2009 DODGE VIPER power steering 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

POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
144 STARTING AND OPERATING

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

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

Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Transmission MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Rear Axle MOPARSynthetic Gear and Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-140 or equivalent,
with Limited Slip Additive Friction Modifier
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARBrake and Clutch Fluid DOT 4 Motor Vehicle or equivalent
Power Steering Reservoir MOPARPower Steering Fluid + 4, MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission
Fluid
248 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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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Location..........................192,207
Saving Feature (Protection)............... 210
Storing Vehicle........................ 210
Belts, Seat............................33,34
Body Mechanism Lubrication............... 212
Boot, Convertible Top...................69,74
B-Pillar Location........................ 156
Brake, Parking.......................... 145
Brake System........................147,222
Anti-Lock (ABS)....................147,148
Fluid Check.......................222,248
Master Cylinder....................... 222
Warning Light........................ 104
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle.....59,147
Bulb Replacement....................... 237
Bulbs, Light............................ 236
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 246
Capacities, Fluid........................ 246Caps, Filler
Fuel................................ 175
Oil (Engine).......................... 205
Power Steering........................ 144
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 219
Car Washes............................ 227
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............60,174
CD (Compact Disc) Changer................ 116
CD (Compact Disc) Player............... 111,115
Cellular Phone.......................... 125
Chains, Tire............................ 167
Charging System Light.................... 109
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 153
Check Engine Light
(Malfunction Indicator Light)............... 201
Checks, Safety........................... 60
Child Restraint....................53,54,55,58
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 56
Circuit Breakers......................... 230
INDEX 281
10

Clean Air Gasoline....................... 171
Climate Control......................... 125
Clock................................ 110
Clutch Fluid........................... 224
Compact Disc (CD) Maintenance............. 124
Console............................... 94
Console, Floor........................... 94
Contract, Service........................ 273
Convertible............................. 65
Convertible Boot.......................69,74
Convertible Top.......................65,228
Convertible Top Maintenance............... 228
Coolant Pressure Cap (Radiator Cap).......... 219
Cooling System......................... 216
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 218
Coolant Capacity...................... 246
Coolant Level......................217,220
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 220
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 217Inspection........................... 220
Points to Remember.................... 221
Pressure Cap......................... 219
Radiator Cap......................... 219
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......217,246,247
Customer Assistance..................... 271
Daytime Running Lights................... 84
Dealer Service.......................... 203
Defroster, Rear Window.................... 95
Defroster, Windshield...................61,128
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 90
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 200
Dimmer Control......................... 88
Dimmer Switch, Headlight.................. 86
Dipsticks
Power Steering........................ 144
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 220
282 INDEX