Page 178 of 264

To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected for prolonged period.
Ignition Wiring System and Ignition Timing
The ignition cables should be kept clean and properly
connected. Terminals should be fully seated. Do not
remove the nipple assemblies from the coil towers unless
the nipples are damaged or cable testing shows high
resistance or broken insulation. Refer to the ServiceManual for the proper procedure to be followed for
checking ignition cable resistance. Cracked, damaged, or
faulty cables should be replaced.
Because of the plastic body shell on your Viper, ignition
cables should be replaced with the specially designed RFI
cables available at your dealer.
Ignition timing cannot be set on this vehicle.
Crankcase Emission Control System
Proper operation of this system depends on freedom
from plugging due to deposits. As vehicle mileage builds
up, the Crankcase Ventilation Valve orifice may accumu-
late deposits. If a valve is not working properly, replace it
with a new orifice. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN THE
OLD ORIFICE!
Check the ventilation hose for indication of damage or
plugging deposits. Replace if necessary.
178 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 251 of 264

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
Page 252 of 264

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