wheel DODGE VIPER 2004 ZB / 2.G User Guide

Radial-Ply Tires
WARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with other types of tires
on your vehicle will cause your vehicle to handle
poorly. The instability could cause an accident. Al-
ways use radial ply tires in sets of four (or 6, in case
of trucks with dual rear wheels). Never combine
them with other types of tires.
Cuts and punctures in radial tires are repairable only in
the tread area because of sidewall flexing. Consult your
authorized tire dealer for radial tire repairs.
Compact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped
The compact spare is for temporary emergency use with
radial tires. It is engineered to be used on your style
vehicle only. Since this tire has limited tread life, the
original tire should be repaired (or replaced) and rein-
stalled at the first opportunity.
WARNING!
Temporary use spare tires are for emergency use
only. With these tires, do not drive more than 50 mph
(80 km/h). Temporary-use spare tires have a total
tread life of 3,000 miles (4 800 km). Be sure to follow
the warnings which apply to your spare. Failure to
do so could result in spare tire failure and loss of
vehicle control.
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Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount a
conventional tire on the compact spare wheel, since the
wheel is designed specifically for the compact spare.
CAUTION!
Because of the reduced ground clearance, do not take
your vehicle through an automatic car wash with the
compact spare installed. Damage to the vehicle may
result.
Tire Spinning
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions, do not
spin your vehicle's wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h).
See the paragraph on Freeing A Stuck Vehicle in Section
6 of this manual.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause tire dam-
age or failure. A tire could explode and injure
someone. Do not spin your vehicle's wheels faster
than 35 mph (55km/h) when you are stuck. And don't
let anyone near a spinning wheel, no matter what the
speed.
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WARNING!
²Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combina-
tions of unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance charac-
teristics, resulting in changes to steering, han-
dling, and braking of your vehicle. This can cause
unpredictable handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose control
and have an accident resulting in serious injury or
death. Use only the tire and wheel sizes with load
ratings approved for your vehicle.
²Never use a tire with a smaller load index or
capacity, other than what was originally equipped
on your vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller load
index could result in tire overloading and failure.
You could lose control and have an accident.
²Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in sudden
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different size
may result in false speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
Alignment And Balance
Poor suspension alignment may result in:
²Fast tire wear.
²Uneven tire wear, such as feathering and one-sided
wear.
²Vehicle pull to right or left.
Tires may also cause the vehicle to pull to the left or right.
Alignment will not correct this condition. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
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Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
Low Tire Pressure (LTP) System
Low Tire Indicator
The Low Tire indicator in the Liquid Crystal Display
(LCD) of the instrument cluster will flash slowly and a
single chime will sound to warn if tire pressure falls
below 20 psi (138 kpa). The indicator will flash more
rapidly and a continuous tone will sound to warn if tire
pressure falls below 14 psi (97 kpa). Seek repair as soon as
possible.
If the indicator stays on and one chime will sound, a
system failure has occurred. See your dealer for service.Although the tires are designed with a ªrun flatº feature
that allows the vehicle to be driven about 50 miles (80
km) at 55 m.p.h. (88 kph), immediate service should be
obtained if the Low Tire indicator is activated.
WARNING!
Do not exceed 55 m.p.h. (88 k.p.h.) if the LOW Tire
indicator in the instrument cluster is illuminated.
Vehicle handling and braking may be reduced. You
could have an accident and be severely or fatally
injured.
NOTE:The ªrun flatº feature eliminates the need for a
spare tire and jack. This vehicle is not equipped with
either a spare tire or jack.
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CAUTION!
The Low Tire Pressure (LTP) system has been opti-
mized for the original equipment tires and wheels.
The LTP system pressures have been established for
the tire size equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable
operation or sensor damage may result when using
replacement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. After-market wheels can cause
sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant or balance
beads if your vehicle is equipped with the LTP
system as damage to the sensors may result.
TIRE CHAINS
Due to limited clearance, tire chains are not recom-
mended.
CAUTION!
Damage to the vehicle may result if tire chains are
used.
SNOW TIRES
There are no snow tires that are compatible with the
wheels on this vehicle.
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HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is on the top of the steering
column, just behind the steering wheel. Depress
the flasher button and all front and rear directional
signals will flash. Depress the flasher button again to turn
the flashers off.Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.
If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may run down
your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
²On the highways ÐSlow down and use the highest
gear possible.
²In city traffic ÐWhile stopped, put the transmission
in neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
132 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

²Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are
slushy.
²Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
CAUTION!
Driving your Viper through deep puddles at speeds
over 5 mph, may cause water to be ingested into the
engine. This can cause severe engine damage.
²Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become
visible.
²Keep tires properly inflated.
²Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front to avoid a collision in a sudden
stop.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverse
and First gear. Usually the least accelerator pedal pres-
sure to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission/axle overheating and fail-
ure. It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the
wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h).
138 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

NPower Steering (Pump And Reservoir)......161
NBody Lubrication.....................162
NFront And Rear Suspension Ball Joints......162
NSteering Linkage......................163
NBody Mechanism Lubrication.............163
NWindshield Washers...................165
NExhaust System......................165
NCooling System.......................166
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......170
NBrake System........................171
NBrake, Power Steering, And Fuel System
Hoses.............................171NBrake And Clutch Fluid.................173
NMaster Cylinder......................174
NHydraulic Clutch.....................175
NTransmission........................175
NRear Axle...........................176
NWheel Bearings.......................177
NAppearance Care.....................177
mFuses Ð Power Distribution Center..........180
mVehicle Storage........................183
mReplacement Bulbs......................186
NInterior Light Bulbs....................186
NExterior Light Bulbs...................186
142 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Other Body Mechanisms
The following body mechanisms should be inspected
and, if necessary, all pivot and sliding contact areas of
these components should be lubricated with the lubricant
specified as follows:
Smooth White Body Lubricant - Such as Mopar Spray
White Lube:
²Hood hinge
²D/ lid hinge
²Fuel door hinge
²Lock cylinders
²Parking brake mechanism
²Trunk latches
²Ash tray
Points That Should Not Be Lubricated
There are many points that should not be lubricated;
some because they are permanently lubricated, some
because lubricants will be detrimental to the operating
characteristics, and some because lubricants will cause
component failures.
In particular, do not lubricate rubber bushings, since this
not only will cause them to fail, but will destroy their
necessary frictional characteristics.
Parts that should not be lubricated are as follows:
²Generator bearings
²Drive belt
²Accessory drive belt idler pulley
²Idler arm assembly
²Front wheel bearing
164 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

the transmission. The fluid level should be at the bottom
of the fill hole. Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the
proper level.
Frequency of Fluid Change
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed at
the factory will give satisfactory lubrication for the life of
the vehicle. If the vehicle is operated under severe
conditions, change the fluid as specified in Maintenance
ScheduleB. If contaminated with water, the fluid should
be changed immediately.
Rear Axle
Fluid Level Check
Every 12 months or 6,000 miles (10 000 km) the exterior of
the axle should be checked for evidence of gear oil
leakage. This check should be made with the vehicle in a
level position, supported by the suspension, on an axle
and wheel type hoist, or on the ground. The axle fluidlevel should be between the bottom of the filler plug and
a point approximately 3/8 inch (9.5mm) below the filler
plug.
Lubricant Selection
Use only the manufacturer's recommended transmission
fluid. Refer to the Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and
Genuine Parts section for correct fluid type. This Limited
Slip Differential requires that a friction control additive
be added to the gear oil whenever a fluid change is made.
Frequency of Oil Change
Drain and fill the axle at the interval specified in the
Maintenance Schedules. Change the fluid immediately if
contaminated with water.
176 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE