2009 DODGE VIPER engine overheat

•In city traffic —While moving, shift into the highest
gear possible to reduce engine RPM.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the cooling system and turning off the A/C removes this
heat. You can also turn the temperature control to maxi-
mum heat, the mode control to floor, and the fan control
to high. This allows the heater core to act as a supplement
to the radiator and aids in removing heat from the
cooling system.WARNING!
A hot cooling system is dangerous. You or others
could be badly burned by steam or boiling coolant. If
your temperature gauge pointer is in the red area,
turn off the engine immediately. You may want to call
a service center for service. If you decide to look
under the hood yourself, see Section 7 of this manual.
Follow the warnings under the “Radiator Cap” para-
graph.
TIREFIT KIT
Small punctures in the tire tread can be sealed with
TIREFIT. Foreign objects (e.g., screws or nails) should not
be removed from the tire. TIREFIT can be used in outside
temperatures down to approximately -4°F (-20°C).
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 181
6

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

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.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 215
7

WARNING!
•The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on
the cooling system pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add engine coolant (antifreeze)
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 scalding or injury, do not remove the
pressure cap while the system is hot or under
pressure.
•Do 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 (antifreeze) is
a regulated substance requiring proper disposal. Check
with your local authorities to determine the disposalrules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol based
engine coolant (antifreeze) 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 engine coolant (antifreeze) level is
adequate. With the engine idling, and warm to normal
operating temperature, the level of the engine coolant
(antifreeze) 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
engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point or replacing en-
gine coolant (antifreeze). Advise your service attendant
220 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Door Locks............................. 25
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 27
Doors................................. 25
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 141
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water........................ 142
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 78
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 104
Emergency Brake........................ 145
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 195
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 180
Jump Starting......................... 192
Overheating.......................... 180
Towing............................. 196
Emission Control System Maintenance......201,250Engine............................... 199
Air Cleaner.......................... 206
Break-In Recommendations................ 59
Checking Oil Level..................... 203
Compartment......................... 199
Coolant (Antifreeze).................217,247
Cooling..........................108,216
Exhaust Gas Caution................31,60,174
Fails to Start.......................... 136
Flooded, Starting...................... 136
Fuel Requirements..................170,246
Oil ...........................203,246,247
Oil Change Interval.................... 204
Oil Disposal.......................... 206
Oil Filler Cap......................... 205
Oil Filter............................ 206
Oil Selection.......................205,246
Overheating.......................108,180
Engine Oil Viscosity...................205,246
INDEX 283
10

Checking............................ 203
Dipstick............................. 203
Disposal............................ 206
Filter............................206,247
Filter Disposal........................ 206
Materials Added to..................... 206
Pressure Gauge....................... 108
Recommendation...................205,246
Viscosity..........................205,246
Oil Filter, Selection....................... 206
Onboard Diagnostic System..............200,201
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual)............ 4
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 77
Overheating, Engine...................... 180
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual).........4,275
Paint Care............................. 226
Paint Damage.......................... 226
Panic Alarm............................ 21Parking Brake.......................... 145
Parking On Hill......................... 145
Passing Light........................... 86
Pedals, Adjustable........................ 92
Pets.................................. 59
Pets, Transporting........................ 59
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 156
Polishing and Waxing..................... 227
Power
Accessory Delay......................13,28
Brakes.............................. 147
Distribution Center (Fuses)............... 230
Door Locks........................... 26
Mirrors.............................. 78
Steering............................. 144
Windows............................. 28
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 41
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 22
INDEX 289
10

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS/ALTERATIONS THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
Ignition Key RemovalKey-In-Ignition ReminderVEHICLE SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM Rearming of the SystemTo Arm the SystemTo Disarm the SystemElectronicImmobilization System - Canada OnlyILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE)
To Unlock the DoorsTo Lock the DoorsTo Unlatch the Trunk/LiftgateUsing The Panic AlarmProgramming Additional TransmittersBattery ReplacementGeneral InformationDOOR LOCKS Manual Door LockPower Door LocksWINDOWS Power WindowsAuto Down Feature
Wind BuffetingLIFTGATE - COUPE MODELS ONLY TRUNK LOCK AND RELEASE - CONVERTIBLE MODELS ONLY TRUNK SAFETY WARNING - CONVERTIBLE MODELS ONLY Trunk Emergency ReleaseOCCUPANT RESTRAINTS Lap/Shoulder BeltsLap/Shoulder
Belt Untwisting ProcedureEnhanced Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert) Automatic Locking ModeSeat Belts and Pregnant WomenSeat Belt ExtenderDriver and Passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - AirbagChild RestraintBREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
SAFETY TIPS Exhaust SystemSafety Checks You Should Make Inside the VehiclePeriodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The VehicleUNDERSTANDINGTHE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE CONVERTIBLE TOP OPERATION - IF EQUIPPED To Lower the
TopTo Raise the TopConvertible Top Boot Cover Installation - If EquippedConvertible Top Boot Cover Removal and StorageMIRRORS Inside Day/Night MirrorOutside MirrorsPower MirrorsSEATS Manual Seat AdjustmentsTO OPEN AND CLOSE THE HOOD LIGHTS Exterior
and Interior Lighting ControlHeadlights and Parking LightsHeadlight Time DelayDaytime Running LightsLights-On ReminderBattery Saver Feature -Exterior LightsFog LightsTurn Signals High Beam/Low Beam Select SwitchFlash-to-PassInterior LightsWINDSHIELD WIPERS
AND WASHERS Intermittent Wiper SystemMist FeatureWindshield WashersTILT STEERING COLUMN ADJUSTABLE PEDALS Adjustable Foot RestCONSOLE FEATURES REAR WINDOW FEATURES Electric Rear Window DefrosterUNDERSTANDING YOUR
INSTRUMENT PANEL INSTRUMENT PANEL FEATURES INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION SpeedometerMessage CenterGauges and Indicator LightsSETTING THE DIGITAL CLOCK Clock Setting ProcedureSALES CODE RAH - AM AND FM STEREO RADIO
WITH CD PLAYER AND CD/DVD CHANGER CONTROLS Radio OperationCD Player OperationCD/DVD Changer OperationNotes On Playing MP3 FilesOperation Instructions - (CD Mode For MP3 Audio Play)SATELLITE RADIO - IF EQUIPPED System ActivationElectronic
Serial Number/Sirius Identification Number (ENS/SID)Selecting Satellite Mode in RBB, RAH, REV and RBK RadiosSelecting Satellite Mode in RBP, RBU,RAZ, RB1 and RBQ RadiosSelecting a ChannelStoring and Selecting Pre-Set ChannelsUsing the PTY (Program Type)
Button (If Equipped)PTY (SCAN) ButtonPTY (SEEK) ButtonSatellite AntennaReception QualityRADIO ANTENNA CD/DVD MAINTENANCE RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES CLIMATE CONTROLS Air Conditioning and Heating System Operating Tips
STARTING AND OPERATING STARTING PROCEDURES Normal StartingIf Engine Fails to StartAfter StartingMANUAL TRANSMISSION Recommended Shift SpeedsSkip Shift Indicator LightDRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES AccelerationTraction DRIVING THROUGH
WATER Flowing/Rising WaterShallow Standing WaterPOWER STEERING Power Steering Fluid CheckPARKING BRAKE BRAKE SYSTEM Brake Pad Break-InAnti-Lock Brake SystemTIRE SAFETY INFORMATION Tire Markings Tire Identification Number (TIN)Tire Loading
and Tire PressureTIRES - GENERAL INFORMATION Tire PressureTire Inflation PressuresTire Pressures for High Speed OperationRadial Ply TiresTire SpinningTread Wear IndicatorsLife of TireReplacement TiresTire StorageTIRE CHAINS SNOW TIRES TIRE ROTATION
RECOMMENDATIONS TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) Low Tire IndicatorFUEL REQUIREMENTS 8.4L EngineReformulated GasolineGasoline/Oxygenate BlendsE-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel VehiclesMMT In GasolineMaterials Added to FuelFuel System
CautionsCarbon Monoxide WarningsADDING FUEL Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)TRAILER TOWING RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat towing with all four wheels on the ground)GROUND CLEARANCE
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES HAZARD WARNING FLASHER IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS TIREFIT KIT TIREFIT StorageTIREFIT Usage PrecautionsTIREFIT Kit Components and Operation Sealing a Tire with TIREFITJUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES FREEING
A STUCK VEHICLE TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT - 8.4L ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II) EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS REPLACEMENT PARTS DEALER
SERVICE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES Engine OilEngine Oil FilterEngine Air Cleaner FilterMaintenance-Free BatteryBattery Save FeatureAir Conditioner MaintenanceBody LubricationWindshield Wiper BladesAdding Washer FluidExhaust SystemCooling SystemBrake
SystemManual TransmissionHydraulic ClutchRear AxleAppearance Care And Protection From CorrosionFUSES Power Distribution CenterMini-Power Distribution CenterVEHICLE STORAGE REPLACEMENT BULBS BULB REPLACEMENT Auxiliary High Beam Headlight,
Front Park/Turn Signal Light, Front Side Marker LightHigh Intensity Discharge Headlights (HID)Front Fog LightTaillight, Tail/Stop Light, Rear Marker LightTaillight, Tail/Stop Light, Rear Marker Light (Coupe Models)Backup Light, Rear Turn Signal LightLicense LightFLUIDS
AND CAPACITIES FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS EngineChassisMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE BMAINTENANCE SCHEDULE AIF YOU
NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FOR YOUR VEHICLE Prepare For The AppointmentPrepare A ListBe Reasonable With RequestsIF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE Chrysler LLC Customer CenterChrysler Canada Inc. Customer
CenterIn Mexico contactCustomer Assistance For The Hearing Or Speech Impaired (TDD/TTY)Service ContractWARRANTY INFORMATION (U.S. Vehicles Only) MOPAR PARTS REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS In The 50 United States And Washington, D.CIn Canada
PUBLICATION ORDER FORMS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES TreadwearTraction GradesTemperature GradesINDEX