Proud new owner

[S281e]

So thanks to Steve-Indy and his buddy Jay for helping me obtain my first viper. It’s a 2008 SSG with 5,529 miles. Steve was able to obtain all of the cars history for me and took the time to go over all the data on the Carfax report. Jay actually went to Indiana to inspect the car for me and provide detailed pics. Thanks again guys for making my childhood dreams come true. Can’t be more pleased with the purchase. I’ll ost pics this weekend after a good wash. For now I’m interested in knowing any little tidbit about the Gen 4 model anyone is willing to share.

When the car arrived the battery was dead so it took a few minutes to figure out where the hood release was. Then another few minutes to figure out the battery. Steve has also warned me about the window actuators. Looking through the search function I have learned to just completely flush all the fluids and start new which I will do in the spring. I only plan on driving it a few times before putting it away for winter.

[SA Heat]

For now I’m interested in knowing any little tidbit about the Gen 4 model anyone is willing to share.

Don't raise the rear hatch by the pulling up on the release button above the license plate (it's fragile).

Be gentle opening and closing the rear hatch and especially don't force it up quickly, as the gas struts can detach from the body side. When closing the hatch, it closes much easier with a door or door window open.

If your tires are older than four or five years, get new ones. Your Viper will try to kill you on old, hard tires.

[Stealth78]

2008 SSG here. Congrats on the purchase! My car currently has 7,400 miles, I absolutely love this car and have had zero issues this far. I agree to dump all fluids and replace, cheap insurance. I did this when I bought mine two years ago.

[S281e]

Damn.....first issue. There is no release button. There is just a empty hole above the license plate. What is the part number for this piece or am I better off just leaving alone since it’s so fragile?

For the tires there is a lot of thread but I don’t know how old they are. Is there an easy way at finding this out by looking at the markings on the tire? If they are older then five years can I still drive it around and not step on it or is it a bad idea to drive period? I have a 2006 Saleen with more power and it still has the stock tires. I’ll push it from time to time but never goes above 70-80.

[SRT_BluByU]

Welcome to the family! SSG is a sweet sweet color!

Here's a quick link on how to determine your tires age by the date code stamped in them: https://tires.tirerack.com/tires/Tire%20Date%20Code

hope this helps!

[Rmj]

Rear hatch issue resolved here
https://driveviper.com/forums/threads/20985-2010-coupe-rear-hatch-release-switch

Rmj

[Cheme1985]

There’s a dot number on the side of tires. The last four of this code gives you the week and year the tires were manufactured. For example if the last four is “1218” then the tires were manufactured in the 12th week of 2018.

[Fatman2006]

Congrats on the new ride! A small piece of advice, have a bowl of oatmeal every morning!

[SmoknTires]

Congrats on the car, love the SSG.

Welcome to the group. Consider joining the club so you can get the mag, attend local events, and get access to more into.

Have fun out there!

[Bill Pemberton]

Listen to Smokin, as Steve is a great resource , but he is also a strong VOA member and he can tell you about all the great things the local Club there in Indiana/Kentucky do!!!???!!!

[S281e]

So could someone answer a question for me on the trunk. When closed is there some play if you try to lift it? I can't tell if the trunk is completely closed or the solenoid is bad. The car won't start due to the battery but it has enough juice to light everything up so I figured the solenoid should have enough juice as well.

[Steve-Indy]

S281e, there should be no play if the larch is working properly.

Suggest you charge battery, then reevaluate when fully charged...test remote open button on fob. Call me for more.

If you need a new battery, use a 27 Torx bit to remove the 5 battery cover fasteners. The battery size is a Group 34.

[sonicbloo]

If your hatch lines up with the rear quarters it is closed properly, mine needs a good 'slam' to close it

Check the ends of your oil cooler lines for leaks, or spots of oil on your garage floor

Check your e-brake pads. The inner ones wear faster than the outer as they can stick on, eventually damaging your rotors.

Additive (friction modifier) is needed when changing fluid in the differential

Buy a trickle charger and use it when stored.

Front and/or rear tow hooks maybe worth a consideration, they were not a factory fitment.

Do you know where the door key hole is located? If your battery is flat or disconnected the doors will not open with the normal door handles.

I have a gen 3 but the above info still applies, hope you enjoy your Viper, SSG is probably my favourite colour

[S281e]

The trunk lines up perfectly with the rear panels which makes me believe it's closed.

For the trickle charger I have a optima trickle charger which I like but it's a bit pricey. Has anyone tried the trickle charger from the viper store? I like that it can remain connected to the car and can plug in from the bottom. So you don't have to open the hood every time to connect the charger.

Haven't looked for the door key hole yet. Door actuators are working so I can get in and out easy. Just can't start it.

[sonicbloo]

Has anyone tried the trickle charger from the viper store? I like that it can remain connected to the car and can plug in from the bottom. So you don't have to open the hood every time to connect the charger.


The Viper store trickle charger is similar to the one I use. I'm in the UK and have a C-Tek (can't remember the model, but a similar price of $60 ish) which has the plug-in adapter connected to the battery terminals, so I can easily reach underneath to connect the charger when needed.

[S281e]

Got the new battery in and car started right up. Getting a rear hatch indication so I assume the rear hatch isn't working as I suspected. Anyone have a part number or recommendation for this? As far as the check engine light I'll try to take it to the nearest Dodge dealer to see if they can pull the codes and tell me what's wrong.

[99RT10]

Great color, just replace the latch. Should be good to go

[S281e]

Could a dead battery trigger a check engine like get? I did have to jump start the car to get it into the garage.

[ssgsnake]

I had a bad battery on mine and was giving some crazy codes

[SilverACR]

You can read the code off the dash display I think you cycle the key like 3 times without starting the car. I apologize if it’s more or less cycles been a while. I had a small evap code pop up intermittently last year and it was simply the gas gap. I bet if post the code the guys here will reply with advice that could keep you out of the dealer. Worth a try.

[Steve-Indy]

If code is from disconnecting battery, it should clear after 3-4 run cycles.

[S281e]

Are run cycles actual starts or just putting the key in the ignition and turning it away from me 3-4 times without hitting the engine start button.

[SA Heat]

It was actual starts (and drives) for me when I had a battery go low.

[S281e]

I tried the 3 cycles and no luck. Might be due to the bad latch so it continues to flash "Hatch Ajar" Along with the check engine light Ended up going to the nearby dealership which is 5 minutes away and they had a viper tech on staff which made me feel a bit better. The check engine light was from the low voltage so he cleared it and sent me on my way. Did check tires are they are 10 years old so I'll have to put some money aside to get them replaced in the spring. Didn't push it too hard but car feels amazing. Can't wait to see how it does with new tires. Got the latch on order so I should have it in a few days. Seems pretty straightforward to install. Hoping it's the latch and not a wiring issue.

[SlowHawk]

Congrats and welcome to the club! I picked up my 2008 about ~6 months ago and the novelty has yet to wear off. Great color choice as well, my second favorite of the 4th gens ;)

[drewsss]

Until you show us pics... “you don’t have a Viper”...:witless:

[SilverACR]

Are run cycles actual starts or just putting the key in the ignition and turning it away from me 3-4 times without hitting the engine start button.

No start. I “believe” all older dodges do this.

[Ludington1]

Steve is one of the best guys out there, I am lucky to meet him several days a week for a cup of coffee, and my kids even love hanging out with him. Congrats on your new Viper, be safe and take your time getting used to it.

Darren

[S281e]

Got the new latch and removed the stock one. Can anyone tell me how to get these silver push pins off without breaking them? I'll need them to put in the new latch.

[S281e]

Here are pics....

[SilverACR]

Aren’t those rivets?

[S281e]

Yep, rivets....I had to cut them.

[SilverACR]

Yep, rivets....I had to cut them.

Are they weird rivets that should be shared with the rest our brothers and sisters? They look long and specific. Let us know what it takes and consider posting your journey in the How to section. I know I will want to know if I have issue later:)

[S281e]

They were a bit unusual. The top of the river was normal but the end had a nub that would not allow the river to be pushed out unless something broke. I went to the local hardware store and picked up some #4 fasteners with a mating but. Seemed to work just as well.

- - - Updated - - -

Now I'm looking for help on the trunk latch above the license plate. Has anyone replaced there's since owning the car?

[S281e]

with fasteners installed

[ViperDC]

Could a dead battery trigger a check engine like get? I did have to jump start the car to get it into the garage.

Yes. The battery on my 08 ACR went bad last winter and after I replaced it I had a CEL for about 40 miles then it went away