Dodge 18681 Viper User Manual Page 1

TABLE OF CONTENTSSECTION PAGE1INTRODUCTION...32THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE..

▫ To Arm The Vehicle Theft Alarm System ...20▫ Entering The Trunk With The System Armed . . .21▫ Security System Disarm ...22▫ Tampe

After StartingThe idle speed will automatically decrease as the enginewarms up.WARNING!Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into thethrottle body

Recommended Shift SpeedsTo use your manual transmission for fuel economy itshould be upshifted as listed below. Shift at the vehiclespeeds listed for

To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, down-shift to maintain a safe speed when descending a steepgrade.WARNING!Skipping more than one gear

Before leaving the vehicle, make sure you fully apply theparking brake. Place the transmission in REVERSE. Fail-ure to do so may cause the vehicle to

BRAKE SYSTEMThe Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) is designed to aid thedriver in maintaining vehicle control under adversebraking conditions. The system o

CAUTION!The Anti-Lock Brake System is subject to possibledetrimental effects of electronic interference causedby improperly installed after-market rad

NOTE: During severe braking conditions, a pulsingsensation may occur and a clicking noise will be heard.This is normal, indicating that the Anti-Lock

In the event power assist is lost for any reason (forexample, repeated brake applications with the engineoff), the brakes will still function. The eff

TIRE SAFETY INFORMATIONTire MarkingsNOTE:•P(Passenger)-Metric tire sizing is based on U.S. designstandards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P” moldedi

Tire Sizing ChartEXAMPLE:Size Designation:P = Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards(...blank...( = Passenger car tire based on Euro

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYSThe dealer that soldyou your new Viper has thekey codenumbers for your vehicle locks. These numbers can beused to order duplicat

EXAMPLE:Service Description:95 = Load Index—A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry.H = Speed Symbol—A symbol indicating th

Tire Identification Number (TIN)The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tirehowever the date code may only be on one side. Tireswith white si

Tire Loading and Tire PressureTire Placard LocationNOTE: Some vehicles have a “Tire and Loading Infor-mation” placard located on the driver’s side “B”

LoadingThe vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceedthe load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. Youwill not exceed the tire’s load

5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargobeing loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safelyexceed the available cargo and luggage loa

STARTING AND OPERATING 1155

WARNING!Overloading of your tire is dangerous. Overloadingcan cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, andincrease your stopping distance. Use tir

2. Economy—Improper inflation pressures can cause uneven wearpatterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormalwear patterns will reduce tread

The pressure should be checked and adjusted as well asinspecting for signs of tire wear or visible damage at leastonce a month. Use a good quality poc

Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi (13 to 40 kPa)during operation. DO NOT reduce this normal pressurebuild up or your tire pressure will be to

clutch pedal to the floor, place the gear selector inNEUTRAL, move the key to the ON position, and pressthe red ENGINESTARTbutton located onthe instru

Radial-Ply TiresWARNING!Combining radial ply tires with other types of tireson your vehicle will cause your vehicle to handlepoorly. The instability c

Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount aconventional tire on the compact spare wheel, since thewheel is designed specifically for the compac

Tread Wear IndicatorsTread wear indicators are in the original equipment tiresto help you in determining when your tires should bereplaced.These indic

WARNING!•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other thanthat specified for your vehicle. Some combina-tions of unapproved tires and wheels may chan

Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration

CAUTION!The Low Tire Pressure (LTP) system has been opti-mized for the original equipment tires and wheels.The LTP system pressures have been establis

Tire StorageTire storage is addressed in the Michelin Limited TireWarranty Booklet.Specific recommendations on guidelines for long termtire storage fo

FUEL REQUIREMENTSYour vehicle is designed to meet all emis-sion regulations and provide excellent fueleconomy when using high quality pre-mium unleade

Gasoline/Oxygenate BlendsSome fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with mate-rials called oxygenates such as 10% alcohol, MTBE, ETBEor TAME. Oxygena

Sulfur In GasolineYour vehicle may have been designed to meet Californialow emission standards on clean burning, low sulfur,California gasoline. Gasol

Power Accessory Delay FeatureThe Power Accessory Delay feature provides the cus-tomer with the ability to operate the power windows,and the radio for

WARNING!Remove the fuel tank filler tube cap (gas cap) slowlyto prevent fuel spray from the filler neck that maycause injury. The volatility of some g

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIESCONTENTSm Hazard Warning Flasher ...132m If Your Engine Overheats ...132m Jump-Starting Procedur

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERThe flasher switch is on the top of the steeringcolumn, just behind the steering wheel. Depressthe flasher button and all front

•In city traffic— While moving, shift into the highestgear possible to reduce engine RPM.NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow downan impend

JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURESWARNING!•Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to getit started. Unburned fuel could enter the catalyticconverter and onc

The battery is located under the battery access panelinside thetrunkon the left side. Remote battery terminalsare located in the engine compartment fo

without letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake,place the transmission in neutral and turn the ignitionOFF for both vehicles.3. Turn off the

and theother end tothe engine of the other vehicle. Makesure that you have a good contact on the engines.NOTE: When using another vehicle as the power

•Slow down during rainstorms or when roads areslushy.•Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.CAUTION!Driving your Viper through deep puddles

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLEDo not tow with sling type equipment. Only use flat bedequipment. Always comply with applicable state or localtowing ordinanc

NOTE: If you attempt to lock the doors with the key inthe ignitionand the driver’s dooropen, the doorswill notlock.Mechanical ReleaseThe driver’s door

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLECONTENTSm 8.3L Engine Compartment ...144m Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD II) ...145m Emissions Inspection A

▫ Power Steering (Pump And Reservoir) ...161▫ Body Lubrication ...162▫ Front And Rear Suspension Ball Joints ...162▫ Steering

m Exterior Light Bulb Service ...187▫ Headlight, Parking, Front Park, Turn Signal,Front Sidemarker And Front Fog LightRemoval ...

8.3L ENGINE COMPARTMENT144 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)To meet new government regulations and promotecleaner air, your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticatedonboard diag

EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCEPROGRAMSIn some localities, it may be a legal requirement to passan inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control

ignition key or start the engine. This means that yourvehicle’s OBD system is not ready and you should notproceed to the I/M station.b. The MIL will n

NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions controlsystems can result in civil penalties being assessedagainst you.WARNING!You can be badly injured wor

The best time to check the oil level is approximately 5minutes after a fully warmed up engine is turned off orbefore starting the engine after it has

Automatic Door LocksThe doors will lock automatically from outside the ve-hicle when vehicle speed reaches 18 miles per hour withthe ignition On and t

•Trailer towing•Off-road or desert driving•If equipped for and operating with E–85 (ethanol) fuelIf none of theseapply to you, then change your engine

Engine Oil Viscosity ChartThe proper SAE viscosity grade of engine oil should beselected based on the following recommendation and bewithin the operat

present a problem to the environment. Contact yourdealer, servicestation, or governmental agency foradviceon how and where used oil can be safely disc

Catalytic ConverterThe catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded fuelonly. Leaded gasoline will destroy the effectiveness of thecatalyst as an

WARNING!A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you park overmaterials that can burn. Such materials might begrass or leaves coming into contact with

Manual for the proper procedure to be followed forchecking ignition cable resistance. Cracked, damaged, orfaulty cables should be replaced.Because of

Maintenance-Free BatteryThe top of the MAINTENANCE-FREE battery is perma-nently sealed. You will never have to add water, nor isperiodic maintenance r

10. Tighten the positive battery post and then tighten thenegative battery post.11. Install the battery cover and tightendown the screws.WARNING!Batte

CAUTION!It is essential when replacing the cables on thebattery that you attach the positive cable to thepositive post and the negative cable to the n

2. Cycle the ignition from OFF to ACC four times with-out going into ON. Leave the switch in the OFF positionafter the fourth cycle.3. Depress the dri

To Unlock the Doors:Press and release the UNLOCK button on the transmitter.The front and rear park/turn signal lights will blink onceto indicate that

1. Press the driver’s door exterior handle to wake up thevehicle.2. If the door does not open (vehicle is armed) press theremote keyless entry unlock

Power Steering (Pump and Reservoir)WARNING!Fluid level should be checked with the engine off toprevent injury from moving parts. Do not overfill.Use o

dipstick. If necessary, add fluid to restore to the properindicated level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluidfrom all surfaces. Only petroleum

joints, use only special long life chassis grease, such asMulti-Mileage Lubricant, intended for this purpose.Steering LinkageThere are two tie rod end

Other Body MechanismsThe following body mechanisms should be inspectedand, if necessary, all pivot and sliding contact areas ofthese componentsshould

•Rubber bushings•Starter bearing•Throttle control cable•Water pump bearingsWindshield WashersThe fluid reservoir in the right side engine compartments

Cooling SystemWARNING!You or others can be badly burned by hot coolant orsteam from your radiator. If you see or hear steamcoming from under the hood,

Engine Coolant DisposalUsed ethylene glycol based engine coolant is a regulatedsubstance requiring proper disposal. Check with yourlocal authorities t

Adding CoolantDO NOT remove the pressure cap when checking cool-ant. When adding coolant or refilling system, a 50%solution of ethylene glycol antifre

WARNING!The warning words “DO NOT OPEN HOT” on thepressure cap are a safety precaution. Never addcoolant to the radiator when the engine is over-heate

To Lock the Doors:NOTE: To enable/disable the Lamp Flash, see proce-dure described above.Press and release the LOCK button on the transmitter.The horn

When additional coolant is needed to maintain theproper level, it should be added to the coolant recoverybottle.Points to Remember•Do not overfill the

hose routing to be sure hoses do not touch any heatsource or moving component that may cause heat dam-age or mechanical wear.Insure nylon tubing in th

Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure theyare secure and no leaks are present.Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted orcollaps

Brake and Clutch FluidThese fluids will tend to absorb moisture from theatmosphere over a period of time. If the fluid becomescontaminated with water,

Master CylinderThe fluid level in the master cylinder should be checkedwhen performing underhood services, or immediately ifthe brake system warning l

Hydraulic ClutchThe fluid in the clutch master cylinder should be checkedwhen performing other under hood services. To checkthe fluid level, remove th

the transmission. The fluid level should be at the bottomof the fill hole. Add fluid, if necessary, to maintain theproper level.Frequency of Fluid Cha

Wheel BearingsYour Viper has permanently sealed wheel bearings thatdo not require periodic maintenance.Appearance CareYour manufacturer’s dealer offer

Glass SurfacesAll glass surfaces should be cleaned regularly with anycommercial household-type glass cleaner. Never use anabrasive type cleaner.Cleani

CarpetingVacuum your carpeting regularly to prevent a soilbuildup. Shampoo soiled carpeting with a reliable uphol-stery cleaner, using a natural spong

To Program Transmitters:This feature allows you to program transmitters in caseone is lost or an extra transmitter(s) is desired. Up to 4transmitters

FUSES — Power Distribution CenterCAUTION!When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to useonly a fuse having the correct amperage rating. Theuse of

Power Distribution CenterCavity Fuse Circuits1 Cartridge Fuse 40AmpBatt-Relay Contact, HighBlower Motor Module-ABS Pump Feed2 Cartridge Fuse 40AmpABS

Cavity Fuse Circuits18 Mini Fuse 15Amp BlueBatt-Locks, Power Door19 Mini Fuse 15Amp BlueBatt20 Mini Fuse 15Amp BlueFeed-Courtesy, Dome, Vi-sor, Illumi

Cavity Fuse Circuits68, 69 Mini Fuse 20Amp YellowLeft HID Headlamp70, 71 Mini Fuse 20Amp YellowRight HID Headlamp72-76 MICRO RELAY Batt-Run/Acc Relay8

•If the vehicle will be subjected to freezing tempera-tures, remove the battery and store it in a dry, wellventilated area or place a trickle charger

Check the battery every 4 to 6 weeks to ensure that thevoltage is above 12.40. Voltage will drop more rapidlyin hot temperatures. If battery voltage d

REPLACEMENT BULBSInterior Light BulbsMessage Center Indicators ...103Cluster...103Gauge Pack ...

EXTERIOR LIGHT BULB SERVICEHeadlight, Parking, Front Park, Turn Signal, FrontSidemarker and Front Fog Light Removal1. Remove the splash shield.2. Twis

NOTE: On vehicles equipped with High Intensity Dis-charge Headlights (HID), when the headlights are turnedon there is a blue hue to the lights. This d

Tail, Tail/Stop, and Marker Lamp BulbReplacement1. Open the trunk. Remove two access panel fasteners.Remove the access panel.2. Twist sockets counter-

Transmitter Battery ServiceThe replacement battery number is 2016. This is a genericbattery, readily available at local retail stores.1. Pry the trans

Backup and Rear Turn Signal Lamp BulbReplacement1. Open the trunk. Remove two access panel fasteners.Remove the access panel.2. Remove three plastic n

3. Twist sockets of the three bulbs shown counter-clockwise. Disconnect bulb and socket assemblies fromthe upper lamp assembly. Pull the upper lamp as

4. Replace the backup or rear turn signal lamp bulb.Reinstall the appropriate bulb and socket assembly. Re-install the three bulb and socket assemblie

License Plate LightTwist off sockets counter-clockwise and pull out bulbs.Replace as required.Headlight AimingThe headlights on your new Viper were ai

Aiming CheckEach headlight assembly can be adjusted up and downonly. No left to right adjustment is necessary. To check,proceed as follows:1. Fill the

FLUID CAPACITIESU.S. MetricFuel (Approximate) 18 Gallons 68 LitersEngine Oil with Filter8.3 Liter Engine 10 Quarts 9.5 LitersCooling System*8.3 Liter

RECOMMENDED FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS AND GENUINE PARTSEngineComponent Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine PartEngine Coolant Mopart Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/102,0

ChassisComponent Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine PartTransmission Mopar Synthetic Manual Transmission Lubricant 75W/85W (Castrol SyntorqLT 75W/85W)Rear A

BodyComponent Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine PartHinges:Door, Trunk & Hood Springs andLinksMopart Spray White LubeLatches:Door, Hood & Trunk Mop

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULESCONTENTSm Emission Control System Maintenance ...200m Maintenance Schedules ...200▫ Schedule “B” ...

If something triggers the alarm, the system will signal forabout 18 minutes. For the first 3 minutes the horn willsound and the park, tail and fog lig

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCEThe “Scheduled” maintenance services, listed in boldtype must be done at the times or mileages specified toassure t

•Taxi, police, or delivery service (commercial ser-vice).L•Off-road or desert operation.•If equipped for and operating with E-85 (ethanol)fuel.NOTE: M

Once a Month•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear ordamage.•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminalsas required.•Check the flu

SCHEDULE “B”Follow schedule “B” if you usually operate your vehicleunder one or more of the following conditions.•Day or night temperatures are below

Miles 3,000 6,000 9,000 12,000 15,000 18,000(Kilometers) (5 000) (10 000) (14 000) (19 000) (24 000) (29 000)Change engine oil and engine oil filter.

Miles 21,000 24,000 27,000 30,000 33,000 36,000(Kilometers) (34 000) (38 000) (43 000) (48 000) (53 000) (58 000)Change engine oil and engine oil filt

Miles 39,000 42,000 45,000 48,000 51,000 54,000(Kilometers) (62 000) (67 000) (72 000) (77 000) (82 000) (86 000)Change engine oil and engine oil filt

Miles 57,000 60,000 63,000 66,000 69,000 72,000(Kilometers) (91 000) (96 000) (101 000) (106 000) (110 000) (115 000)Change engine oil and engine oil

Miles 75,000 78,000 81,000 84,000 87,000 90,000(Kilometers) (120 000) (125 000) (130 000) (134 000) (139 000) (144 000)Change engine oil and engine oi

Miles 93,000 96,000 99,000 102,000 105,000(Kilometers) (149 000) (154 000) (158 000) (163 000) (168 000)Change engine oil and engine oil filter. XXXXX

4. The Security light will periodically flash, once every 6seconds, to show that the system is still armed.CAUTION!If the Security lamp flashes twice

SCHEDULE “A”Miles 6,000 12,000 18,000 24,000 30,000 36,000(Kilometers) (10 000) (19 000) (29 000) (38 000) (48 000) (58 000)[Months] [6] [12] [18] [24

Miles 42,000 48,000 54,000 60,000 66,000(Kilometers) (67 000) (77 000) (86 000) (96 000) (106 000)[Months] [42] [48] [54] [60] [66]Change engine oil a

Miles 72,000 78,000 84,000 90,000 96,000 102,000(Kilometers) (115 000) (125 000) (134 000) (144 000) (154 000) (163 000)[Months] [72] [78] [84] [90] [

* This maintenance is recommended by DaimlerChryslerCorporation to the owner but is not required to maintainthe warranty on the PCV orifice.‡ This mai

IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCECONTENTSm Suggestions For Obtaining Service For YourVehicle ...216▫ Prepare For The Appointm

SUGGESTIONS FOR OBTAINING SERVICE FORYOUR VEHICLEPrepare For The AppointmentIf you’re having warranty work done, be sure to have theright papers with

The manufacturer has empowered its dealers to makewarranty and repair decisions that ensure you are notinconvenienced. There is no need for you to wai

In Mexico contact:Av. Prolongacion Paseo de la Reforma, 1240Sante Fe C.P. 05109Mexico, D. F.In Mexico (915) 729–1248 or 729–1240Outside Mexico (525) 7

Contract, and you require service after your manufactur-er’s new vehicle limited warranty expires, please refer toyour contract documents, and contact

Security System DisarmThere are two ways to disarm the system:1. Driver door key cylinder: Insert the key in the cylinderlocated under the driver’s do

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTSIn the 50 United States and Washington D.C.: If youbelieve that your vehicle has a defect which could causea crash or cause in

•Service Manuals.These comprehensive service manuals provide theinformation that students and professional techniciansneed in diagnosing/troubleshooti

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNIFORMTIRE QUALITY GRADESThe following describes the tire grading categories estab-lished by the National highway Traffi

Temperature GradesThe temperature grades are A (highest), B, and C, repre-senting the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat andits ability to di

INDEX10

11786.1 ...1111819 ...109ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System ...75Accessory Delay, Powe

Body Damage ...178Body Mechanism Lubrication ...162,163Body Mechanisms ...164B-Pillar Location ...

Convertible Top ...178Convertible Top Maintenance ...178Cooling System ...166Adding Coolant (A

Oil Filter ...152Oil Selection ...150Overheating ...78Exhaust Gas Caution ...

Tamper AlertIf the horn sounds 3 times when you unlock the vehicleusing the Remote Keyless Entry transmitter or key, thealarm has been activated. Chec

Hazard Warning Flasher ...75,132Headlights ...188Aiming ...193High Beam ...

Light Bulbs ...186Lights ...60Airbag ...41,79Anti-Lock Warning ...

Schedule 9B9 ...203Malfunction Indicator Light ...76,146Manual, Service ...220Manual Transmiss

Pets ...46Pets, Transporting ...46Placard, Tire and Loading Information ...112PowerAccessory

Seat Belts ...26And Pregnant Women ...32Extender ...32Inspection ...

Theft Alarm ...19Theft System ...19Tilt Steering Column ...65Tire and Loading Inf

Underbody Maintenance ...179Uniform Tire Quality Grades ...222Upholstery Care ...177Vehicle Identific

Auto Down FeatureBoth windows have an auto down feature. Press thewindow switch to the second detent, release, and thewindow will go down automaticall

Wind BuffetingWind buffeting can be described as the perception ofpressure on the ears or a helicopter-type sound in theears. Your vehicle may exhibit

pulling on the lever attached to the trunk latchingmechanism, which is coated so that it glows in a dark-ened trunk.OCCUPANT RESTRAINTSOne of the most

that, and they reduce the risk of injury caused by strikingthe inside of the vehicle. Everyone in a motor vehicleneeds to be buckled up all the time.L

Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions1. Enter the vehicle and close the door. Sit back andadjust the seat.2. The seat belt latch plate is located a

WARNING!A belt that is too loose will not protect you as well. Ina sudden stop you could move too far forward,increasing the possibility of injury. We

INTRODUCTIONCONTENTSm Introduction ...4m How To Use This Manual ...4m Warnings And Cautions ...

WARNING!A lap belt worn too high can increase the risk ofinternal injury in a collision. The belt forces won’tbe at the strong hip and pelvic bones, b

The Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert™) can be en-abled or disabled by your authorized dealer or byfollowing these steps:NOTE: The following steps mu

Six Point Belt Operating InstructionsWith the anti-submarining belt placed on the seat point-ing up, buckle the left and right lap belts and strap bot

WARNING!A frayed or torn belt could rip apart in a collisionand leave you with no protection. Inspect the beltsystem periodically, checking for cuts,

child seat owner’s manual to ensure you have the rightseat for your child. Use the restraint system that is correctfor your child.Two different child

WARNING!Improper installation can lead to failure of a childrestraint. It could come loose in a collision. The childcould be badly injured or killed.

These are round bars, located at the lower area of the seatback, one on each side of the passenger seat. You willeasily feel them if you run your fing

recline the seatback full rearward and move the seat to itsmost rearward position. Install the child restraint accord-ing to the manufacturer’s direct

•If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck, move thechild closer to the side of the vehicle.Booster seats that may help overcome this problem are

in collisions where the airbags deploy, you need the seatbelts to keep you in the right position for the airbags toprotect you properly.Here are four

INTRODUCTIONThis manual has been prepared with the assistance ofservice and engineering specialists to acquaint you withthe operation and maintenance

2. All occupants should wear their lap and shoulderbelts properly.3. The driver and passenger seats should be movedback as far as practical to allow t

all of the items listed above except the knee bolster, theinstrument panel, and the steering wheel and column.The Diagnostic Unit also turns on the AI

towards the instrument panel. In this way the airbagsdo not interfere with your control of the vehicle.•The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the knee

•Your vehicle may be safely driveable after the airbagsdeploy. If so, you can tuck the deployed airbags insidethe opening in the steering wheel hub an

To turn OFF the passenger side airbag, use the on/offswitch located in the center console.NOTE: When the passenger airbag is turned off theairbag off

To Turn On The Passenger Airbag:•Place the ignition key in the on/off switch, turn thekey counterclockwise, and remove the key from theswitch. This wi

You will want to have the airbags ready for your protec-tion in a collision. While the airbag Supplemental Re-straint System (SRS) is designed to be m

•Wait until the engine has reached normal operatingtemperature before driving at the recommended maxi-mum break-in speed.•Avoid excessive idling.•Chec

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside theVehicleSeat Belts•Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,frays and looseparts.Damaged parts m

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLECONTENTSm Convertible Top Operation ...51▫ To Raise The Top ...51▫ To Lower

INTRODUCTION 51

▫ Daytime Running Lights ...63▫ Lights-On Reminder ...63▫ Headlight Time Delay ...63▫ Battery Saver Fea

CONVERTIBLE TOP OPERATIONTo Raise the Top:1. To raise the convertible top, first ensure that the doorwindows are lowered at least an inch.2. Then open

4. Manually raise the top until it meets the windshieldheader (as pictured).5. Close the trunk.6. While sitting inside the vehicle, hold onto the hand

7. Ensure the outboard locating pins are in their respec-tive receiving holes in the windshield header. Push thelatch handle forward all the way to cl

3. Disengage the latch hook from the windshield rodmaking sure to pull the latch all the way back to thedetent stow position and pull the top away fro

MIRRORSInside Day/Night MirrorAdjust the mirror to center on the view through the rearwindow. A pivot system allows for horizontal and verti-cal mirro

NOTE: Place the mirror selector switch in the center(neutral) position to prevent accidental movement of themirrors.Mirror AdjustmentOutside Mirror —

SEATSManual Front Seat AdjustmentsThe adjusting bar is at the front of the seats, near the floor.Pull the bar up to move the seat to the desired posit

To Open And Close The HoodTwo latches must be released to open the hood. First,reach into the lower right grille opening and pull theprimary hood latc

hood may be pushed up at the front, raising the hoodbeyond the initial opening height. Simply pull the hooddown to close it.CAUTION!Do not leave the h

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONSThis manual contains WARNINGS against operatingprocedures which could result in an accident or bodilyinjury. It also contains CAU

LIGHTSCourtesy/Reading LightsThese lights, located under the rearview mirror, come onwhenever a door is opened or the illuminated entrysystem is activ

Interior LightsThe interior lights come on when a door is opened andthe dome switch is not in the defeat position.Battery Saver Feature — Interior Lig

Interior Light Defeat (OFF)Rotate the dimmer control to the ex-treme bottom “OFF” position. The in-terior lights will remain off when thedoors are ope

To change the brightness of the instrument panel lights,rotate the center portion of the Multi-Function ControlLever up or down.Daytime Running Lights

If the ignition switch is turned to any position other thanthe Off position at any time during the 3 minute delayperiod the battery saver feature will

If either light remains on and does not flash, or there is avery fast flash rate, check for a defective outside lightbulb. If an indicator fails to li

WARNING!Tilting the steering column while the vehicle ismoving is dangerous. Without a stable steering col-umn, you could lose control of the vehicle

WARNING!Do not adjust the pedalswhilethe vehicle is moving.You could lose control and have an accident. Alwaysadjust the pedals while the vehicle is p

To adjust the left foot rest:•Loosen the nut on the pedal using a 13 mm socket.•Slide the pedal fore, aft and/or rotate up or down tofind a comfortabl

Windshield WashersTo use the washer, pull the control lever toward you andhold while spray is desired. If the lever is pulled while inthe delay range,

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS / ALTERATIONSWARNING!Any modifications or alterations to this vehiclecould seriously affect its roadworthiness and safetyand may

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANELCONTENTSm Instrument Panel Features ...73m Instrument Cluster Description ...74▫ Speedome

▫ Fan Control ...91▫ Temperature Control ...91▫ Mode Control ...91▫ Operating Tips ...

INSTRUMENT PANEL FEATURESUNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 734

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTIONSpeedometerShows the vehicle speed in miles-per-hour and kilometers-per-hour.Odometer/Trip OdometerThe odometer shows th

Turn Signal IndicatorsThe arrows will flash in unison with the correspondingexterior turn signal when using the signal lever.Hazard IndicatorBoth turn

WARNING!If both ABS and/or Brake Warning lamps becomeilluminated, please seek service immediately! YourViper will have diminished braking capability a

CAUTION!Prolonged driving with the light on could causefurther damage to the emission control system. Itcould also affect fuel economy and driveabilit

Trunk Ajar LightThis light indicates that the trunk is not latched.Engine Coolant Temperature LightA red LED light on the Coolant Temperaturegauge wil

Brake System Warning LightThe dual brake system provides a reservebraking capability in the event of a failure to aportion of the hydraulic system. Th

GaugesTachometerThis gauge shows engine speed in revolutions-per-minute (RPM) times 1,000. Avoid excessiveengine speeds in any part of the red warning

This gauge does not indicate the amount of oil in theengine. The engine oil level must be checked under thehood. Check the level often during severe u

Clock Setting Procedure1. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” or “ACC”position. Using the point of a ballpoint pen or similarobject, press either the

NOTE: Power to operate the radio is controlled by theignition switch. It must be in the ON or ACC position tooperate the radio.ModePress the MODE butt

To Set The Radio Push-Button MemoryWhen you are receiving a station that you wish tocommit to push-button memory, press the SET RNDbutton. SET 1 will

CD Player OperationNOTE: The ignition switch must be in the ON or ACCposition and the Power / Volume control pushed ONbefore the CD player will operat

Radio display will show “ejecting” when it is beingejected.If you have ejected a disc and have not removed it within15 seconds, it will be reloaded. T

CD Diagnostic IndicatorsWhen drivingover a veryrough road,the CD player mayskip momentarily. Skipping will not damage the disc orthe player, and play

Toggle the PTY button to select the following format types:Program Type Radio DisplayAdult Hits Adlt HitClassical ClassiclClassic Rock Cls RockCollege

The radio display will flash “SEEK” and the selected PTYprogram type when searching for the next PTY station. Ifno station is found with the selected

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLECONTENTSm A Word About Your Keys ...11▫ Ignition Key ...11▫ Key-In-Ig

RADIO ANTENNAThe radio antenna is located in the windshield.RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONESUnder certain conditions, the operation of a cellular p

The controls are as follows:Fan ControlUse this control to regulate theamount of air forced through the sys-tem in any mode you select. Turn thecontro

PanelAir is directed through the outlets in the instrumentpanel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct airflow.Bi-LevelAir is directed through the i

shows that the Air Conditioning compressor is on. Con-ditioned air is now directed through the outlets selected.Pushing the button a second time turns

Operating TipsWhen operating the system during the winter months,make sure the air intake, at the right side of the hood, isfree of ice, slush, snow o

STARTING AND OPERATINGCONTENTSm Starting Procedures ...97▫ If Engine Fails To Start ...98▫ After Starting ...

▫ Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped ...120▫ Tire Spinning ...121▫ Tread Wear Indicators ...122▫ Replacement T

STARTING PROCEDURESCAUTION!Long periods of engine idling, especially at highengine speeds, can cause excessive exhaust tempera-tures which can damage

the engine has not started within 3 seconds, slightlydepress the accelerator pedal while continuing to crank.If the engine fails to start within 10 se

WARNING!Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get itstarted. Unburned fuel could enter the catalyticconverter and once the engine has started,