2009 DODGE VIPER maintenance schedule

Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. If necessary, add fluid to the reservoir.
Do Not Overfill. Overfilling can cause clutch release
problems as the clutch wears. A low fluid level may
indicate a leak, in which case, hydraulic clutch linkage
replacement may be required. The fluid level in the
reservoir will rise as the clutch wears - do not remove
fluid.
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended clutch fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section 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!
•Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate
the clutch fluid, all clutch seal components could
be damaged causing partial or complete clutch
failure.
•Clutch 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 “Maintenance Schedules” in Section 8 of this
manual. See your authorized dealer for service.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 225
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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 in (9.5 mm) below
the filler plug. If adding axle lubricant, use only the
manufacturer’s recommended axle lubricant. Refer to the
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this section
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
“Maintenance Schedules” in Section 8 of this manual.
Change the lubricant immediately if contaminated with
water. See your authorized dealer for service.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection of Body and Paint from Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice, and those that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are highly
corrosive to the metal in your vehicle.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.
226 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
CONTENTS
Emissions Control System Maintenance...... 250
Maintenance Schedules.................. 250▫Maintenance Schedule B................ 253
▫Maintenance Schedule A............... 263
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EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed inbold type
must be done at the times or mileages specified to ensure
the continued proper functioning of the emissions control
system. These and all other maintenance services in-
cluded in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service should also be done anytime a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement or repair of the emis-
sions control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part that has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
There are two maintenance schedules that show the
requiredservice for your vehicle.
First is “Maintenance Schedule B.” It is for vehicles that
are operated under the conditions that are listed below
and at the beginning of the schedule.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F ( 32°C).
250 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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NOTE:
•IfANYof these apply to you then change your engine
oil every 3,000 miles (5000 km) or three months,
whichever comes first, and follow the maintenance
recommendations in “Maintenance Schedule B” in this
section.
•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 “Maintenance
Schedule B” in this section.
•Most vehicles are operated under the conditions listed
for “Maintenance Schedule B.
Second is “Maintenance Schedule A.” It is for vehicles
that are not operated under any of the conditions listed
under “Maintenance Schedule B.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 six months,
whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 251
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At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when
the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering, and transmission,
and add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect 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.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the suspension components.
•Lubricate door hinges and check springs.
•Check the engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•Check power steering fluid level.
252 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE B
Follow “Maintenance Schedule B” if you usually operate
your vehicle under one or more of the following condi-
tions.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C).NOTE:
•IfANYof these apply to you, then change your engine
oil every 3,000 miles (5000 km) or three months,
whichever comes first, and follow the maintenance
recommendations in “Maintenance Schedule “B” in
this section.
•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 “Maintenance
Schedule B” in this section.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 253
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Miles 3,000 6,000 9,000 12,000 15,000 18,000
(Kilometers) (5 000) (10 000) (15 000) (20 000) (25 000) (30 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not
replaced at 3 months.XXXXX X
Rotate the tires.XX X
Inspect and replace the air cleaner filter, if nec-
essary.X
Inspect the transmission fluid. X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Change the rear axle fluid. X
Change the brake fluid. X
Lubricate the front and rear suspension ball
joints.X
254 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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