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

Wheel Bearings
Your Viper has permanently sealed wheel bearings that
do not require periodic maintenance.
Appearance Care
Your manufacturer's dealer offers a complete line of
products for cleaning your Viper. Follow the instructions
on each container.
Leather or Vinyl Seat/Trim Care and Cleaning
Leather is best preserved by regular cleaning with a
damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt can act as an
abrasive and damage the leather surface and should be
removed immediately with a damp cloth. Stubborn soils
can be removed easily with a soft cloth and Mopar Total
Clean. Care should be taken to avoid soaking the leather
with any liquid. Please do not use polishes, oils, cleaning
fluids, solvents, detergents, or ammonia based cleaners
to clean the leather. Application of a leather conditioner is
not required to maintain the original condition.
Paint and Trim
Your vehicle is exposed to the corrosive effects of chemi-
cal fall out, salt spray, and road film. To protect not only
the paint and trim, but also exposed mountings and
fixtures, it is important you wash it often and thoroughly.
After washing, allow all surfaces to drain and dry before
parking in a closed garage. Prompt washing may not
thoroughly remove these deposits. Additional cleaners
may be required. When using chemical cleaners formu-
lated for this purpose, be certain they are safe for use on
urethane painted surfaces.
Use soap and water on dull black window trim. Polish or
cleaners may leave a white residue. If desired, you may
polish your vehicle immediately by using Mopar Auto-
mobile Polish.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 177
7

Carpeting
Vacuum your carpeting regularly to prevent a soil
buildup. Shampoo soiled carpeting with a reliable uphol-
stery cleaner, using a natural sponge or soft bristle brush.
After carpeting dries, vacuum it thoroughly.
Underbody Maintenance
The corrosive materials used for ice and snow removal or
dust control may accumulate on the underbody of your
vehicle. If not removed, these materials may accelerate
rusting and deterioration of underbody components such
as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, exhaust system, etc.
At least twice during the winter months hose down the
wheel wells and underside of the vehicle. Make sure you
remove mud and salt from panels, crevices and ledges,
and that all drain holes and channels are free of debris.
NOTE:You can do more harm by hosing off the vehicle
without removing caked mud and debris.
The frame of your Viper is galvanized for rust-through
protection. It is also dipped in a black E-Coat to protect the
welded areas. Avoid any scratches through to bare metal.
Commercial Car Washes
We do not recommend that you take your Viper through
a commercial car wash.
In the event that you do take your Viper to a commercial
car wash, move the Heater/Air Conditioning blower
control to the lowest setting. This will prevent the possi-
bility of water entering the system.
CAUTION!
The tires on your Viper are wider than the guide
tracks on most washes and the low ground clearance
of your vehicle may not be compatible with some car
wash equipment. You could damage your vehicle.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 179
7

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
7

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
9

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
10

Underbody Maintenance.................. 179
Uniform Tire Quality Grades................ 222
Upholstery Care........................ 177
Vehicle Identification Number................ 6
Vehicle Loading...................... 113,130
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations.............. 7
Vehicle Storage......................... 183
Vehicle Theft Alarm....................... 19
Ventilation System........................ 90
Vinyl Trim............................. 177
Voltmeter.............................. 81
Warnings and Cautions..................... 6Warranty Information..................... 219
Washers, Windshield.................68,69,165
Wheel Alignment and Balance............... 123
Wheel Bearings......................... 177
Wind Buffeting.......................... 25
Windows
Power............................... 23
Windshield Defroster...................... 48
Windshield Washers..................68,69,165
Windshield Wipers....................... 68
Wipers, Intermittent....................... 69
Wiring, Ignition......................... 154
236 INDEX