2004 DODGE VIPER check oil

²Rubber bushings
²Starter bearing
²Throttle control cable
²Water pump bearings
Windshield Washers
The fluid reservoir in the right side engine compartment
should be checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill
the reservoir with windshield antifreeze (not radiator
antifreeze).
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system;
or if exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle; or
when the underside or side of the vehicle is damaged;have a competent mechanic inspect the complete exhaust
system and adjacent body areas for broken, damaged,
deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams or
loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep
into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the
exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for lubri-
cation or oil change. Replace as required.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide which is colorless and odorless. Breathing
it can make you unconscious and can eventually
poison you.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 165
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Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing underhood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning lamp shows system failure. Be
sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring thefluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. 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 the Recommended Fluids, Lubri-
cants and Genuine Parts section for the correct fluid type.
Mopar Brake Fluid is fluid of this quality and is recom-
mended to provide best brake performance. 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.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter.
Brake Fluid Reservoir
174 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

the transmission. The fluid level should be at the bottom
of the fill hole. Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the
proper level.
Frequency of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
the vehicle. If the vehicle is operated under severe
conditions, change the fluid as specified in Maintenance
ScheduleB. If contaminated with water, the fluid should
be changed immediately.
Rear Axle
Fluid Level Check
Every 12 months or 6,000 miles (10 000 km) the exterior of
the axle should be checked for evidence of gear oil
leakage. This check should be made with the vehicle in a
level position, supported by the suspension, on an axle
and wheel type hoist, or on the ground. The axle fluidlevel should be between the bottom of the filler plug and
a point approximately 3/8 inch (9.5mm) below the filler
plug.
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturer's recommended transmission
fluid. Refer to the Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and
Genuine Parts section for correct fluid type. This Limited
Slip Differential requires that a friction control additive
be added to the gear oil whenever a fluid change is made.
Frequency of Oil Change
Drain and fill the axle at the interval specified in the
Maintenance Schedules. Change the fluid immediately if
contaminated with water.
176 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).L
²Off-road or desert operation.
²If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule9B9.
Second is ScheduleªAº. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
ule9B9.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 201
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Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the suspension components.
²Lubricate door hinges and check springs.
²Check the engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Check power steering fluid level.
²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval shown on
Schedule ªAº 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or every other
interval shown on Schedule ªBº 6,000 miles (10 000
km).
202 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Oil Filter............................ 152
Oil Selection.......................... 150
Overheating........................... 78
Exhaust Gas Caution...................47,165
Exhaust System......................... 165
Exterior Lights.......................... 186
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 155
Flashers
Hazard Warning........................ 75
Fluid Capacities......................195,196
Fluid Leaks............................. 48
Fluid Level Checks
Capacities........................... 195
Manual Transmission................... 175
Power Steering........................ 161
Fog Lights.........................62,64,78
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 132Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 138
Fuel................................. 127
Adding............................. 129
Gauge............................... 81
Octane Rating........................ 127
Tank Capacity........................ 195
Fuses................................ 180
GasCap .............................. 129
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends................ 128
Gauges................................ 80
Coolant Temperature..................78,80
Fuel................................ 81
Oil Pressure........................... 80
Tachometer........................... 80
Voltmeter............................ 81
Gear Ratios............................ 196
Glass Cleaning.......................... 178
Ground Clearance....................... 126
INDEX 229
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Light Bulbs............................ 186
Lights................................. 60
Airbag.............................41,79
Anti-Lock Warning...................... 75
Back-Up............................. 61
Brake Warning......................... 79
Daytime Running....................... 63
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................ 61
Exterior Check......................... 48
Fog .............................62,64,78
Hazard Warning Flasher...............75,132
Headlight Switch....................... 62
Headlights.........................62,188
High Beam Indicator.................... 77
Instrument Cluster...................... 62
Interior...........................61,186
Lights On Reminder..................... 63
Malfunction Indicator.................... 76
Map Reading.......................... 60Oil Pressure........................... 78
Passing.............................. 65
Reading.............................. 60
Seat Belt Reminder...................... 77
Turn Signal.......................61,64,75
Loading Vehicle
Capacities........................... 130
Tires ............................... 112
Locks
Door................................ 13
Low Tire Indicator....................... 124
Low Tire Pressure System.................. 124
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) . 35
Lubricants..........................162,163
Lubrication, Body....................... 162
Maintenance Schedule.................... 200
Light Duty Schedule9B9................. 203
Schedule9A9......................... 210
INDEX 231
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Schedule9B9.......................... 203
Malfunction Indicator Light..............76,146
Manual, Service......................... 220
Manual Transmission..................... 100
Master Cylinder......................... 174
Message Center.......................... 75
Mirrors................................ 55
Electric Remote........................ 55
Outside.............................. 56
Rearview............................. 55
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Mopar Parts.........................147,219
Multi-Function Control Lever................ 61
Occupant Restraints....................... 26
Oil, Engine.........................148,195
Capacity............................ 195
Checking............................ 148
Disposal............................ 151Filter............................... 152
Identification Logo..................... 150
Materials Added to..................... 151
Pressure Gauge........................ 80
Quality............................. 150
Recommendation...................... 150
Synthetic............................ 151
Oil Filter, Selection....................... 152
Onboard Diagnostic System..............145,146
Operator Manuals......................... 4
Overheating, Engine...................... 132
Owner's Manual.......................4,220
Paint Care............................. 177
Parking Brake.......................... 102
Parking On Hill......................... 103
Passing Light........................... 65
PCV Valve............................ 155
Pedals, Adjustable........................ 66
232 INDEX