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Transmitter Battery Service
The replacement battery number is 2016. This is a generic
battery, readily available at local retail stores.
1. Pry the transmitter halves apart with a coin or similar
object.
2. Remove and replace the batteries.3. Reassemble the transmitter case and test operation.
NOTE:If the transmitter is operated more than 255
times out of range of the vehicle (23 feet or 7 meters) or
when the vehicle battery is dead, it may become“out of
synch”. The result is that the transmitter will not func-
tion.
To correct this condition, remove the key from the
ignition and close the hood and all doors. Press both
buttons on the transmitter for about 10 seconds. The horn
will chirp once to acknowledge the signal. Normal trans-
mitter operation should resume.
Separating Transmitter Halves
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VEHICLE THEFT ALARM
The system monitors the doors, trunk, hood, and ignition
for unauthorized operation.
Once the system has been armed, opening any door,
trunk (with the ignition key), hood or turning the ignition
key to any position will trigger an alarm.
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.
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Security System Disarm
There are two ways to disarm the system:
1. Driver door key cylinder: Insert the key in the cylinder
located under the driver’s door mirror. This will disarm
the Vehicle Theft Alarm System and open the driver’s
door.2. Or, press the UNLOCK button on the Remote Keyless
Entry transmitter. The front and rear park and turn signal
lights will flash to acknowledge the signal. (See the
Remote Keyless Entry Section of this manual for opera-
tion)
NOTE:The vehicle will not start unless the Vehicle
Theft Alarm System is disarmed by either of the two
methods above. Inserting the key in the ignition WILL
NOT disarm the system (it will start the alarming pro-
cess!)
Mechanical Door Lock
Keyless Entry Transmitter
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Trunk Internal Emergency Release
NOTE:As a security measure, a Trunk Internal Emer-
gency Release lever is built into the trunk latching
mechanism. In the event of an individual being locked
inside the trunk, the trunk can simply be opened bypulling on the lever attached to the trunk latching
mechanism, which is coated so that it glows in a dark-
ened trunk.
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.
Emergency Release
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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.
WARNING!
Never leave children in a vehicle, with the keys in
the ignition switch. Occupants, particularly unat-
tended children, can become entrapped by the
power windows while operating the power window
switch. Such entrapment may result in serious injury
or death.
Power Window Switches
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Auto Down Feature
Both windows have an auto down feature. Press the
window switch to the second detent, release, and the
window will go down automatically. Press the switch a
second time in either direction to stop the window.
To open the window to a desired position, press and hold
the window switch in the first detent until the window
has reached the desired position and then release it when
you want the window to stop.
Power Accessory Delay Feature
The Power Accessory Delay feature provides the cus-
tomer with the ability to operate the power windows,
and the radio for 2 minutes after the ignition switch is
turned off. If the key is removed from the ignition and the
driver door is opened prior to the completion of the
2–minute timer, the feature is immediately cancelled. The
Power Accessory Delay feature is initially enabled, but
may be enabled or disabled at the dealership.NOTE:The Window Up switch will not function with
the door open and while the system is in the Power
Accessory Delay mode. If the window is in the process of
going up, opening the door will stop the window move-
ment immediately.
Wind Buffeting
Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of
pressure on the ears or a helicopter-type sound in the
ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the
windows down, or the top down. This is a normal
occurrence and can be minimized.
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.
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WARNING!
A twisted belt can’t do its job as well. In a collision
it could even cut into you. Be sure the belt is straight.
If you can’t straighten a belt in your vehicle, take it
to your dealer and have it fixed.
8. To release the belt, push the red button marked PRESS
on the buckle. The belt will automatically retract to its
stowed position. If necessary, slide the latch plate down
the webbing to allow it to retract fully.
Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlert)
If the driver’s seat belt has not been buckled within 60
seconds of starting the vehicle and if the vehicle speed is
greater than 5 mph (8 km/h), the Enhanced Warning
System (BeltAlert) will alert the driver to buckle their seat
belt. The driver should also instruct all other occupants tobuckle their seat belts. Once the warning is triggered, the
Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert) will continue to
chime and flash the Seat Belt Warning Light for 96
seconds or until the driver’s seat belt is buckled. The
Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert) will be reactivated
if the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled for more than 10
seconds and the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8
km/h).
The Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert) 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.
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How The Airbag System Works
•
A crash sensor in the occupant compartment deter-
mines if a frontal impact is severe enough to require
the airbag. The sensor will not detect side, roll over, or
rear impacts. The crash sensor is connected to the
diagnostic unit and to the airbag/inflator unit.
•The Diagnostic Unit monitors the readiness of the
electronic parts of the system whenever the ignition
switch is in the START or RUN position. These include
all of the items listed above except the knee bolster, the
instrument panel, and the steering wheel and column.
The Diagnostic Unit also turns on the AIRBAG light in
the instrument panel for 6 to 8 seconds when the
ignition is first turned on, then turns the light off. If it
detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it turns
on the light either momentarily or continuously.
•The Airbag/Inflator Units are in the center of the
steering wheel and in the instrument panel. The words
SRS/AIRBAG are embossed on the airbag covers.
WARNING!
Ignoring the AIRBAG light in your instrument panel
could mean you won’t have the airbags to protect
you in a collision. If the light does not come on, stays
on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as you
drive, have the airbag system checked right away.
44 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE