
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type as the original equipment wheels and tires must be
properly inflated to produce accurate signals for the
computer.
WARNING!
Significant over or under inflation of tires, or mixing
sizes of front or rear tires or wheels on the vehicle
can lead to loss of braking effectiveness.
The Anti-Lock Brake System conducts a low-speed self-
test at about 12 mph (20 km/h). If you have your foot
lightly on the brake while this test is occurring, you may
feel slight pedal movement. The movement can be more
apparent on ice and snow. This is normal.The Anti-Lock Brake System pump motor runs during
the self-test at 12 mph (20 km/h) and during an ABS stop.
The pump motor makes a low humming noise during
operation, which is normal.
WARNING!
Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish
their effectiveness and may lead to an accident.
Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just
press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to
slow down or stop.
126 STARTING AND OPERATING

In the event power assist is lost for any reason (for
example, repeated brake applications with the engine
off), the brakes will still function. The effort required to
brake the vehicle will be much greater than that required
with the power system operating.
If either the front or rear hydraulic system loses normal
capability, the remaining system will still function with
some loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be
evident by increased pedal travel during application,
greater pedal force required to slow or stop, and activa-
tion of the Brake Warning Lamp during brake use.
NOTE:Your Viper has a very high performance braking
system. The brake pads are a semi-metallic compound
which has been selected for superior fade resistance and
consistent operation. A compromise is that under some
weather and operating conditions, the brakes may squeal
slightly during light brake applications.Brake Pad Break-In
The brakes on your new Viper do not require a long
break-in period, but avoid repeated hard brake applica-
tions from high speeds during initial break-in. Also avoid
severe brake loading such as may be encountered when
descending long mountain grades.
POWER STEERING
The power assisted steering system of your vehicle
provides mechanical steering capability in the event
power assist is lost.
If for some reason the hydraulic pressure is interrupted,
it will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions you will observe a substantial increase in
steering effort.
STARTING AND OPERATING 129
5

▫Body Lubrication.....................186
▫Front And Rear Suspension Ball Joints......186
▫Steering Linkage......................187
▫Body Mechanism Lubrication.............187
▫Windshield Washers...................189
▫Exhaust System......................189
▫Cooling System.......................190
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......195
▫Brake System........................195
▫Brake, Power Steering, And Fuel System
Hoses.............................196
▫Brake And Clutch Fluid.................197
▫Master Cylinder......................197▫Hydraulic Clutch.....................198
▫Transmission........................198
▫Rear Axle...........................199
▫Wheel Bearings.......................200
▫Appearance Care.....................200
Fuses — Power Distribution Center..........203
Vehicle Storage........................208
Replacement Bulbs......................211
▫Interior Light Bulbs....................211
▫Exterior Light Bulbs — Convertible Models . . . 211
▫Exterior Light Bulbs — Coupe Models......212
Exterior Light Bulb Service................212
166 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Check the battery every 4 to 6 weeks to ensure that the
voltage is above 12.40. Voltage will drop more rapidly
in hot temperatures. If battery voltage drops below
12.40, follow the battery recharge procedure in the
Service Manual.
•Check that the radiator coolant level of protection is to
at least -20°F (-29°C).
•Block the wheels. Do not apply the Parking Brake.
•Make sure that all tires are inflated to the optimum
pressure, (29 PSI).
•Cut blocks of plywood about the same size of the tires.
Cover each block with indoor/outdoor carpeting and
place them between the tires and concrete. This will
prevent tire flat spotting.
•For long term storage, remove the tires and put the
vehicle up on blocks. Stack the tires on plywood and
cover with a tarp to prevent flat spotting.
•Move the wiper blades away from the windshield.
NOTE:To help prevent the battery from discharging
during shorter periods of inactivity, perform the follow-
ing:
1. Make sure that the trunk/liftgate, hood, doors, win-
dows and convertible top are completely closed.
2. Make sure that remote transmitter is operating and
that the battery is good.
3. Make sure that the hood, trunk/liftgate and door
switches are in adjustment. Perform the quick system
check which follows.
Use the remote transmitter to set the alarm. If the alarm
SET light comes on and flashes, the system is operating
properly. If not, there is a problem with a switch or the
system. See your dealer for service.
210 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
NOTE:Also inspect the exhaust system if you notice a
change in the sound of the exhaust system, or if the
exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle.
•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.
228 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
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About Your Brakes....................... 125
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System............... 91
Accessory Delay, Power..................14,28
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 192
Adding Fuel........................... 152
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 189
Additives, Fuel......................... 150
Adjustable Pedals........................ 82
Aiming Headlights....................... 219
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 179
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 184
Air Conditioning..................... 111,184
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 185
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 139
Airbag................................ 43
Airbag Deployment....................... 47
Airbag Light..........................46,95
Airbag Maintenance....................... 51
Airbag On/Off Switch...................37,48Alarm System........................... 21
Alignment and Balance................... 145
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna.............................. 111
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 110
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..............191,220
Capacities........................... 220
Disposal............................ 193
Anti-Lock Warning Light................... 91
Anti-Theft Security Alarm.................. 21
Appearance Care........................ 200
Auto Down Power Windows................ 28
Automatic Door Locks..................... 16
Automatic Transmission
Adding Fluid......................... 222
Fluid Type........................... 222
Ball Joints............................. 186
Battery.............................94,179
250 INDEX

Emergency Starting..................... 158
Gas Caution.......................... 181
Jump Starting......................... 158
Keyless Transmitter Replacement............ 20
Bearings.............................. 200
Belt System, Six Point..................... 35
Belts, Drive............................ 176
Belts, Seat.............................. 29
Body Damage.......................... 201
Body Mechanism Lubrication............186,187
Body Mechanisms....................... 188
Boot, Convertible Top...................61,66
B-Pillar Location........................ 134
Brake, Parking.......................... 124
Brake System........................125,195
Anti-Lock........................... 125
Fluid Check.......................197,222
Hoses.............................. 196
Master Cylinder....................... 197Warning Light......................... 95
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle.....52,129
Bulb Replacement....................... 212
Bulbs, Light......................... 211,212
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 220
Capacities, Fluid........................ 220
Capacity, Cargo Weight................... 153
Caps, Filler
Power Steering........................ 185
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 192
Car Washes............................ 202
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............53,151
Cargo Compartment
Capacity............................ 153
Carpeting............................. 202
Catalytic Converter...................... 176
CD Player...........................99,102
CD Player Maintenance................... 110
INDEX 251
10

Defroster, Windshield...................... 53
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 85
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 169
Dimmer Control......................... 77
Dimmer Switch, Headlight.................. 80
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 193
Door Locks............................. 14
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 16
Doors................................. 14
Drive Belts............................ 176
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 162
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 70
Emergency Brake........................ 124
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 163
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 156Jump Starting......................... 158
Overheating.......................... 156
Towing............................. 163
Emission Control System Maintenance......170,226
Engine............................... 168
Break-In Recommendations................ 52
Checking Oil Level..................... 172
Compartment......................... 168
Coolant (Antifreeze).................190,221
Cooling...........................94,190
Exhaust Gas Caution................26,53,151
Fails to Start.......................... 120
Fuel Requirements..................148,220
Oil ...........................172,220,221
Oil Change Interval.................... 173
Oil Disposal.......................... 175
Oil Filter............................ 175
Oil Selection.......................174,220
Overheating........................94,156
INDEX 253
10