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

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:
•Hood hinge
•D/ lid hinge
•Fuel door hinge
•Lock cylinders
•Parking brake mechanism
•Trunk latches
•Ash 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:
•Generator bearings
•Drive belt
•Accessory drive belt idler pulley
•Idler arm assembly
•Front wheel bearing
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 181
7

Transmission
Lubricant Selection
Refer to the Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genu-
ine Parts section for correct fluid type.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality. Refer to the Recom-
mended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts sec-
tion for correct fluid type.
Fluid Level Check
The fluid in the transmission should be checked when-
ever other underhood services are done. Check the fluid
level by removing the fill plug located on the left side ofthe 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 fluid
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 193
7

level 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.
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.
194 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Minor damage can be repaired by using touch-up mate-
rials available at your dealers. More extensive damage
should be corrected in your dealer’s paint facility.
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 a mild soap solution or
lukewarm water. Do not remove the belts from the car to
wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
Convertible Top Care
Use a mild detergent to clean the top. Avoid heavy
scrubbing and rinse with plenty of clean water. Allow to
dry thoroughly before storage.
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.
196 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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

WARNING!
The traction grade is based on braking (straight-
ahead) traction tests and does not include cornering
(turning) performance.
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.
242 IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

Distribution Center..................... 197
Steering..........................121,178
Windows............................. 24
Pregnant Women and Seat Belts.............. 33
Programming Transmitters.................. 18
Radial Ply Tires......................... 134
Radiator Cap (Coolant Pressure Cap).......... 185
Radio Antenna......................... 103
Radio Broadcast Signals.................... 94
Radio Operation........................ 103
Radio (Sound Systems).................... 95
Rear Axle............................. 193
Rear Wheel Bearings..................... 194
Rearview Mirrors........................ 67
Reclining Front Seats...................... 71
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts............................... 213
Reformulated Gasoline.................... 142Refrigerant............................ 177
Reminder, Lights On...................... 76
Reminder, Seat Belt.....................31,89
Remote Keyless Entry..................... 15
Replacement Parts....................... 163
Replacement Tires....................... 137
Reporting Safety Defects................... 239
Restraints, Child......................... 34
Restraints, Infant......................... 34
Restraints, Occupant...................... 26
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck................ 155
Rotation, Tires.......................... 141
Safety Checks Inside Vehicle................. 51
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle............... 52
Safety Defects, Reporting.................. 239
Safety Information, Tire................... 122
Safety Tips............................. 51
Schedule, Maintenance.................... 218
INDEX 253
10

Disabled Vehicle....................... 155
Trailering............................ 146
Traction.............................. 154
Trailer Towing.......................... 146
Transmission........................... 193
Fluid............................... 214
Shifting.......................... 114,115
Transmitter Battery Service.................. 19
Transmitter Programming................... 18
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry..........15,19
Transporting Pets........................ 50
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 137
Trip Odometer Reset Button................. 86
Trunk Release, Emergency.................. 24
Turn Signals..........................77,87
Underbody Maintenance.................. 196
Uniform Tire Quality Grades................ 241
Unleaded Gasoline....................... 142Upholstery Care........................ 194
Vehicle Identification Number................ 6
Vehicle Loading......................127,146
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations.............. 7
Vehicle Storage......................... 202
Vehicle Theft Alarm....................... 20
Ventilation System....................... 104
Vinyl Trim............................. 194
Viscosity, Engine Oil...................166,212
Voltmeter.............................. 93
Warning Flasher, Hazard.................. 148
Warnings and Cautions..................... 6
Warranty Information..................... 237
Washer, Adding Fluid..................... 182
Washers, Windshield.................81,82,182
Wheel Alignment and Balance............... 138
Wheel Bearings......................... 194
256 INDEX