2009 DODGE VIPER Owners Manual

Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the fluid level up
to the requirements described on the brake fluid reser-
voir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
With disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused
by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type. Use of a brake fluid that
may have a lower initial boiling point or unidentified as
to specification, 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!
•Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid, all brake seal components could
be damaged causing partial or complete brake
failure.
•Brake fluid can damage the finish of your vehicle.
Do not allow brake fluid to contact any painted
surface.
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7

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
“Maintenance Schedules” in Section 8 of this manual. See
your authorized dealer for service.
Manual Transmission
Transmission Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid in the transmission when performing
other underhood services.
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug located on
the left side of the transmission. The fluid level should be
at the bottom of the fill hole. Add fluid, if necessary, to
maintain the proper level. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants,
and Genuine Parts” in this section for the correct fluid
type.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or damage to the
transmission. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts” in this section for the correct fluid
type.
Change Transmission Fluid
Change the fluid at the intervals specified in “Mainte-
nance Schedules” in Section 8 of this manual. If contami-
nated with water, change the fluid immediately. See your
authorized dealer for service.
Hydraulic Clutch
Master Cylinder — Clutch Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid in the clutch master cylinder when
performing underhood services.
224 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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
7

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

Washing
•
Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your ve-
hicle in the shade using MOPARCar Wash or a mild
car wash soap, and rinse the panels completely with
clear water.
•If insects, tar, or other similar deposits have accumu-
lated on your vehicle, use MOPARSuper Kleen Bug
and Tar Remover to remove.
•Use MOPARCleaner Wax to remove road film,
stains, and to protect your paint finish. Take care never
to scratch the paint.
•Avoid using abrasive compounds and power buffing
that may diminish the gloss or thin out the paint
finish.
CAUTION!
•Use of power washers exceeding 1,200 psi
(8 274 kPa) can result in damage or removal of
paint and decals.
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care
All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and
chrome-plated wheels should be cleaned regularly with a
mild soap and water to prevent corrosion. To remove
heavy soil, use MOPARWheel Cleaner or select a
nonabrasive, non-acidic cleaner. Do not use scouring
pads, steel wool, a bristle brush or metal polishes. Only
MOPARcleaners are recommended. Do not use oven
cleaner. Avoid automatic car washes that use acidic
solutions or harsh brushes that may damage the wheels’
protective finish.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 227
7

Convertible Top Care — Convertible Models Only
Use a mild detergent to clean the top. Avoid heavy
scrubbing and rinse with plenty of clean water. Allow to
dry thoroughly before storage.
Interior Care
Use MOPARTotal Clean to clean fabric upholstery and
carpeting.
Interior Trim should be cleaned starting with a damp
cloth, a damp cloth with MOPARTotal Clean, then
MOPARSpot & Stain Remover, if absolutely necessary.
Do not use harsh cleaners or Armorall. Use MOPAR
Total Clean to clean vinyl upholstery.
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 MOPARTotal 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.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with MOPARGlass Cleaner or any commercial
household-type glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive type
cleaner. Use caution when cleaning inside rear windows
equipped with electric defrosters. Do not use scrapers or
other sharp instruments which may scratch the elements.
When cleaning the rearview mirror, spray cleaner on the
towel or rag that you are using. Do not spray cleaner
directly on the mirror.
228 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.
2. Dry with a soft tissue.
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 MOPARTotal Clean, a
mild soap solution, or lukewarm water. Do not remove
the belts from the vehicle to wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
Dry with a soft tissue.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 229
7

FUSES
Power Distribution Center
The Power Distribution Center is located in the engine
compartment on the driver’s side of the vehicle. This
center contains fuses and relays.
Cavity Car-
tridge
FuseMini-
FuseDescription
1 40 Amp
Green— Blower Motor
2 40 Amp
Green— Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Pump Feed/Starter
3 30 Amp
Pink— Body Control Module
(BCM) - Battery Feed
4 20 Amp
Blue— Amplifier
5 30 Amp
Pink— Ignition Switch Run/
Accessory Feed - Windows
6 40 Amp
Green— Body Control Module
(BCM) - Battery Feed
7 30 Amp
Pink— Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Module
8 30 Amp
Pink— Ignition Switch Run/
Accessory Feed
Power Distribution Center
230 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE