Turn Signal Indicators
The arrows will flash in unison with the corresponding
exterior turn signal when using the signal lever. (See page
80 for more information.)
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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 91
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.
92 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
Trunk/Liftgate Ajar Light
This light indicates that the trunk/liftgate 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 using
the procedure shown in section 7. (See page 172 for more
information.)
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 Indicators
This light indicates that the front fog lights are on.
(See page 79 for more information.)
This light indicates that the rear fog lights are on.
94 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
NOTE:The air conditioning compressor operates in this
mode. This dehumidifies the air to help dry the wind-
shield. To improve fuel economy, leave in the Defrost
mode only when necessary.
A/C Pushbutton
With the fan control in the ON position, pushing
the A/C button turns on the air conditioning
compressor. An indicator light above the button
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 7
1 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.
114 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
▫Headlight, Parking, Front Park, Turn Signal, Front
Sidemarker And Front Fog Light Removal....212
▫High Intensity Discharge Headlights (HID) . . . 214
▫Tail, Tail/Stop, And Marker Lamp Bulb
Replacement.........................214
▫Backup And Rear Turn Signal Lamp Bulb
Replacement.........................215
▫License Plate Light....................218Headlight Aiming......................219
▫Aiming Check.......................219
Fluids And Capacities...................220
Fluids, Lubricants And Genuine Parts........221
▫Engine.............................221
▫Chassis............................222
▫Body..............................223
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 167
7
At Each Stop for Fuel
•Check the engine oil level about 5 minutes after a fully
warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while
the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accu-
racy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the
level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
•Check the windshield washer solvent and add if
required.
Once a Month
•Check tire pressure and look for unusual wear or
damage.
•Inspect the battery and clean and tighten the terminals
as required.
•Check the fluid levels of coolant reservoir, brake
master cylinder, power steering and transmission and
add as needed.
•Check all lights and all other electrical items for correct
operation.
At Each Oil Change
•Change the engine oil filter.
•Inspect the exhaust system.
NOTE:Also inspect the exhaust system if you notice a
change in the sound of the exhaust system, or if the
exhaust fumes can be detected inside the vehicle.
•Inspect the brake hoses.
•Inspect the suspension components.
•Lubricate door hinges and check springs.
•Check the engine coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
•Check power steering fluid level.
228 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
8
M
A
I
N
T
E
N
A
N
C
E
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E
S
Emergency Starting..................... 158
Gas Caution.......................... 181
Jump Starting......................... 158
Keyless Transmitter Replacement............ 20
Bearings.............................. 200
Belt System, Six Point..................... 35
Belts, Drive............................ 176
Belts, Seat.............................. 29
Body Damage.......................... 201
Body Mechanism Lubrication............186,187
Body Mechanisms....................... 188
Boot, Convertible Top...................61,66
B-Pillar Location........................ 134
Brake, Parking.......................... 124
Brake System........................125,195
Anti-Lock........................... 125
Fluid Check.......................197,222
Hoses.............................. 196
Master Cylinder....................... 197Warning Light......................... 95
Break-In Recommendations, New Vehicle.....52,129
Bulb Replacement....................... 212
Bulbs, Light......................... 211,212
Capacities, Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)........ 220
Capacities, Fluid........................ 220
Capacity, Cargo Weight................... 153
Caps, Filler
Power Steering........................ 185
Radiator (Coolant Pressure)............... 192
Car Washes............................ 202
Carbon Monoxide Warning...............53,151
Cargo Compartment
Capacity............................ 153
Carpeting............................. 202
Catalytic Converter...................... 176
CD Player...........................99,102
CD Player Maintenance................... 110
INDEX 251
10
Chains, Tire............................ 147
Charging System Light..................... 94
Chart, Tire Sizing........................ 131
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light) . 170
Checks, Safety........................... 53
Child Restraint........................36,41
Child Restraint Tether Anchors............... 39
Circuit Breakers......................... 203
Clean Air Gasoline....................... 149
Climate Control......................... 111
Clock................................. 97
Compact Disc Maintenance................. 110
Console............................... 68
Console, Floor........................... 68
Contract, Service........................ 244
Converter, Catalytic...................... 176
Convertible............................. 57
Convertible Boot.......................61,66
Convertible Top.......................57,202Convertible Top Maintenance............... 202
Coolant Pressure Cap..................... 192
Cooling System......................... 190
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 192
Coolant Capacity...................... 220
Coolant Level......................190,193
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 193
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 191
Inspection........................... 193
Points to Remember.................... 194
Pressure Cap......................... 192
Radiator Cap......................... 192
Rubber and Plastic Components............ 195
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze)......191,220,221
Crankcase Emission Control System.......... 178
Customer Assistance..................... 242
Daytime Running Lights................... 78
Dealer Service.......................... 171
252 INDEX