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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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 or equivalent. Care should be taken to avoidsoaking 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.
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.
200 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Convertible Top Care — Convertible Models Only
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 youremove 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.
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.
202 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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Cavity Fuse Circuits
23, 24 Mini
Fuse 10
Amp RedAirbag, Ignition Run
25-29 ISO RE-
LAYBatt-Relay Contact, High Blower
Motor
30-34 MICRO
RELAYBatt-Relay-Starter Contact to So-
lenoid
35-39 MICRO
RELAYFeed-Auto Shutdown Relay Coil
40-44 MICRO
RELAYFeed-Horn (From Relay)
45-49 MICRO
RELAYBatt-Relay-Headlamps
50-54 MICRO
RELAYRelay-A/C Clutch Output from
Relay Contact (B+)
55-59 MICRO
RELAYLeft/Right Downstream Oxygen
Sensor Output Feed FRCavity Fuse Circuits
60, 61 Mini
Fuse 15
Amp
BlueIgnition Start/Run Relay Coil
62, 63 Mini
Fuse 15
Amp
BlueIgnition Start/Run Gauges
64, 65 Mini
Fuse 10
Amp RedIgnition Start/Run Airbag
66, 67 Mini
Fuse 20
Amp
YellowFeed-Ign Run/Acc Wiper Switch
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Cavity Fuse Circuits
68, 69 Mini
Fuse 20
Amp
YellowLeft HID Headlamp
70, 71 Mini
Fuse 20
Amp
YellowRight HID Headlamp
72-76 MICRO
RELAYBatt-Run/Acc Relay
82-86 MICRO
RELAYHeated Rear Window (EBL) Re-
lay
87-91 MICRO
RELAYBatt-Motor, Fuel Pump RelayVEHICLE STORAGE
We recommend that you follow these guidelines before
storing your vehicle for extended periods.
•Fill the fuel tank. This will prevent water condensation
inside the gas tank.
If you plan on storing your vehicle more than 2
months, add an anti-oxidant fuel stabilizer to the fuel
tank.
•Change the oil to remove any corrosive combustion
related acids in the crankcase.
•Wash and wax the vehicle to protect the finish.
•Cover the vehicle whenever possible to prevent acci-
dental damage to the finish.
•Store the vehicle in a dry, well ventilated location.
208 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE