2010 DODGE VIPER maintenance

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.
Washing
•
Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your ve-
hicle in the shade using MOPARCar Wash or equiva-
lent, 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 MOPAR Super Kleen Bug
and Tar Remover or equivalent to remove.
•Use a high quality cleaner wax, such as MOPAR
Cleaner Wax or equivalent 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 MOPAR Wheel Cleaner or equivalent, or
select a nonabrasive, non-acidic cleaner. Do not use
238 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 or
equivalent, 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.
Aero Group — If Equipped
Please review all of the precautionary notes regarding the
Aero Group option. 1. Front Splitter
The front splitter will not flex or compress against
impacts from the front. If an impact does occur, have the
splitter inspected. A cracked or delaminated splitter
should be replaced.
Front Splitter
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 241

terminal or use the “Battery Save Feature” to conserve
battery power. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures/
Battery Save Feature” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”
for further information.
NOTE: Disconnecting the battery causes the engine
control system to lose memory of some “learned” func-
tions. After reconnecting the battery, the engine may run
rough until the control module “relearns” these func-
tions. Using the Battery Save Feature will prevent the
engine controller from loosing its memory.
CAUTION!
Use care when disconnecting the remote positive
cable. It is connected to the battery and can short out
to any metal on the vehicle. Always tape or wrap the
exposed cable end to prevent electrical shorts. Check the battery every four to six weeks to ensure that
the voltage is above 12.40 Volts. The voltage will drop
more rapidly in hot temperatures. If battery voltage
drops below 12.40 Volts, follow the battery recharge
procedure in the Service Manual.
NOTE:
To help prevent the battery from discharging
during shorter periods of inactivity, perform the follow-
ing:
1. Make sure that the trunk/liftgate, hood, doors, win-
dows, and convertible top are completely closed.
2. Make sure that Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmit-
ter is operating and that the battery is good.
3. Make sure that the HOOD, TRUNK/LIFTGATE, and
DOOR switches are in adjustment. Perform the quick
system check, which follows:
Use the remote transmitter to set the alarm. If the alarm
SET light comes on and flashes, the system is operating7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 249

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
CONTENTS
Emissions Control System Maintenance ...... 264
 Maintenance Schedules ................. 264
▫ Maintenance Schedule B ............... 267
▫ Maintenance Schedule A ............... 278
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S

EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed inbold type
must be done at the times or mileages specified to ensure
the continued proper functioning of the emissions control
system. These and all other maintenance services in-
cluded in this manual, should be done to provide best
vehicle performance and reliability. More frequent main-
tenance may be needed for vehicles in severe operating
conditions, such as dusty areas and very short trip
driving.
Inspection and service should also be done anytime a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE: Maintenance, replacement or repair of the emis-
sions control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part that has been
certified pursuant to U.S. EPA or in the State of Califor-
nia, California Air Resources Board regulations.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
There are two maintenance schedules that show the
required service for your vehicle.
First is “Maintenance Schedule B.” It is for vehicles that
are operated under the conditions that are listed below
and at the beginning of the schedule.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F ( 32°C).8
M A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S264 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

NOTE:
•IfANY of these apply to you then change your engine
oil every 3,000 miles (5000 km) or three months,
whichever comes first, and follow the maintenance
recommendations in “Maintenance Schedule B” in this
section.
•If ANY of these apply to you, then flush and replace
the engine coolant every 102,000 miles (170 000 km) or
60 months, whichever comes first, and follow the
maintenance recommendations in “Maintenance
Schedule B” in this section.
•Most vehicles are operated under the conditions listed
for “Maintenance Schedule B. Second is “Maintenance Schedule A.” It is for vehicles
that are not operated under any of the conditions listed
under “Maintenance Schedule B.
Use the schedule that best describes your driving condi-
tions. Where time and mileage are listed, follow the
interval that occurs first.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change
intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months,
whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 265

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

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE B
Follow “Maintenance Schedule B” if you usually operate
your vehicle under one or more of the following condi-
tions.
•Day or night temperatures are below 32°F (0°C).
•Stop and go driving.
•Extensive engine idling.
•Driving in dusty conditions.
•Short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km).
•More than 50% of your driving is at sustained high
speeds during hot weather, above 90°F (32°C).NOTE:
•If
ANY of these apply to you, then change your engine
oil every 3,000 miles (5000 km) or three months,
whichever comes first, and follow the maintenance
recommendations in “Maintenance Schedule “B” in
this section.
•If ANY of these apply to you, then flush and replace
the engine coolant every 102,000 miles (170 000 km) or
60 months, whichever comes first, and follow the
maintenance recommendations in “Maintenance
Schedule B” in this section.
8
M A I
N T
E
N A
N CE
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
SMAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 267