maintenance DODGE VIPER 2005 ZB / 2.G Owner's Manual

the vehicle is not going to be driven in the next 3
weeks, follow the battery recharge procedure in the
Service Manual, then disconnect the battery at the
negative terminal or use the save feature described in
Maintaining your Vehicle section under the Mainte-
nance Procedures sub-section, within Maintenance-
Free Battery.
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.
•Disconnecting the battery causes the engine control
system to lose memory of some“learned”functions,
unless using the Battery Save feature described inMaintaining your Vehicle section under the Mainte-
nance Procedures sub-section, within Maintenance-
Free Battery. The engine may run rough when first
started after a battery disconnect until the control
module“relearns”these functions.
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.
•Check that the radiator coolant level of protection is to
at least -20°F (-29°C).
•Block the wheels. Do not apply the Parking Brake.
•Make sure that all tires are inflated to the optimum
pressure, (29 PSI).
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 203
7

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
CONTENTS

Emission Control System Maintenance........218

Maintenance Schedules...................218▫Schedule“B”........................221
▫Schedule“A”........................228
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EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The“Scheduled”maintenance services, listed inbold
typemust be done at the times or mileages specified to
assure the continued proper functioning of the emission
control system. These, and all other maintenance services
included 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 also should be done any time a
malfunction is suspected.
NOTE:Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emis-
sion control devices and systems on your vehicle may be
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual using any automotive part which 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
requiredservice for your vehicle.
First is 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).
•Trailer towing.
218 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-
vice).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5,000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule B of the
“Maintenance Schedules”section of this manual.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then flush and
replace the engine coolant every 102,000 miles (164,000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow
schedule B of theMaintenance Schedulessection of this
manual.
NOTE:Most vehicles are operated under the conditions
listed for ScheduleB.Second is Schedule“A”. It is for vehicles that are not
operated under any of the conditions listed under Sched-
uleB.
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 months or 6,000 miles, whichever
comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 219
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At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy 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 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.
•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.
220 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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SCHEDULE“B”
Follow schedule“B”if you usually operate your vehicle
under one or more of the following conditions.
•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).
•Trailer towing.
•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial service).
•Off-road or desert operation.
•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)
fuel.
NOTE:IfANYof these apply to you then change your
engine oil every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months,
whichever comes first and follow schedule“B”of the
Maintenance Schedulessection of this manual.
NOTE:IFANYof these apply to you then flush and
replace the engine coolant every 102,000 miles (164,000
km) or 60 months, whichever comes first, and follow
schedule B of theMaintenance Schedulessection of this
manual.
SCHEDULE“B”221
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Miles 93,000 96,000 99,000 102,000 105,000
(Kilometers) (149 000) (154 000) (158 000) (163 000) (168 000)
Change engine oil and engine oil filter, if not replaced at
3 months.XXXXX
Inspect the brake linings. X
Change the rear axle fluid. X
Inspect and replace, if necessary, theengine air cleaner
filter.X
Lubricate the front and rear suspension ball joints. X
Change the transmission fluid.X
Inspect and replace the Auto Tension Drive Belt as
needed. Not required if the belt was previously replaced.X
Flush and replace the engine coolant, if not replaced at
60 months.X
* This maintenance is recommended by DaimlerChrysler
Corporation to the owner but is not required to maintain
the warranty on the PCV orifice.‡This maintenance is not required if previously replaced.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime a
malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all receipts.
SCHEDULE“B”227
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* This maintenance is recommended by DaimlerChrysler
Corporation to the owner but is not required to maintain
the warranty on the PCV orifice.
‡This maintenance is not required if previously replaced.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Do only that service work for which
you have the knowledge and the right equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent me-
chanic.
SCHEDULE“A”231
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SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FOR
YOUR VEHICLE
Prepare For The Appointment
If you’re having warranty work done, be sure to have the
right papers with you. Take your warranty folder. All
work to be performed may not be covered by the
warranty, discuss additional charges with the service
manager. Keep a maintenance log of your vehicle’s
service history. This can often provide a clue to the
current problem.
Prepare A List
Make a written list of your vehicle’s problems or the
specific work you want done. If you’ve had an accident,
or work done that is not on your maintenance log, let the
service advisor know.
Be Reasonable With Requests
If you list a number of items, and you must have your
vehicle by the end of the day, discuss the situation with
the service advisor and list the items in order of priority.
At many dealers you may obtain a rental vehicle at a
minimal daily charge. If you need a rental, it is advisable
to make these arrangements when you call for an ap-
pointment.
234 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

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