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Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
Power Steering (Pump and Reservoir)
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked with the engine off to
prevent injury from moving parts. Do not overfill.
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended fluid.
Refer to Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and
Genuine Parts for correct fluid type.
Check power steering fluid level at intervals as specified
in the maintenance schedules.
During scheduled maintenance, check the power steering
fluid level at the power steering fluid reservoir.
The fluid should be checked HOT with the engine OFF.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 185
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Parts that should not be lubricated are as follows:
•Generator bearings
•Drive belt
•Accessory drive belt idler pulley
•Idler arm assembly
•Front wheel bearing
•Rubber bushings
•Starter bearing
•Throttle control cable
•Water pump bearings
Windshield Washers
The fluid reservoir in the right side engine compartment
should be checked for fluid level at regular intervals. Fill
the reservoir with windshield antifreeze (not radiator
antifreeze).
Exhaust System
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
If you notice a change in the sound of the exhaust system;
or if exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle; or
when the underside or side of the vehicle is damaged;
have a competent mechanic inspect the complete exhaust
system and adjacent body areas for broken, damaged,
deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open seams or
loose connections could permit exhaust fumes to seep
into the passenger compartment. In addition, inspect the
exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised for lubri-
cation or oil change. Replace as required.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 189
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Page 196 of 264

Brake, Power Steering, and Fuel System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be made to examining those hose sur-
faces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids are used during assembly plant
operations to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings.
Therefore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping ofhot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation) should be noted before hose is re-
placed based on leakage.
High pressure fuel system hoses have unique material
characteristics that provide adequate sealing and resist
attack by deteriorated gasoline.
Use only manufacturer specified hoses or their equiva-
lent in material and specification, in any fuel system
servicing. It is mandatory to replace all clamps that have
been loosened or removed during service.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done when-
ever the brake system is serviced and at every engine oil
change. If there is any evidence of cracking, scuffing, or
worn spots, the hose should be replaced immediately!
Eventual deterioration of the hose can take place with
possible burst failure.
196 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 197 of 264

Brake and Clutch Fluid
These fluids will tend to absorb moisture from the
atmosphere over a period of time. If the fluid becomes
contaminated with water, brake or clutch performance
will deteriorate. The brake and clutch fluid must be
changed every two years.
CAUTION!
Brake fluid can damage the finish of your Viper. Do
not allow brake fluid to contact any painted surface.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Master Cylinder
The fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked
when performing underhood services, or immediately if
the brake system warning lamp shows system failure. Be
sure to clean the top of the master cylinder area before
removing the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the
fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. With disc brakes, fluid level can be
expected to fall as the brake pads wear. However, low
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a checkup may be
needed. Use only the manufacturer’s recommended
brake fluid. Refer to the Recommended Fluids, Lubri-
cants and Genuine Parts section for the correct fluid type.
Mopar Brake Fluid or equivalent is fluid of this quality
and is recommended to provide best brake performance.
Use of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial boiling
point or unidentified as to specification, may result in
sudden brake failure during hard prolonged braking.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 197
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Page 199 of 264

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 of
the 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
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 199
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Page 228 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.
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
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Page 253 of 264

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
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Page 254 of 264

Engine Oil Viscosity...................174,220
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................. 174
Exhaust Gas Caution..............26,53,151,189
Exhaust System......................... 189
Exterior Lights....................... 211,212
Fan .................................. 112
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 179
Engine Oil........................... 221
Flashers
Hazard Warning.....................91,156
Turn Signal........................... 91
Flash-To-Pass........................... 80
Floor Console........................... 68
Fluid Capacities......................... 220
Fluid Leaks............................. 54
Fluid Level Checks
Brake............................197,222Capacities........................... 220
Cooling System....................... 190
Engine Oil........................... 172
Manual Transmission................... 199
Power Steering.....................185,222
Fluids................................ 221
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 221
Fog Lights.........................78,79,94
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 156
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 163
Fuel................................. 148
Adding............................. 152
Additives............................ 150
Clean Air............................ 149
Gasoline............................ 148
Gauge............................... 97
Octane Rating........................ 221
Requirements......................148,220
Tank Capacity........................ 220
254 INDEX