2009 DODGE VIPER battery

Problems that result from using methanol/gasoline or
E85 Ethanol blends are not the responsibility of the
manufacturer. While MTBE is an oxygenate made from
Methanol, it does not have the negative effects of
Methanol.
E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles
Non-FFV vehicles are compatible with gasoline contain-
ing 10% ethanol (E10). Gasoline with higher ethanol
content may void the vehicle’s warranty.
If a Non-FFV vehicle is inadvertently fueled with E-85
fuel, the engine will have some or all of these symptoms:
•operate in a lean mode
•OBD II “Malfunction Indicator Light” on
•poor engine performance
•poor cold start and cold drivability
•increased risk for fuel system component corrosionTo fix a Non-FFV vehicle inadvertently fueled once with
E-85 perform the following:
•drain the fuel tank (see your authorized dealer)
•change the engine oil and oil filter
•disconnect and reconnect the battery to reset the
engine controller memory
More extensive repairs will be required for prolonged
exposure to E-85 fuel.
MMT In Gasoline
MMT is a manganese containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase the octane num-
ber. Gasolines blended with MMT offer no performance
advantage beyond gasolines of the same octane number
without MMT. Gasolines blended with MMT have shown
to reduce spark plug life and reduce emission system
performance in some vehicles. The manufacturer recom-
mends using gasolines without MMT. Since the MMT
172 STARTING AND OPERATING

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is on the top of the
steering column, just behind the steering wheel.
Press the Hazard Warning flasher switch and all front
and rear directional signals will flash. Press the switch a
second time to turn the flashers off.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
Hazard Warning flasher will continue to operate with the
ignition key removed.
NOTE:With extended use, the Hazard Warning 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.
•On the highways —Slow down and use the highest
gear possible.
•In city traffic —While stopped, put the transmission
in NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
Hazard Warning Switch
180 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES
WARNING!
•Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fans when-
ever the hood is raised. They can start anytime the
ignition switch is on. You can be hurt by the fans.
•Take care to avoid the accessory drive whenever
the hood is raised. You can be hurt by the moving
components.
•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get
it started. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic
converter and once the engine has started, ignite
and damage the converter and vehicle. If the
vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables
may be used to obtain a start from a booster
battery or the battery in another vehicle. This type
of start can be dangerous if done improperly, so
follow this procedure carefully.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not
allow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin, or cloth-
ing. Don’t lean over battery when attaching
clamps or allow the clamps to touch each other. If
acid splashes in eyes or on skin, flush contami-
nated area immediately with large quantities of
water.
•A battery generates hydrogen gas, which is flam-
mable and explosive. Keep flame or spark away
from the vent holes.
•Do not use a booster battery or any other booster
source with an output that exceeds 12-Volts.
NOTE:The battery is located underneath an access
panel inside the rear compartment on the left side of the
vehicle. A remote battery terminal is located in the engine
compartment for jump-starting.
192 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watchbands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When boost is provided by a battery in another
vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach, but
without allowing the vehicles touch one another.
3. Set the parking brake, place the transmission in NEU-
TRAL, and turn the ignition OFF on both vehicles.
4. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electri-
cal loads.
5. Remove the plastic cover from the remote jump-start
positive post(+)in the engine compartment. Refer to the
following illustration for remote jump-starting connec-
tions.6.If you are jump-starting your vehicle,connect one
end of a jumper cable to the positive(+)terminal on the
booster battery. Connect the other end of the same cable
to the remote jump-start positive post(+).
Remote Jump-Start Connections
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 193
6

7.If you are jump-starting another vehicle,connect one
end of a jumper cable to the remote jump-start positive
post(+). Connect the other end of the same cable to the
positive(+)terminal of the discharged battery.
8.If you are jump-starting your vehicle,connect the
other cable to the negativeterminal on the booster
battery. Connect the other end of the same cable to the ear
of the thermostat housing on the engine in your vehicle.
Make sure you have a good contact.
9.If you are jump-starting another vehicle,connect the
other cable to the ear of the thermostat housing on the
engine in your vehicle. Connect the other end of the same
cable to a good ground on the engine in the other vehicle.
Make sure that you have a good contact.WARNING!
•You should not try to start your vehicle by pushing
or towing.
•Do not connect the cable to the negative post of the
discharge battery. The resulting electrical spark
could cause the battery to explode.
•During cold weather when temperatures are be-
low freezing point, electrolyte in a discharged
battery may freeze. Do not attempt jump-starting
because the battery could rupture or explode. The
battery temperature must be brought up above
freezing point before attempting jump-start.
10. Start the engine in the vehicle that has the booster
battery. Let the engine idle a few minutes.
11. Turn off the Vehicle Security Alarm System.
194 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

NOTE:The Vehicle Security Alarm System will prevent
the engine from starting.
12. Start the engine in the vehicle with the discharged
battery. If engine does not start in 15 seconds, stop
cranking engine and allow starter to cool down before
cranking again.
13. When removing the booster cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fans.
WARNING!
Any procedure other than above could result in:
•Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting out
the battery vent;
•Personal injury or property damage due to battery
explosion;
•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 RE-
VERSE and First gear. Usually the least accelerator pedal
pressure to maintain the rocking motion without spin-
ning 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).
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 195
6

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
Engine Compartment — 8.4L............. 199
Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II)........ 200
Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................ 201
Replacement Parts..................... 202
Dealer Service........................ 203
Maintenance Procedures................. 203
▫Engine Oil......................... 203
▫Engine Oil Filter..................... 206▫Engine Air Cleaner Filter............... 206
▫Maintenance-Free Battery............... 207
▫Battery Save Feature.................. 210
▫Air Conditioner Maintenance............ 211
▫Body Lubrication..................... 212
▫Windshield Wiper Blades............... 213
▫Adding Washer Fluid.................. 213
▫Exhaust System...................... 214
▫Cooling System...................... 216
7

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 8.4L
1 — Coolant Pressure Cap 6 — Clutch Fluid Reservoir
2 — Engine Oil Dipstick 7 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
3 — Power Distribution Center 8 — Engine Oil Fill
4 — Remote Jump Start Positive Battery Post 9 — Air Cleaner Filter
5 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Washer Fluid ReservoirMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 1997