2008 DODGE VIPER oil

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
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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

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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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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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

²Off-road or desert operation.
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 (5000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first, and follow the maintenance rec-
ommendations in Schedule ªBº in this section.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you, then flush and
replace the engine coolant every 102,000 miles (170 000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow the
maintenance recommendations in Schedule ªBº in this
section.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for Schedule9B.9Second is ScheduleªA.ºIt is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
ule9B.9
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months,
whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 257
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At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering, and transmission,
and add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
NOTE:Also, inspect the exhaust system if you notice a
change in the sound of the exhaust system, or if the
exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the suspension components.
²Lubricate door hinges and check springs.
²Check the engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Check power steering fluid level.
258 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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