maintenance DODGE VIPER 2015 VX / 3.G Owner's Manual

manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid. Refer to “Flu-
ids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for further information.
Rear Axle
Axle Lubricant Level Check
Check the exterior of the axle for evidence of gear oil
leakage every 12 months or 6,000 miles (10 000 km). This
check should be made with the vehicle level and on the
ground or raised on an axle and wheel type hoist. The
axle lubricant level should be between the bottom of the
filler plug and a point approximately 3/8 inch (9.5 mm)
below the filler plug. If adding axle lubricant, use only
the manufacturer’s recommended axle lubricant. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining
Your Vehicle” for further information.
CAUTION!
Using axle fluid other than the manufactured recom-
mended fluid may cause a shudder/noise issue. refer
to “Fluids Lubes and Genuine Parts” in “ Maintain-
ing Your Vehicle” for further information.
Change Axle Lubricant
Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals. Change the lubricant immediately if
contaminated with water. See your authorized dealer for
service.
Appearance Care And Protection From Corrosion
Protection Of Body And Paint From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-
graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads
passable in snow and ice, and chemicals that are sprayed
on trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are
336 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

highly corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside
parking, which exposes your vehicle to airborne contami-
nants, road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated,
extreme hot or cold weather and other extreme condi-
tions will have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and
underbody protection.
The following maintenance recommendations will enable
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.
Washing
•Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your ve-
hicle in the shade using MOPAR® Car Wash, or a mild
car wash soap, and rinse the panels completely with
clear water.
•If insects, tar, or other similar deposits have accumu-
lated on your vehicle, use MOPAR® Super Kleen Bug
and Tar Remover to remove.
•Use a high quality cleaner wax, such as MOPAR®
Cleaner Wax to remove road film, stains and to protect
your paint finish. Take care never to scratch the paint.
•Avoid using abrasive compounds and power buffing
that may diminish the gloss or thin out the paint finish.
CAUTION!
•Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning materials
such as steel wool or scouring powder that will
scratch metal and painted surfaces.
•Use of power washers exceeding 1,200 psi (8 274
kPa) can result in damage or removal of paint and
decals.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 337

equipped with radio antennas. Do not use scrapers or
other sharp instrument that may scratch the elements.
When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray cleaner on the
towel or rag that you are using. Do not spray cleaner
directly on the mirror.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments in this vehicle are
molded in clear plastic. When cleaning the lenses, care
must be taken to avoid scratching the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild soap solution may be
used, but do not use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean with a clean damp
rag.
2. Dry with a soft cloth.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage can 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. Dry with a soft cloth.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed or worn or if the
buckles do not work properly.
WARNING!
A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a collision and
leave you with no protection. Inspect the belt system
periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or loose parts.
Damaged parts must be replaced immediately. Do
not disassemble or modify the system. Seat belt
(Continued)
340 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•If the vehicle will be subjected to freezing tempera-
tures, either remove the battery and store it in a dry,
well ventilated area or connect a trickle charger (1.5
Amp) with automatic shutdown / overcharge protec-
tion to the battery. However, do not leave the trickle
charger hooked up to the battery without being
plugged in to a 110 Volt AC outlet, as this will result in
further drain on the vehicle’s battery. If the vehicle is
not going to be driven in the next three weeks, perform
the battery recharge procedure in the Service Manual.
Then, either disconnect the battery at the negative
terminal or use the “Battery Save Feature” to conserve
battery power. Refer to “Maintenance Procedures/
Battery Save Feature” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”
for further information.
•Cover the vehicle whenever possible to prevent acci-
dental damage to the finish.
NOTE:Disconnecting the battery causes the engine con-
trol system to lose memory of some “learned” functions.
After reconnecting the battery, the engine may run rough
until the control module “relearns” these functions. Us-
ing the Battery Save Feature will prevent the engine
controller from loosing its memory.
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.
352 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
CONTENTS
!MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES.............362
▫MAINTENANCE CHART...............364
8

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
The Scheduled Maintenance services listed in this
manual must be done at the times or mileages specified
to protect your vehicle warranty and ensure the 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 should also be done
anytime a malfunction is suspected.
NOTE: Under no circumstances should oil change in-
tervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months,
whichever comes first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required maintenance items
may result in damage to the vehicle.
At Each Stop For Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about five minutes after a
fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level
while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the
accuracy 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.
362 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Once A Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage. Rotate tires at the first sign of irregular wear,
even if it occurs before your next scheduled service.
•Inspect the battery, and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of the 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.
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.
•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.
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 363

MAINTENANCE CHART
Miles:6,00012,00018,00024,00030,00036,00042,00048,00054,00060,00066,00072,00078,00084,00090,00096,000102,000108,00011 4 , 0 0 0120,000126,000132,000138,000144,000150,000
Or Months:6121824303642485460667278849096102108114120126132138144150
Or Kilometers:10,00020,00030,00040,00050,00060,00070,00080,00090,000100,00011 0 , 0 0 0120,000130,000140,000150,000160,000170,000180,000190,000200,000210,000220,000230,000240,000250,000
Change the engine oil andengine oil filter.XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rotate the tires, rotate at thefirst sign of irregular wear, evenif it occurs before scheduledmaintenance.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Inspect the brake linings; re-place if necessary.XXXXXXXXXXXX
Inspect the exhaust system.XXXXXXXXXXXX
Change Brake FluidXXXXXX
Adjust the parking brake onvehicles equipped with fourwheel disc brakes.XXXXX
364 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Miles:6,00012,00018,00024,00030,00036,00042,00048,00054,00060,00066,00072,00078,00084,00090,00096,000102,000108,00011 4 , 0 0 0120,000126,000132,000138,000144,000150,000
Or Months:6121824303642485460667278849096102108114120126132138144150
Or Kilometers:10,00020,00030,00040,00050,00060,00070,00080,00090,000100,00011 0 , 0 0 0120,000130,000140,000150,000160,000170,000180,000190,000200,000210,000220,000230,000240,000250,000
Change the engine oil andengine oil filter.XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Change the manual transmis-sion fluid.XXXX
Inspect the manual transmis-sion fluid, add as necessary.XX XX XX XX
Change the rear axle fluid.XXXXXXXX
Inspect front suspension, tierod ends, and boot seals, forcracks or leaks and all parts fordamage, wear, improper loose-ness or end play; replace ifnecessary.
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Replace the engine air cleaner.XXXXX
Replace the air conditioningfilter.XXXXXXXXXXXX
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES 365

Miles:6,00012,00018,00024,00030,00036,00042,00048,00054,00060,00066,00072,00078,00084,00090,00096,000102,000108,00011 4 , 0 0 0120,000126,000132,000138,000144,000150,000
Or Months:6121824303642485460667278849096102108114120126132138144150
Or Kilometers:10,00020,00030,00040,00050,00060,00070,00080,00090,000100,00011 0 , 0 0 0120,000130,000140,000150,000160,000170,000180,000190,000200,000210,000220,000230,000240,000250,000
Change the engine oil andengine oil filter.XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Inspect and replace the PCVVa l v e i f n e c e s s a r yX
Replace the spark plugs **X
Flush and replace the enginecoolant at 120 months if notdone at 150,000 miles(240,000 km).
XX
** The spark plug change interval is mileage based only,
monthly intervals do not apply.
366 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES