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start the vehicle fully apply the parking brake, press the
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.
Engine Start Button
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To Program Transmitters:
This feature allows you to program transmitters in case
one is lost or an extra transmitter(s) is desired. Up to 4
transmitters can be programmed to your vehicle. To
program another transmitter follow these steps:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position and
set the parking brake.
2. Using a previously programmed transmitter, press the
UNLOCK button for 5 to 10 seconds. While the UNLOCK
button is being pressed (after 5 seconds), press the
PANIC button and release both buttons simultaneously.
You will hear a chime sound to signal you that program-
ming on the transmitter(s) may occur.
3. You may program up to 4 transmitters for your vehicle
within a 30 second time limit. Press and release both
LOCK and UNLOCK buttons of a new transmitter at the
same time; then press and release any of the buttons
once, you will hear a chime when the transmitter hasbeen successfully programmed. A chime will sound
when the 30 seconds is over, or if you turn the ignition
switch OFF.
4. You must repeat step 3 for all new transmitters that
will be used with this vehicle (up to 4 total).
If you do not have a programmed transmitter, contact
your dealer for details.
General Information
This transmitter complies with FCC rules part 15. Opera-
tion is subject to the following conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference that may be
received, including interference that may cause undes-
ired operation.
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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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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—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.
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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 re-
paired 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.
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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.
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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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.....................111
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................112
▫After Starting........................114
Transmission Shifting....................114
▫Recommended Shift Speeds..............115
▫Skip Shift Light.......................115
Parking Brake.........................116
Brake System..........................117
▫Brake Pad Break-In....................121Power Steering........................121
Tire Safety Information...................122
▫Tire Markings........................122
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........125
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........126
Ti re s—General Information................130
▫Tire Pressure.........................130
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................131
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................134
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