2010 DODGE VIPER overheating

Fuel Gauge
This gauge shows the amount of fuel in the gas
tank. The reaction time of the gauge has been
slowed to avoid needle fluctuation during pe-
riods of high G force cornering.
Voltage Gauge
This gauge shows the electrical system voltage.
The normal operating voltage is from 12 to
14 Volts with the engine running. If the pointer
remains at either the high or low ends of the
scale, the electrical system should be serviced.
Charge System Light
The red Charge System Light is located in the
Voltage Gauge. It will turn on when there is a
charging system malfunction or a possible accessory
drive belt failure. If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump Starting
Procedures” in “What To Do In Emergencies”.
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.
118 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:The air conditioning compressor operates in this
mode. This dehumidifies the air to help dry the wind-
shield. To improve fuel economy, leave in the Defrost
mode only when necessary.
Air Conditioning Control
With the fan control in the ON position, push the
A/C button to turn on the air conditioning com-
pressor. An indicator light above the button shows
that the Air Conditioning compressor is on. Conditioned
air is now directed through the outlets selected. Pushing
the button a second time turns the compressor OFF.
Slight changes in engine speed or power may be noticed
when the compressor is on. This is a normal occurrence
since the compressor will cycle on and off to maintain
comfort and increase fuel economy.
NOTE: If your air conditioning performance seems
lower than expected, check the front of the A/C con-
denser for an accumulation of dirt or insects.
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 solution of 50% ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant and 50% water is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” 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.
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 137

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is on the top of the
steering column, just behind the steering wheel.Press the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher. When the switch is activated, all directional turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming traffic
of an emergency. Press the switch a second time to turn
off the Hazard Warning flasher.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not
be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flasher will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position.
NOTE:
With extended use the Hazard Warning flasher
may wear 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.Hazard Warning Switch
190 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure.
It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the
wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no
transmission shifting occurring).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or
even failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your vehi-
cle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stop-
ping when you are stuck. And do not let anyone near
a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Do not tow with sling-type equipment. Only use flatbed
equipment. Always comply with applicable state or local
towing ordinances.
CAUTION!
Towing with equipment other than flatbed types may
damage your vehicle.
206 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

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.
226 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

DisposalAntifreeze (Engine Coolant) ............... 231
Door Locks ............................. 24
Door Locks, Automatic .................... 26
Doors ................................. 24
Driving On Slippery Surfaces ................... 151
Through Flowing, Rising,
or Shallow Standing Water ............... 151
Electric Remote Mirrors .................... 84
Electrical Outlet, Auxiliary (Power Outlet) ...... 100
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light ...... 113
Emergency Brake ........................ 155
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck ............... 205
Hazard Warning Flasher ................. 190
Jump Starting ......................... 202
Overheating .......................... 190 Towing
............................. 206
Emission Control System Maintenance ...... 211,264
Engine ............................... 209
Air Cleaner .......................... 216
Break-In Recommendations ................ 63
Checking Oil Level ..................... 214
Compartment ......................... 209
Coolant (Antifreeze) ................. 227,261
Cooling .......................... 1 16,227
Exhaust Gas Caution ................ 30,64,185
Fails to Start .......................... 146
Flooded, Starting ...................... 146
Fuel Requirements .................. 181,260
Oil ........................... 214,260,261
Oil Change Interval .................... 214
Oil Disposal .......................... 216
Oil Filter ............................ 216
Oil Selection ....................... 215,260
Overheating ....................... 1 16,190
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INDEX 299

Occupant Restraints..................... 32,53
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel) .............. 181
Odometer ............................. 108
Trip ................................ 108
Oil, Engine ....................... 214,260,261
Capacity ............................ 260
Change Interval ....................... 214
Checking ............................ 214
Dipstick ............................. 214
Disposal ............................ 216
Filter ............................ 216,261
Filter Disposal ........................ 216
Materials Added to ..................... 216
Pressure Gauge ....................... 117
Recommendation ................... 215,260
Viscosity ............................ 260
Oil Filter, Selection ....................... 216
Onboard Diagnostic System ..............210,211
Operator Manual (Owner’s Manual) ............ 4Outside Rearview Mirrors
.................. 83
Overheating, Engine ...................... 190
Owner’s Manual (Operator Manual) .........4,291
Paint Care ............................. 237
Paint Damage .......................... 237
Panic Alarm ............................ 21
Parking Brake .......................... 155
Parking On Hill ......................... 155
Passing Light ........................... 91
Pedals, Adjustable ........................ 97
Pets .................................. 62
Pets, Transporting ........................ 62
Placard, Tire and Loading Information ......... 167
Polishing and Waxing ..................... 238
Power Accessory Delay ...................... 13,28
Brakes .............................. 157
Distribution Center (Fuses) ............... 244
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INDEX 305