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However, if you haven’t healed significantly within a
few days, or if you have any blistering, see your doctor
immediately.
•As the airbags deflate you may see some smoke-like
particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the
process that generates the non toxic nitrogen gas used
for airbag inflation. These airborne particles may irri-
tate the skin, eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or
eye irritation, rinse the area with cool water. For nose
or throat irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation
continues, see your doctor. If these particles settle on
your clothing, follow the garment manufacturer’s in-
structions for cleaning.
•Your vehicle may be safely driveable after the airbags
deploy. If so, you can tuck the deployed airbags inside
the opening in the steering wheel hub and instrument
panel trim covers to make driving somewhat easier.
WARNING!
Deployed airbags can’t protect you in another colli-
sion. Have the airbags replaced by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
Passenger Side AirBag On/Off Switch
The passenger airbag is to be turned off only if the
passenger:
•is an infant (less than 1 year old) who must ride in the
front seat because there is no rear seat, because the rear
seat is too small for a rear-facing infant restraint or
because the infant has a medical condition which
makes it necessary for the driver to be able to see the
infant,
48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 49 of 264
•is a child, age 1 to 12 who must ride in the front seat
because there is no rear seat, because there is no rear
seat position available, or because the child has a
medical condition which makes it necessary for the
driver to be able to see the child,
•has a medical condition which makes passenger airbag
inflation (deployment) a greater risk for the passenger
than the risk of hitting the dashboard (instrument
panel) or windshield in a crash.
If the airbag is turned off when there is any other
occupant at that position, the supplemental restraint
provided by the airbag will not be available.
To turn OFF the passenger side airbag, use the on/off
switch located in the center console.
Passenger Airbag ON/OFF Switch
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 49
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NOTE:When the passenger airbag is turned off the
airbag off light will illuminate
To Shut Off the Passenger Airbag:
•Place only the tip of the ignition key in the on/off
switch, turn the key clockwise, and remove the key
from the switch. This will shut off the passenger sideairbag. The PASS AIRBAG OFF light on the instrument
panel will illuminate when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position.
To Turn On The Passenger Airbag:
•Place the ignition key in the on/off switch, turn the
key counterclockwise, and remove the key from the
switch. This will turn on the passenger side airbag.
The light on the instrument panel will be off when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position.
WARNING!
The airbag may malfunction and serious injury
could result if key is left in the airbag shut off
switch. Always remove the key.
Passenger Airbag Off Light
50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
•Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured because the airbag is not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the airbag covers. Do not modify the
front bumper or vehicle body structure.
•You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee impact bolsters.
•You can be injured if you are too close to either
airbag cover when the airbags inflate. It is dan-
gerous to try to repair any part of the airbag
system yourself. Don’t try to repair the airbag
system. Be sure to tell anyone who works on your
vehicle that it has airbags.
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.
•The AIRBAG light does not come on or flickers during
the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is first
turned on.
•The light remains on or flickers after the 6 to 8 second
interval.
•The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51
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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):
•Keep your vehicle speed below the legal, posted speed
limit and your engine speed below 4,000 rpm.
•Avoid driving at a constant speed, either fast or slow,
for long periods of time.
•Do not make any full throttle starts and avoid full
throttle acceleration.
•Use the proper gear for your speed range.
•Wait until the engine has reached normal operating
temperature before driving at the recommended maxi-
mum break-in speed.
•Avoid excessive idling.
•Check 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.
52 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 68 of 264
5. Fold the convertible top cover again. Place the cover
into the bag. Store the cover in the trunk or a dry secure
area.CONSOLE FEATURES
The front console has a removable ashtray, power outlet/
cigarette lighter and power window switches.
The center console compartment is equipped with a
cigarette lighter/power outlet and a passenger airbag
on/off switch.
Folding Boot Cover
Console
68 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
Page 95 of 264

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 contin-
ued operation of the vehicle in this condition is danger-
ous.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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 95
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Cavity Fuse Circuits
23, 24 Mini
Fuse 10
Amp RedAirbag, Ignition Run
25-29 ISO RE-
LAYBatt-Relay Contact, High Blower
Motor
30-34 MICRO
RELAYBatt-Relay-Starter Contact to So-
lenoid
35-39 MICRO
RELAYFeed-Auto Shutdown Relay Coil
40-44 MICRO
RELAYFeed-Horn (From Relay)
45-49 MICRO
RELAYBatt-Relay-Headlamps
50-54 MICRO
RELAYRelay-A/C Clutch Output from
Relay Contact (B+)
55-59 MICRO
RELAYLeft/Right Downstream Oxygen
Sensor Output Feed FRCavity Fuse Circuits
60, 61 Mini
Fuse 15
Amp
BlueIgnition Start/Run Relay Coil
62, 63 Mini
Fuse 15
Amp
BlueIgnition Start/Run Gauges
64, 65 Mini
Fuse 10
Amp RedIgnition Start/Run Airbag
66, 67 Mini
Fuse 20
Amp
YellowFeed-Ign Run/Acc Wiper Switch
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 207
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