2015 DODGE VIPER towing

14. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part of
an onboard diagnostic system, called OBD, that
monitors engine control systems. The light will
illuminate when the ignition is in the ON/RUN position,
before engine start. If the bulb does not come on when
cycling the ignition from OFF to ON/RUN, have the
condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as poor fuel quality, may illumi-
nate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be
serviced if the light stays on through several of your
typical driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will
drive normally and will not require towing.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) on could cause damage to the engine
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
control system. It also could affect fuel economy and
driveability. If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic
converter damage and power loss will soon occur.
Immediate service is required.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced
above, can reach higher temperatures than in normal
operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you
drive slowly or park over flammable substances such
as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result
in death or serious injury to the driver, occupants or
others.
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Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is cor-
rected. This light does not show how much oil is in
the engine. The engine oil level must be checked
under the hood.
•Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
This telltale informs you of a problem with
the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) sys-
tem. If the telltale comes on while driving,
have the system checked by an authorized
dealer.
If a problem is detected, the telltale will come on
while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition when
the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever
is placed in the NEUTRAL position and the parking
brake applied. The telltale should turn off.
If the telltale remains lit with the engine running,
your vehicle will usually be drivable. However, see
an authorized dealer for service as soon as possible. If
the telltale is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required. You may experience
reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle, or
engine stall and your vehicle may require towing.
•Oil Temperature Warning Light
This telltale indicates high engine oil tem-
perature. If the light turns on while driving,
stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as
soon as possible. A chime will sound for
four minutes when this light turns on.
•Door Ajar
This telltale turns on when one or more
doors are ajar. The telltale will show which
doors are ajar.
154 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. The
light will come on when the ignition is first
cycled ON and remain on briefly as a bulb
check. If the light does not come on during starting, have
the system checked by an authorized dealer.
If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the
engine is running. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle
has completely stopped and the shift lever is in Neutral,
with the Parking Brake applied. The light should turn off.
If the light remains lit with the engine running, your
vehicle will usually be drivable. However, see an autho-
rized dealer for service as soon as possible. If the light is
flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is
required. You may experience reduced performance, an
elevated/rough idle or engine stall, and your vehicle
may require towing.
•Engine Temperature Warning Light
This light warns of an overheated engine condi-
tion. As temperatures rise and the gauge ap-
proachesH,this indicator will illuminate, and a single
chime will sound after reaching a set threshold. Further
overheating will cause the temperature gauge to passH,
the indicator will continuously flash, and a continuous
chime will occur until the engine is allowed to cool.
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and
stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also,
shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the ve-
hicle. If the temperature reading does not return to
normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for
service. Refer to “If Your Engine Overheats” in “What To
Do In Emergencies” for more information.
164 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

!FUEL REQUIREMENTS..................277
▫8.4L Engine..........................277
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................278
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............278
▫E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles.......279
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................279
▫Materials Added To Fuel................280
▫Fuel System Cautions...................280
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings.............281
!ADDING FUEL........................282
▫Emergency Fuel Filler Door Release.........284
!TRAILER TOWING.....................286
!RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)...................287
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)...........................287
!GROUND CLEARANCE.................288
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Tire And Loading Information Placard
This placard tells you important information about the:
1. Number of people that can be carried in the vehicle.
2. Total weight your vehicle can carry.
3. Tire size designed for your vehicle.
4. Cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear, and
spare tires.
Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed
the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if you
adhere to the loading conditions, tire size, and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information placard and in the “Vehicle Loading” section
of this manual.
NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded. For further information on
GAWRs, vehicle loading, and trailer towing, refer to
“Vehicle Loading” in this section.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs or
Tire And Loading Information Placard
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XXX kg” on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
The combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed
the weight referenced here.
Steps For Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs or
XXX kg” on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas-
sengers from XXX lbs or XXX kg.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if
“XXX” amount equals 1,400 lbs (635 kg) and there will
be five 150 lb (68 kg) passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity
is 650 lbs (295 kg) (since 5 x 150 lbs (68 kg) = 750 lbs
(340 kg), and 1400 lbs (635 kg) – 750 lbs (340 kg) =
650 lbs [295 kg]).
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load
capacity calculated in step 4.
NOTE:
•If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. The follow-
ing table shows examples on how to calculate total
load, cargo/luggage, and towing capacities of your
vehicle with varying seating configurations and num-
ber and size of occupants. This table is for illustration
purposes only and may not be accurate for the seating
and load carry capacity of your vehicle.
•For the following example, the combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs
(392 kg).
256 STARTING AND OPERATING

5. Return the release cable to the original position (inside
the inner trim panel) and push the carpet back into the
original position.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with this vehicle is not recommended.
Fuel Door Open
Carpet Into Original Position
286 STARTING AND OPERATING

RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat
Towing With All Four Wheels On The Ground)
Towing ConditionWheels OFF The GroundManual Transmission
Flat TowNoneNOT ALLOWED
Dolly TowFrontNOT ALLOWED
RearNOT RECOMMENDED
On TrailerAllOK
NOTE:If the vehicle requires towing, make sure all four
wheels are off the ground.CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe transmission damage. Dam-
age from improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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