2004 DODGE VIPER power steering

2.All occupants should wear their lap and shoulder
belts properly.
3.The driver and passenger seats should be moved
back as far as practical to allow the airbags room to
inflate. Additionally, the pedals are power adjustable,
so the driver seat can be moved back and the pedals
moved closer as needed so the driver can be as far from
the airbag as possible. (See section on Power Adjust-
able Pedals for operation.)
4.You should read the instructions provided with your
child safety or booster seat to make sure that you are
using it properly.
The airbag system consists of the following:
²Airbag control module and internal crash sensor
²AIRBAG Readiness Light
²Driver and Passenger Airbag/inflator Units
²Passenger Side Airbag On/Off Switch
²Passenger Airbag Off Indicator Light
²Unique Steering Wheel and Column
²Unique Instrument Panel
²Interconnecting Wiring
²Knee Impact Bolster
How The Airbag System Works
²
A crash sensor in the occupant compartment deter-
mines if a frontal impact is severe enough to require
the airbag. The sensor will not detect side, roll over, or
rear impacts. The crash sensor is connected to the
diagnostic unit and to the airbag/inflator unit.
²The Diagnostic Unit monitors the readiness of the
electronic parts of the system whenever the ignition
switch is in the START or RUN position. These include
40 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures......................97
NIf Engine Fails To Start..................98
NAfter Starting........................100
mTransmission Shifting....................100
NRecommended Shift Speeds..............101
NSkip Shift Light.......................101
mParking Brake.........................102
mBrake System..........................104
NBrake Pad Break-In....................107mPower Steering........................107
mTire Safety Information...................108
NTire Markings........................108
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........111
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........112
mTiresÐGeneral Information................116
NTire Pressure.........................116
NTire Inflation Pressures.................117
NRadial-Ply Tires......................120
5

In the event power assist is lost for any reason (for
example, repeated brake applications with the engine
off), the brakes will still function. The effort required to
brake the vehicle will be much greater than that required
with the power system operating.
If either the front or rear hydraulic system loses normal
capability, the remaining system will still function with
some loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be
evident by increased pedal travel during application,
greater pedal force required to slow or stop, and activa-
tion of the Brake Warning Lamp during brake use.
NOTE:Your Viper has a very high performance braking
system. The brake pads are a semi-metallic compound
which has been selected for superior fade resistance and
consistent operation. A compromise is that under some
weather and operating conditions, the brakes may squeal
slightly during light brake applications.Brake Pad Break-In
The brakes on your new Viper do not require a long
break-in period, but avoid repeated hard brake applica-
tions from high speeds during initial break-in. Also avoid
severe brake loading such as may be encountered when
descending long mountain grades.
POWER STEERING
The power assisted steering system of your vehicle
provides mechanical steering capability in the event
power assist is lost.
If for some reason the hydraulic pressure is interrupted,
it will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions you will observe a substantial increase in
steering effort.
STARTING AND OPERATING 107
5

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

Power Steering (Pump and Reservoir)
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked with the engine off to
prevent injury from moving parts. Do not overfill.
Use only the manufacturer's recommended fluid.
Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Check power steering fluid level at intervals as specified
in the maintenance schedules.
During scheduled maintenance, check the power steering
fluid level at the power steering fluid reservoir.The fluid should be checked HOT with the engine OFF.
Before removing the reservoir cap, wipe the outside of
the cap and reservoir so that no dirt can fall into the
reservoir.
All power steering pumps have a dipstick. Fluid level
should be maintained at the proper level indicated on the
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 161
7

hose routing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat
source or moving component that may cause heat dam-
age or mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of degradation that could result in failure.
Brake System
To assure brake system performance, all brake system
components should be inspected periodically. Suggested
service intervals can be found in Section 8 of this manual.
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 wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake, Power Steering, and Fuel System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be made to examining those hose sur-
faces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 171
7

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

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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