2009 DODGE VIPER service

INTRODUCTION
This Owner’s Manual has been prepared with the assis-
tance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint
you with the operation and maintenance of your vehicle.
It is supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet
and various customer-oriented documents. You are
urged to read these publications carefully. Following the
instructions and recommendations in this manual will
help assure safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle.
NOTE: After you read the manual, it should be stored
in the vehicle for convenient referencing and remain
with the vehicle when sold, so that the new owner will
be aware of all safety warnings.
When it comes to service, remember that your authorized
dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained
technicians and genuine Moparparts, and is interested
in your satisfaction.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Consult the Table of Contents to determine which section
contains the information you desire.
The detailed index at the back of this Owner’s Manual
contains a complete listing of all subjects.
Consult the following table for a description of the
symbols that may be used on your vehicle or throughout
this Owner’s Manual:
4 INTRODUCTION

arm itself in approximately 16 seconds. During the
arming process, the Vehicle Security Light will flash at a
fast rate. Once the system is armed, the light will flash
once every six seconds.NOTE:
•The system will not cancel the arming process if you
open the hood or trunk/liftgate. It will, however,
cancel the arming process if you open a door or turn
on the ignition. If this occurs, and you wish to rearm
the system, simply repeat either of the previously
described arming sequences.
•The Vehicle Security Light will remain on steady if the
hood or trunk/liftgate is open during the arming
process or if there is a fault in the system. If you verify
that the hood and trunk/liftgate are not open, and the
light remains on steady, see your authorized dealer for
service.
Vehicle Security Light
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

If there is a fault present in the OCS, the Airbag
Warning Light will turn on. This indicates that you
should take the vehicle to an authorized dealer for
service. The Airbag Warning Light will turn on when-
ever there is fault present, which can affect the opera-
tion of the airbag system. If there is a fault present in
the OCS, both the PAD Indicator Light and the Airbag
Warning Light will illuminate to show that the pas-
senger airbag is turned off. Should this occur the
passenger airbag would remain off until the fault is
cleared. If an object is lodged under the seat and
interferes with operation of the Flex Mat, a fault will
occur which turns on both the PAD Indicator Light
and the Airbag Warning Light. Once the lodged object
is removed, the fault will be cleared automatically
after a short period.
•ThePassenger Airbag Disabled (PAD) Indicator
Lightindicates to the driver and passenger when the
passenger airbag is turned OFF. In the presence of anoccupant seated properly in the passenger seat, when
the PAD Indicator Light is illuminated, the passenger
airbag is turned OFF.
The passenger airbag will be enabled for most any size
adult who is seated properly in the passenger seat. The
passenger airbag may or may not be enabled for
(depending on size) a small teenager or a small adult
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
airbag 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
48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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:
•Do not modify the passenger seat assembly or compo-
nents in any way.
•Do 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.
•Do not replace the seat cover with an aftermarket seat
cover.
•Do not add a secondary seat cover other than those
approved by Chrysler LLC/Mopar.
•At 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 Chrysler LLC/Mopar.
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).
50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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:
•The Airbag Warning Light does not come on or flickers
during the six to eight seconds when the ignition
switch is first turned on.
•The light remains on or flickers after the six to eight
second interval.
•The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time — babies and children, too. Every state in the UnitedStates 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.
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
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 53
2

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DESCRIPTION
Speedometer
Shows the vehicle’s speed in miles-
per-hour (mph) and kilometers-per-
hour (km/h).
Odometer/Trip Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
NOTE:U.S. federal regulations require upon transfer of
vehicle ownership, the seller certify the mileage the
vehicle has been driven. Therefore, if the odometer
reading is changed because of repair or replacement, be
sure to keep a record of the reading before and after the
service so that the correct mileage can be determined.The trip odometer shows individual trip mileage. Press
and release the TRIP button once to switch the display
from odometer to trip odometer. Press and release the
TRIP button a second time to return the display to
odometer. While in trip mode, press and hold the TRIP
button for at least one second to reset the trip odometer
to zero.
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Panel
The LCD panel at the bottom of the speedometer displays
specific messages for given conditions. These messages
are as follows:
•The words “DOOR AJAR” will display if a door is not
closed completely. In addition, a single chime will
sound if you move the vehicle when a door is not
closed completely.
•The words “DOOR UNLOCKED” will flash in the
display if one door is unlocked and will remain on
steady if both doors are unlocked.
100 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

•The word “DECK” will flash in the display if the
trunk/liftgate is open.
•The words “LOW TIRE” will flash slowly in the
display and a chime will sound if the tire pressure is
low.
•The words “FLAT TIRE” will flash rapidly in the
display and a chime will sound if critically low tire
pressure is detected.
Message Center
When the appropriate conditions ex-
ist, the Message Center displays the
following indicators and warnings:
High Beam Light
This light will turn on when the high beam
headlights are on. Pull the Multifunction Lever on
the left side of the steering column toward you to switch
the headlights from low beam to high beam. Pull the
lever a second time to switch the headlights back to low
beam.
Front Fog Light Indicator
This light will turn on when the front fog lights are
on.
Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Warning Light
The amber Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light will
turn on and stay on briefly as a bulb check
when the ignition is first turned on. If the light
does not turn on during starting, see your
authorized dealer for service.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 101
4

This light also illuminates at vehicle start-up to indicate
that the ABS self-check is in process. If the light remains
on after start-up, or turns on and remains on at road
speeds, it may indicate a system malfunction or that the
system is inoperative. In this case, the system reverts to
standard non-anti-lock brakes. If this occurs, safely bring
the vehicle to a complete stop as soon as possible and
cycle the ignition key to attempt to reset the ABS. If the
light remains on, see your authorized dealer immediately
to have the system serviced. Furthermore, if the red
BRAKE Warning Light and the amber ABS Warning
Light are on, and the parking brake is fully released, see
your authorized dealer immediately.WARNING!
If the ABS and/or Brake Warning Lights illuminate,
please seek service immediately! Your vehicle will
have diminished braking capability and control if
ABS and/or service brake systems are not working
properly. Have your brake system serviced immedi-
ately.
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is part
of an onboard diagnostic system called OBD.
The OBD system monitors engine control sys-
tems. The light will turn on when the key is in
the ON/RUN position before engine start. If the light
does not come on when turning the key from OFF/LOCK
to ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
102 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL