tow DODGE VIPER 2006 ZB / 2.G Owner's Manual

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
To meet new government regulations and promote
cleaner air, your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated
onboard diagnostic system called OBD II. This system
monitors the performance of the emissions and engine
control systems. When these systems are operating prop-
erly, your vehicle will provide excellent performance and
fuel economy, as well as engine emissions well within
current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light. It will also
store diagnostic codes and other information to assist
your service technician in making repairs. Although your
vehicle will usually be driveable and not need towing,
see your dealer for service as soon as possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the light on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any state emissions
tests can be performed.
If the light is flashing, severe catalytic converter damage
and power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the light may
come on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time you
add fuel.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 169
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•Trailer towing
•Off-road or desert driving
•If equipped for and operating with E–85 (ethanol) fuel
If none of these apply to you, then change your engine oil
every 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months, whichever
comes first and follow the maintenance recommenda-
tions in ScheduleA.
CAUTION!
Overfilling the crankcase will cause oil aeration and
loss of oil pressure. This could damage your engine.
Engine Oil Selection
For best performance and maximum protection under all
types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only
recommends full synthetic engine oils that are API rated
as SL/CF and meet the requirements of DaimlerChrysler
Material Standard MS-10725. Use Mopar or an equivalent
oil meeting the specification MS-10725.
If you choose to operate this vehicle in a very aggres-
sive driving style, the manufacturer recommends the
use of a full synthetic engine oil, such as Mobil 1SAE
0W-40.
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart
The proper SAE viscosity grade of engine oil should be
selected based on the following recommendation and be
within the operating temperature shown in the engine oil
viscosity chart.
174 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for prolonged period.
Ignition Wiring System and Ignition Timing
The ignition cables should be kept clean and properly
connected. Terminals should be fully seated. Do not
remove the nipple assemblies from the coil towers unless
the nipples are damaged or cable testing shows high
resistance or broken insulation. Refer to the ServiceManual for the proper procedure to be followed for
checking ignition cable resistance. Cracked, damaged, or
faulty cables should be replaced.
Because of the plastic body shell on your Viper, ignition
cables should be replaced with the specially designed RFI
cables available at your dealer.
Ignition timing cannot be set on this vehicle.
Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from plugging due to deposits. As vehicle mileage builds
up, the Crankcase Ventilation Valve orifice may accumu-
late deposits. If a valve is not working properly, replace it
with a new orifice. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN THE
OLD ORIFICE!
Check the ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
178 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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.
226 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” 229
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Defroster, Windshield...................... 53
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 85
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 169
Dimmer Control......................... 77
Dimmer Switch, Headlight.................. 80
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 193
Door Locks............................. 14
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 16
Doors................................. 14
Drive Belts............................ 176
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 162
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 70
Emergency Brake........................ 124
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 163
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 156Jump Starting......................... 158
Overheating.......................... 156
Towing............................. 163
Emission Control System Maintenance......170,226
Engine............................... 168
Break-In Recommendations................ 52
Checking Oil Level..................... 172
Compartment......................... 168
Coolant (Antifreeze).................190,221
Cooling...........................94,190
Exhaust Gas Caution................26,53,151
Fails to Start.......................... 120
Fuel Requirements..................148,220
Oil ...........................172,220,221
Oil Change Interval.................... 173
Oil Disposal.......................... 175
Oil Filter............................ 175
Oil Selection.......................174,220
Overheating........................94,156
INDEX 253
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Spinning............................ 142
Storage............................. 147
Tread Wear Indicators................... 142
Top Cover.............................. 61
Towing............................153,163
Disabled Vehicle....................... 163
Trailering............................ 153
Traction.............................. 162
Trailer Towing.......................... 153
Transmission........................... 198
Fluid............................... 222
Shifting..........................122,123
Transmitter Battery Service.................. 20
Transmitter Programming................... 19
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry..........16,20
Transporting Pets........................ 52
Tread Wear Indicators.................... 142
Trip Odometer Reset Button................. 90
Trunk Release, Emergency.................. 25Turn Signals..........................80,91
Underbody Maintenance.................. 202
Uniform Tire Quality Grades................ 247
Unleaded Gasoline....................... 148
Upholstery Care........................ 200
Vehicle Identification Number................ 6
Vehicle Loading......................135,153
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations.............. 7
Vehicle Storage......................... 208
Vehicle Theft Alarm....................... 21
Ventilation System....................... 111
Vinyl Trim............................. 200
Viscosity, Engine Oil...................174,220
Voltmeter.............................. 97
Warning Flasher, Hazard.................. 156
Warnings and Cautions..................... 6
262 INDEX