pulling on the lever attached to the trunk latching
mechanism, which is coated so that it glows in a dark-
ened trunk.
LIFTGATE — COUPE MODELS ONLY
The liftgate can be unlatched by using the vehicle key or
with the remote keyless entry transmitter. Press and hold
the trunk/liftgate button on the remote keyless entry
transmitter to unlatch the liftgate by remote. The front
and rear park/turn signal lights will blink 3 times. Then
pull the liftgate open with one fluid motion.
With the ignition ON, the trunk/liftgate open symbol
will be displayed in the instrument cluster indicating that
the liftgate is open.
With the key in the OFF/LOCK position or key out, the
trunk/liftgate open symbol will be displayed until the
liftgate is closed.
WARNING!
•Driving with the liftgate open can allow poison-
ous exhaust gases into your vehicle. You and your
passengers could be injured by these fumes. Keep
the liftgate closed when you are operating the
vehicle.
•If you are required to drive with the liftgate open,
make sure that all windows are closed, and the
climate control blower switch is set at high speed.
DO NOT use the recirculation mode.
Gas props support the liftgate in the open position.
However, because the gas pressure drops with tempera-
ture, it may be necessary to assist the props when
opening the liftgate in cold weather.
26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!
If the hood is not fully latched, it could open when
the vehicle is moving and block your forward vision.
Be sure the hood latches are fully latched before
driving.
LIGHTS
Courtesy/Reading Lights
These lights, located under the rearview mirror, come on
whenever a door is opened or the illuminated entry
system is activated. These lights also function by rotating
the dimmer control in the multi-function control lever.
The reading lights can be manually turned on with the
doors closed by means of switches located on the bottom
of the rearview mirror.There are also courtesy lights located in both the driver
and passenger footwell areas. They will turn on as part of
the illuminated entry system by either opening a door,
unlocking the door from the remote keyless entry, or by
the multi-function control lever dimmer control.
Courtesy/Reading Light Switches
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 75
3
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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 91
4
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
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
4
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
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
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