2005 DODGE VIPER service schedule

ignition key or start the engine. This means that your
vehicle’s OBD system isnot readyand you shouldnot
proceed to the I/M station.
b. The MIL will not flash at all and will remain fully
illuminated until you turn off the ignition key or start
the engine. This means that your vehicle’s OBD system
isreadyand you can proceed to the I/M station.
If your OBD system isnot ready,you should see your
authorized dealer or repair facility. If your vehicle was
recently serviced or had a battery failure or replacement,
you may need to do nothing more than drive your
vehicle as you normally would in order for your OBD
system to update. A recheck with the above test routine
may then indicate that the system is now ready.
Regardless of whether your vehicle’s OBD system is
ready or not ready, if the MIL symbol is illuminated
during normal vehicle operation, you should have yourvehicle serviced before going to the I/M station. The I/M
station can fail your vehicle because the MIL symbol is on
with the engine running.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine Moparparts for normal/scheduled
maintenance and repairs is highly recommended to in-
sure the designed performance. Damage or failures
caused by the use of non-Moparparts for maintenance
and repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer’s
warranty.
DEALER SERVICE
Your dealer has the qualified service personnel, special
tools and equipment to perform all service operations in
an expert manner. Service Manuals are available which
include detailed service information for your vehicle.
Refer to these manuals before attempting any procedure
yourself.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 163
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The best time to check the oil level is approximately 5
minutes after a fully warmed up engine is turned off or
before starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground also
will improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Add
oil only when the level is below the SAFE mark.Changing Engine Oil
Road conditions and your kind of driving affects the
interval at which your oil should be changed.
IfANYof the following apply to you, then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow the maintenance rec-
ommendations in ScheduleB.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F(0°C)
•Stop and go driving
•Extensive engine idling
•Driving in dusty conditions
•Short trip driving of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C)
•Taxi, Police, or delivery service (commercial service)Engine Oil Dipstick
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 165
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Relubrication
Ball joints are lubricated at the factory with a special
grease. They should be regreased at intervals as specified
in the maintenance schedules. When lubricating ball
joints, use only special long life chassis grease, such as
Multi-Mileage Lubricant, intended for this purpose.
Steering Linkage
There are two tie rod end ball joints that require periodic
inspection. The ball joint seals should be inspected when-
ever servicing the vehicle for other reasons. Damaged
seals should be replaced to prevent leakage or contami-
nation of the grease. The seals are not serviceable by
themselves, the entire outer tie rod end needs to be
replaced.
Lubrication
The tie rod ends are lubricated for life. No periodic
lubrication is required.
Body Mechanism Lubrication
Body and other operating mechanisms and linkages
should be inspected, cleaned, and lubricated, as required,
to maintain ease of operation and to provide protection
against rust and wear.
Before the application of any lubricant, the parts con-
cerned should be wiped clean to remove dust and grit;
after lubricating, excess oil or grease should be removed.
Hood Latch
When performing other underhood services, the hood
latch release mechanism and safety catch should be
inspected, cleaned, and lubricated.
It is important to maintain proper lubrication to insure
that the hood mechanisms work properly and safely.
Multi-Purpose Lubricant, NLGI Grade 2, should be ap-
plied sparingly to all pivot and sliding contact areas.
180 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 ofthe 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 fluid
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 193
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EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The“Scheduled”maintenance services, listed inbold
typemust be done at the times or mileages specified to
assure the continued proper functioning of the emission
control system. These, and all other maintenance services
included in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service also should be done any time a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-
sion control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part which has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or, in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
There are two maintenance schedules that show the
requiredservice for your vehicle.
First is Schedule“B”. It is for vehicles that are operated
under the conditions that are listed below and at the
beginning of the schedule.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F(0°C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F(32°C).
•Trailer towing.
218 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5,000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule B of the
“Maintenance Schedules”section of this manual.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then flush and
replace the engine coolant every 102,000 miles (164,000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow
schedule B of theMaintenance Schedulessection of this
manual.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for ScheduleB.Second is Schedule“A”. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
uleB.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever
comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 219
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SCHEDULE“B”
Follow schedule“B”if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F(0°C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C).
•Trailer towing.
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule“B”of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
NOTE:IFANYof these apply to you then flush and
replace the engine coolant every 102,000 miles (164,000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow
schedule B of theMaintenance Schedulessection of this
manual.
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Miles 93,000 96,000 99,000 102,000 105,000
(Kilometers) (149 000) (154 000) (158 000) (163 000) (168 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not replaced at
3 months.XXXXX
Inspect the brake linings. X
Change the rear axle fluid. X
Inspect and replace, if necessary, theengine air cleaner
filter.X
Lubricate the front and rear suspension ball joints. X
Change the transmission fluid.X
Inspect and replace the Auto Tension Drive Belt as
needed. Not required if the belt was previously replaced.X
Flush and replace the engine coolant, if not replaced at
60 months.X
* This maintenance is recommended by DaimlerChrysler
Corporation to the owner but is not required to maintain
the warranty on the PCV orifice.‡This maintenance is not required if previously replaced.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime a
malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all receipts.
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