Page 122 of 264

After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
TRANSMISSION SHIFTING
NOTE:The parking brake should be engaged and the
gear selector placed in REVERSE before leaving the
vehicle, especially on an incline.
Fully depress the clutch pedal before you shift gears. As
you release the clutch pedal, lightly depress the accelera-
tor pedal.Be sure the transmission is in FIRST gear, (not THIRD),
when starting from a standing position. Damage to the
clutch can result from starting in THIRD.
For most city driving you will find it easier to use only
the lower gears. For steady highway driving with light
accelerations, 6th gear is recommended.
Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, or
try to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal
partially engaged. This will cause abnormal wear on the
clutch.
Never shift into REVERSE until the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
NOTE:During cold weather, until the transmission
lubricant has warmed, you may have difficulty shifting.
This is normal and not harmful to the transmission.
122 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 124 of 264
To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, down-
shift to maintain a safe speed when descending a steep
grade.
WARNING!
Skipping more than one gear while downshifting,
could cause you to lose control of your vehicle. You
could have an accident.
CAUTION!
If you skip more than one gear while downshifting
or downshift at too high an engine speed, you could
damage the engine, transmission, or clutch.
PARKING BRAKE
When you apply the parking brake with the ignition ON,
the brake system warning light in the instrument cluster
will come on.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
on. It does not show the degree of brake application.
Parking Brake
124 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 125 of 264

Before leaving the vehicle, make sure you fully apply the
parking brake. Place the transmission in REVERSE. Fail-
ure to do so may cause the vehicle to roll and cause
damage or injury.
As an added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.
Always apply the parking brake whenever you are not in
the vehicle.WARNING!
Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is danger-
ous for a number of reasons. A child or others could
be injured. Children should be warned not to touch
the parking brake release lever or the gear selection
lever as doing so may move the vehicle. Don’t leave
the keys in the ignition. Be sure the parking brake is
fully disengaged before driving: failure to do so can
lead to brake failure, and an accident.
BRAKE SYSTEM
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) is designed to aid the
driver in maintaining vehicle control under adverse
braking conditions. The system operates with a separate
computer to modulate hydraulic pressure to prevent
wheel lock-up and help avoid skidding on slippery
surfaces.
STARTING AND OPERATING 125
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Page 160 of 264

NOTE:Remove the floor portion of the rear compart-
ment carpet to gain access to the battery.
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watch bands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.2. When boost is provided by a battery in another
vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach but
without letting the vehicles touch. Set the parking brake,
place the transmission in neutral and turn the ignition
OFF for both vehicles.
3. Turn off the heater, radio and all unnecessary electrical
loads.
4. If you are jump starting your Viper, connect one end of
a jumper cable to the positive terminal of the booster
battery. Connect the other end of the same cable to the
remote battery positive terminal after removing the plas-
tic cover.
5. If you are jump starting another vehicle, connect one
end of a jumper cable to the remote battery positive
terminal post on the Power Distribution Center. Connect
the other end of the same cable to the positive terminal of
the discharged battery after removing the plastic cover.
Remote Jump Start Positive Post
160 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
Page 188 of 264

Hood Latch
When performing other underhood services, the hood
latch release mechanism and safety catch should be
inspected, cleaned, and lubricated.
It is important to maintain proper lubrication to insure
that the hood mechanisms work properly and safely.
Multi-Purpose Lubricant, NLGI Grade 2, should be ap-
plied sparingly to all pivot and sliding contact areas.
Other Body Mechanisms
The following body mechanisms should be inspected
and, if necessary, all pivot and sliding contact areas of
these components should be lubricated with the lubricant
specified as follows:
Smooth White Body Lubricant - Such as Mopar Spray
White Lube or equivalent:
•Hood hinge
•D/ lid hinge
•Fuel door hinge
•Lock cylinders
•Parking brake mechanism
•Trunk/liftgate latches
•Ash tray
Points That Should Not Be Lubricated
There are many points that should not be lubricated;
some because they are permanently lubricated, some
because lubricants will be detrimental to the operating
characteristics, and some because lubricants will cause
component failures.
In particular, do not lubricate rubber bushings, since this
not only will cause them to fail, but will destroy their
necessary frictional characteristics.
188 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 210 of 264

Check the battery every 4 to 6 weeks to ensure that the
voltage is above 12.40. Voltage will drop more rapidly
in hot temperatures. If battery voltage drops below
12.40, follow the battery recharge procedure in the
Service Manual.
•Check that the radiator coolant level of protection is to
at least -20°F (-29°C).
•Block the wheels. Do not apply the Parking Brake.
•Make sure that all tires are inflated to the optimum
pressure, (29 PSI).
•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/liftgate, hood, doors, win-
dows 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/liftgate 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.
210 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 223 of 264
Body
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Hinges:
Door, Trunk & Hood Springs and
LinksMoparSpray White Lube or equivalent.
Latches:
Door, Hood & Trunk MoparMulti-Purpose Lube NLGI Grade 2 or equivalent.
Door Hinge Check Spring Lubriplate Mo-Lith No. 2 Grease or Petrocan Multiflex Moly EP 2 Grease or
equivalent.
Seat Regulator & Track MoparMulti-Purpose Lube NLGI Grade 2 or equivalent.
Window System Components MoparSpray White Lube or equivalent.
Lock Cylinders MoparSpray White Lube or equivalent.
Parking Brake Mechanism MoparSpray White Lube or equivalent.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 223
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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
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