2009 DODGE VIPER oil level

•Avoid excessive idling.
•Check the engine oil level at every fuel fill.
NOTE:A new engine will consume some oil during the
first few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This
should be considered as a normal part of the break-in and
not interpreted as a sign of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust System
WARNING!
Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an ex-
tremely toxic gas that by itself is colorless and
odorless. To avoid inhaling these gases, the following
precautions should be observed:
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in
confined areas any longer than needed to move
your vehicle in or out of the area.
•It may be necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with
the engine running for more than a short period. If
so, adjust your climate control system to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high
speed and the controls in any position except OFF
or RECIRC.
•The best protection against carbon monoxide entry
into the vehicle body is a properly maintained
engine exhaust system.
Be aware of changes in the sound of the exhaust system,
exhaust fumes detected inside the vehicle, or damage to
the underside or rear of the vehicle. Have a competent
mechanic inspect the complete exhaust system and adja-
cent body areas for broken, damaged, deteriorated or
60 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

This gauge does not indicate the amount of oil in the
engine. The engine oil level must be checked under the
hood. Check the level often during severe usage.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
The red Oil Pressure Warning Light is located in
the Oil Pressure Gauge. It will turn on to indicate
low engine oil pressure. The light should turn on briefly
as a bulb check when the engine is first started. If the
light remains on or turns on while driving, safely bring
the vehicle to a complete stop and turn off the engine. DO
NOT operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:This light does not indicate how much oil is in
the engine. The engine oil level must be checked using
the procedure shown in section 7.
Fuel Gauge
This gauge shows the amount of fuel in the gas
tank. The reaction time of the gauge has been
slowed to avoid needle fluctuation during pe-
riods of high G force cornering.
Voltage Gauge
This gauge shows the electrical system voltage.
The normal operating voltage is from 12 to
14 Volts with the engine running. If the pointer
remains at either the high or low ends of the
scale, the electrical system should be serviced.
Charge System Light
The red Charge System Light is located in the
Voltage Gauge. It will turn on when there is a
charging system malfunction or a possible accessory
drive belt failure.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 109
4

WARNING!
TIREFIT is not a permanent flat tire repair. Have the
tire inspected and repaired or replaced after using
TIREFIT. Do not exceed 55 mph (90 km/h) until
having the tire repaired or replaced. Failure to follow
this warning can result in injuries that are serious or
fatal to you, your passengers, and others around you.
F. After Securing TIREFIT Sealant in the Tire
1. Turn the Mode Select knob 4 to the Air
Mode position.
2. Uncoil the Black Air Pump Hose 6 and connect it to the
valve stem.
3. Check the pressure in the tire by reading the Pressure
Gauge 2.
•If the pressure is less than 19 psi (1.3 bar), the tire is
too badly damaged. Do not attempt to drive the
vehicle further. Call for assistance.
•If the pressure is equal to or greater than 19 psi
(1.3 bar), but less than the level indicated on the tire
pressure label, proceed to Step 4 of this procedure.
•If the pressure is at the level indicated on the tire
pressure label on the driver-side latch pillar, proceed
to Step 5 of this procedure.
4. Inflate the tire to the pressure indicated on the tire
pressure label on the driver-side latch pillar.
5. Disconnect the TIREFIT kit from the valve stem and
then reinstall the cap on the valve stem.
6. Place the TIREFIT kit in its proper storage area in the
vehicle.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 189
6

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 me-
chanic.
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.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 203
7

The best time to check the oil level is approximately five
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.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C)
•Stop and go driving
•Extensive engine idling
•Driving in dusty conditions
•Short trip driving of less than 10 miles (16.2 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 (5 000 km) or three months,
whichever comes first, and follow “Maintenance Sched-
ule B.” Refer to Section 8 of this manual.
If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
at every interval shown on “Maintenance Schedule A.
Refer to Section 8 of this manual.
NOTE:Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months,
whichever comes first.
204 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

attention should also be given to hood latching compo-
nents to insure proper function. When performing other
underhood services, the hood latch, release mechanism
and safety catch should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be lubricated twice a
year, preferably in the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant such as MOPAR
Lock Cylinder Lubricant directly into the lock cylinder.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper blades and the
windshield periodically with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild nonabrasive cleaner. This will remove accumula-
tions of salt or road film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass for long periods
may cause deterioration of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to remove salt or dirt
from a dry windshield.Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from
the windshield. Keep the blade rubber out of contact with
petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.
Adding Washer Fluid
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located in the
front of the engine compartment on the passenger side of
the vehicle. Be sure to check the fluid level in the
reservoir at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with
windshield washer solvent (not engine coolant (anti-
freeze) and operate the system for a few seconds to flush
out the residual water.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 213
7

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

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