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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
7
Page 194 of 264

level 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.
Wheel Bearings
Your Viper has permanently sealed wheel bearings that
do not require periodic maintenance.
Appearance Care
Your manufacturer’s dealer offers a complete line of
products for cleaning your Viper. Follow the instructions
on each container.
Leather or Vinyl Seat/Trim Care and Cleaning
Leather is best preserved by regular cleaning with a
damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt can act as an
abrasive and damage the leather surface and should be
removed immediately with a damp cloth. Stubborn soils
can be removed easily with a soft cloth and Mopar Total
Clean. Care should be taken to avoid soaking the leather
with any liquid. Please do not use polishes, oils, cleaning
fluids, solvents, detergents, or ammonia based cleaners
to clean the leather. Application of a leather conditioner is
not required to maintain the original condition.
194 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 212 of 264

Headlight Aiming
The headlights on your new Viper were aimed at the
factory. The factory setting was made at a no load setting.
A great increase in weight will change the aiming and it
may be necessary to readjust the headlights if you
typically carry an excessive amount of weight in the
trunk or otherwise suspect misalignment.
Aiming Check
Each headlight assembly can be adjusted up and down
only. No left to right adjustment is necessary. To check,
proceed as follows:
1. Fill the fuel tank and park the vehicle on level ground.
A driveway is not normally level. If in doubt and you
have no way to check levelness, do not attempt to adjust
the headlights.
2.
Mark the position of the headlights on a wall prior to
loading the vehicle. Load the trunk with the items you
normally carry. Have someone sit in the driver’s seat who is
about the same weight as the person who drives the vehicle.
3. Push down on the front and rear of the vehicle several
times to make sure that the suspension has settled.
4. Then readjust the headlights to the original position.
NOTE:If any further adjustments are necessary, contact
your dealership.
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIESU.S. Metric
Fuel (approximate)
8.3 Liter Engine (Premium 91
Octane)18 gal-
lons68 liters
Engine Oil-With Filter
8.3 Liter Engines (0W-40) 10 qts. 9.5 Liters
Cooling System *
8.3 Liter Engines* (Mopar
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
102,000 Mile Formula)16 qts. 15 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to
MAX level.
212 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 220 of 264

At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check 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.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the suspension components.
•Lubricate door hinges and check springs.
•Check the engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•Check power steering fluid level.
220 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
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N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
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Page 247 of 264

Defroster, Windshield...................... 51
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 82
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 161
Dimmer Control......................... 74
Dimmer Switch, Headlight.................. 78
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 186
Door Locks............................. 13
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 15
Doors................................. 13
Drive Belts............................ 168
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 154
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 68
Emergency Brake........................ 116
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 155
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 148Jump Starting......................... 150
Overheating.......................... 148
Towing............................. 155
Emission Control System Maintenance......162,218
Engine............................... 160
Break-In Recommendations................ 50
Checking Oil Level..................... 164
Compartment......................... 160
Coolant (Antifreeze).................183,213
Cooling...........................90,183
Exhaust Gas Caution..................51,145
Fails to Start.......................... 112
Fuel Requirements..................142,212
Oil ...........................164,212,213
Oil Change Interval.................... 165
Oil Disposal.......................... 167
Oil Filter............................ 167
Oil Selection.......................166,212
Overheating........................90,148
INDEX 247
10
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Engine Oil Viscosity...................166,212
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................. 166
Exhaust Gas Caution................51,145,182
Exhaust System......................... 182
Exterior Lights.......................... 205
Fan .................................. 105
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 171
Engine Oil........................... 213
Flashers
Hazard Warning.....................87,148
Turn Signal........................... 87
Flash-To-Pass........................... 78
Floor Console........................... 66
Fluid Capacities......................... 212
Fluid Leaks............................. 52
Fluid Level Checks
Brake............................190,214Capacities........................... 212
Cooling System....................... 183
Engine Oil........................... 164
Manual Transmission................... 193
Power Steering.....................178,214
Fluids................................ 213
Fog Lights.........................75,77,90
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 148
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 155
Fuel................................. 142
Adding............................. 145
Additives............................ 144
Clean Air............................ 142
Gasoline............................ 142
Gauge............................... 93
Octane Rating........................ 213
Requirements......................142,212
Tank Capacity........................ 212
Fueling............................... 145
248 INDEX