2009 DODGE VIPER radiator

of this. As long as the engine operating temperature is
satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only be checked once
a month.
When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) 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
(kilometers) of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) 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.
•Do not overfill the coolant recovery bottle.
•Check engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the
coolant bottle. If engine coolant (antifreeze) needs to
be added, contents of the coolant bottle also must be
protected against freezing.
•If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are
required, or if the level in the coolant recovery bottle
does not drop when the engine cools, the cooling
system should be pressure tested for leaks.
•Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at
50% HOAT engine coolant (antifreeze) (minimum)
and distilled water for proper corrosion protection of
your engine, which contains aluminum components.
•Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery
bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 221
7

•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
•Do 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 cooling performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedules” in Section 8 of this
manual for the proper maintenance intervals.
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 would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Master Cylinder - Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
222 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Mini-Power Distribution Center
The 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!
•When 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.
•When 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 233
7

VEHICLE STORAGE
We recommend that you follow these guidelines for
storing your vehicle for extended periods.
•Fill the fuel tank. This will prevent water condensation
inside the tank. If you plan to store your vehicle more
than two months, add an anti-oxidant fuel stabilizer to
the fuel tank.
•Change the oil to remove any corrosive combustion
related acids in the crankcase.
•Check that the radiator coolant level of protection is to
at least -20°F (-29°C).
•Make sure that all tires are inflated to the optimum
pressure.
•Wash and wax the vehicle to protect the finish.
•Store the vehicle in a dry, well-ventilated location.
•Move the wiper blades away from the windshield.
•Block the wheels. Do not apply the parking brake.
•Cut 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.
•For 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.
•If 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
protection 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 three weeks, perform
the battery recharge procedure in the Service Manual.
234 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Location..........................192,207
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 210
Storing Vehicle........................ 210
Belts, Seat............................33,34
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 212
Boot, Convertible Top...................69,74
B-Pillar Location........................ 156
Brake, Parking.......................... 145
Brake System........................147,222
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................147,148
Fluid Check.......................222,248
Master Cylinder....................... 222
Warning Light........................ 104
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle.....59,147
Bulb Replacement....................... 237
Bulbs, Light............................ 236
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 246
Capacities, Fluid........................ 246Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 175
Oil (Engine).......................... 205
Power Steering........................ 144
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 219
Car Washes............................ 227
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............60,174
CD (Compact Disc) Changer................ 116
CD (Compact Disc) Player............... 111,115
Cellular Phone.......................... 125
Chains, Tire............................ 167
Charging System Light.................... 109
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 153
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............... 201
Checks, Safety........................... 60
Child Restraint....................53,54,55,58
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 56
Circuit Breakers......................... 230
INDEX 281
10

Clean Air Gasoline....................... 171
Climate Control......................... 125
Clock................................ 110
Clutch Fluid........................... 224
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 124
Console............................... 94
Console, Floor........................... 94
Contract, Service........................ 273
Convertible............................. 65
Convertible Boot.......................69,74
Convertible Top.......................65,228
Convertible Top Maintenance............... 228
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 219
Cooling System......................... 216
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 218
Coolant Capacity...................... 246
Coolant Level......................217,220
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 220
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 217Inspection........................... 220
Points to Remember.................... 221
Pressure Cap......................... 219
Radiator Cap......................... 219
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......217,246,247
Customer Assistance..................... 271
Daytime Running Lights................... 84
Dealer Service.......................... 203
Defroster, Rear Window.................... 95
Defroster, Windshield...................61,128
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 90
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 200
Dimmer Control......................... 88
Dimmer Switch, Headlight.................. 86
Dipsticks
Power Steering........................ 144
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 220
282 INDEX

Radial Ply Tires......................... 163
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......... 219
Radio Antenna......................... 124
Radio Operation........................ 125
Radio, Satellite.......................... 120
Radio (Sound Systems).................... 111
Rear Axle (Differential).................... 226
Rear Liftgate............................ 30
Rear Window Defroster.................... 95
Rear Window Features..................... 95
Rearview Mirrors........................ 77
Reclining Front Seats...................... 80
Recreational Towing...................... 176
Reformulated Gasoline.................... 171
Refrigerant............................ 212
Reminder, Lights On...................... 84
Reminder, Seat Belt....................39,107
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)................. 18
Remote Trunk Release..................... 32Replacement Parts....................... 202
Replacement Tires....................... 166
Reporting Safety Defects................... 274
Restraints, Child......................... 53
Restraints, Infant......................... 54
Restraints, Occupant...................... 33
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck................ 195
Rotation, Tires.......................... 167
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle................. 61
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle............... 62
Safety Defects, Reporting.................. 274
Safety, Exhaust Gas....................... 31
Safety Information, Tire................... 151
Safety Tips............................. 60
Satellite Radio.......................... 120
Satellite Radio Antenna................... 124
Schedule, Maintenance.................... 250
Scheduled Maintenance................... 203
290 INDEX