2010 DODGE VIPER brake fluid

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.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
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information. 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.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 233

WARNING!
•Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake
fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake fluid
can severely damage your brake system and/or
impair its performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also labeled on the origi-
nal factory installed hydraulic master cylinder
reservoir.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•To avoid contamination from foreign matter or
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard
or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden brake
failure. This could result in a accident.
•Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.(Continued)
234 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in an accident.
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
the “Maintenance Schedule.” Refer to “Maintenance
Schedule” for further information. 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 “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for
further information.
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 “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for
further information.
Change Transmission Fluid
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals. If contaminated with water, change the
fluid immediately. See your authorized dealer for service.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 235

Chassis
ComponentFluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Transmission MOPARATF+4Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent licensed
ATF+4 product.
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, MOPAR ATF+4Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid or equivalent licensed ATF+4 product.
262 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.
8
M A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S266 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Miles3,000 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.\b\b XX X
Inspect and replace the air cleaner filter, if
necessary. 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
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S268 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Miles21,000 24,000 27,000 30,000 33,000 36,000
(Kilometers) (35 000) (40 000) (45 000) (50 000) (55 000) (60 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not
replaced at 3 months. XXXXX X
Rotate the tires.\b\b XX X
Inspect and replace the air cleaner filter, if
necessary. X
Inspect and replace the PCV valve, if neces-
sary. X
Change the transmission fluid. X
Inspect the transmission fluid. X
Inspect the brake linings. XX
Change the rear axle fluid. XX
Change the brake and clutch fluid. X
Change the brake fluid. X
Lubricate the front and rear suspension ball
joints. X
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 269

Miles39,000 42,000 45,000 48,000 51,000 54,000
(Kilometers) (65 000) (70 000) (75 000) (80 000) (85 000) (90 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not
replaced at 3 months. XXXXX X
Rotate the tires.\b\b XX X
Inspect and replace the engine air cleaner fil-
ter, if necessary. X
Inspect and replace the auto tension drive
belt, if necessary. X
Change the transmission fluid. X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Change the rear axle fluid. X
Change the brake and clutch fluid. X
Lubricate the front and rear suspension ball
joints. X
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S270 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES