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In the event power assist is lost for any reason (for
example, repeated brake applications with the engine
off), the brakes will still function. The effort required to
brake the vehicle will be much greater than that required
with the power system operating.
If either the front or rear hydraulic system loses normal
capability, the remaining system will still function with
some loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be
evident by increased pedal travel during application,
greater pedal force required to slow or stop, and activa-
tion of the Brake Warning Lamp during brake use.
NOTE:Your Viper has a very high performance braking
system. The brake pads are a semi-metallic compound
which has been selected for superior fade resistance and
consistent operation. A compromise is that under some
weather and operating conditions, the brakes may squeal
slightly during light brake applications.Brake Pad Break-In
The brakes on your new Viper do not require a long
break-in period, but avoid repeated hard brake applica-
tions from high speeds during initial break-in. Also avoid
severe brake loading such as may be encountered when
descending long mountain grades.
POWER STEERING
The power assisted steering system of your vehicle
provides mechanical steering capability in the event
power assist is lost.
If for some reason the hydraulic pressure is interrupted,
it will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions you will observe a substantial increase in
steering effort.
STARTING AND OPERATING 129
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Page 143 of 264

These indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread
grooves and will appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 1/16 inch (2 mm). When the indicators appear
in 2 or more adjacent grooves, the tire should be replaced.
Many states have laws requiring tire replacement at this
point.
Life of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying
factors including but not limited to:
•Driving style
•Tire pressure
•Distance driven
WARNING!
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after six
years, regardless of the remaining tread. Failure to
follow this warning can result in sudden tire failure.
You could lose control and have an accident result-
ing in serious injury or death.
Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little
exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of many
characteristics. They should be inspected regularly for
wear and correct cold tire inflation pressure. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed (see the paragraph on tread
STARTING AND OPERATING 143
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•An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out-of-tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.
•The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers are not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives are not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
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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 250 of 264

About Your Brakes....................... 125
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System............... 91
Accessory Delay, Power..................14,28
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 192
Adding Fuel........................... 152
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 189
Additives, Fuel......................... 150
Adjustable Pedals........................ 82
Aiming Headlights....................... 219
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 179
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 184
Air Conditioning..................... 111,184
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 185
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 139
Airbag................................ 43
Airbag Deployment....................... 47
Airbag Light..........................46,95
Airbag Maintenance....................... 51
Airbag On/Off Switch...................37,48Alarm System........................... 21
Alignment and Balance................... 145
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna.............................. 111
Antenna, Satellite Radio................... 110
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)..............191,220
Capacities........................... 220
Disposal............................ 193
Anti-Lock Warning Light................... 91
Anti-Theft Security Alarm.................. 21
Appearance Care........................ 200
Auto Down Power Windows................ 28
Automatic Door Locks..................... 16
Automatic Transmission
Adding Fluid......................... 222
Fluid Type........................... 222
Ball Joints............................. 186
Battery.............................94,179
250 INDEX
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 253 of 264

Defroster, Windshield...................... 53
Delay (Intermittent) Wipers................. 85
Diagnostic System, Onboard................ 169
Dimmer Control......................... 77
Dimmer Switch, Headlight.................. 80
Disposal
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)............... 193
Door Locks............................. 14
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 16
Doors................................. 14
Drive Belts............................ 176
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 162
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 70
Emergency Brake........................ 124
Emergency, In Case of
Freeing Vehicle When Stuck............... 163
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 156Jump Starting......................... 158
Overheating.......................... 156
Towing............................. 163
Emission Control System Maintenance......170,226
Engine............................... 168
Break-In Recommendations................ 52
Checking Oil Level..................... 172
Compartment......................... 168
Coolant (Antifreeze).................190,221
Cooling...........................94,190
Exhaust Gas Caution................26,53,151
Fails to Start.......................... 120
Fuel Requirements..................148,220
Oil ...........................172,220,221
Oil Change Interval.................... 173
Oil Disposal.......................... 175
Oil Filter............................ 175
Oil Selection.......................174,220
Overheating........................94,156
INDEX 253
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Engine Oil Viscosity...................174,220
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart................. 174
Exhaust Gas Caution..............26,53,151,189
Exhaust System......................... 189
Exterior Lights....................... 211,212
Fan .................................. 112
Filters
Air Cleaner.......................... 179
Engine Oil........................... 221
Flashers
Hazard Warning.....................91,156
Turn Signal........................... 91
Flash-To-Pass........................... 80
Floor Console........................... 68
Fluid Capacities......................... 220
Fluid Leaks............................. 54
Fluid Level Checks
Brake............................197,222Capacities........................... 220
Cooling System....................... 190
Engine Oil........................... 172
Manual Transmission................... 199
Power Steering.....................185,222
Fluids................................ 221
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts.......... 221
Fog Lights.........................78,79,94
Four-Way Hazard Flasher.................. 156
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle................... 163
Fuel................................. 148
Adding............................. 152
Additives............................ 150
Clean Air............................ 149
Gasoline............................ 148
Gauge............................... 97
Octane Rating........................ 221
Requirements......................148,220
Tank Capacity........................ 220
254 INDEX