Dodge Viper SRT (2015 year). Instruction — part 21

rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by ani-
mals or children, do not store ethylene glycol-based
engine coolant (antifreeze) in open containers or allow it
to remain in puddles on the ground. If ingested by a child
or pet, seek emergency assistance immediately. Clean up
any ground spills immediately.

Coolant Level

The coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for
determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine OFF and cold, the level of the engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the bottle should be between the ranges
indicated on the bottle.

The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is
no need to remove the radiator/coolant pressure cap
unless checking for engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze
point or replacing coolant. Advise your service attendant

of this. As long as the engine operating temperature is
satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only be checked once
a month.

When additional engine coolant (antifreeze) is needed to
maintain the proper level, only OAT coolant that meets
the requirements of Chrysler Material Standard MS.90032
should be added to the coolant bottle. Do not overfill.

Points To Remember

NOTE:

When the vehicle is stopped after a few miles/

kilometers of operation, you may observe vapor coming
from the front of the engine compartment. This is nor-
mally a result of moisture from rain, snow, or high
humidity accumulating on the radiator and being vapor-
ized when the thermostat opens, allowing hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) to enter the radiator.

7

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

331

If an examination of your engine compartment shows no
evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dissipate.
• Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
• Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator and in

the coolant expansion bottle. If engine coolant (anti-
freeze) needs to be added, the contents of the coolant
expansion bottle must also be protected against freez-
ing.

• If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) additions are

required, the cooling system should be pressure tested
for leaks.

• Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concentration at a

minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to
MS.90032) and distilled water for proper corrosion
protection of your engine which contains aluminum
components.

• Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle overflow

hoses are not kinked or obstructed.

• Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is

equipped with air conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.

• Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter

operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and increased emis-
sions.

Brake System

To ensure brake system performance, all brake system
components should be inspected periodically. Refer to
“Maintenance Schedule” for the proper maintenance
intervals.

332

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

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 would not have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.

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.

Use only the manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information. Use
of a brake fluid that may have a lower initial boiling
point or unidentified as to specification, may result in
sudden brake failure during hard prolonged braking.

7

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

333

WARNING!

• Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake

fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake fluid
can severely damage your brake system and/or
impair its performance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also identified on the
original factory installed hydraulic master cylinder
reservoir.

• To avoid contamination from foreign matter or

moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that has
been in a tightly closed container. Keep the master
cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake
fluid in a open container absorbs moisture from the
air resulting in a lower boiling point. This may

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard or pro-
longed braking, resulting in sudden brake failure.
This could result in a accident.

• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in

spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.

• Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contaminate

the brake fluid. Brake seal components could be
damaged, causing partial or complete brake failure.
This could result in an accident.

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

334

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

brake fluid must be changed at the intervals specified in
the “Maintenance Schedule.” Refer to “Maintenance
Schedule” for further information. See your authorized
dealer for service.

Instruction Transmission

Transmission Fluid Level Check

Check the fluid in the transmission when performing
other underbody services.

Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug located on
the left side of the transmission. The fluid level should be
approximately 1/4 in (6.4 mm) below the bottom of the
fill hole. Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain the proper
level. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.

NOTE: DO NOT

overfill transmission, damage can

occur.

CAUTION!

Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or damage to the
transmission. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts” in this section for fluid specifica-
tions.

Change Transmission Fluid

Refer to “Maintenance Schedule” for the proper mainte-
nance intervals. If contaminated with water, change the
fluid immediately. See your authorized dealer for service.

Hydraulic Clutch

Master Cylinder – Clutch Fluid Level Check

The clutch hydraulic system is fed by a segregated
volume of fluid within the brake system master cylinder
reservoir. In the event of leakage or wear, use only the

7

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

335

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

Wheel And Wheel Trim Care

• All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum and

chrome plated wheels, should be cleaned regularly
with a mild soap and water to prevent corrosion.

• To remove heavy soil and/or excessive brake dust, use

MOPAR® Wheel Cleaner or equivalent or select a
non-abrasive, non-acidic cleaner.

CAUTION!

Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, a bristle brush,
or metal polishes. Do not use oven cleaner. These
products may damage the wheel’s protective finish.
Avoid automatic car washes that use acidic solutions
or harsh brushes that may damage the wheel’s pro-
tective finish. Only MOPAR® Wheel Cleaner or
equivalent is recommended.

NOTE:

If your vehicle is equipped with Dark Vapor

Chrome wheels DO NOT USE wheel cleaners, abrasives
or polishing compounds. They will permanently damage
this finish and such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. USE ONLY MILD SOAP AND
WATER WITH A SOFT CLOTH. Used on a regular basis
this is all that is required to maintain this finish.

Interior Care

Use MOPAR® Total Clean to clean fabric upholstery and
carpeting.

Use MOPAR® Total Clean to clean vinyl upholstery.

MOPAR® Total Clean is specifically recommended for
leather upholstery.

Your leather upholstery can be best preserved by regular
cleaning with a damp soft cloth. Small particles of dirt
can act as an abrasive and damage the leather upholstery
and should be removed promptly with a damp cloth.

338

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Stubborn soils can be removed easily with a soft cloth
and MOPAR® Total Clean. Care should be taken to avoid
soaking your leather upholstery with any liquid. Please
do not use polishes, oils, cleaning fluids, solvents, deter-
gents, or ammonia-based cleaners to clean your leather
upholstery. Application of a leather conditioner is not
required to maintain the original condition.

WARNING!

Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.

CAUTION!

Do not use Alcohol and Alcohol-based and/or Keton
based cleaning products to clean leather seats, as
damage to the seat may result.

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 or equivalent. 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.

Glass Surfaces

All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with MOPAR® Glass Cleaner, or any commercial
household-type glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive type
cleaner. Use caution when cleaning the inside rear win-
dow equipped with electric defrosters or windows

7

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

339

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

WARNING! (Continued)

assemblies must be replaced after a collision if they
have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor, torn web-
bing, etc.).

Aero Group (Front Splitter) — If Equipped

The front splitter will not flex or compress against
impacts from the front. If an impact does occur, have the
splitter inspected. A cracked or delaminated splitter
should be replaced.

Always leave ample room and be sure to educate anyone
you allow to operate the vehicle.

Front Splitter

7

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

341

CAUTION!

Use care when approaching parking blocks, tall
speed bumps and garage curbs. These surfaces can
damage your splitter.

Use caution when driving up to sloped surfaces or over
speed bumps. Approaching a speed bump or a slope at a
slight angle may improve your clearance.

CAUTION!

• Hard contact with steep ramps may cause damage

to your splitter.

• Replace rub strips when they are worn down to 1/8

inch (3 mm) on the front edge. This will avoid
damage to the carbon fiber panel.

FUSES

WARNING!

• When replacing a blown fuse, always use an ap-

propriate replacement fuse with the same amp
rating as the original fuse. Never replace a fuse
with another fuse of higher amp rating. Never
replace a blown fuse with metal wires or any other
material. Failure to use proper fuses may result in
serious personal injury, fire and/or property dam-
age.

• Before replacing a fuse, make sure that the ignition

is off and that all the other services are switched off
and/or disengaged.

• If the replaced fuse blows again, contact an autho-

rized dealer.

(Continued)

342

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)

• If a general protection fuse for safety systems (air

bag system, braking system), power unit systems
(engine system, gearbox system) or steering system
blows, contact an authorized dealer.

Power Distribution Center

The Power Distribution Center is located in the engine
compartment on the driver’s side of the vehicle. This
center contains fuses and relays.

Cavity

Relay

Cartridge
Fuse

Mini-Fuse

Description

3

—

40 Amp
Green

—

Rad Fan

Power Distribution Center

7

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

343

Cavity

Relay

Cartridge
Fuse

Mini-Fuse

Description

4

—

40 Amp
Green

—

Rad Fan Rly High

5

—

40 Amp
Green

—

ABS/ESP Pump Feed

6

—

40 Amp
Green

—

Starter

7

—

40 Amp
Green

—

CBC (Ext. Lighting #1)

8

—

40 Amp
Green

—

CBC (Ext. Lighting #2)

9

—

30 Amp Pink

—

Washer Pump

10

—

30 Amp Pink

—

CBC (Power Lock)

11

—

Jumper Black

—

B+ Jumper

12

—

25 Amp
Clear

—

ABS/ESP Valve Feed

344

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Cavity

Relay

Cartridge
Fuse

Mini-Fuse

Description

13

—

—

20 Amp
Yellow

Horn

14

—

—

10 Amp Red

A/C Clutch

15

—

—

10 Amp Red

Diagnostic, Fuel Door, Stop Switch

16

—

—

15 Amp Blue

KIN, RF Hub

17

—

—

25 Amp cir-
cuit breaker

Power Seats

18

—

30 Amp Pink

—

Driver Door Mod

19

—

30 Amp Pink

—

Passenger Door Mod

20

—

30 Amp Pink

—

Rear Window Defroster

21

—

20 Amp Blue

—

Wiper

22

—

—

—

B+ Jumper

23

—

—

15 Amp Blue

HVAC MOD, Cluster, ICS-Switch Bank

7

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

345

Cavity

Relay

Cartridge
Fuse

Mini-Fuse

Description

24

—

—

25 Amp
Clear

PCM-Powertrain Control Module

25

—

—

25 Amp
Clear

Fuel Pump

26

—

—

20 Amp
Yellow

ASD #1

27

—

—

20 Amp
Yellow

ASD #2

28

—

—

—

Spare

29

—

40 Amp
Green

—

HVAC Blower

30

—

20 Amp
Yellow

—

RR Power Outlet, Adj. Pedals, UCI

31

—

—

—

B+ Jumper

32

—

Jumper Black

—

B+ Jumper

346

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE