2008 DODGE VIPER fuel

²More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90ÉF (32ÉC)
²Trailer towing
²Taxi, Police, or delivery service (commercial service)
²Off-road or desert driving
²If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol) fuel
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you, then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first, and follow schedule ªBº in the
9Maintenance Schedules9in this manual.
If none of these applies to you, then change your engine
oil at every interval shown on schedule9A9in the
9Maintenance Schedules9in this manual.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months,
whichever comes first.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
recommends full synthetic engine oils that meet the
American Petroleum Institute (API) categories of SM or
SM/CF, and meet the requirements of DaimlerChrysler
Material Standard MS-10725.
The manufacturer recommends the use of a full synthetic
engine oil, such as Mobil 1tSAE 0W-40 or equivalent.
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)
The proper SAE viscosity grade of engine oil should be
selected based on the following recommendation and be
within the operating temperature shown in the engine oil
viscosity chart.
200 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Fuel Filter
The fuel filter is a part of the fuel module and it does not
require maintenance.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuel
only. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of the
catalyst as an emission control device.
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic con-
verter will not require maintenance. However, it is im-
portant to keep the engine properly tuned to assure
proper catalyst operation and prevent possible catalyst
damage.
CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your
vehicle is not kept in proper operating condition.
Have your vehicle serviced promptly in the event of
engine malfunction, particularly when involving en-
gine misfire or other apparent loss of performance.
Continued operation of your vehicle with a severe
malfunction could cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to the converter and the
vehicle.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
204 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Multi-Purpose Lubricant NLGI Grade 2 or equivalent
should be applied sparingly to all pivot and sliding
contact areas.
Other Body Mechanisms
The following body mechanisms should be inspected
and, if necessary, all pivot and sliding contact areas of
these components should be lubricated with a smooth
white body lubricant such as MopartSpray White Lube
or equivalent:
²Hood hinge
²D/ lid hinge
²Fuel door hinge
²Lock cylinders
²Parking brake mechanism
²Trunk/liftgate latches
²Ash tray
Points That Should Not Be Lubricated
There are many points that should not be lubricated;
some because they are permanently lubricated; some
because lubricants will be detrimental to the operating
characteristics; and some because lubricants will cause
component failures.
In particular, do not lubricate rubber bushings, since this
not only will cause them to fail, but will destroy their
necessary frictional characteristics.
Parts that should not be lubricated are as follows:
²Generator bearings
²Drive belt
²Accessory drive belt idler pulley
²Idler arm assembly
²Front wheel bearing
216 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

²Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory coolant performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions,
and excessive swelling suggest deterioration of the rub-
ber.
Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to high
heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect hose
routing to be sure hoses do not come in contact with any
heat source or moving component, which may cause heat
damage or mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of degradation that could result in failure.Fuel System
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.
224 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

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
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

HEADLIGHT AIMING
The headlights on your new vehicle were aimed at the
factory under a no load setting. A great increase in weight
will change the aiming of the headlights. Therefore, it
may be necessary to readjust the headlights if you
typically carry an excessive amount of weight in the rear
compartment or generally suspect misalignment. In ei-
ther case, see your authorized dealer if the headlights
require adjustment.
FLUIDS AND CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (approximate)
8.4 Liter Engine 16 gal-
lons60.6 li-
ters
Engine Oil-With Filter
8.4 Liter Engine (SAE 0W-40) 10 qts. 9.5 Li-
ters
Cooling System *
8.4 Liter Engine* (Mopart
Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/
102,000 Mile Formula) or
equivalent.16 qts. 15 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to
MAX level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 251
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