2005 DODGE VIPER service indicator

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.
88 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the light on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any state emissions
tests can be performed.
If the light is flashing, severe catalytic converter damage
and power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
If the gas cap is not secured properly, the light may come
on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time you add
fuel.
High Beam Indicator
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Pull the turn signal lever toward the steer-
ing wheel to switch the headlights from high or low
beam.
Seat Belt Indicator Light
This system alerts the driver to fasten the seat belt
if not done so within 60 seconds of starting the
vehicle and if the vehicle is moving faster than 5
mph (8 km/h). The system will cause a chime to sound
repeatedly and will flash the seat belt warning light for 96
seconds or until the driver’s seat belt is fastened. The
reminder system will be reactivated if the driver’s seat
belt is unfastened for more than 10 seconds and the
vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/hr). Refer to
Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System (BeltAlert™)in
the Occupant Restraints section for deactivating the
system.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 89
4

Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equipment tires
to help you in determining when your tires should be
replaced.
These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves and will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 inch (2 mm). When the indicators appear
in 2 or more adjacent grooves, the tire should be replaced.Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this
point.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (see the paragraph on tread
wear indicators). Refer to the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion placard for the size designation of your tire. The
service description and load identification will be found
on the original equipment tire. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect the safety, han-
dling, and ride of your vehicle. We recommend that you
contact your original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer with any questions you may have on tire specifi-
cations or capability.
STARTING AND OPERATING 137
5

Improper alignment will not cause vehicle vibration.
Vibration may be a result of tire and wheel out-of-
balance. Proper balancing will reduce vibration and
avoid tire cupping and spotty wear.
Low Tire Pressure (LTP) System
Low Tire Indicator
The Low Tire indicator in the Liquid Crystal Display
(LCD) of the instrument cluster will flash slowly and a
single chime will sound to warn if tire pressure falls
below 20 psi (138 kpa). The indicator will flash more
rapidly and a continuous tone will sound to warn if tire
pressure falls below 14 psi (97 kpa). Seek repair as soon as
possible.
If the indicator stays on and one chime will sound, a
system failure has occurred. See your dealer for service.
Although the tires are designed with a“run flat”feature
that allows the vehicle to be driven about 50 miles (80km) at 55 m.p.h. (88 kph), immediate service should be
obtained if the Low Tire indicator is activated.
WARNING!
Do not exceed 55 m.p.h. (88 k.p.h.) if the LOW Tire
indicator in the instrument cluster is illuminated.
Vehicle handling and braking may be reduced. You
could have an accident and be severely or fatally
injured.
NOTE:The“run flat”feature eliminates the need for a
spare tire and jack. This vehicle is not equipped with
either a spare tire or jack.
STARTING AND OPERATING 139
5

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (OBD II)
To meet new government regulations and promote
cleaner air, your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated
onboard diagnostic system called OBD II. This system
monitors the performance of the emissions and engine
control systems. When these systems are operating prop-
erly, your vehicle will provide excellent performance and
fuel economy, as well as engine emissions well within
current government regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II system
will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light. It will also
store diagnostic codes and other information to assist
your service technician in making repairs. Although your
vehicle will usually be driveable and not need towing,
see your dealer for service as soon as possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the light on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any state emissions
tests can be performed.
If the light is flashing, severe catalytic converter damage
and power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
If the gas cap is not tightened properly, the light may
come on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time you
add fuel.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 161
7

EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)
is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.
Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.
5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn off the
162 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

•Cut blocks of plywood about the same size of the tires.
Cover each block with indoor/outdoor carpeting and
place them between the tires and concrete. This will
prevent tire flat spotting.
•For long term storage, remove the tires and put the
vehicle up on blocks. Stack the tires on plywood and
cover with a tarp to prevent flat spotting.
•Move the wiper blades away from the windshield.
NOTE:To help prevent the battery from discharging
during shorter periods of inactivity, perform the follow-
ing:
1. Make sure that the trunk, hood, doors, windows and
convertible top are completely closed.
2. Make sure that remote transmitter is operating and
that the battery is good.3. Make sure that the hood, trunk and door switches are
in adjustment. Perform the quick system check which
follows.
Use the remote transmitter to set the alarm. If the alarm
SET light comes on and flashes, the system is operating
properly. If not, there is a problem with a switch or the
system. See your dealer for service.REPLACEMENT BULBS
Interior Light Bulbs
Message Center Indicators.................. 103
Cluster................................ 103
Gauge Pack............................ 103
Heater Control........................... 37
Interior Light..........................212–2
Courtesy Footwell Lights................... 194
204 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Charging System Light..................... 90
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 123
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . 162
Checks, Safety........................... 51
Child Restraint........................34,39
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 37
Circuit Breakers......................... 197
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 142
Climate Control......................... 104
Clock................................. 93
Compact Disc Maintenance................. 103
Compact Spare Tire...................... 134
Console............................... 66
Console, Floor........................... 66
Contract, Service........................ 236
Converter, Catalytic...................... 168
Convertible............................. 55
Convertible Boot.......................59,64
Convertible Top.......................55,196Convertible Top Maintenance............... 196
Coolant Pressure Cap..................... 185
Cooling System......................... 183
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 185
Coolant Capacity...................... 212
Coolant Level......................183,187
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 186
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 184
Inspection........................... 183
Points to Remember.................... 187
Pressure Cap......................... 185
Radiator Cap......................... 185
Rubber and Plastic Components............ 188
Selection of Coolant...............184,212,213
Crankcase Emission Control System.......... 171
Customer Assistance..................... 235
Daytime Running Lights................... 76
Dealer Service.......................... 163
246 INDEX