Page 93 of 264

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. (See page 169 for more information.)
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 93
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Page 94 of 264

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
Page 167 of 264
▫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
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Page 211 of 264

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
Exterior Light Bulbs — Convertible Models
Headlight-Low/High Beam.... Servicedatdealer only
Aux. Headlight-High Beam......... (HB3A) 9005XS
Front Park/Turn......................3157AK
Fog Light....................... (H10U)9145
Front Sidemarker.......................2886X
Center Stop Light.......... 16LED(notserviceable)
Rear Tail/Stop..........................3157
Rear Tail Light.......................... 194
Rear Marker Light........................ 194
Back up Light..........................3157
Rear Turn Light.......................3457AK
License................................ 168
NOTE:You will note that upon turning the (HID) High
Intensity Discharge Headlamp Bulbs on, there is a blue
hue to the lamps. This diminishes and becomes more
white after approximately 10 seconds as the system
charges.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 211
7
Page 213 of 264
2. Twist off sockets counter-clockwise and pull out bulbs
from the socket, install the new bulbs, and reinstall the
bulb and socket assembly. Replace the splash shield.
NOTE:On vehicles equipped with High Intensity Dis-
charge Headlights (HID), when the headlights are turned
on there is a blue hue to the lights. This diminishes and
becomes more white after approximately 10 seconds, as
the system charges.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 213
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Page 214 of 264
High Intensity Discharge Headlights (HID)
The headlights are a type of high voltage discharge tube.
High voltage can remain in the circuit even with the
headlight switch off and the key removed.Because of
this, you should not attempt to service a headlight bulb
yourself. If a headlight bulb fails, take your vehicle to
an authorized dealer for service.
WARNING!
A transient high tension occurs at the bulb sockets of
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights when the
headlight switch is turned ON. It may cause serious
electrical shock or electrocution if not serviced prop-
erly. See your authorized dealer for service.
NOTE:If High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights are not
working, recycle the headlight switch 4 times to see if it
will restrike.
Tail, Tail/Stop, and Marker Lamp Bulb
Replacement
1. Open the trunk. Remove two access panel fasteners.
Remove the access panel.
214 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 219 of 264

Headlight Aiming
The headlights on your new Viper were aimed at the
factory. The factory setting was made at a no load setting.
A great increase in weight will change the aiming and it
may be necessary to readjust the headlights if you
typically carry an excessive amount of weight in the rear
compartment or otherwise suspect misalignment.
Aiming Check
Each headlight assembly can be adjusted up and down
only. No left to right adjustment is necessary. To check,
proceed as follows:
1. Fill the fuel tank and park the vehicle on level ground.
A driveway is not normally level. If in doubt and you
have no way to check levelness, do not attempt to adjust
the headlights.2. Mark the position of the headlights on a wall prior to
loading the vehicle. Load the rear compartment with the
items you normally carry. Have someone sit in the
driver’s seat who is about the same weight as the person
who drives the vehicle.
3. Push down on the front and rear of the vehicle several
times to make sure that the suspension has settled.
4. Then readjust the headlights to the original position.
NOTE:If any further adjustments are necessary, contact
your dealership.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 219
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Page 228 of 264

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
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