Page 142 of 236

NPower Steering (Pump And Reservoir)......161
NBody Lubrication.....................162
NFront And Rear Suspension Ball Joints......162
NSteering Linkage......................163
NBody Mechanism Lubrication.............163
NWindshield Washers...................165
NExhaust System......................165
NCooling System.......................166
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......170
NBrake System........................171
NBrake, Power Steering, And Fuel System
Hoses.............................171NBrake And Clutch Fluid.................173
NMaster Cylinder......................174
NHydraulic Clutch.....................175
NTransmission........................175
NRear Axle...........................176
NWheel Bearings.......................177
NAppearance Care.....................177
mFuses Ð Power Distribution Center..........180
mVehicle Storage........................183
mReplacement Bulbs......................186
NInterior Light Bulbs....................186
NExterior Light Bulbs...................186
142 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 172 of 236

Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids are used during assembly plant
operations to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings.
Therefore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of
hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation) should be noted before hose is re-
placed based on leakage.
High pressure fuel system hoses have unique material
characteristics that provide adequate sealing and resist
attack by deteriorated gasoline.Use only manufacturer specified hoses or their equiva-
lent in material and specification, in any fuel system
servicing. It is mandatory to replace all clamps that have
been loosened or removed during service.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done when-
ever the brake system is serviced and at every engine oil
change. If there is any evidence of cracking, scuffing, or
worn spots, the hose should be replaced immediately!
Eventual deterioration of the hose can take place with
possible burst failure.
172 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 173 of 236
Brake and Clutch Fluid
These fluids will tend to absorb moisture from the
atmosphere over a period of time. If the fluid becomes
contaminated with water, brake or clutch performance
will deteriorate. The brake and clutch fluid must be
changed every two years.
CAUTION!
Brake fluid can damage the finish of your Viper. Do
not allow brake fluid to contact any painted surface.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Clutch Fluid Reservoir
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 173
7
Page 174 of 236

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
Page 175 of 236

Hydraulic Clutch
The fluid in the clutch master cylinder should be checked
when performing other under hood services. To check
the fluid level, remove the reservoir cap. If necessary, add
fluid to the reservoir. Use only the manufacturer's rec-
ommended brake fluid. Refer to the Recommended Flu-
ids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts section for the correct
fluid type. Mopar brake fluid is fluid of this quality and
is recommended to provide best brake performance.
Make sure that the fluid has been stored in a tightly
closed container to avoid contamination with dirt or
moisture. Do Not Overfill. Overfilling can cause clutch
release problems as the clutch wears. A low fluid level
may indicate a leak, in which case, hydraulic clutch
linkage replacement may be required. The fluid level in
the reservoir will rise as the clutch wears - Do Not
Remove Fluid.
Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate the
brake fluid Ð seal damage will result.
Transmission
Lubricant Selection
Refer to the Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genu-
ine Parts section for correct fluid type.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer's recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality. Refer to the Recom-
mended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts sec-
tion for correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid in the transmission should be checked when-
ever other underhood services are done. Check the fluid
level by removing the fill plug located on the left side of
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 175
7
Page 197 of 236
Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Transmission Mopar Synthetic Manual Transmission Lubricant 75W/85W (Castrol Syntorq
LT 75W/85W)
Rear Axle Mopar Synthetic Gear and Axle Lubricant 75W-140, with Limited Slip Addi-
tive Friction Modifier
Brake Master Cylinder MopartBrake & Clutch Fluid DOT 4 Motor Vehicle
Power Steering Reservoir ATF+4
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 197
7
Page 198 of 236
Body
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Hinges:
Door, Trunk & Hood Springs and
LinksMopartSpray White Lube
Latches:
Door, Hood & Trunk MopartMulti-Purpose Lube NLGI Grade 2
Door Hinge Check Spring Lubriplate Mo-Lith No. 2 Grease or Petrocan Multiflex Moly EP 2 Grease
Seat Regulator & Track MopartMulti-Purpose Lube NLGI Grade 2
Window System Components MopartSpray White Lube
Lock Cylinders MopartSpray White Lube
Parking Brake Mechanism MopartSpray White Lube
198 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 202 of 236
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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