2004 DODGE VIPER ECU

recline the seatback full rearward and move the seat to its
most rearward position. Install the child restraint accord-
ing to the manufacturer's directions. Return the seatback
to an upright position. Remove slack from the tether
strap according to the child restraint manufacturer's
directions.WARNING!
An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to
increased head motion and possible injury to the
child. Use only the anchor position directly behind
the child seat to secure a child restraint top tether
strap.
Children Too Large For Child Seats
Children who are too large for child seats and who can sit
upright by themselves should use the lap/shoulder belt
for best protection.
²Make sure that the child is seated upright in the seat.
²The lap belt should be low on the hips and as snug as
possible.
²Check belt fit periodically. A child's squirming or
slouching can move the belt out of position.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 37
2

in collisions where the airbags deploy, you need the seat
belts to keep you in the right position for the airbags to
protect you properly.
Here are four simple steps you can take to minimize the
risk of harm from a deploying airbag.
1.Infants in rear facing child safety seats designed for
children up to one year or approximately 20 pounds (9
kg) should never ride in the front seat of a vehicle with
a passenger side airbag unless the airbag is shut OFF.
See ªPassenger Side Airbag On/Off Switch.º An airbag
deployment can cause severe injury or death to infants in
this position.
Children that are not big enough to properly wear the
vehicle seat belt (see section on ªChild Restraintº) should
be secured in child safety seats or booster seats.
Older children who do not use child safety seats or
booster seats should ride properly buckled.Never allow children to place the shoulder belt behind
them or under the arm.
Infants up to 1 year or approximately 20 pounds (9 kg)
should never ride in the vehicle, because the rear facing
child seat places them too close to the passenger air bag
in the event of a crash.
Children from 1 to 12 years old: Move the passenger seat
as far back as possible. Children from 20 to 60 pounds (9
kg to 27 kg) should be secured in the appropriate child
safety seat or booster seat. If too large for a booster seat,
the child should wear the lap/shoulder belt properly.
Children should never be allowed to lean forward to-
ward the instrument panel as a passenger air bag deploy-
ment could cause severe injury or death to a child in this
position.
You should read the instructions provided with your
child restraint to make sure that you are using it properly.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 39
2

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 maintenance free,
if any of the following occurs, have an authorized dealer
service the system immediately.
²The AIRBAG light does not come on or flickers during
the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned on.
²The light remains on or flickers after the 6 to 8 second
interval.
²The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.
Transporting Pets
Deploying airbags could harm your pet. An unrestrained
pet will be thrown about and possibly injured, or injure a
passenger during panic braking or in a collision.Pets should be restrained in pet harnesses or pet carriers
that are secured by seat belts.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The engine in your new Viper does not require a long
break-in period. Following these few simple guidelines is
all that is necessary for a good break-in:
For the first 500 miles (800 km):
²Keep your vehicle speed below the legal, posted speed
limit and your engine speed below 4,000 rpm.
²Avoid driving at a constant speed, either fast or slow,
for long periods of time.
²Do not make any full throttle starts and avoid full
throttle acceleration.
²Use the proper gear for your speed range.
46 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the light on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any state emissions
tests can be performed.
If the light is flashing, severe catalytic converter damage
and power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
If the gas cap is not secured properly, the light may come
on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time you add
fuel.
High Beam Indicator
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Pull the turn signal lever toward the steer-
ing wheel to switch the headlights from high or low
beam.
Seat Belt Indicator Light
This system alerts the driver to fasten the seat belt
if not done so within 60 seconds of starting the
vehicle and if the vehicle is moving faster than 5
mph (8 km/h). The system will cause a chime to sound
repeatedly and will flash the seat belt warning light for 96
seconds or until the driver's seat belt is fastened. The
reminder system will be reactivated if the driver's seat
belt is unfastened for more than 10 seconds and the
vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/hr). Refer to
Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System (BeltAlertŸ) in
the Occupant Restraints section for deactivating the
system.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 77
4

the engine has not started within 3 seconds, slightly
depress the accelerator pedal while continuing to crank.
If the engine fails to start within 10 seconds, turn the key
to the ªOFFº position, wait 5 seconds, then repeat the
normal starting procedure.If Engine Fails to Start
NOTE:The Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter MUST be
used to unlock the vehicle and disarm the alarm system.
In the event of a lost or defective Remote Keyless
Transmitter, the security system can be momentarily
disarmed to allow the vehicle to be started.
See the paragraph on the Vehicle Theft Security System in
Section 2 of this manual
98 STARTING AND OPERATING

and the other end to the engine of the other vehicle. Make
sure that you have a good contact on the engines.
NOTE:When using another vehicle as the power
source, turn off all accessories.
8. Turn off the Theft Security System.
NOTE:If system is not turned off, the Theft System
electronics will prevent the engine from starting.
9. Allow battery to charge to at least 12.4 volts before
attempting to start engine.
10. Start the engine in the booster vehicle and let the
engine idle for a few minutes. Then start the Viper
engine. If engine does not start in 15 seconds, stop
cranking engine and allow starter to cool down before
cranking again.
11. When removing the booster cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly.DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is danger-
ous. You could lose control of the vehicle and possi-
bly have an accident. Accelerate slowly and carefully
whenever there is likely to be poor traction (ice,
snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should
be observed:
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 137
6

hose routing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat
source or moving component that may cause heat dam-
age or mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of degradation that could result in failure.
Brake System
To assure brake system performance, all brake system
components should be inspected periodically. Suggested
service intervals can be found in Section 8 of this manual.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake, Power Steering, and Fuel System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be made to examining those hose sur-
faces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 171
7

Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids are used during assembly plant
operations to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings.
Therefore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of
hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation) should be noted before hose is re-
placed based on leakage.
High pressure fuel system hoses have unique material
characteristics that provide adequate sealing and resist
attack by deteriorated gasoline.Use only manufacturer specified hoses or their equiva-
lent in material and specification, in any fuel system
servicing. It is mandatory to replace all clamps that have
been loosened or removed during service.
NOTE:Inspection of brake hoses should be done when-
ever the brake system is serviced and at every engine oil
change. If there is any evidence of cracking, scuffing, or
worn spots, the hose should be replaced immediately!
Eventual deterioration of the hose can take place with
possible burst failure.
172 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE