2008 DODGE VIPER maintenance

Use only the manufacturer's recommended brake fluid.
Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº for the
correct fluid type. Use of a brake fluid that may have a
lower initial boiling point or unidentified as to specifica-
tion, may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter.
CAUTION!
²Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid, all brake seal components could
be damaged causing partial or complete brake
failure.
²Brake fluid can damage the finish of your vehicle.
Do not allow brake fluid to contact any painted
surface.
Change Brake Fluid
Brake fluid will tend to absorb moisture from the atmo-
sphere over time. If the fluid becomes contaminated with
water, brake performance will deteriorate. Therefore, the
brake fluid must be changed at the intervals specified in
the ªMaintenance Schedulesº in this manual. See your
authorized dealer for service.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 227
7

Use only the manufacturer's recommended clutch fluid.
Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº for the
correct fluid type.
WARNING!
Overfilling the clutch fluid reservoir can result in
spilling clutch fluid on hot engine parts and the
clutch fluid catching fire.
Use only clutch fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter.
CAUTION!
²Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate
the clutch fluid, all clutch seal components could
be damaged causing partial or complete clutch
failure.
²Clutch fluid can damage the finish of your vehicle.
Do not allow clutch fluid to contact any painted
surface.
Change Clutch Fluid
Clutch fluid will tend to absorb moisture from the
atmosphere over time. If the fluid becomes contaminated
with water, clutch performance will deteriorate. There-
fore, the clutch fluid must be changed at the intervals
specified in the ªMaintenance Schedulesº in this manu-
al.See your authorized dealer for service.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 229
7

Rear Axle
Axle Lubricant Level Check
Check the exterior of the axle for evidence of gear oil
leakage every 12 months or 6,000 miles (10 000 km). This
check should be made with the vehicle level and sup-
ported by the suspension, with the vehicle on the ground
or raised on an axle and wheel type hoist. The axle
lubricant level should be between the bottom of the filler
plug and a point approximately 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) below
the filler plug. If adding axle lubricant, use only the
manufacturer's recommended axle lubricant. Refer to the
ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº for the correct
fluid type.
NOTE:The Limited Slip Differential requires that a
friction control additive be added when draining and
refilling the axle lubricant.
Change Axle Lubricant
Drain and fill the axle at the intervals specified in the
ªMaintenance Schedulesº in this manual. Change the
lubricant immediately if contaminated with water. See
your authorized dealer for service.
Wheel Bearings
The wheel bearings are permanently sealed. No regular
maintenance is required for these components.
Appearance Care and Protection from Corrosion
Your manufacturer's dealer offers a complete line of
products for cleaning your vehicle. Follow the instruc-
tions on each container.
Commercial Car Washes
We do not recommend taking this vehicle through a
commercial car wash.
230 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

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
7

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
7

FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND GENUINE PARTS
Engine
Component Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts
Engine Coolant MopartAntifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/102,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Or-
ganic Additive Technology) or equivalent.
Engine Oil 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. For additional information, refer to the ªEngine
Oil Selectionº and ªEngine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade)º in the ªMaintenance
Proceduresº section of this manual.
Engine Oil Filter MopartEngine Oil Filter or equivalent.
Spark Plugs RE10PMC5 (Gap.050)
Fuel Selection Premium Unleaded 91 Octane Only or higher
252 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
CONTENTS
mEmission Control System Maintenance........256
mMaintenance Schedules...................256NSchedule ªBº........................259
NSchedule ªAº........................269
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