2008 DODGE VIPER Owners Manual

Convertible Top Care Ð 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.
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.The vehicle's frame of 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.
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.
232 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:Never scrape the windows with squeegees,
razor blades, or other sharp instruments.
²Clean 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.
²Dry with a soft tissue.
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 MopartTotal
Clean or equivalent. 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.
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.
Carpeting
Vacuum the carpeting regularly to prevent a soil buildup.
Shampoo soiled carpeting with a reliable upholstery
cleaner, using a natural sponge or soft bristle brush. After
the carpeting dries, vacuum it thoroughly.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 233
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FUSES (POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTERS)
Fuses (Power Distribution Center)
A power distribution center is located in the engine
compartment on the driver's side of the vehicle. This
center contains fuses and relays.
Cavity Car-
tridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
1 40 Amp
GreenÐ Blower Motor
2 40 Amp
GreenÐ Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Pump Feed/Starter
3 30 Amp
PinkÐ Body Control Module
(BCM) - Battery Feed
4 20 Amp
BlueÐ Amplifier
5 30 Amp
PinkÐ Ignition Switch Run/
Accessory Feed -
Windows/Adjustable Ped-
als
6 40 Amp
GreenÐ Body Control Module
(BCM) - Battery Feed
7 30 Amp
PinkÐ Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Module
Power Distribution Center
234 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity Car-
tridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
8 30 Amp
PinkÐ Ignition Switch Run/
Accessory Feed
9 40 Amp
GreenÐ Headlights
10 30 Amp
PinkÐ Ignition Switch Run Feed
11 Ð 20 Amp
YellowAuto Shutdown Relay
(ASD)
12 Ð 20 Amp
YellowCigar Lighter
13 Ð 15 Amp
BlueHazard Flasher
14 Ð 20 Amp
YellowAuto Shutdown Relay
(ASD)
15 Ð 20 Amp
YellowRear Window Defogger
(EBL)Cavity Car-
tridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
16, 17 Ð 20 Amp
YellowSelectable Power Outlet
18 Ð 15 Amp
BlueIgnition Off Draw (IOD)
19 Ð 15 Amp
BlueHorn
20 Ð 15 Amp
BlueAir Conditioning (A/C)
Clutch Relay
21 Ð 15 Amp
BlueStop Light Switch
22 Ð 25 Amp
ClearFuel Pump/Powertrain
Control Module (PCM)
23, 24 Ð 10 Amp
RedAirbag
60, 61 Ð 15 Amp
BlueIgnition Run/Start Relay
Feed
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 235
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Cavity Car-
tridge
FuseMini
FuseDescription
62, 63 Ð 15 Amp
BlueGauges
64, 65 Ð 10 Amp
RedAirbag
66, 67 Ð 20 Amp
YellowWiper Switch
68, 69 Ð 20 Amp
YellowLeft HID Headlight
70, 71 Ð 20 Amp
YellowRight HID HeadlightCAUTION!
²When 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 Distribution
Center, and possibly result in an electrical system
failure.
²When 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 over-
load. If a properly rated fuse continues to blow, it
indicates a problem in the circuit that must be
corrected.
236 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Fuses (Mini-Power Distribution Center)
A mini-power distribution center is located in the engine
compartment on the passenger's side of the vehicle. This
center contains radiator fan control relays and has two
externally-mounted 40 Amp fuses for the radiator fans.CAUTION!
²When installing the Mini-Power Distribution
Center cover, it is important to ensure the cover is
properly positioned and fully latched. Failure to
do so may allow water to get into the Power
Distribution Center, and possibly result in an
electrical system failure.
²When 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 over-
load. If a properly rated fuse continues to blow, it
indicates a problem in the circuit that must be
corrected.
Mini-Power Distribution Center
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 237
7

VEHICLE STORAGE
We recommend that you follow these guidelines for
storing your vehicle for extended periods.
²Fill the fuel tank. This will prevent water condensation
inside the tank. If you plan to store your vehicle more
than 2 months, add an anti-oxidant fuel stabilizer to
the fuel tank.
²Change the oil to remove any corrosive combustion
related acids in the crankcase.
²Check that the radiator coolant level of protection is to
at least -20ÉF (-29ÉC).
²Make sure that all tires are inflated to the optimum
pressure. (See page 158 for more information.)
²Wash and wax the vehicle to protect the finish.
²Store the vehicle in a dry, well-ventilated location.
²Move the wiper blades away from the windshield.
²Block the wheels. Do not apply the Parking Brake.
²Cut 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.
²For 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.
²If the vehicle will be subjected to freezing tempera-
tures, either remove the battery and store it in a dry,
well ventilated area or connect a trickle charger (1.5
Amp) with automatic shutdown / overcharge protec-
tion to the battery. However, do not leave the trickle
charger hooked up to the battery without being
plugged in to a 110 volt AC outlet, as this will result in
further drain on the vehicle's battery. If the vehicle is
not going to be driven in the next 3 weeks, perform the
battery recharge procedure in the Service Manual.
238 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Then, either disconnect the battery at the negative
terminal or use the ªBattery Save Featureº to conserve
battery power. Refer to ªBattery Save Featureº under
ªMaintenance Proceduresº in this section for details.
NOTE:Disconnecting the battery causes the engine
control system to lose memory of some ªlearnedº func-
tions. After reconnecting the battery, the engine may run
rough until the control module ªrelearnsº these func-
tions. Using the Battery Save Feature will prevent the
engine controller from loosing its memory.CAUTION!
Use care when disconnecting the remote positive
cable. It is connected to the battery and can short out
to any metal on the vehicle. Always tape or wrap the
exposed cable end to prevent electrical shorts.
²Check the battery every 4 to 6 weeks to ensure that the
voltage is above 12.40 volts. The voltage will drop
more rapidly in hot temperatures. If battery voltage
drops below 12.40 volts, follow the battery recharge
procedure in the Service Manual.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 239
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