251
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 203
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 212
Air Conditioning................122,123,125,212
Air Conditioning Controls................. 123
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips............ 127
Air Conditioning Refrigerant.............212,213
Air Conditioning System.............123,125,212
Air Pressure, Tires....................101,158
Airbag................................ 40
Airbag Deployment.....................43,48
Airbag Light......................44,50,58,99Airbag Maintenance....................... 49
Airbag On/Off Switch..................... 51
Alarm System (Security Alarm)............... 13
Alignment and Balance................... 163
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna.............................. 122
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 121
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........220,221,251
Capacities........................... 251
Disposal............................ 222
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).............. 145
Anti-Lock Warning Light................97,147
Anti-Theft Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)........ 13
Appearance Care........................ 230
Auto Down Power Windows................ 27
Automatic Door Locks..................... 25
Ball Joints............................. 214
Battery............................106,206
286 INDEX

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)................. 17
Remote Trunk Release..................... 29
Replacement Parts....................... 197
Replacement Tires....................... 162
Reporting Safety Defects................... 281
Restraints, Child......................... 50
Restraints, Infant......................... 51
Restraints, Occupant...................... 31
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck................ 189
Rotation, Tires.......................... 164
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle................. 58
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle............... 59
Safety Defects, Reporting.................. 281
Safety, Exhaust Gas....................... 29
Safety Information, Tire................... 149
Safety Tips............................. 57
Satellite Radio.......................... 117
Satellite Radio Antenna................... 121Schedule, Maintenance.................... 256
Scheduled Maintenance................... 198
Seat Belt Maintenance.................... 233
Seat Belt Reminder.....................36,103
Seat Belts.............................. 31
And Pregnant Women................... 39
Child Restraint...................50,51,52,55
Extender............................. 39
Inspection............................ 58
Operating Instructions................... 32
Reminder............................ 103
Untwisting Procedure.................... 35
Seats................................. 77
Adjustment........................... 77
Reclining............................. 78
Security Alarm (Theft Alarm)................ 13
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)..........220,252
Selection of Oil......................... 200
Service Assistance....................... 277
INDEX 297
10

Service Contract......................... 279
Service Engine Soon Light
(Malfunction Indicator).................... 98
Service Manuals........................ 282
Setting the Clock........................ 106
Shift Indicator Light...................103,138
Shift Speeds.........................136,138
Shift Speeds, Manual Transaxle.............. 138
Shoulder Belts........................... 31
Signals, Turn..........................82,99
Six Point Belt System...................... 38
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............... 139
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)................. 164
Snow Tires............................ 164
Spark Plugs............................ 203
Speedometer............................ 96
Starting............................... 132
Emergency (Jump Starting)............... 186
Engine Fails to Start.................... 135Starting and Operating.................... 132
Starting Procedures...................... 132
Steering
Linkage............................. 214
Power...........................148,213
Tilt Column........................... 89
Storage............................... 238
Storage, Vehicle......................... 126
Stuck, Freeing.......................... 189
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag........ 40
Tachometer............................ 103
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......... 104
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)................ 13
Theft System (Security Alarm)............... 13
Tilt Steering Column...................... 89
Tire and Loading Information Placard......... 153
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 152
Tire Markings.......................... 149
298 INDEX

Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)......17,21
Transporting Pets........................ 56
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 161
Trip Odometer.......................... 96
Trunk Release, Emergency.................. 30
Trunk Release Remote Control............... 29
Turn Signals........................81,82,99
Underbody Maintenance.................. 232
Uniform Tire Quality Grades................ 283
Unleaded Gasoline....................... 168
Untwisting Procedure, Seat Belt.............. 35
Upholstery Care........................ 233
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)............ 6
Vehicle Loading......................154,173
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations.............. 7
Vehicle Storage.......................126,238
Vehicle Theft Alarm (Security Alarm).......... 13Vinyl Trim............................. 233
Viscosity, Engine Oil...................200,251
Voltmeter............................. 105
Warning Flasher, Hazard.................. 176
Warnings and Cautions..................... 6
Warranty Information..................... 280
Washer, Adding Fluid...................89,217
Washers, Windshield.................87,88,217
Water
Driving Through...................... 140
Wheel Alignment and Balance............... 163
Wheel Bearings......................... 230
Wind Buffeting.......................... 27
Window Fogging........................ 127
Windows.............................. 26
Power............................... 26
Windshield Defroster...................58,125
Windshield Washers..................87,88,217
300 INDEX