2008 DODGE VIPER steering

WARNING!
²Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations
of unapproved tires and wheels may change sus-
pension dimensions and performance characteris-
tics, resulting in changes to steering, handling, and
braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredict-
able handling and stress to steering and suspen-
sion components. You could lose control and have
an accident resulting in serious injury or death.
Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load ratings
approved for your vehicle.
²Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.
²Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire
failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer
readings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
²Fast tire wear.
²Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
²Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
STARTING AND OPERATING 163
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Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
TIRE CHAINS
Due to limited clearance, tire chains are not recom-
mended.
CAUTION!
Damage to the vehicle may result if tire chains are
used.
SNOW TIRES
There are no snow tires that are compatible with the
wheels on this vehicle.
TIRE STORAGE
Tire storage is addressed in the Michelin Limited Tire
Warranty Booklet.
Specific recommendations on guidelines for long term
tire storage for this vehicle should be requested of the
Michelin Tire Corporation 1-800-433-6838.
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles operate at
different loads and perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these reasons, they wear at
unequal rates, and tend to develop irregular wear pat-
terns.
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
164 STARTING AND OPERATING

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is on the top of the steering
column, just behind the steering wheel. Depress
the flasher button and all front and rear directional
signals will flash. Depress the flasher button again to turn
off the flashers.Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.
If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may run down
your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
²On the highways ÐSlow down and use the highest
gear possible.
²In city traffic ÐWhile stopped, put the transmission
in neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
Hazard Flasher Switch
176 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

²Turn the Mode Select knob to the Sealant/Air Mode.
²Connect the Power Plug (5) to a different power
outlet in your vehicle or another vehicle, if available.
Make sure the engine is running before turning on
the TIREFIT kit.
²The Sealant Bottle (1) may be empty due to previous
use. Call for assistance.
(D) After Injecting TIREFIT Sealant:
1. Allow the air pump to inflate the tire to the pressure
indicated on the tire pressure label on the driver-side
latch pillar. Check the pressure in the tire by looking at
the Pressure Gauge (2).
²If the tire inflates to at least 26 psi (1.8 bar) within 15
minutes, proceed to Step 2 of this procedure.
²If tire fails to inflate to 26 psi (1.8 bar) within 15
minutes, perform the procedure steps described
under ª(G) Distributing TIREFIT Sealant to Better
Enable Tire Inflation.º
²Press the Air Pump Power Button (3) to
turn off the TIREFIT kit.
2. Remove the Speed Limit sticker from the top of the
Sealant Bottle (1) and place the sticker on the steering
wheel.
3. Disconnect the TIREFIT kit from the valve stem and
place it in the vehicle.
(E) Securing TIREFIT Sealant in the Tire
Drive the vehicle for approximately 5 miles (8 km) to
ensure distribution of the TIREFIT Sealant within the tire.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 183
6

WARNING!
Any procedure other than above could result in:
1. Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting out
the battery vent;
2. Personal injury or property damage due to battery
explosion;
3. Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or
of immobilized vehicle.
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 Reverseand 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.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 189
6

NBattery Save Feature...................210
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............212
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............213
NFront & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........214
NSteering Linkage......................214
NBody Lubrication.....................215
NBody Mechanism Lubrication.............215
NWindshield Wiper Blades................217
NWindshield Washers...................217
NExhaust System......................218
NCooling System.......................219
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......224NFuel System.........................224
NBrake System........................225
NTransmission........................228
NHydraulic Clutch.....................228
NRear Axle...........................230
NWheel Bearings.......................230
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................230
mFuses (Power Distribution Centers)..........234
NFuses (Power Distribution Center).........234
NFuses (Mini-Power Distribution Center).....237
mVehicle Storage........................238
192 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

quality filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. MopartEngine Oil Filters are a high quality oil
filter and are recommended.
Drive Belts Ð Check Condition and Tension
Belt tension is controlled by means of an automatic
tensioner. Therefore, no belt tension adjustments are
required. However, belt and belt tensioner condition
should be inspected at the specified intervals and re-
placed if required. Improper belt tension can cause belt
slippage and failure. Low generator belt tension can
cause battery failure.
At the intervals indicated on the ªMaintenance Sched-
ules,º inspect belt and belt tensioner condition. Inspect
belts for evidence of cuts, cracks, glazing, or frayed cords
and replaced if there is indication of damage, which could
result in belt failure. Also, check belt routing to make sure
there is no interference between the belts and other engine
components. See your authorized dealer for service.8.4L ACCESSORY BELT ROUTING
1 Ð Alternator
2 Ð Tensioner
3 Ð Water Pump
4 Ð Power Steering Pump
5 Ð A/C Compressor
6Ð Routing for Non-A/C Applications 202 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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, and Refrigerants.
Power Steering Ð Fluid Check
Check the fluid level in the power steering fluid reservoir
at the specified intervals. Refer to ªMaintenance Sched-
ulesº in this manual.
Check the fluid HOT with the engine OFF.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked with the engine off to
prevent injury from moving parts and on a level
surface to insure accurate fluid level reading.
If adding fluid, use only the manufacturer's recom-
mended fluid as it is specially formulated for minimum
effect on the rubber hoses in the power steering system.
Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants and Genuine Partsº in this
section for the correct fluid type.
Before removing the reservoir cap, wipe the outside of
the cap and reservoir so that no dirt can fall into the
reservoir
Add fluid to bring the level up to the requirements
described on the reservoir. Do not overfill. Wipe any
spilled fluid from all surfaces with a clean cloth.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 213
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