Page 170 of 264

To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for prolonged period.
Ignition Wiring System and Ignition Timing
The ignition cables should be kept clean and properly
connected. Terminals should be fully seated. Do not
remove the nipple assemblies from the coil towers unless
the nipples are damaged or cable testing shows high
resistance or broken insulation. Refer to the Service
Manual for the proper procedure to be followed for
checking ignition cable resistance. Cracked, damaged, or
faulty cables should be replaced.
Because of the plastic body shell on your Viper, ignition
cables should be replaced with the specially designed RFI
cables available at your dealer.
Ignition timing cannot be set on this vehicle.
170 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 218 of 264

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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Page 221 of 264

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.
SCHEDULE“B”221
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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
Page 255 of 264

Steering
Linkage............................. 180
Power...........................121,178
Tilt Column........................... 78
Storage............................... 202
Stuck, Freeing.......................... 155
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag........ 41
Tachometer............................. 92
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant........... 92
Theft Alarm............................ 20
Theft System............................ 20
Tilt Steering Column...................... 78
Tire and Loading Information Placard......126,127
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 125
Tire Markings.......................... 122
Tire Safety Information.................... 122
Tires ............................52,130,241
Air Pressure.......................... 130Alignment........................... 138
Chains.............................. 140
Compact Spare........................ 134
General Information.................... 130
High Speed.......................... 133
Inflation Pressures..................... 131
Load Capacity.....................126,127
Quality Grading....................... 241
Radial.............................. 134
Replacement......................... 137
Rotation............................. 141
Safety..........................52,122,130
Sizes............................... 123
Snow Tires........................... 140
Spinning............................ 136
Storage............................. 141
Tread Wear Indicators................... 137
Top Cover.............................. 59
Towing............................146,155
INDEX 255
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Page 256 of 264

Disabled Vehicle....................... 155
Trailering............................ 146
Traction.............................. 154
Trailer Towing.......................... 146
Transmission........................... 193
Fluid............................... 214
Shifting.......................... 114,115
Transmitter Battery Service.................. 19
Transmitter Programming................... 18
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry..........15,19
Transporting Pets........................ 50
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 137
Trip Odometer Reset Button................. 86
Trunk Release, Emergency.................. 24
Turn Signals..........................77,87
Underbody Maintenance.................. 196
Uniform Tire Quality Grades................ 241
Unleaded Gasoline....................... 142Upholstery Care........................ 194
Vehicle Identification Number................ 6
Vehicle Loading......................127,146
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations.............. 7
Vehicle Storage......................... 202
Vehicle Theft Alarm....................... 20
Ventilation System....................... 104
Vinyl Trim............................. 194
Viscosity, Engine Oil...................166,212
Voltmeter.............................. 93
Warning Flasher, Hazard.................. 148
Warnings and Cautions..................... 6
Warranty Information..................... 237
Washer, Adding Fluid..................... 182
Washers, Windshield.................81,82,182
Wheel Alignment and Balance............... 138
Wheel Bearings......................... 194
256 INDEX