2004 DODGE VIPER engine

INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared with the assistance of
service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with
the operation and maintenance of your new vehicle. It is
supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet and
various customer oriented documents. You are urged to
read these publications carefully. Following the instruc-
tions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient reference and remain with
the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will be
aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your dealer
knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained techni-
cians and genuine Mopartparts, and is interested in
your satisfaction.WARNING!
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition,
certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the table of contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index, at the rear of this manual, contains a
complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this owner's manual:
4 INTRODUCTION

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

clutch pedal to the floor, place the gear selector in
NEUTRAL, move the key to the ON position, and press
the red ENGINE START button located on the instrument
panel. To remove the key from the ignition press the
clutch pedal to the floor, bring the vehicle to a stop, place
the gear selector in gear, and fully apply the parking
brake. Then turn the ignition key to the OFF/LOCK
position and push the release button behind the ignition
and pull the key out.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
Opening the driver's door when the key is in the ignition,
sounds a signal to remind you to remove the key.
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

If something triggers the alarm, the system will signal for
about 18 minutes. For the first 3 minutes the horn will
sound and the park, tail and fog lights will flash. If the
condition which triggered the alarm is still present, the
park, tail and fog lights will continue to flash for 15
minutes, unless the trigger condition is cleared sooner.
NOTE:The engine will not start until the system is
disarmed.
To Arm the Vehicle Theft Alarm System
There are two methods to arm the Vehicle Theft Alarm
system:
1. Press the Lock button on the Remote Keyless Entry.
The optical and audible horn chirp will sound if it is
enabled. (See Remote Keyless Entry section of this
manual)2. Remove the keys from the ignition and, with the door
open, press the Lock button on the door trim panel and
close the door.
3. After the last door is closed, the security light will
flash for 15 seconds. If there is a fault in the system or if
the hood or trunk is not closed, the Vehicle Theft Alarm
lamp will remain ON steady for 15 seconds until the
system is armed. (See the dealer if the system is faulted)
The arming sequence will cancel if the door is opened or
the ignition is turned on. Opening the hood or trunk will
not cancel the arming process.
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

The Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlertŸ) can be en-
abled or disabled by your authorized dealer or by
following these steps:
NOTE:The following steps must occur within the first
60 seconds of the ignition switch being turned to the ON
or START position. DaimlerChrysler does not recom-
mend deactivating the Enhanced Warning System
(BeltAlert).
1. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and
buckle the driver's seat belt.
2. Start the engine and wait for the Seat Belt Warning
Light to turn off.
3. Within 60 seconds of starting the vehicle, unbuckle
and then re-buckle the driver's seat belt at least three
times within 10 seconds, ending with the seat belt
buckled.4. Turn off the engine. A single chime will sound to
signify that you have successfully completed the pro-
gramming.
The Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlertŸ) can be reac-
tivated by repeating this procedure.
NOTE:Although the Enhanced Warning System (BeltA-
lertŸ) has been deactivated, the Seat Belt Warning Light
will continue to illuminate while the driver's seat belt
remains unbuckled.
Six Point Belt System - If equipped
This six point belt system meets SCCA standards and
should be only used when engaged in related perfor-
mance driving events. The standard lap/shoulder belt
should be used whenever the vehicle is operated on the
street.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 31
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

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
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