2005 DODGE VIPER Owners Manual

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
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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

Paint and Trim
Your vehicle is exposed to the corrosive effects of chemi-
cal fall out, salt spray, and road film. To protect not only
the paint and trim, but also exposed mountings and
fixtures, it is important you wash it often and thoroughly.
After washing, allow all surfaces to drain and dry before
parking in a closed garage. Prompt washing may not
thoroughly remove these deposits. Additional cleaners
may be required. When using chemical cleaners formu-
lated for this purpose, be certain they are safe for use on
urethane painted surfaces.
Use soap and water on dull black window trim. Polish or
cleaners may leave a white residue. If desired, you may
polish your vehicle immediately by using Mopar Auto-
mobile Polish.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned regularly with any
commercial household-type glass cleaner. Never use an
abrasive type cleaner.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
When cleaning the lenses, use care to avoid scratching
the plastic.
NOTE:Never scrape the windows with squeegees,
razor blades, or other sharp instruments.
•Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If using soap, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag or chamois cloth.
•Dry with a soft tissue.
Damage to the Body Finish
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish
should be promptly repaired.
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Minor damage can be repaired by using touch-up mate-
rials available at your dealers. More extensive damage
should be corrected in your dealer’s paint facility.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage will also weaken the fabric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the car to
wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
Convertible Top Care
Use a mild detergent to clean the top. Avoid heavy
scrubbing and rinse with plenty of clean water. Allow to
dry thoroughly before storage.
Carpeting
Vacuum your carpeting regularly to prevent a soil
buildup. Shampoo soiled carpeting with a reliable uphol-
stery cleaner, using a natural sponge or soft bristle brush.
After carpeting dries, vacuum it thoroughly.
Underbody Maintenance
The corrosive materials used for ice and snow removal or
dust control may accumulate on the underbody of your
vehicle. If not removed, these materials may accelerate
rusting and deterioration of underbody components such
as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, exhaust system, etc.
At least twice during the winter months hose down the
wheel wells and underside of the vehicle. Make sure you
remove mud and salt from panels, crevices and ledges,
and that all drain holes and channels are free of debris.
NOTE:You can do more harm by hosing off the vehicle
without removing caked mud and debris.
196 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

The frame of your Viper is galvanized for rust-through
protection. It is also dipped in a black E-Coat to protect
the welded areas. Avoid any scratches through to bare
metal.
Commercial Car Washes
We do not recommend that you take your Viper through
a commercial car wash.
In the event that you do take your Viper to a commercial
car wash, move the Heater/Air Conditioning blower
control to the lowest setting. This will prevent the possi-
bility of water entering the system.
CAUTION!
The tires on your Viper are wider than the guide
tracks on most washes and the low ground clearance
of your vehicle may not be compatible with some car
wash equipment. You could damage your vehicle.
FUSES—Power Distribution Center
A power distribution center is located in the engine
compartment. This center contains fuses and relays.
CAUTION!
•When installing the Power Distribution Center
cover, it is important to ensure the cover is prop-
erly positioned and fully latched. Failure to do so
may allow water to get into the Power Distribu-
tion Center, and possibly result in a electrical
system failure.
•When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to
use only a fuse having the correct amperage
rating. The use of a fuse with a rating other than
indicated may result in a dangerous electrical
system overload. If a properly rated fuse contin-
ues to blow, it indicates a problem in the circuit
that must be corrected.
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Power Distribution Center
198 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Power Distribution Center
Cavity Fuse Circuits
1 Cartridge
Fuse 40
AmpBatt-Relay Contact, High Blower
Motor Module-ABS Pump Feed
2 Cartridge
Fuse 40
AmpABS Pump Feed
3 Cartridge
Fuse 30
Amp
GreenBattery
4 Cartridge
Fuse 20
Amp Yel-
lowFused Feed to RS Amplifier or
Power Amplifier
Cavity Fuse Circuits
5 Cartridge
Fuse 30
Amp
GreenIgnition Switch (Run &
Accessory)-(Downstream)
6 Cartridge
Fuse 40
AmpBatt
7 Cartridge
Fuse 30
Amp
GreenBatt-Relay Contact, ABS Pump
Motor
8 Cartridge
Fuse 30
Amp
GreenBatt-Motor, Wiper
9 Cartridge
Fuse 40
AmpBatt-Fuseblock
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Cavity Fuse Circuits
10 Cartridge
Fuse 30
Amp
GreenBatt-Switch, Ignition (Run/Start/
Accy)
11 Mini Fuse
20 Amp
YellowBatt-Relay Contact, Auto Shut-
down
12 Mini Fuse
20 Amp
YellowSecondary Power Outlet Feed
13 Mini Fuse
15 Amp
BlueBatt-Flasher, Hazard
14 Mini Fuse
15 Amp
BlueRear 02 Sensor to Heater RelayCavity Fuse Circuits
15 Mini Fuse
20 Amp
YellowElectric Heated RR. WDO (EBL)
16, 17 Mini Fuse
20 Amp
YellowFused Feed-Cigar Lighter
18 Mini Fuse
15 Amp
BlueBatt-Locks, Power Door
19 Mini Fuse
15 Amp
BlueBatt
20 Mini Fuse
15 Amp
BlueFeed-Courtesy, Dome, Visor, Illu-
minated Entry, Reading
21 Mini Fuse
15 Amp
BlueFuse Feed to Stop Lamp Switch
200 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE