Dodge 2008 Viper User manual

Viper
OWNER’S MANUAL
2008
2008 Viper
81-226-0804 Second Edition Printed in U.S.A.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION .............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................9
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE ...............................61
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL .................................... 93
5
STARTING AND OPERATING .................................................129
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES ...............................................175
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE ...............................................191
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ..................................................255
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE ..........................................275
10
INDEX ....................................................................285
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
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.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index at the back 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 the left
front corner of the instrument panel. The VIN is visible
from outside the vehicle through the windshield. This
number also appears on the Automobile Information
Disclosure Label affixed to a window on your vehicle, the
vehicle registration, and the title. NOTE: It is illegal to remove the VIN.
Vehicle Identification Number
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 ..................12
▫Ignition Key Removal ...................12
▫Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................13
mSecurity Alarm System ....................13
▫Rearming Of The System .................13
▫To Arm The System .....................13
▫To Disarm The System ...................15
mIlluminated Entry System ..................16
mRemote Keyless Entry .....................17
▫To Unlock The Doors ...................17
▫To Lock The Doors .....................18
▫To Unlatch The Trunk/Liftgate .............19
▫Using The Panic Alarm ..................19
▫Programming Additional Transmitters ........20
▫Battery Replacement ....................21
▫General Information ....................22
2

mDoor Locks ............................23
▫Manual Door Lock .....................24
▫Power Door Locks .....................24
mWindows .............................26
▫Power Windows .......................26
▫Auto Down Feature ....................27
▫Wind Buffeting ........................27
mLiftgate — Coupe Models Only ..............28
mTrunk Lock And Release — Convertible
Models Only ...........................29
mTrunk Safety Warning — Convertible
Models Only ...........................30
▫Trunk Emergency Release ................30
mOccupant Restraints ......................31
▫Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................31
▫Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure .....35
▫Enhanced Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlertt) ..........................36
▫Automatic Locking Mode ................37
▫Six-Point Belt System - If Equipped .........38
▫Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............39
▫Seat Belt Extender ......................39
▫Driver And Passenger Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS) - Airbag ...................40
▫Child Restraint ........................50
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

mBreak-In Recommendations .................56
mSafety Tips ............................57
▫Exhaust Gas ..........................57
▫Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle ..........................58
▫Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ....................59
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
You can insert the double-sided keys into the locks with
either side up.
The dealer that sold you your new vehicle 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 Removal
1. Press the clutch pedal to the floor.
2. Bring the vehicle to a stop.
3. Place the gear selector in gear.
4. Apply the parking brake fully.
5. Press the “Key Removal” release button, turn the key
to place the ignition switch in the OFF/LOCK position,
and then pull the key out of the switch.
6. Release the clutch pedal.
Ignition Key Positions
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE: The Power Accessory Delay feature allows you
to operate the radio and the power windows for 2
minutes after turning off the ignition switch. Removing
the key from the ignition switch and opening the driver’s
door will cancel this feature. Your dealership can enable
or disable the Power Accessory Delay feature as desired.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
If you open the driver’s door when the key is in the
ignition, a chime will sound to remind you to remove the
key.
NOTE: The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds
when the ignition switch is placed in the OFF/LOCK or
ACC positions.
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM
This system monitors the doors, trunk/liftgate, and hood
for unauthorized entry and the ignition switch for unau-
thorized operation. If something triggers the alarm, the
system will prevent the vehicle from starting. It will also
sound the horn and flash the park lights, the taillights,
and the fog lights.
Rearming of the System:
If something triggers the alarm, and no action is taken to
disarm it, the system will turn off the horn after 3
minutes, turn off all of the visual signals (flashing lights)
after 15 minutes, and then rearm itself.
To Arm the System:
Remove the key from the ignition switch and either press
a power door lock switch while the driver or passenger
door is open or press the LOCK button on the Remote
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2

Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. After the last door is
closed, or if all doors are closed, the system will arm itself
in approximately 16 seconds. During the arming process,
the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator light will flash at a
fast rate. Once the system is armed, the light will flash
once every 6 seconds.
NOTE:
• The system will not cancel the arming process if you
open the hood or trunk/liftgate. It will however cancel
the arming process if you open a door or turn on the
ignition. If this occurs, and you wish to rearm the
system, simply repeat either of the previously de-
scribed arming sequences.
• The Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator light will remain
on steady if the hood or trunk/liftgate is open during
the arming process or if there is a fault in the system.
If you verify that the hood and trunk/liftgate are not
open, and the light remains on steady, see your
authorized dealer for service.
Entering the Trunk with the System Armed —
Convertible:
NOTE: Using the key to open the trunk while the
system armed will trigger the alarm.
Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Press the Trunk button on the RKE transmitter to allow
access without triggering the alarm or having to disarm
the system. The trunk lid will pop open.
Entering the liftgate with the System Armed —
Coupe:
NOTE: Using the key to open the liftgate while the
system armed will trigger the alarm.
Press the Liftgate button on the RKE transmitter to allow
access without triggering the alarm or having to disarm
the system. Then, within 30 seconds, open the liftgate by
using the key cylinder or the liftgate release switch
located in the exterior liftgate handle.
NOTE: If you do not open the liftgate within 30 seconds,
the system will re-arm and ignore the switch input.
After closing the liftgate, the system will arm immedi-
ately without having to re-lock the vehicle.
To Disarm the System
There are two ways to disarm the system:
• Use the key to unlock the driver’s door. The door lock
is located on the outside door panel beneath the
mirror.
Mechanical Door Lock
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2

• Press the UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter.
The front and rear park lights and the turn signal
lights will flash to acknowledge the signal.
NOTE: The vehicle will not start unless the Vehicle
Security Alarm System is disarmed by either method.
Inserting the key in the ignition WILL NOT disarm the
system. Furthermore, turning the ignition key to any
position while the system is armed will trigger an alarm.
Tamper Alert
If something has triggered the system in your absence,
the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will flash
twice every six seconds. In addition, the horn will sound
three times when you disarm the system.
ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM
The interior lights will turn on whenever a door is
opened or the liftgate is opened (Coupe models) and the
dimmer switch is not in the defeat position.
The interior lights will turn on, remain on for about 30
seconds, and then fade to off if any of the following
occur:
• A door is opened using the outside door handle and
then closed.
• A door is unlocked using the remote keyless entry
transmitter.
• A door is unlocked using the outside driver’s door key
cylinder.
The interior lights will turn on and remain on for about 4
seconds and then fade to off if a door is opened using the
inside door handle.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY
This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors, open
the trunk/liftgate, or activate the panic alarm from
distances up to about 23 feet (7 meters) using a hand held
radio transmitter. The transmitter need not be pointed at
the vehicle to activate the system.
To Unlock the Doors:
Press and release the UNLOCK button on the transmitter
once to unlock the driver’s door, or twice to unlock both
doors. The park lights and turn signal lights will flash to
acknowledge the signal and the illuminated entry system
will turn on. In addition, the words DOOR UNLOCKED
will flash in the odometer if one door is unlocked or will
remain on steadily if both doors are unlocked.
NOTE: On Coupe models, pressing either the UNLOCK
button or the LIFTGATE button will allow liftgate access.
Remote Key Unlock, Driver Door/Both Doors First
This feature lets you program the system to unlock either
the driver’s door or both doors on the first press of the
UNLOCK button on the transmitter. To change the cur-
rent setting, proceed as follows:
1. Press the UNLOCK button on a programmed trans-
mitter for at least 4 seconds, but not longer than 10
seconds. Then, press the LOCK button.
2. Release both buttons at the same time.
3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle, by
pressing the UNLOCK button on the transmitter with the
ignition in the OFF/LOCK position, and the key re-
moved.
Keyless Entry Transmitter
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
2

4. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to
its previous setting.
NOTE: Pressing the LOCK button on the transmitter
while you are in the vehicle will activate the Security
Alarm. Opening a door with the Security Alarm activated
will cause the alarm to sound. Press the UNLOCK button
to deactivate the Security Alarm.
Flash Lights with Remote Key Lock
This feature will cause the park lights and turn signal
lights to flash when the doors are locked or unlocked
with the transmitter. This feature can be turned on or
turned off. To change the current setting, proceed as
follows:
1. Press the LOCK button on a programmed transmitter
for at least 4 seconds, but no longer then 10 seconds.
Then, press the TRUNK/LIFTGATE button.
2. Release both buttons at the same time.
3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle, by
pressing the LOCK/UNLOCK buttons on the transmitter
with the ignition in the OFF/LOCK position, and the key
removed.
4. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to
its previous setting.
NOTE: Pressing the LOCK button on the transmitter
while you are in the vehicle will activate the Security
Alarm. Opening a door with the Security Alarm activated
will cause the alarm to sound. Press the UNLOCK button
to deactivate the Security Alarm.
To Lock the Doors:
Press and release the LOCK button on the transmitter to
lock the doors. The horn will chirp once and the park
lights and turn signal lights will flash to acknowledge the
signal.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Sound Horn with Remote Key Lock
This feature will cause the horn to chirp when the doors
are locked with the transmitter. This feature can be
turned on or turned off. To change the current setting,
proceed as follows:
1. Press the LOCK button on a programmed transmitter
for at least 4 seconds, but no longer then 10 seconds.
Then, press the UNLOCK button.
2. Release both buttons at the same time.
3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle, by
pressing the LOCK button on the transmitter with the
ignition in the OFF/LOCK position, and the key re-
moved.
4. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to
its previous setting.
NOTE: Pressing the LOCK button on the transmitter
while you are in the vehicle will activate the Security
Alarm. Opening a door with the Security Alarm activated
will cause the alarm to sound. Press the UNLOCK button
to deactivate the Security Alarm.
To Unlatch the Trunk/Liftgate:
Press and hold the TRUNK/LIFTGATE button on the
transmitter for at least one second to unlatch the trunk/
liftgate. The park lights and turn signal lights will flash
three times to acknowledge the signal.
Using The Panic Alarm:
The panic alarm unlocks the driver’s door, turns on the
interior lights, flashes the park lights and fog lights, and
sounds the horn. The Panic alarm will not work when
driving the vehicle.
To turn the panic alarm ON or OFF, press and hold the
PANIC button on the transmitter for at least one second
and release. The alarm can also be turned off by inserting
the key into the ignition switch and turning it to the
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
2