2008 DODGE VIPER steering

WARNING!
Overfilling the power steering fluid reservoir can
result in spilling power steering fluid on hot engine
parts and the power steering fluid catching fire.
Front & Rear Suspension Ball Joints
This vehicle has suspension ball joints that require peri-
odic inspection and lubrication.
Inspection
The ball joints should be inspected whenever other
service or maintenance is performed on the vehicle.
Damaged seals should be replaced to prevent leakage or
contamination of the grease. If there is any movement
within the ball joint, the knuckle or control arm must be
replaced, as the ball joints are not serviceable by them-
selves. See your authorized dealer for service.
Lubrication
The ball joints are lubricated at the factory with special
grease. Therefore, when lubricating the ball joints, use
only special long life chassis grease such as Multi-
Mileage Lubricant, which is intended for this purpose.
Refer to the ªMaintenance Schedulesº in this manual for
the specified lubrication intervals.
Steering Linkage
There are two tie rod end ball joints that require periodic
inspection.
Inspection
The ball joint seals on the tie rod ends should be
inspected whenever other service or maintenance is
performed on the vehicle. Damaged seals should be
replaced to prevent leakage or contamination of the
grease. If damaged, the tie rod end must be replaced, as
the seals are not serviceable by themselves. See your
authorized dealer for service.
214 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Recommended service intervals can be found in the
ªMaintenance Schedulesº in this manual.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be made to examining those hose sur-
faces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:
²Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations
to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping
of hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before a hose is
replaced based on leakage.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 225
7

Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Transmission MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Rear Axle MopartSynthetic Gear and Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-140 or equivalent, with
Limited Slip Additive Friction Modifier
Brake Master Cylinder MopartBrake & Clutch Fluid DOT 4 Motor Vehicle or equivalent.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartPower Steering Fluid + 4, MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission
Fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 253
7

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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Emergency Starting..................... 186
Jump Starting......................... 186
Keyless Transmitter Replacement (RKE)....... 21
Location..........................186,206
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 210
Storing Vehicle........................ 210
Bearings.............................. 230
Belt System, Six Point..................... 38
Belts, Drive............................ 202
Belts, Seat.............................. 31
Body Damage.......................... 231
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 215
Body Mechanisms....................... 216
Boot, Convertible Top...................67,72
B-Pillar Location........................ 153
Brake, Parking.......................... 142
Brake System........................144,225
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................144,145
Fluid Check.......................226,253Hoses.............................. 225
Master Cylinder....................... 226
Warning Light......................... 99
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle.....56,144
Bulb Replacement....................... 242
Bulbs, Light............................ 240
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 251
Capacities, Fluid........................ 251
Capacity, Cargo Weight................... 173
Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 171
Oil (Engine).......................... 200
Power Steering........................ 213
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 221
Car Washes............................ 230
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............57,171
Cargo Compartment
Capacity............................ 173
INDEX 287
10

Manual Transmission.................228,253
Power Steering.....................213,253
Fluids................................ 252
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 252
Fog Lights.........................81,82,97
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 176
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 189
Fuel................................. 168
Adding............................. 171
Clean Air............................ 168
Ethanol............................. 169
Filler Cap (Gas Cap).................... 171
Filter............................... 204
Gasoline............................ 168
Gauge.............................. 105
Hoses.............................. 224
Methanol............................ 169
Octane Rating......................168,252
Requirements......................168,251Tank Capacity........................ 251
Fuel System Caution..................... 172
Fueling............................... 171
Fuses................................ 234
Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap).................. 171
Gasoline, Clean Air...................... 168
Gasoline (Fuel)......................... 168
Gasoline, Reformulated................... 168
Gauges............................... 103
Coolant Temperature.................... 104
Fuel................................ 105
Oil Pressure.......................... 104
Speedometer.......................... 96
Tachometer.......................... 103
Voltmeter............................ 105
General Information...................... 22
Glass Cleaning.......................... 232
Ground Clearance....................... 174
INDEX 291
10

Parking On Hill......................... 142
Passing Light........................... 84
PCV Valve............................ 206
Pedals, Adjustable........................ 90
Pets.................................. 56
Pets, Transporting........................ 56
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 153
Power
Accessory Delay......................13,26
Brakes.............................. 144
Distribution Center (Fuses)............... 234
Door Locks........................... 24
Mirrors.............................. 76
Steering..........................148,213
Steering, Checking..................... 213
Windows............................. 26
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 39
Programming Transmitters
(Remote Keyless Entry).................... 20Radial Ply Tires......................... 160
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......... 221
Radio Antenna......................... 122
Radio Broadcast Signals................... 106
Radio Operation........................ 122
Radio, Satellite.......................... 117
Radio (Sound Systems).................... 108
Rear Axle (Differential).................... 230
Rear Liftgate............................ 28
Rear Wheel Bearings..................... 230
Rear Window Defroster................... 128
Rear Window Features.................... 128
Rearview Mirrors........................ 75
Reclining Front Seats...................... 78
Recreational Towing...................... 174
Reformulated Gasoline.................... 168
Refrigerant............................ 213
Reminder, Lights On...................... 82
Reminder, Seat Belt....................36,103
296 INDEX

Service Contract......................... 279
Service Engine Soon Light
(Malfunction Indicator).................... 98
Service Manuals........................ 282
Setting the Clock........................ 106
Shift Indicator Light...................103,138
Shift Speeds.........................136,138
Shift Speeds, Manual Transaxle.............. 138
Shoulder Belts........................... 31
Signals, Turn..........................82,99
Six Point Belt System...................... 38
Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............... 139
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)................. 164
Snow Tires............................ 164
Spark Plugs............................ 203
Speedometer............................ 96
Starting............................... 132
Emergency (Jump Starting)............... 186
Engine Fails to Start.................... 135Starting and Operating.................... 132
Starting Procedures...................... 132
Steering
Linkage............................. 214
Power...........................148,213
Tilt Column........................... 89
Storage............................... 238
Storage, Vehicle......................... 126
Stuck, Freeing.......................... 189
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag........ 40
Tachometer............................ 103
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant.......... 104
Theft Alarm (Security Alarm)................ 13
Theft System (Security Alarm)............... 13
Tilt Steering Column...................... 89
Tire and Loading Information Placard......... 153
Tire Identification Number (TIN)............. 152
Tire Markings.......................... 149
298 INDEX