tires DODGE VIPER 2004 ZB / 2.G Owner's Manual

Check the battery every 4 to 6 weeks to ensure that the
voltage is above 12.40. Voltage will drop more rapidly
in hot temperatures. If battery voltage drops below
12.40, follow the battery recharge procedure in the
Service Manual.
²Check that the radiator coolant level of protection is to
at least -20ÉF (-29ÉC).
²Block the wheels. Do not apply the Parking Brake.
²Make sure that all tires are inflated to the optimum
pressure, (29 PSI).
²Cut blocks of plywood about the same size of the tires.
Cover each block with indoor/outdoor carpeting and
place them between the tires and concrete. This will
prevent tire flat spotting.
²For long term storage, remove the tires and put the
vehicle up on blocks. Stack the tires on plywood and
cover with a tarp to prevent flat spotting.
²Move the wiper blades away from the windshield.
NOTE:To help prevent the battery from discharging
during shorter periods of inactivity, perform the follow-
ing:
1. Make sure that the trunk, hood, doors, windows and
convertible top are completely closed.
2. Make sure that remote transmitter is operating and
that the battery is good.
3. Make sure that the hood, trunk 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 operating
properly. If not, there is a problem with a switch or the
system. See your dealer for service.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 185
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Once a Month
²Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
²Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
²Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
²Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.At Each Oil Change
²Change the engine oil filter.
²Inspect the exhaust system.
²Inspect the brake hoses.
²Inspect the suspension components.
²Lubricate door hinges and check springs.
²Check the engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
²Check power steering fluid level.
²Rotate the tires at each oil change interval shown on
Schedule ªAº 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or every other
interval shown on Schedule ªBº 6,000 miles (10 000
km).
202 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following describes the tire grading categories estab-
lished by the National highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration. The specific grade rating assigned by the tire's
manufacturer in each category is shown on the sidewall
of the tires on your car.
All Passenger Car Tires Must Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in Addition to These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled con-
ditions on a specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1
1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, andmay depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in driving habits, service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B, and
C, and they represent the tire's ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING!
The traction grade is based on braking (straight-
ahead) traction tests and does not include cornering
(turning) performance.
222 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (highest), B, and C, repre-
senting the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and
its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the
tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance which all passen-
ger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel
than the minimum required by law.WARNING!
The temperature grade is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible tire failure.
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE 223
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11786.1............................... 111
1819................................. 109
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System............... 75
Accessory Delay, Power..................13,24
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 168
Adding Fuel........................... 129
Additives, Fuel......................... 129
Adjustable Pedals........................ 66
Aiming Headlights....................... 193
Air Cleaner, Engine...................... 155
Air Conditioning......................90,160
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 160
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 117
Airbag................................ 38
Airbag Deployment....................... 42
Airbag Light..........................41,79
Airbag Maintenance....................... 45
Airbag On/Off Switch...................34,43Alarm................................ 19
Alignment and Balance................... 123
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna............................... 90
Antifreeze Disposal...................... 167
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..............167,168
Capacities........................... 195
Anti-Lock Warning Light................... 75
Appearance Care........................ 177
Auto Down Power Windows................ 24
Automatic Door Locks..................... 15
Ball Joints............................. 162
Battery.............................78,156
Gas Caution.......................... 157
Bearings.............................. 177
Belt System, Six Point..................... 31
Belts, Drive............................ 152
Belts, Seat.............................. 26
226 INDEX

Light Bulbs............................ 186
Lights................................. 60
Airbag.............................41,79
Anti-Lock Warning...................... 75
Back-Up............................. 61
Brake Warning......................... 79
Daytime Running....................... 63
Dimmer Switch, Headlight................ 61
Exterior Check......................... 48
Fog .............................62,64,78
Hazard Warning Flasher...............75,132
Headlight Switch....................... 62
Headlights.........................62,188
High Beam Indicator.................... 77
Instrument Cluster...................... 62
Interior...........................61,186
Lights On Reminder..................... 63
Malfunction Indicator.................... 76
Map Reading.......................... 60Oil Pressure........................... 78
Passing.............................. 65
Reading.............................. 60
Seat Belt Reminder...................... 77
Turn Signal.......................61,64,75
Loading Vehicle
Capacities........................... 130
Tires ............................... 112
Locks
Door................................ 13
Low Tire Indicator....................... 124
Low Tire Pressure System.................. 124
Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) . 35
Lubricants..........................162,163
Lubrication, Body....................... 162
Maintenance Schedule.................... 200
Light Duty Schedule9B9................. 203
Schedule9A9......................... 210
INDEX 231
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Pets.................................. 46
Pets, Transporting........................ 46
Placard, Tire and Loading Information......... 112
Power
Accessory Delay......................13,24
Steering..........................107,161
Windows............................. 23
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 32
Programming Transmitters.................. 18
Radial Ply Tires......................... 120
Radiator Cap........................... 168
Radio................................. 82
Radio Antenna.......................... 90
Radio Operation......................... 90
Rear Axle............................. 176
Rear Wheel Bearings..................... 177
Reclining Front Seats...................... 57
Reformulated Gasoline.................... 127Refrigerant............................ 160
Reminder, Seat Belt.....................30,77
Remote Keyless Entry..................... 15
Replacement Tires....................... 122
Reporting Safety Defects................... 220
Restraints, Child......................... 33
Restraints, Infant......................... 33
Restraints, Occupant...................... 26
Rotation, Tires.......................... 126
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle................. 48
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle............... 48
Safety Defects, Reporting.................. 220
Safety Information, Tire................... 108
Safety Tips............................. 47
Schedule, Maintenance.................... 200
Scheduled Maintenance................... 148
Seat Belt Maintenance.................... 178
Seat Belt Reminder.....................30,77
INDEX 233
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Seat Belts.............................. 26
And Pregnant Women................... 32
Extender............................. 32
Inspection............................ 48
Operating Instructions................... 28
Reminder............................ 77
Seats................................. 57
Adjustment........................... 57
Reclining............................. 57
Selection of Oil......................... 150
Service Assistance....................... 216
Service Contract......................... 218
Service Manuals........................ 220
Setting the Clock......................... 81
Shift Indicator Light....................76,101
Shift Speeds.........................100,101
Side View Mirror Adjustment................ 56
Signals, Turn............................ 75
Six Point Belt System...................... 31Slippery Surfaces, Driving On............... 137
Snow Tires............................ 125
Spark Plugs............................ 152
Specifications........................... 196
Speedometer............................ 74
Starting............................... 97
Emergency (Jump Starting)............... 134
Engine Fails to Start..................... 98
Steering
Linkage............................. 163
Power...........................107,161
Tilt Column........................... 65
Storage............................... 183
Stuck, Freeing.......................... 138
Sulfur in Gasoline....................... 129
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag........ 38
Tachometer............................. 80
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant........... 80
234 INDEX

Theft Alarm............................ 19
Theft System............................ 19
Tilt Steering Column...................... 65
Tire and Loading Information Placard......... 112
Tire Markings.......................... 108
Tire Safety Information.................... 108
Tires .............................. 116,222
Air Pressure.......................... 116
Alignment........................... 123
Chains.............................. 125
Compact Spare........................ 120
High Speed.......................... 119
Inflation Pressures..................... 117
Load Capacity...................... 112,113
Quality Grading....................... 222
Radial.............................. 120
Replacement......................... 122
Rotation............................. 126
Safety..........................48,108,116Sizes............................... 109
Snow Tires........................... 125
Spinning............................ 121
Storage............................. 126
Tread Wear Indicators................... 122
Towing............................... 139
Disabled Vehicle....................... 139
Trailering............................ 130
Traction.............................. 137
Trailer Towing.......................... 130
Transmission........................... 175
Shifting..........................100,101
Transmitter Battery Service.................. 19
Transmitter Programming................... 18
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry............ 19
Transporting Pets........................ 46
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 122
Turn Signals..........................64,75
INDEX 235
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