2008 DODGE VIPER checking oil

DEALER SERVICE
Your authorized dealer has the qualified service person-
nel, special tools, and equipment to perform all service
operations in an expert manner. Service Manuals are
available which include detailed service information for
your vehicle. Refer to these manuals before attempting
any procedure yourself.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If you
have any doubt about your ability to perform a service
job, take your vehicle to a competent mechanic.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain the maintenance service
recommendations by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides the maintenance items for which there are fixed
maintenance intervals, there are other items, which
should operate satisfactorily without periodic mainte-
nance. However, if a malfunction of these items does
occur, it could adversely affect the engine or vehicle
performance. These items should be inspected if a mal-
function is observed or suspected.
Engine Oil
Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must
be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at
regular intervals, such as every fuel stop.
198 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

The best time to check the oil level is approximately 5
minutes after a fully warmed engine is turned off or
before starting the engine after it has sat overnight.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground also
will improve the accuracy of the oil level readings. Add
oil only when the level is below the SAFE mark.CAUTION!
Overfilling or underfilling will cause oil aeration or
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Change Engine Oil
Road conditions and your kind of driving affect the
interval at which your oil should be changed. Check the
following list to see if any apply to you.
²Day or night temperatures are below 32ÉF (0ÉC)
²Stop and go driving
²Extensive engine idling
²Driving in dusty conditions
²Short trip driving of less than 10 miles (16.2 km)
Engine Oil Dipstick
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 199
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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
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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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Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......220,251,252
Crankcase Emission Control System.......... 206
Customer Assistance..................... 277
Daytime Running Lights................... 82
Dealer Service.......................... 198
Defroster, Rear Window................... 128
Defroster, Windshield...................58,125
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 87
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 195
Dimmer Control......................... 85
Dimmer Switch, Headlight.................. 83
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 222
Door Locks............................. 23
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 25
Doors................................. 23
Drive Belts............................ 202Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 139
Through Flowing, Rising, or Shallow
Standing Water........................ 140
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 76
Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light...... 100
Emergency Brake........................ 142
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 189
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 176
Jump Starting......................... 186
Overheating.......................... 176
Towing............................. 189
Emission Control System Maintenance......196,256
Engine............................... 194
Air Cleaner.......................... 203
Break-In Recommendations................ 56
Checking Oil Level..................... 198
INDEX 289
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Methanol............................. 169
Mirrors................................ 75
Electric Remote........................ 76
Outside............................75,76
Rearview............................. 75
Modifications/Alterations, Vehicle............. 7
Monitor, Tire Pressure System............... 166
Mopar Parts.........................197,280
MTBE/ETBE........................... 169
Multi-Function Control Lever................ 81
New Vehicle Break-In Period................ 56
Occupant Restraints....................... 31
Octane Rating, Gasoline (Fuel).............. 168
Odometer.............................. 96
Trip ................................ 96
Oil, Engine.......................198,251,252
Capacity............................ 251Change Interval....................... 199
Checking............................ 198
Dipstick............................. 198
Disposal............................ 201
Filter............................201,252
Filter Disposal........................ 201
Materials Added to..................... 201
Pressure Gauge....................... 104
Recommendation...................200,251
Viscosity..........................200,251
Oil Filter, Selection....................... 201
Onboard Diagnostic System..............195,196
Outside Rearview Mirrors.................. 75
Overheating, Engine...................... 176
Owner's Manual (Operator Manual).......... 282
Paint Care............................. 231
Panic Alarm............................ 19
Parking Brake.......................... 142
INDEX 295
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