2009 DODGE VIPER brake fluid

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.................... 134
▫Normal Starting..................... 135
▫If Engine Fails To Start................. 136
▫After Starting....................... 137
Manual Transmission................... 137
▫Recommended Shift Speeds............. 139
▫Skip Shift Indicator Light............... 139
Driving On Slippery Surfaces............. 141
▫Acceleration........................ 141▫Traction........................... 141
Driving Through Water.................. 142
▫Flowing/Rising Water................. 142
▫Shallow Standing Water................ 142
Power Steering........................ 144
▫Power Steering Fluid Check............. 144
Parking Brake........................ 145
Brake System......................... 147
▫Brake Pad Break-In................... 147
5

CAUTION! (Continued)
•Driving through standing water may cause dam-
age to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Al-
ways inspect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil,
transmission/transaxle, axle, etc.) for signs of con-
tamination (i.e., fluid that is milky or foamy in
appearance) after driving through standing water.
Do not continue to operate the vehicle if any fluid
appears contaminated, as this may result in further
damage. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
•Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious
internal damage to the engine. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph
(8 km/h) when driving through standing water.
•Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle’s braking capabilities, which increases stop-
ping distances. Therefore, after driving through
standing water, drive slowly and lightly press on
the brake pedal several times to dry the brakes.
•Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can
cause it to lock up and stall out, and leave you
stranded.
•Failure to follow these warnings may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
STARTING AND OPERATING 143
5

apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
No chemical flushes should be used in any power
steering system; only the approved lubricant may be
used.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in Section 7 for the correct fluid type.
PARKING BRAKE
The parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
WARNING!
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure you fully apply
the parking brake and shift the transmission into
REVERSE. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to
roll and cause damage or injury.
As an added precaution when parking the vehicle, turn
the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade
and away from the curb on an uphill grade.
To apply the parking brake, grasp the handle and pull it
rearward until you feel resistance. To release the parking
brake, grasp the handle and pull it slightly while pressing
the button on the end of the handle. When the button
STARTING AND OPERATING 145
5

▫Brake System....................... 222
▫Manual Transmission.................. 224
▫Hydraulic Clutch..................... 224
▫Rear Axle.......................... 226
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion.......................... 226
Fuses.............................. 230
▫Power Distribution Center.............. 230
▫Mini-Power Distribution Center.......... 233
Vehicle Storage....................... 234
Replacement Bulbs..................... 236
Bulb Replacement..................... 237▫Auxiliary High Beam Headlight, Front
Park/Turn Signal Light, Front Side Marker
Light............................. 237
▫High Intensity Discharge Headlights (HID) . . 238
▫Front Fog Light...................... 239
▫
Taillight, Tail/Stop Light, Rear Marker Light. . 240
▫
Taillight, Tail/Stop Light, Rear Marker Light
(Coupe Models)
...................... 241
▫Backup Light, Rear Turn Signal Light...... 242
▫License Light....................... 245
Fluids And Capacities................... 246
Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts....... 247
▫Engine............................ 247
▫Chassis............................ 248
198 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 8.4L
1 — Coolant Pressure Cap 6 — Clutch Fluid Reservoir
2 — Engine Oil Dipstick 7 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
3 — Power Distribution Center 8 — Engine Oil Fill
4 — Remote Jump Start Positive Battery Post 9 — Air Cleaner Filter
5 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Washer Fluid ReservoirMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 1997

•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is
equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
•Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory cooling performance, poor gas
mileage, and increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedules” in Section 8 of this
manual for the proper maintenance intervals.
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 would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Master Cylinder - Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
222 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 223
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