2004 DODGE VIPER trunk

pulling on the lever attached to the trunk latching
mechanism, which is coated so that it glows in a dark-
ened trunk.
OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS
One of the most important safety features in your Viper
is the restraint system. This system consists of the driv-
er's and passenger's seat belts, airbags for the driver and
passenger, and a passenger airbag on/off switch located
in the center console compartment for deactivating the
passenger airbag system.
Please pay close attention to the information in this
section. It tells you how to use your restraint system
properly to keep you and your passenger as safe as
possible. Whichever system you have, all of the warnings
in this section apply.
WARNING!
In a collision, you and your passenger can suffer
much greater injuries if you are not properly buck-
led up. You can strike parts of the inside of your
vehicle or your passenger, or you can be thrown out
of the vehicle. Always be sure you and your passen-
ger are buckled up properly.
Buckle up even though you are an excellent driver. Even
on short trips. Someone on the road may be a poor driver
and cause a collision that includes you. And this can
happen far away from home or on your street.
Research has shown that seat belts save lives. They also
can reduce the seriousness of injuries in a collision. Some
of the worst injuries happen when people are thrown
from the vehicle. Seat belts provide protection against
26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CONVERTIBLE TOP OPERATION
To Raise the Top:
1. To raise the convertible top, first ensure that the door
windows are lowered at least an inch.
2. Then open the trunk.
3. Release the lever located behind the driver's seat and
nestled in the folded convertible top (as pictured). To aid
in disengaging the latch, press down on the convertible
top while pressing on the latch lever.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 51
3

4. Manually raise the top until it meets the windshield
header (as pictured).
5. Close the trunk.6. While sitting inside the vehicle, hold onto the handles
and pull the top towards the windshield header. Push the
latch handle forward and engage the latch hook to the
windshield receiver rod.
52 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

3. Disengage the latch hook from the windshield rod
making sure to pull the latch all the way back to the
detent stow position and pull the top away from the
windshield header.
4. Open the trunk.
5. Pull the convertible top back away from the wind-
shield and all the way back to the folded position into the
storage well to the back of the seating positions. Push the
leading edge of the top down to engage the downstack
latch.
6. Finally lower and close the trunk.CONSOLE FEATURES
The front console has a removable ashtray, power outlet/
cigarette lighter and power window switches.
The center console compartment is equipped with a
cigarette lighter/power outlet and a passenger airbag
on/off switch.
54 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Trunk Ajar Light
This light indicates that the trunk is not latched.
Engine Coolant Temperature Light
A red LED light on the Coolant Temperature
gauge will illuminate to warn of an overheated
engine coolant condition.
Low Oil Pressure Light
A red LED light on the Oil Pressure gauge will
illuminate to indicate low engine oil pressure. The
light should come on briefly as a bulb check when the
engine is first started. If the light stays on or comes on
while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine.
DO NOT operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
NOTE:This light does not indicate how much oil is in
the engine. The engine oil level must be checked under
the hood.
Charge System Light
A red LED light on the Voltage gauge will illumi-
nate when there is a charging system malfunction
or a possible accessory drive belt failure.
CAUTION!
The accessory belt also drives the water pump.
Operating the vehicle with a failed belt can cause
engine overheating and possible severe engine dam-
age.
Fog Light ON Indicator
This light indicates that the fog lights are on.
78 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

The battery is located under the battery access panel
inside the trunk on the left side. Remote battery terminals
are located in the engine compartment for jump starting.1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When boost is provided by a battery in another
vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach but
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 135
6

Maintenance-Free Battery
The top of the MAINTENANCE-FREE battery is perma-
nently sealed. You will never have to add water, nor is
periodic maintenance required.
The battery is in a compartment inside the trunk on the
left side.To service the battery:
1. Locate the battery compartment inside the trunk.
2. Remove the battery cover mounting screws and re-
move the battery cover.
3. Remove the negative battery cable post and then
remove the positive battery cable post connection.
4. Remove or loosen the battery retainer clamp and bolt.
5. Lift out the battery.
6. Clean out the battery tray area, freeing area of dirt,
stones and battery acid.
7. Clean and inspect the battery terminals and replace if
parts are damaged or unusable.
8. Place the battery in the tray.
9. Tighten the battery retainer clamp and bolt down.
156 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Other Body Mechanisms
The following body mechanisms should be inspected
and, if necessary, all pivot and sliding contact areas of
these components should be lubricated with the lubricant
specified as follows:
Smooth White Body Lubricant - Such as Mopar Spray
White Lube:
²Hood hinge
²D/ lid hinge
²Fuel door hinge
²Lock cylinders
²Parking brake mechanism
²Trunk latches
²Ash tray
Points That Should Not Be Lubricated
There are many points that should not be lubricated;
some because they are permanently lubricated, some
because lubricants will be detrimental to the operating
characteristics, and some because lubricants will cause
component failures.
In particular, do not lubricate rubber bushings, since this
not only will cause them to fail, but will destroy their
necessary frictional characteristics.
Parts that should not be lubricated are as follows:
²Generator bearings
²Drive belt
²Accessory drive belt idler pulley
²Idler arm assembly
²Front wheel bearing
164 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE