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Turn Signals
Move the Multi-Function Control Lever up or down and
the arrows on each side of the instrument cluster flash to
show proper operation of the front and rear turn signal
lights. You can signal a lane change by moving the lever
partially up or down without moving beyond the detent.If either light remains on and does not flash, or there is a
very fast flash rate, check for a defective outside light
bulb. If an indicator fails to light when the lever is
moved, it would suggest that the fuse or indicator bulb is
defective.
Highbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch
Pull the Multi-Function Control Lever towards you to
switch the headlights to HIGH beam. Pull the control
lever a second time to switch the headlights to LOW
beam.
Flash to Pass
You can signal another vehicle with your headlights by
lightly pulling the multi-function lever toward the steer-
ing wheel. This will cause the headlights to turn on at
high beam and remain on until the lever is released.
Turn Signal Lever
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Turn Signal Indicators
The arrows will flash in unison with the corresponding
exterior turn signal when using the signal lever. (See page
80 for more information.)
Hazard Indicator
Both turn signal arrows will flash in unison with all front
and rear turn signals when the hazard warning switch is
used.
NOTE:Leaving the hazard flashers on for extended
periods of time will wear down the battery.
Message Center
Message Center Components
Anti-Lock Warning Light
The amber ABS 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 re-
paired promptly. This light also illuminates to indicate
that the Antilock Brake System self-check is in process at
vehicle start-up. If the light remains on after start-up, or
comes on and stays on at road speeds, it may indicate
that the ABS has detected a malfunction or has become
inoperative. In this case, the system reverts to standard
non-antilock brakes. Turn the engine off and on again to
reset the Antilock Brake System. If the light remains on,
see your authorized dealer. If both the red BRAKE and
amber ABS warning lights are on and the parking brake
is fully released, see your authorized dealer immediately.
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WARNING!
If both ABS and/or Brake Warning lamps become
illuminated, please seek service immediately! Your
Viper will have diminished braking capability and
control if ABS and/or service brake systems are not
working properly. Have your brake system serviced
immediately.
Skip Shift Indicator
This indicator is located in the Tachometer. There
are two LED lights. The amber LED light will come
on when you are being prevented from shifting from First
to Second or Third gear. The tachometer’s shift arrow also
houses a red LED light that activates when the tachom-
eter gauge pointer goes above 5600 RPM and it shuts off
when the tachometer pointer falls below 5500 RPM. The
indicator serves as a visual aid to shift before reaching the
red line.
Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system called OBD II which provides in-field
emissions inspection tests required in some
states. If certain self-diagnostic monitors are
not complete, the light starts flashing 14 seconds after the
key is switched on and will continue to flash for approxi-
mately 11 seconds. If the OBD II monitors have com-
pleted, the malfunction indicator lamp will not flash as
described above.
The light will illuminate when the key is turned to the
ON position before engine start. The light will remain on
steady until the engine has started. If the bulb does not
come on when turning the key from OFF to ON have the
condition checked promptly. The light will turn off after
the engine has started, unless a malfunction is present.
92 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
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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
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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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▫Body Lubrication.....................186
▫Front And Rear Suspension Ball Joints......186
▫Steering Linkage......................187
▫Body Mechanism Lubrication.............187
▫Windshield Washers...................189
▫Exhaust System......................189
▫Cooling System.......................190
▫Hoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......195
▫Brake System........................195
▫Brake, Power Steering, And Fuel System
Hoses.............................196
▫Brake And Clutch Fluid.................197
▫Master Cylinder......................197▫Hydraulic Clutch.....................198
▫Transmission........................198
▫Rear Axle...........................199
▫Wheel Bearings.......................200
▫Appearance Care.....................200
Fuses — Power Distribution Center..........203
Vehicle Storage........................208
Replacement Bulbs......................211
▫Interior Light Bulbs....................211
▫Exterior Light Bulbs — Convertible Models . . . 211
▫Exterior Light Bulbs — Coupe Models......212
Exterior Light Bulb Service................212
166 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
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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EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control system.
Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration.
For states which have an I/M (Inspection and
Maintenance) requirement, this check verifies the
following: the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)
is functioning and is not on when the engine is running,
and that the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) system is ready
for testing.
Normally, the OBD system will be ready. The OBD
system maynotbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, if you recently had a dead battery, or a battery
replacement. If the OBD system should be determined
not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail the test.Your vehicle has a simple ignition key actuated test
which you can use prior to going to the test station. To
check if your vehicle’s OBD system is ready, you must do
the following:
1. Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch.
2. Turn the ignition to the ON position, but do not crank
or start the engine.
3. If you crank or start the engine, you will have to start
this test over.
4. As soon as you turn your key to the ON position, you
will see your MIL symbol come on as part of a normal
bulb check.
5. Approximately 15 seconds later, one of two things will
happen:
a. The MIL will flash for about 10 seconds and then
return to being fully illuminated until you turn off the
170 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE