2004 DODGE VIPER check engine

NTo Arm The Vehicle Theft Alarm System......20
NEntering The Trunk With The System Armed . . .21
NSecurity System Disarm..................22
NTamper Alert.........................23
mWindows.............................23
NPower Windows.......................23
NAuto Down Feature....................24
NPower Accessory Delay Feature............24
NWind Buffeting........................25
mTrunk Safety Warning.....................25
NTrunk Internal Emergency Release..........25
mOccupant Restraints......................26
NLap/Shoulder Belts.....................27NEnhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlertŸ)..........................30
NSix Point Belt System - If Equipped.........31
NSeat Belts And Pregnant Women............32
NSeat Belt Extender......................32
NChild Restraint........................33
NSupplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag . .38
mEngine Break-In Recommendations...........46
mSafety Tips............................47
NExhaust Gas..........................47
NSafety Checks You Should Make Inside The
Vehicle..............................48
NSafety Checks You Should Make Outside The
Vehicle..............................48
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

²Wait until the engine has reached normal operating
temperature before driving at the recommended maxi-
mum break-in speed.
²Avoid excessive idling.
²Check the engine oil level at every fuel fill.
NOTE:A new engine will consume some oil during the
first few thousand miles of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as a sign of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
²Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in
or out of the area.
²If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running, adjust your heating or cooling con-
trols to force outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower
at high speed.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47
2

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

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

This gauge does not indicate the amount of oil in the
engine. The engine oil level must be checked under the
hood. Check the level often during severe usage.
Fuel Gauge
This gauge shows the amount of fuel in the gas
tank. The reaction time of the gauge has been
slowed to avoid needle fluctuation during pe-
riods of high G force cornering.
Voltage Gauge
This gauge shows the electrical system voltage.
The normal operating voltage is from 12 to 14
volts with the engine running. If the pointer
remains at either the high or low ends of the
scale, the electrical system should be serviced.
ELECTRONIC DIGITAL CLOCK
The clock and radio each use the display panel built into
the radio. A digital readout shows the time in hours and
minutes whenever the ignition switch is in the ON or
ACC position.
When the ignition switch is in the OFF position, or when
the radio frequency is being displayed, time keeping is
accurately maintained.
Press and release the Time button to display the time.
Press and release the button a second time to turn off the
time display.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 81
4

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

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m8.3L Engine Compartment................144
mOnboard Diagnostic System (OBD II).........145
mEmissions Inspection And Maintenance
Programs............................146
mReplacement Parts......................147
mDealer Service.........................147
mMaintenance Procedures..................148
NEngine Oil..........................148
NDrive Belts Ð Check Condition And Tension . . 152NSpark Plugs.........................152
NCatalytic Converter....................153
NIgnition Wiring System And Ignition Timing . . 154
NCrankcase Emission Control System........155
NAir Cleaner Filter.....................155
NMaintenance-Free Battery................156
NBattery Save Feature...................158
NAir Conditioner......................160
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