2008 DODGE VIPER service interval

NOTE:Perchlorate Material Ð special handling may
apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
Airbag Warning Light
You will want to have the airbags ready for
your protection in a collision. While the airbag
system is designed to be maintenance free, if
any of the following occurs, have an autho-
rized dealer service the system immediately:
²The Airbag Warning light does not come on or flickers
during the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is
first turned on.
²The light remains on or flickers after the 6 to 8 second
interval.
²The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time Ð babies and children, too. Every state in the United
States and all Canadian provinces require small children
ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law, and you
can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
WARNING!
In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny baby,
can become a missile inside the vehicle. The force
required to hold even an infant on your lap could
become so great that you could not hold the child, no
matter how strong you are. The child and others
could be injured badly. Any child riding in your
vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the child's
size.
50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

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

quality filters should be used to assure most efficient
service. MopartEngine Oil Filters are a high quality oil
filter and are recommended.
Drive Belts Ð Check Condition and Tension
Belt tension is controlled by means of an automatic
tensioner. Therefore, no belt tension adjustments are
required. However, belt and belt tensioner condition
should be inspected at the specified intervals and re-
placed if required. Improper belt tension can cause belt
slippage and failure. Low generator belt tension can
cause battery failure.
At the intervals indicated on the ªMaintenance Sched-
ules,º inspect belt and belt tensioner condition. Inspect
belts for evidence of cuts, cracks, glazing, or frayed cords
and replaced if there is indication of damage, which could
result in belt failure. Also, check belt routing to make sure
there is no interference between the belts and other engine
components. See your authorized dealer for service.8.4L ACCESSORY BELT ROUTING
1 Ð Alternator
2 Ð Tensioner
3 Ð Water Pump
4 Ð Power Steering Pump
5 Ð A/C Compressor
6Ð Routing for Non-A/C Applications 202 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, and Refrigerants.
Power Steering Ð Fluid Check
Check the fluid level in the power steering fluid reservoir
at the specified intervals. Refer to ªMaintenance Sched-
ulesº in this manual.
Check the fluid HOT with the engine OFF.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked with the engine off to
prevent injury from moving parts and on a level
surface to insure accurate fluid level reading.
If adding fluid, use only the manufacturer's recom-
mended fluid as it is specially formulated for minimum
effect on the rubber hoses in the power steering system.
Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants and Genuine Partsº in this
section for the correct fluid type.
Before removing the reservoir cap, wipe the outside of
the cap and reservoir so that no dirt can fall into the
reservoir
Add fluid to bring the level up to the requirements
described on the reservoir. Do not overfill. Wipe any
spilled fluid from all surfaces with a clean cloth.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 213
7

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

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