2004 DODGE VIPER Owners Manual

The radio display will flash ªSEEKº and the selected PTY
program type when searching for the next PTY station. If
no station is found with the selected PTY program type,
the radio will return to the last station.
If a preset button is activated while in the PTY (Program
Type) mode, the PTY mode will be exited and the radio
will tune to the preset station.
By pressing the SCAN button when the PTY icon is
displayed, the radio will stop at every PTY station on the
band and list each corresponding program type in the
radio display.
Time
Press the TIME button to change the display from
elapsed CD playing time to time of day.
CD/DVD DISC MAINTENANCE
To keep the CD/DVD discs in good condition, take the
following precautions:
1. Handle the disc by its edge; avoid touching the
surface.
2. If the disc is stained, clean the surface with a soft cloth,
wiping from center to edge.
3. Do not apply paper, paper CD labels, or tape to the
disc; avoid scratching the disc.
4. Do not use solvents such as benzine, thinner, cleaners,
or antistatic sprays.
5. Store the disc in its case after playing.
6. Do not expose the disc to direct sunlight.
7. Do not store the disc where temperatures may become
too high.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 89
4

RADIO ANTENNA
The radio antenna is located in the windshield.
RADIO OPERATION AND CELLULAR PHONES
Under certain conditions, the operation of a cellular phone
in your vehicle can cause erratic or noisy performance from
your radio. This condition may be lessened or eliminated
by relocating the cellular phone antenna. This condition is
not harmful to the radio. If your radio performance does
not satisfactorily ªclearº by the repositioning of the an-
tenna, it is recommended that the radio volume be turned
down or off during cellular phone operation.
VENTILATION
When the ventilation mode is selected, outside air comes
through the panel outlets. Air will enter the vehicle with
or without the blower in operation.
CLIMATE CONTROLS
The Air Conditioning System allows you to balance the
temperature, amount and direction of the air circulating
throughout the vehicle.
90 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

The controls are as follows:
Fan Control
Use this control to regulate the
amount of air forced through the sys-
tem in any mode you select. Turn the
control clockwise to increase fan
speed. Turn the control to theOÐOff
position to shut off the fan and to
prevent any outside air from entering
the vehicle. This also turns off the A/C compressor.
Temperature Control
Use this control to regulate the tem-
perature of the air inside the passen-
ger compartment. The blue area of the
control indicates cooler temperatures
while the red area indicates warmer
temperatures.
Mode Control
Use this control to select the direction
of air flow.
NOTE:The dot between the mode control icons is a mix
position between the two modes.
The mode control positions are as follows:
Recirculate
Air is recirculated inside the vehicle. You may
choose between Bi-Level and Panel air outlets
while in this mode. Use this mode to tempo-
rarily block out any outside odors, smoke, or
dust and to cool the interior rapidly upon initial start up
in very hot or humid weather.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 91
4

Panel
Air is directed through the outlets in the instrument
panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct air
flow.
Bi-Level
Air is directed through the instrument panel and
floor outlets. A small amount of air is also directed
through the defrost outlets.
NOTE:There is a varying temperature differential be-
tween the upper and lower outlets for added comfort.
The warmer air goes to the floor outlets. This feature
provides improved comfort during sunny but cool con-
ditions.
Floor
Air is directed through the floor outlets with a
lesser amount through the defrost outlets.Floor/Defrost
Air is directed through the windshield defrost and
the floor outlets. This setting works best in cold or
snowy conditions that require extra heat at the
windshield. This setting is good for maintaining comfort
while reducing moisture on the windshield.
Windshield Defrost
Air is directed through the windshield defrost
outlet. Use this mode with maximum fan and
temperature settings for best windshield defrosting.
NOTE:The air conditioning compressor operates in this
mode. This dehumidifies the air to help dry the wind-
shield. To improve fuel economy, leave in the Defrost
mode only when necessary.
A/C Pushbutton
With the fan control in the ON position, pushing
the A/C button turns on the air conditioning
compressor. An indicator light above the button
92 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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 the compressor
OFF.
Slight changes in engine speed or power may be noticed
when the compressor is on. This is a normal occurrence
since the compressor will cycle on and off to maintain
comfort and increase fuel economy.
NOTE:If your air conditioning performance seems
lower than expected, check the front of the A/C con-
denser for an accumulation of dirt or insects.
Rear Window Defroster
Press the button once to turn on the Rear Window
Defroster and a second time to turn it off. A light
above the button shows that the Rear Defroster is On.NOTE:The defroster turns off automatically after 15
minutes of operation. Each later activation will allow 71¤2
minutes of operation.
CAUTION!
To avoid damaging the electrical conductors, do not
use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abrasive window
cleaners on the interior surface of the rear window.
Labels can be peeled off by soaking with warm
water.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 93
4

Operating Tips
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, at the right side of the hood, is
free of ice, slush, snow or other obstructions such as
leaves. Leaves collected in the air-intake plenum may
reduce air flow and plug the plenum water drains.
The blower air will heat faster in cold weather if you use
only the low blower speeds for the first ten minutes of
vehicle operation.
During engine warm-up in cold weather, use the Defrost
mode to direct any cold air away from the occupants.
94 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures......................97
NIf Engine Fails To Start..................98
NAfter Starting........................100
mTransmission Shifting....................100
NRecommended Shift Speeds..............101
NSkip Shift Light.......................101
mParking Brake.........................102
mBrake System..........................104
NBrake Pad Break-In....................107mPower Steering........................107
mTire Safety Information...................108
NTire Markings........................108
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........111
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........112
mTiresÐGeneral Information................116
NTire Pressure.........................116
NTire Inflation Pressures.................117
NRadial-Ply Tires......................120
5

NCompact Spare Tire Ð If Equipped.........120
NTire Spinning........................121
NTread Wear Indicators..................122
NReplacement Tires.....................122
NAlignment And Balance.................123
mLow Tire Pressure (Ltp) System.............124
NLow Tire Indicator....................124
mTire Chains...........................125
mSnow Tires...........................125
mTire Storage...........................126
mTire Rotation Recommendations............126mGround Clearance......................126
mFuel Requirements......................127
NReformulated Gasoline.................127
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............128
NMMT In Gasoline.....................128
NSulfur In Gasoline.....................129
NMaterials Added To Fuel................129
mAdding Fuel..........................129
mVehicle Loading........................130
mTrailer Towing.........................130
96 STARTING AND OPERATING