2004 DODGE VIPER brake light

Tamper Alert
If the horn sounds 3 times when you unlock the vehicle
using the Remote Keyless Entry transmitter or key, the
alarm has been activated. Check the vehicle for tamper-
ing.
NOTE:If the Security lamp flashes twice every 6
seconds, then the vehicle was tampered with.
WINDOWS
Power Windows
The power window switches are located between the
driver and passenger seats on the center tunnel bezel, just
to the left of the parking brake. The switch on the left side
controls the driver's window and the switch on the right
controls the passenger's window. The power window
switches are active when the ignition is in RUN or
ACCESSORY.The power window switch also works during accessory
delay. This delay feature will allow the windows to be
functional up to 2 minutes after the vehicle has been
turned off. This feature can be disabled at the dealership
if desired.
NOTE:Windows cannot be driven up during accessory
delay with a door open.
NOTE:If the windows are completely closed, each
respective window will drop slightly when either door is
opened. The windows return to their full up position
when the door is again closed. This is necessary to clear
the seal when either door is opened.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23
2

To change the brightness of the instrument panel lights,
rotate the center portion of the Multi-Function Control
Lever up or down.
Daytime Running Lights
The fog lights will come on as Daytime Running Lights
whenever the ignition switch is on, the headlights are off,
and the parking brake is off. The headlight switch must
be used for normal night time driving.
NOTE:This feature is standard on all Canadian vehicles
and cannot be disabled. For US vehicles, this feature is
shipped disabled and can be enabled (or disabled) at a
dealership if so desired.
Lights-On Reminder
If the headlights or parking lights are on after the ignition
is turned OFF, a chime will sound to alert the driver
when the driver's door is opened.
Headlight Time Delay
This feature provides the safety of headlight illumination
for about 90 seconds.
To activate the delay, turn off the ignition while the
headlights are still on. Then turn off the headlights within
45 seconds. The delay interval begins when the headlamp
switch is turned off.
If the headlights are turned off before the ignition, they
will go off in the normal manner.
This feature can be disabled at the dealership if so
desired.
Battery Saver Feature Ð Exterior Lights
If an exterior light is left on when the ignition switch is
moved to the Off position (with the key in or out), it will
automatically turn off after 3 minutes. Normal operation
will resume when the ignition is turned On or when the
headlight switch is turned to another position.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 63
3

Turn Signal Indicators
The arrows will flash in unison with the corresponding
exterior turn signal when using the signal lever.
Hazard Indicator
Both turn signal arrows will flash in unison with all front
and rear turn signals when the hazard warning switch is
used.
NOTE:Leaving the hazard flashers on for extended
periods of time will wear down the battery.
Message Center
Message Center Components
Anti-Lock Warning Light
The amber ABS Warning Light will come on when
the ignition is first turned on, and stay on briefly
as a bulb check. If the bulb does not come on during
starting, have the bulb repaired promptly. This light also
illuminates to indicate that the Antilock Brake System
self-check is in process at vehicle start-up. If the light
remains on after start-up, or comes on and stays on at
road speeds, it may indicate that the ABS has detected a
malfunction or has become inoperative. In this case, the
system reverts to standard non-antilock brakes. Turn the
engine off and on again to reset the Antilock Brake
System. If the light remains on, see your authorized
dealer. If both the red BRAKE and amber ABS warning
lights are on and the parking brake is fully released, see
your authorized dealer immediately.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 75
4

WARNING!
If both ABS and/or Brake Warning lamps become
illuminated, please seek service immediately! Your
Viper will have diminished braking capability and
control if ABS and/or service brake systems are not
working properly. Have your brake system serviced
immediately.
Skip Shift Indicator
This indicator is located in the Tachometer. There
are two LED lights. The amber LED light will come
on when you are being prevented from shifting from First
to Second or Third gear. The tachometer's shift arrow also
houses a red LED light that activates when the tachom-
eter gauge pointer goes above 5600 RPM and it shuts off
when the tachometer pointer falls below 5500 RPM. The
indicator serves as a visual aid to shift before reaching the
red line.
Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system called OBD II which provides in-field
emissions inspection tests required in some
states. If certain self-diagnostic monitors are
not complete, the light starts flashing 14 seconds after the
key is switched on and will continue to flash for approxi-
mately 11 seconds. If the OBD II monitors have com-
pleted, the malfunction indicator lamp will not flash as
described above.
The light will illuminate when the key is turned to the
ON position before engine start. The light will remain on
steady until the engine has started. If the bulb does not
come on when turning the key from OFF to ON have the
condition checked promptly. The light will turn off after
the engine has started, unless a malfunction is present.
76 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Brake System Warning Light
The dual brake system provides a reserve
braking capability in the event of a failure to a
portion of the hydraulic system. The warning
light should be checked frequently to assure
that it is operating properly. This can be done by turning
the ignition switch to a point midway between ON and
START. The light should come on. The red Brake Warning
Light will come on when the ignition is first turned on,
and stay on briefly as a bulb check. If the bulb does not
come on during starting, have the bulb repaired
promptly. If the light stays on longer, it may be an
indication that the parking brake has not been released. If
the light remains on when the parking brake is off it
indicates a possible brake hydraulic system malfunction.
Immediate repair is necessary and continued operation of
the vehicle in this condition is dangerous.WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. Part of the brake system has failed. It will take
longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a accident.
Have the brakes checked immediately.
Airbag Light
This light will come on and remain on for 6 to
8 seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned on. If the bulb is not lit
during starting, have it replaced. If the light
stays on or comes on while driving, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 79
4

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

After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
TRANSMISSION SHIFTING
NOTE:The parking brake should be engaged and the
gear selector placed in REVERSE before leaving the
vehicle, especially on an incline.
Fully depress the clutch pedal before you shift gears. As
you release the clutch pedal, lightly depress the accelera-
tor pedal.Be sure the transmission is in FIRST gear, (not THIRD),
when starting from a standing position. Damage to the
clutch can result from starting in THIRD.
For most city driving you will find it easier to use only
the lower gears. For steady highway driving with light
accelerations, 6th gear is recommended.
Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, or
try to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal
partially engaged. This will cause abnormal wear on the
clutch.
Never shift into REVERSE until the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
NOTE:During cold weather, until the transmission
lubricant has warmed, you may have difficulty shifting.
This is normal and not harmful to the transmission.
100 STARTING AND OPERATING

To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, down-
shift to maintain a safe speed when descending a steep
grade.
WARNING!
Skipping more than one gear while downshifting,
could cause you to lose control of your vehicle. You
could have an accident.
CAUTION!
If you skip more than one gear while downshifting
or downshift at too high an engine speed, you could
damage the engine, transmission, or clutch.
PARKING BRAKE
When you apply the parking brake with the ignition ON,
the brake system warning light in the instrument cluster
will come on.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
on. It does not show the degree of brake application.
102 STARTING AND OPERATING