2009 DODGE VIPER overheating

CAUTION!
The accessory belt also drives the water pump. Op-
erating the vehicle with a failed belt can cause engine
overheating and possible severe engine damage.
SETTING THE DIGITAL CLOCK
The digital display panel on the radio displays the time in
hours and minutes. The display panel is operative when
the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN or ACC position.
Press and release the TIME button on the radio to display
the time. Press and release the button a second time to
turn off the time display.
Clock Setting Procedure
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN or ACC
position.
2. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similar object,
press either the H (HOUR) or M (MINUTE) button on the
radio. The display will show the time.
3. Press the “H” button to set hours or the “M” button to
set minutes. The time setting will increase each time you
press a button.
110 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A 50% solution of ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant in water is recommended. Refer
to “Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7 of this manual
for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
•
Use the Defrost mode to direct cold air away from the
occupants during engine warm-up in cold weather.
•The blower air will heat faster in cold weather if you
use only the low blower speeds for the first ten
minutes of vehicle operation.
•Use of the air Recirculation mode during winter
months is not recommended because it may cause
window fogging.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower setting. This will insure ad-
equate system lubrication to minimize the possibility of
compressor damage when the system is started again.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 129
4

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct any other occupant to buckle their seat
belt.
WARNING!
•Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
injured seriously or fatally. Don’t leave the keys in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
•Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Be sure to turn off the engine if you want to rest or
sleep in your car. Accidents can be caused by
inadvertently moving the gear selection lever or
by pressing the accelerator pedal. This may cause
excessive heat in the exhaust system, resulting in
overheating and vehicle fire, which may cause
serious or fatal injuries.
CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling, especially at high
engine speeds, can cause excessive exhaust tempera-
tures, which can damage your vehicle. Do not leave
your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
134 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

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

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