2008 DODGE VIPER airbag

who is seated properly in the passenger seat. The
driver and passenger should always use the PAD
indicator light as an indication that the passenger is
positioned properly in their seat. If the PAD indicator
light comes on when an adult or teenager is in the
passenger seat, have the passenger reposition their self
in the seat until the light goes out. Remember, if the
PAD indicator light is illuminated the passenger air-
bag will not inflate in the event of a collision.
The passenger airbag will not be enabled for most any
size child who is seated properly in the passenger seat
and for most properly installed child restraint systems.
However, under certain conditions, even with a properly
installed child restraint system, the PAD indicator light
may not be on, even though the airbag is disabled. This
can occur if the child restraint is lighter than the thresh-
old weight necessary to turn the PAD indicator light on.
In any case,DO NOTassume the airbag is turned off if
the PAD indicator light is not illuminated.WARNING!
An infant in rear facing child safety seat, designed
for a child up to one year or approximately 20 pounds
(9 kg), should NEVER ride in the front seat of a
vehicle equipped with a passenger airbag, unless the
airbag is shut OFF. An airbag deployment can cause
severe injury or death to an infant in this position.
²TheFlex Matis located beneath the passenger seat
cushion foam. The Flex Mat sends signals to the OCM
for classifying the occupant in the passenger seat.
Any weight on the seat will be sensed by the Flex Mat.
Therefore, the occupant in the passenger seat needs to
sit in a normal position (with their feet on or near the
floor) in order to be classified properly. If an occu-
pant's weight is transferred to another part of the
vehicle (like the door or instrument panel), the system
46 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

may not classify the occupant properly. Furthermore,
objects lodged under the seat can prevent the occu-
pant's weight from being measured properly and may
result in the occupant being classified improperly.
The passenger seat assembly contains critical compo-
nents that affect passenger airbag deployment. Correctly
functioning passenger seat components are critical for the
OCS to classify the passenger properly and calculate the
proper airbag deployment. Do not make any modifica-
tions to the passenger seat components, assembly, or to
the seat cover. If the seat, trim cover, or cushion needs
service for any reason, take the vehicle to your autho-
rized dealer. Only manufacturer approved seat accesso-
ries may be used.
The following requirements must be strictly adhered to:
²Do not modify the passenger seat assembly or compo-
nents in any way.
²Do not use prior or future model year seat covers not
designated for the specific model being repaired. Al-
ways use the correct seat cover specified for the
vehicle.
²Do not replace the seat cover with an aftermarket seat
cover.
²Do not add a secondary seat cover other than those
approved by DaimlerChrysler/Mopar.
²At no time should any supplemental restraint system
(SRS) component or SRS related component or fas-
tener be modified or replaced with any part except
those which are approved by DaimlerChrysler/
Mopar.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47
2

WARNING!
Unapproved modifications or service procedures to
the passenger seat assembly, its related components,
or seat cover may inadvertently change the airbag
deployment in case of a frontal crash. This could
result in death or serious injury to the passenger if
the vehicle is involved in an accident. A modified
vehicle may not comply with required Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
If A Deployment Occurs
The airbag system is designed to deploy when the ORC
detects a moderate-to-severe frontal collision, to help
restrain the driver and passenger, and then to deflate
immediately.NOTE:A frontal collision that is not severe enough to
need airbag protection will not activate the system. This
does not mean something is wrong with the airbag
system.
If you do have a collision, which deploys the airbags, any
or all of the following may occur:
²The nylon airbag material may sometimes cause abra-
sions and/or skin reddening to the driver and passen-
ger as the airbags deploy and unfold. The abrasions
are similar to friction rope burns or those you might
get sliding along a carpet or gymnasium floor. They
are not caused by contact with chemicals. They are not
permanent and normally heal quickly. However, if you
haven't healed significantly within a few days, or if
you have any blistering, see your doctor immediately.
²As the airbags deflate, you may see some smoke-like
particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the
process that generates the non-toxic nitrogen gas used
48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

for airbag inflation. These airborne particles may irri-
tate the skin, eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or
eye irritation, rinse the area with cool water. For nose
or throat irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation
continues, see your doctor. If these particles settle on
your clothing, follow the garment manufacturer's in-
structions for cleaning.
²It is not advisable to drive your vehicle after the
airbags have been deployed. If you are involved in
another collision, the airbags will not be in place to
protect you.
WARNING!
Deployed airbags can't protect you in another colli-
sion. Have the airbags replaced by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
Maintaining Your Airbag System
WARNING!
²Modifications to any part of the airbag system
could cause it to fail when you need it. You could
be injured because the airbag is not there to
protect you. Do not modify the components or
wiring, including adding any kind of badges or
stickers to the airbag covers. Do not modify the
front bumper or vehicle body structure.
²You need proper knee impact protection in a
collision. Do not mount or locate any aftermarket
equipment on or behind the knee impact bolsters.
²It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the
airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who
works on your vehicle that it has airbags.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 49
2

NOTE:Perchlorate Material Ð special handling may
apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
Airbag Warning Light
You will want to have the airbags ready for
your protection in a collision. While the airbag
system is designed to be maintenance free, if
any of the following occurs, have an autho-
rized dealer service the system immediately:
²The Airbag Warning light does not come on or flickers
during the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is
first turned on.
²The light remains on or flickers after the 6 to 8 second
interval.
²The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time Ð babies and children, too. Every state in the United
States and all Canadian provinces require small children
ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law, and you
can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
WARNING!
In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny baby,
can become a missile inside the vehicle. The force
required to hold even an infant on your lap could
become so great that you could not hold the child, no
matter how strong you are. The child and others
could be injured badly. Any child riding in your
vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the child's
size.
50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

There are different sizes and types of restraints for
children from newborn size to the child almost large
enough for an adult safety belt. Always check the child
seat Owner's Manual to ensure you have the correct seat
for your child. Use the restraint that is correct for your
child:
Infant and Child Restraints
²
Safety experts recommend that children ride
rearward-facing in the vehicle until they are at least
one year oldandweigh at least 20 lbs (9 kg). Two types
of child restraints can be used rearward-facing: infant
carriers and ªconvertibleº child seats.
²The infant carrier is only used rearward-facing in the
vehicle. It is recommended for children who weigh up
to about 20 lbs (9 kg). ªConvertibleº child seats can be
used either rearward-facing or forward-facing in the
vehicle. Convertible child seats often have a higher
weight limit in the rearward-facing direction thaninfant carriers do, so they can be used rearward-facing
by children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) but are
less than one year old. Both types of child restraints are
held in the vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt.
WARNING!
A rearward facing infant restraint must not be used
in your Viper unless the passenger airbag has been
turned off. A rearward facing infant restraint may be
struck by a deploying passenger airbag, which may
cause severe or fatal injury to the infant.
Older Children and Child Restraints
Children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) and who are
older than one year can ride forward-facing in the
vehicle. Forward-facing child seats and convertible child
seats used in the forward-facing direction are for children
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 51
2

4. Tighten the lap portion of the belt and allow the excess
webbing to retract back to the retractor. If it still does not
make the child restraint secure, then secure the child
restraint with the Child Restraint Tether Anchor.
NOTE:Once the belt is in automatic locking mode, you
will not be able to pull any more of the webbing out of
the retractor. In this mode, you will only be able to retract
excess webbing into the retractor to secure the child
restraint.
Transporting Pets
Deploying airbags could harm your pet. An unrestrained
pet will be thrown about and possibly injured, or injure a
passenger during panic braking or in a collision.
Pets should be restrained in pet harnesses or pet carriers
that are secured by seat belts.
BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the drivetrain
(engine, transmission, and rear axle) in your new vehicle.
Following these few simple guidelines is all that is
necessary for a good break-in:
For the first 500 miles (800 km):
²Keep your vehicle speed below the legal, posted speed
limit and your engine speed below 4,000 rpm.
²Avoid driving at a constant speed, either fast or slow,
for long periods.
²Do not make any full throttle starts and avoid full
throttle acceleration.
²Use the proper gear for your speed range.
²Wait until the engine has reached normal operating
temperature before driving at the recommended maxi-
mum break-in speed.
56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor
condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light does not come on or flickers
during or after the 6 to 8 seconds, or flickers or comes on
while driving have the system checked by an authorized
dealer.
Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE