Dodge Viper 2017, Operating Information Manual

Page: 164 / 389

Points To Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a few
miles/kilometers of operation, you may ob-
serve vapor coming from the front of the
engine compartment. This is normally a re-
sult of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and
being vaporized 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 expansion bottle.
•
Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator
and in the coolant expansion bottle. If engine
coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, the
contents of the coolant expansion bottle must
also be protected against freezing.
•
If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) addi-
tions are required, the cooling system should
be pressure tested for leaks.
•
Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concen-
tration at a minimum of 50% OAT coolant
(conforming to MS.90032) and distilled water
for proper corrosion protection of your engine
which contains aluminum components.
•
Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle
overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
•
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 nec-
essary, install ONLY the correct type thermo-
stat. Other designs may result in unsatisfac-
tory engine coolant (antifreeze) performance,
poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
To ensure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected peri-
odically. Refer to “Service and Warranty Hand-
book” 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 failure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when
performing underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring
the fluid level up to the requirements described
on the brake fluid reservoir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because
it may cause leaking in the system.
With disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to
fall as the brake pads wear. However, low fluid
level may be caused by a leak and a checkup
may be needed.
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended
brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, And
Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for
further information. Use of a brake fluid that may
have a lower initial boiling point or unidentified
as to specification, may result in sudden brake
failure during hard prolonged braking.
WARNING!
•
Use only manufacturer’s recommended
brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants,
And Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for further information. Using the
wrong type of brake fluid can severely
damage your brake system and/or impair
its performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also identified on
the original factory installed hydraulic mas-
ter cylinder reservoir.
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