2005 DODGE VIPER Owners Manual

Thermostat Housing shown in illustration) of your Viper
and the other end to the engine of the other vehicle. Make
sure that you have a good contact on the engines.
NOTE:When using another vehicle as the power
source, turn off all accessories.
8. Turn off the Theft Security System.
NOTE:If system is not turned off, the Theft System
electronics will prevent the engine from starting.9. Allow battery to charge to at least 12.4 volts before
attempting to start engine.
10. Start the engine in the booster vehicle and let the
engine idle for a few minutes. Then start the Viper
engine. If engine does not start in 15 seconds, stop
cranking engine and allow starter to cool down before
cranking again.
11. When removing the booster cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 153
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DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is danger-
ous. You could lose control of the vehicle and possi-
bly have an accident. Accelerate slowly and carefully
whenever there is likely to be poor traction (ice,
snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should
be observed:
•Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
•Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
CAUTION!
Driving your Viper through deep puddles at speeds
over 5 mph, may cause water to be ingested into the
engine. This can cause severe engine damage.
•Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
•Keep tires properly inflated.
•Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front to avoid a collision in a sudden
stop.
154 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and First gear. Usually the least accelerator pedal pres-
sure to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission/axle overheating and fail-
ure. It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the
wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Do not tow with sling type equipment. Only use flat bed
equipment. Always comply with applicable state or local
towing ordinances.
CAUTION!
Towing with equipment other than flat bed types
may damage your vehicle.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 155
6

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS

8.3L Engine Compartment................160

Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).........161

Emissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................162

Replacement Parts......................163

Dealer Service.........................163

Maintenance Procedures..................164
▫Engine Oil..........................164
▫Drive Belts—Check Condition And Tension . . 168▫Spark Plugs.........................168
▫Catalytic Converter....................168
▫Ignition Wiring System And Ignition Timing . . 170
▫Crankcase Emission Control System........171
▫Air Cleaner Filter.....................171
▫Maintenance-Free Battery................171
▫Battery Save Feature...................174
▫Air Conditioner......................176
▫Power Steering (Pump And Reservoir)......178
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▫Body Lubrication.....................179
▫Front And Rear Suspension Ball Joints......179
▫Steering Linkage......................180
▫Body Mechanism Lubrication.............180
▫Windshield Washers...................182
▫Exhaust System......................182
▫Cooling System.......................183
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......188
▫Brake System........................188
▫Brake, Power Steering, And Fuel System
Hoses.............................189
▫Brake And Clutch Fluid.................190
▫Master Cylinder......................191▫Hydraulic Clutch.....................192
▫Transmission........................193
▫Rear Axle...........................193
▫Wheel Bearings.......................194
▫Appearance Care.....................194

Fuses—Power Distribution Center..........197

Vehicle Storage........................202

Replacement Bulbs......................204
▫Interior Light Bulbs....................204
▫Exterior Light Bulbs...................205

Exterior Light Bulb Service................205
▫Headlight, Parking, Front Park, Turn Signal, Front
Sidemarker And Front Fog Light Removal....205
158 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

▫High Intensity Discharge Headlights (HID) . . . 207
▫Tail, Tail/Stop, And Marker Lamp Bulb
Replacement.........................207
▫Backup And Rear Turn Signal Lamp Bulb
Replacement.........................208
▫License Plate Light....................211

Headlight Aiming......................212
▫Aiming Check.......................212
Fluids And Capacities...................212

Recommended Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine
Parts................................213
▫Engine.............................213
▫Chassis............................214
▫Body..............................215
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 159
7

8.3L ENGINE COMPARTMENT
8.3L Engine Compartment
160 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE