Dodge 18681 Viper User manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION .............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ..............................9
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ..............................49
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL ....................................71
5
STARTING AND OPERATING ..................................................95
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ..............................................131
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................................141
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ..................................................199
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE .........................................215
10
INDEX ....................................................................225
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2
3
4
5
6
7
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9
10

INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
mIntroduction ...........................4
mHow To Use This Manual ..................4
mWarnings And Cautions ...................6
mVehicle Identification Number ...............6
mVehicle Modifications / Alterations ...........7
1

INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your dealer
knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained techni-
cians and genuine Mopartparts, and is interested in
your satisfaction.
WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this owner’s manual:
4 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION 5
1

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
This manual contains WARNINGS against operating
procedures which could result in an accident or bodily
injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against procedures
which could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do
not read this entire manual you may miss important
information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is on a stamped
plate at the left front corner of the instrument panel,
visible through the windshield. This number also ap-
pears on the Automobile Information Disclosure Label
affixed to a window on your vehicle. Save this label as a
convenient record of your vehicle identification number
and optional equipment.
6 INTRODUCTION

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS / ALTERATIONS
WARNING!
Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle
could seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety
and may lead to an accident resulting in serious
injury or death.
INTRODUCTION 7
1

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mA Word About Your Keys ..................11
▫Ignition Key ..........................11
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................12
▫Power Accessory Delay Feature ............13
mDoor Locks ............................13
▫Electronic Locking/Unlocking .............13
▫Mechanical Release .....................14
▫Automatic Door Locks ...................15
mRemote Keyless Entry .....................15
▫To Unlock The Doors ...................16
▫To Lock The Doors .....................17
▫To Unlock The Trunk ....................17
▫Panic Alarm ..........................17
▫To Use The Panic Alarm .................17
▫To Program Transmitters .................18
▫General Information ....................18
▫Transmitter Battery Service ...............19
mVehicle Theft Alarm ......................19
2

▫To Arm The Vehicle Theft Alarm System ......20
▫Entering The Trunk With The System Armed . . .21
▫Security System Disarm ..................22
▫Tamper Alert .........................23
mWindows .............................23
▫Power Windows .......................23
▫Auto Down Feature ....................24
▫Power Accessory Delay Feature ............24
▫Wind Buffeting ........................25
mTrunk Safety Warning.....................25
▫Trunk Internal Emergency Release ..........25
mOccupant Restraints ......................26
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................27
▫Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlert™) ..........................30
▫Six Point Belt System - If Equipped .........31
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............32
▫Seat Belt Extender ......................32
▫Child Restraint ........................33
▫Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag . .38
mEngine Break-In Recommendations ...........46
mSafety Tips ............................47
▫Exhaust Gas ..........................47
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle ..............................48
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle ..............................48
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
The dealer that sold you your new Viper has the key code
numbers for your vehicle locks. These numbers can be
used to order duplicate keys from your dealer or a
locksmith. Ask your dealer for these numbers and keep
them in a safe place.
Ignition Key
Press clutch and insert the ignition key fully, then turn
the switch to one of the four illustrated positions. It may
be difficult to turn the key from the OFF/LOCK position
when starting your vehicle. Move the steering wheel left
and right while turning the key until it turns easily. To
start the vehicle fully apply the parking brake, press the
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2

clutch pedal to the floor, place the gear selector in
NEUTRAL, move the key to the ON position, and press
the red ENGINE START button located on the instrument
panel. To remove the key from the ignition press the
clutch pedal to the floor, bring the vehicle to a stop, place
the gear selector in gear, and fully apply the parking
brake. Then turn the ignition key to the OFF/LOCK
position and push the release button behind the ignition
and pull the key out.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition,
sounds a signal to remind you to remove the key.
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Power Accessory Delay Feature
The Power Accessory Delay feature provides the cus-
tomer with the ability to operate the power windows,
and the radio for 2 minutes after the ignition switch is
turned off. If the key is removed from the ignition and the
driver door is opened prior to the completion of the
2–minute timer, the feature is immediately cancelled. The
Power Accessory Delay feature is initially enabled, but
may be enabled or disabled at the dealership.
DOOR LOCKS
WARNING!
Do not touch the exhaust pipe sill covers when
entering or exiting your Viper. They can be hot
enough to burn you. Observe the warning labels on
each door closure panel.
Electronic Locking/Unlocking
This vehicle is equipped with a virtual lock system. If the
vehicle is virtually locked, then the Outside door handle
is ignored. There is a door lock/unlock switch on each
door trim panel. Press this switch to lock or unlock the
door. The Odometer displays DOOR UNLOCKED con-
tinuously when both doors are unlocked. Also, the door
is considered unlocked if the inside door handle is
pulled. If only one door is unlocked, then the Odometer
will flash DOOR UNLOCKED every 2 seconds. After
about 40 seconds with the ignition off, the display will
turn off.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

NOTE: If you attempt to lock the doors with the key in
the ignition and the driver’s door open, the doors will not
lock.
Mechanical Release
The driver’s door can be opened mechanically by insert-
ing your key into the lock located on the underside of the
door panel, beneath the outside mirror.
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Automatic Door Locks
The doors will lock automatically from outside the ve-
hicle when vehicle speed reaches 18 miles per hour with
the ignition On and the DOOR UNLOCKED displayed in
the odometer will disappear.
NOTE: If the vehicle is moving faster than 5 MPH, the
inside and outside door handles are ignored. This does
not overide the mechanical cable on the inside door
handle.
Automatic lock can be enabled or disabled by performing
the following procedure:
1. Close all doors and place the key in the ignition.
2. Cycle the ignition switch between ON/RUN and OFF
4 times ending up in the OFF position.
3. Depress the power door lock switch to lock the doors.
4. A single chime will indicate the completion of the
programming and that the feature was toggled ON/OFF.
This feature can also be disabled at the dealership if
desired.
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY
This feature allows you to lock or unlock the doors from
distances up to 23 feet (7 meters) using a hand held
transmitter. You do not have to point the transmitter at
the vehicle to activate the system.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
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To Unlock the Doors:
Press and release the UNLOCK button on the transmitter.
The front and rear park/turn signal lights will blink once
to indicate that only the driver’s door is unlocked. When
the unlock button is pressed twice, if pressed within 5
seconds, the front and rear park/turn signal lights will
blink twice to indicate that both doors are unlocked.
DOOR UNLOCKED in the odometer display will blink
continuously if one door is unlocked. DOOR UN-
LOCKED will remain steadily on in the odometer display
if both doors are unlocked. No message will be displayed
if both doors are locked.
NOTE: The system may be programmed to unlock both
doors upon the first press of the Unlock button. To toggle
between the first press unlock of the driver’s door to
unlock both doors, perform the following procedure:
1. Press and hold the Unlock button on the transmitter.
2. Continue to hold the Unlock button, wait at least 4 but
no longer than 10 seconds, then press the Lock button.
3. Release both buttons.
The park and tail lights will blink twice to acknowledge
the unlock signal.
NOTE: The Lamp Flash can be enabled or disabled by
performing the following procedure:
1. Press and hold the Lock button on the transmitter.
2. Continue to hold the Lock button, wait at least 4 but
no longer than 10 seconds, then press the Trunk button.
3. Release both buttons.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 will chirp once and the park and tail lights will
blink to acknowledge that the door is locked and that the
alarm system is armed. The horn chirp can be disabled at
the dealership if so desired.
NOTE: The horn chirp feature can be enabled or dis-
abled by performing the following procedure:
1. Press and hold the Lock button on the transmitter.
2. Continue to hold the Lock button, wait at least 4 but
no longer than 10 seconds, then press the Unlock button.
3. Release both buttons.
To Unlock the Trunk:
Press and hold the trunk button on the transmitter to
unlatch the trunk. The front and rear park/turn signal
lights will blink 3 times.
Panic Alarm
The panic alarm unlocks the driver’s door, turns on the
interior lights, flashes the park and fog lights and sounds
the horn for 3 minutes or until the alarm is turned off.
Panic mode does not work when the vehicle is driven.
To Use the Panic Alarm:
Press and hold the Panic button to activate the alarm.
Press and hold the Panic button or turn the key in the
ignition to the RUN position to deactivate the alarm. The
alarm will also shut itself off after 3 minutes.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
2

To Program Transmitters:
This feature allows you to program transmitters in case
one is lost or an extra transmitter(s) is desired. Up to 4
transmitters can be programmed to your vehicle. To
program another transmitter follow these steps:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position and
set the parking brake.
2. Using a previously programmed transmitter, press the
UNLOCK button for 5 to 10 seconds. While the UNLOCK
button is being pressed (after 5 seconds), press the
PANIC button and release both buttons simultaneously.
You will hear a chime sound to signal you that program-
ming on the transmitter(s) may occur.
3. You may program up to 4 transmitters for your vehicle
within a 30 second time limit. Press and release both
LOCK and UNLOCK buttons of a new transmitter at the
same time; then press and release any of the buttons
once, you will hear a chime when the transmitter has
been successfully programmed. A chime will sound
when the 30 seconds is over, or if you turn the ignition
switch OFF.
4. You must repeat step 3 for all new transmitters that
will be used with this vehicle (up to 4 total).
If you do not have a programmed transmitter, contact
your dealer for details.
General Information
This transmitter complies with FCC rules part 15. Opera-
tion is subject to the following conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Transmitter Battery Service
The replacement battery number is 2016. This is a generic
battery, readily available at local retail stores.
1. Pry the transmitter halves apart with a coin or similar
object.
2. Remove and replace the batteries.
3. Reassemble the transmitter case and test operation.
NOTE: If the transmitter is operated more than 255
times out of range of the vehicle (23 feet or 7 meters) or
when the vehicle battery is dead, it may become “out of
synch”. The result is that the transmitter will not func-
tion.
To correct this condition, remove the key from the
ignition and close the hood and all doors. Press both
buttons on the transmitter for about 10 seconds. The horn
will chirp once to acknowledge the signal. Normal trans-
mitter operation should resume.
VEHICLE THEFT ALARM
The system monitors the doors, trunk, hood, and ignition
for unauthorized operation.
Once the system has been armed, opening any door,
trunk (with the ignition key), hood or turning the ignition
key to any position will trigger an alarm.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
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If something triggers the alarm, the system will signal for
about 18 minutes. For the first 3 minutes the horn will
sound and the park, tail and fog lights will flash. If the
condition which triggered the alarm is still present, the
park, tail and fog lights will continue to flash for 15
minutes, unless the trigger condition is cleared sooner.
NOTE: The engine will not start until the system is
disarmed.
To Arm the Vehicle Theft Alarm System
There are two methods to arm the Vehicle Theft Alarm
system:
1. Press the Lock button on the Remote Keyless Entry.
The optical and audible horn chirp will sound if it is
enabled. (See Remote Keyless Entry section of this
manual)
2. Remove the keys from the ignition and, with the door
open, press the Lock button on the door trim panel and
close the door.
3. After the last door is closed, the security light will
flash for 15 seconds. If there is a fault in the system or if
the hood or trunk is not closed, the Vehicle Theft Alarm
lamp will remain ON steady for 15 seconds until the
system is armed. (See the dealer if the system is faulted)
The arming sequence will cancel if the door is opened or
the ignition is turned on. Opening the hood or trunk will
not cancel the arming process.
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE