brake fluid DODGE VIPER 2008 ZB II / 2.G Owners Manual

LIFTGATE Ð COUPE MODELS ONLY
The liftgate can be unlocked or locked by the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or by activating either of
the power door lock switches located on the door trim
panels.
To unlock the liftgate with the RKE transmitter, press the
LIFTGATE button on the transmitter for at least one
second. The park lights and turn signal lights will flash
three times to acknowledge the signal.
NOTE:Pressing the UNLOCK button on the transmitter
will also allow liftgate access.
Once unlocked, the liftgate can be opened or closed. To
open the liftgate, depress the liftgate release switch
located in the exterior liftgate handle and pull the liftgate
open with one fluid motion.
NOTE:The liftgate release switch will be ignored under
the following conditions:
²When the ignition is in RUN and the parking brake is
not set.
²When vehicle speed is not a 0 mph (0 km/h).
²When all doors are locked (except for RKE liftgate
access). Refer to ªEntering the liftgate with the System
Armed Ð Coupeº under ªSecurity Alarm Systemº in
this section for additional information.
The word ªDECKº will flash in the odometer when the
liftgate is open. With the key in the ignition switch, this
display will turn off approximately 40 seconds after
switching off the ignition, or if the Power Accessory
Delay feature is active, it will turn off approximately 40
seconds after the delay feature times out.
28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES
WARNING!
²Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fans whenever the hood
is raised. They can start anytime the ignition switch is on. You
can be hurt by the fans.
²Take care to avoid the accessory drive whenever the hood is
raised. You can be hurt by the moving components.
²Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it started.
Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic converter and once the
engine has started, ignite and damage the converter and
vehicle. If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster cables
may be used to obtain a start from a booster battery or the
battery in another vehicle. This type of start can be dangerous
if done improperly, so follow this procedure carefully.
²Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not allow battery
fluid to contact eyes, skin, or clothing. Don't lean over battery
when attaching clamps or allow the clamps to touch each
other. If acid splashes in eyes or on skin, flush contaminated
area immediately with large quantities of water.
²A battery generates hydrogen gas, which is flammable and
explosive. Keep flame or spark away from the vent holes.
²Do not use a booster battery or any other booster source with
an output that exceeds 12 volts.
NOTE:The battery is located underneath an access
panel inside the rear compartment on the left side of the
vehicle. A remote battery terminal is located in the engine
compartment for jump-starting.
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watchbands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When boost is provided by a battery in another
vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach, but
without allowing the vehicles touch one another.
3. Set the parking brake, place the transmission in neu-
tral, and turn the ignition OFF on both vehicles.
4. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electri-
cal loads.
186 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

NBattery Save Feature...................210
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............212
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............213
NFront & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........214
NSteering Linkage......................214
NBody Lubrication.....................215
NBody Mechanism Lubrication.............215
NWindshield Wiper Blades................217
NWindshield Washers...................217
NExhaust System......................218
NCooling System.......................219
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......224NFuel System.........................224
NBrake System........................225
NTransmission........................228
NHydraulic Clutch.....................228
NRear Axle...........................230
NWheel Bearings.......................230
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................230
mFuses (Power Distribution Centers)..........234
NFuses (Power Distribution Center).........234
NFuses (Mini-Power Distribution Center).....237
mVehicle Storage........................238
192 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Recommended service intervals can be found in the
ªMaintenance Schedulesº in this manual.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be made to examining those hose sur-
faces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:
²Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations
to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping
of hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before a hose is
replaced based on leakage.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 225
7

²Inspect the brake hoses whenever the brake system is
serviced and at every engine oil change. Inspect hy-
draulic brake hoses for surface cracking, scuffing, or
worn spots. If there is any evidence of cracking,
scuffing, or worn spots, the hose should be replaced
immediately! Eventual deterioration of the hose can
take place resulting in a possibility of a burst failure.
WARNING!
Worn brake hoses can burst and cause brake failure.
You could have an accident. If you see any signs of
cracking, scuffing, or worn spots, have the brake
hoses replaced immediately.
Master Cylinder - Brake Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder immediately
if the brake system warning light indicates system fail-
ure.
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder when per-
forming underhood services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. If necessary, add fluid to bring the fluid level up
to the requirements described on the brake fluid reser-
voir.
Overfilling of fluid is not recommended because it may
cause leaking in the system.
With disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to fall as the
brake pads wear. However, low fluid level may be caused
by a leak and a checkup may be needed.
226 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Use only the manufacturer's recommended brake fluid.
Refer to ªFluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Partsº for the
correct fluid type. Use of a brake fluid that may have a
lower initial boiling point or unidentified as to specifica-
tion, may result in sudden brake failure during hard
prolonged braking.
WARNING!
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter.
CAUTION!
²Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate
the brake fluid, all brake seal components could
be damaged causing partial or complete brake
failure.
²Brake fluid can damage the finish of your vehicle.
Do not allow brake fluid to contact any painted
surface.
Change Brake Fluid
Brake fluid will tend to absorb moisture from the atmo-
sphere over time. If the fluid becomes contaminated with
water, brake performance will deteriorate. Therefore, the
brake fluid must be changed at the intervals specified in
the ªMaintenance Schedulesº in this manual. See your
authorized dealer for service.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 227
7

Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Transmission MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Rear Axle MopartSynthetic Gear and Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-140 or equivalent, with
Limited Slip Additive Friction Modifier
Brake Master Cylinder MopartBrake & Clutch Fluid DOT 4 Motor Vehicle or equivalent.
Power Steering Reservoir MopartPower Steering Fluid + 4, MopartATF+4 Automatic Transmission
Fluid.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 253
7

Body
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Hinges:
Door, Trunk & Hood Springs and
LinksMopartSpray White Lube or equivalent.
Latches:
Door, Hood & Trunk MopartMulti-Purpose Lube NLGI Grade 2 or equivalent.
Door Hinge Check Spring Lubriplate Mo-Lith No. 2 Grease or Petrocan Multiflex Moly EP 2 Grease or
equivalent.
Seat Regulator & Track MopartMulti-Purpose Lube NLGI Grade 2 or equivalent.
Window System Components MopartSpray White Lube or equivalent.
Lock Cylinders MopartSpray White Lube or equivalent.
Parking Brake Mechanism MopartSpray White Lube or equivalent.
254 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

At Each Stop for Fuel
²Check 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.
²Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
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 the 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.
NOTE:Also, inspect the exhaust system if you notice a
change in the sound of the exhaust system, or if the
exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle.
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.
258 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
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Miles 3,000 6,000 9,000 12,000 15,000 18,000
(Kilometers) (5 000) (10 000) (15 000) (20 000) (25 000) (30 000)
Changeengine oilandengine oil filter,if not
replaced at 3 months.XXXXX X
Rotate the tires.LLXX X
Inspect and replace theair cleaner filterif
necessary.X
Inspect the transmission fluid. X
Inspect the brake linings. X
Change the rear axle fluid. X
Change the brake fluid. X
Lubricate the front and rear suspension ball
joints.X
260 SCHEDULE ªBº
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