Chrysler Viper 2004 User Manual

SECTION PAGE

INTRODUCTION

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

INDEX

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CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

m Introduction ...........................4

m How To Use This Manual ..................4

m Warnings And Cautions ...................6

m Vehicle Identification Number ...............6

m Vehicle Modifications / Alterations ...........7

4 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

This manual has been prepared with the assistance of service and engineering specialists to acquaint you with the operation and maintenance of your new 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 reference 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 dealer knows your vehicle best, has the factory-trained technicians and genuine Mopart parts, and is interested in your satisfaction.

WARNING!

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductiveharm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

Consult the table of contents to determine which section contains the information you desire.

The detailed index, at the rear of this 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:

INTRODUCTION 5

6 INTRODUCTION

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS

This manual contains WARNINGS against operating procedures which could result in an accident or bodily injury. It also contains CAUTIONS against procedures which could result in damage to your vehicle. If you do not read this entire manual you may miss important information. Observe all Warnings and Cautions.

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is on a stamped plate at the left front corner of the instrument panel, visible through the windshield. This number also appears on the Automobile Information Disclosure Label affixed to a window on your vehicle. Save this label as a convenient record of your vehicle identification number and optional equipment.

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS / ALTERATIONS

WARNING!

Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could seriously affect its roadworthiness and safety and may lead to an accident resulting in serious injury or death.

INTRODUCTION 7

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

CONTENTS

m A Word About Your Keys ..................11

▫ Ignition Key ..........................11

▫ Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................12

▫ Power Accessory Delay Feature ............13

m Door Locks ............................13

▫ Electronic Locking/Unlocking .............13

▫ Mechanical Release .....................14

▫ Automatic Door Locks ...................15

m Remote Keyless Entry .....................15

▫ To Unlock The Doors ...................16

▫ To Lock The Doors .....................17

▫ To Unlock The Trunk ....................17

▫ Panic Alarm ..........................17

▫ To Use The Panic Alarm .................17

▫ To Program Transmitters .................18

▫ General Information ....................18

▫ Transmitter Battery Service ...............19

m Vehicle Theft Alarm ......................19

10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

▫ To Arm The Vehicle Theft Alarm System ......20

▫ Entering The Trunk With The System Armed . . .21

▫ Security System Disarm ..................22

▫ Tamper Alert .........................23

m Windows .............................23

▫ Power Windows .......................23

▫ Auto Down Feature ....................24

▫ Power Accessory Delay Feature ............24

▫ Wind Buffeting ........................25

m Trunk Safety Warning.....................25

▫ Trunk Internal Emergency Release ..........25

m Occupant Restraints ......................26

▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................27

▫ Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System

(BeltAlert™) ..........................30

▫ Six Point Belt System - If Equipped .........31

▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............32

▫ Seat Belt Extender ......................32

▫ Child Restraint ........................33

▫ Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - Airbag . .38

m Engine Break-In Recommendations ...........46

m Safety Tips ............................47

▫ Exhaust Gas ..........................47

▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside The

Vehicle ..............................48

▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Outside The

Vehicle ..............................48

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS

The dealer that sold you your new Viperhas the key code numbers for your vehicle locks. These numbers can be used to order duplicate keys from your dealer or a locksmith. Ask your dealer for these numbers and keep them in a safe place.

Ignition Key

Press clutch and insert the ignition key fully, then turn the switch to one of the four illustrated positions. It may be difficult to turn the key from the OFF/LOCK position when starting your vehicle. Move the steering wheel left and right while turning the key until it turns easily. To start the vehicle fully apply the parking brake, press the

12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

clutch pedal to the floor, place the gear selector in NEUTRAL, move the key to the ON position, and press the red ENGINE START button located on the instrument panel. To remove the key from the ignition press the clutch pedal to the floor, bring the vehicle to a stop, place the gear selector in gear, and fully apply the parking brake. Then turn the ignition key to the OFF/LOCK position and push the release button behind the ignition and pull the key out.

Key-In-Ignition Reminder

Opening the driver’s door when the key is in the ignition, sounds a signal to remind you to remove the key.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

Power Accessory Delay Feature

The Power Accessory Delay feature provides the customer with the ability to operate the power windows, and the radio for 2 minutes after the ignition switch is turned off. If the key is removed from the ignition and the driver door is opened prior to the completion of the 2–minute timer, the feature is immediately cancelled. The Power Accessory Delay feature is initially enabled, but may be enabled or disabled at the dealership.

DOOR LOCKS

WARNING!

Do not touch the exhaust pipe sill covers when entering or exiting your Viper. They can be hot enough to burn you. Observe the warning labels on each door closure panel.

Electronic Locking/Unlocking

This vehicle is equipped with a virtual lock system. If the vehicle is virtually locked, then the Outside door handle is ignored. There is a door lock/unlock switch on each door trim panel. Press this switch to lock or unlock the door. The Odometer displays DOOR UNLOCKED continuously when both doors are unlocked. Also, the door is considered unlocked if the inside door handle is pulled. If only one door is unlocked, then the Odometer will flash DOOR UNLOCKED every 2 seconds. After about 40 seconds with the ignition off, the display will turn off.

14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE: If you attempt to lock the doors with the key in the ignition and the driver’s door open, the doors will not lock.

Mechanical Release

The driver’s door can be opened mechanically by inserting your key into the lock located on the underside of the door panel, beneath the outside mirror.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

Automatic Door Locks

The doors will lock automatically from outside the vehicle when vehicle speed reaches 18 miles per hour with the ignition On and the DOOR UNLOCKED displayed in the odometer will disappear.

NOTE: If the vehicle is moving faster than 5 MPH, the inside and outside door handles are ignored. This does not overide the mechanical cable on the inside door handle.

Automatic lock can be enabled or disabled by performing the following procedure:

1. Close all doors and place the key in the ignition.

2. Cycle the ignition switch between ON/RUN and OFF 4 times ending up in the OFF position.

3. Depress the power door lock switch to lock the doors.

4. A single chime will indicate the completion of the programming and that the feature was toggled ON/OFF.

This feature can also be disabled at the dealership if desired.

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY

This feature allows you to lock or unlock the doors from distances up to 23 feet (7 meters) using a hand held transmitter. You do not have to point the transmitter at the vehicle to activate the system.

16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To Unlock the Doors:

Press and release the UNLOCK button on the transmitter. The front and rear park/turn signal lights will blink once to indicate that only the driver’s door is unlocked. When the unlock button is pressed twice, if pressed within 5 seconds, the front and rear park/turn signal lights will blink twice to indicate that both doors are unlocked. DOOR UNLOCKED in the odometer display will blink continuously if one door is unlocked. DOOR UNLOCKED will remain steadily on in the odometer display if both doors are unlocked. No message will be displayed if both doors are locked.

NOTE: The system may be programmed to unlock both doors upon the first press of the Unlock button. To toggle between the first press unlock of the driver’s door to unlock both doors, perform the following procedure:

1. Press and hold the Unlock button on the transmitter.

2. Continue to hold the Unlock button, wait at least 4 but no longer than 10 seconds, then press the Lock button.

3. Release both buttons. The park and tail lights will blink twice to acknowledge

the unlock signal. NOTE: The Lamp Flash can be enabled or disabled by

performing the following procedure:

1. Press and hold the Lock button on the transmitter.

2. Continue to hold the Lock button, wait at least 4 but no longer than 10 seconds, then press the Trunk button.

3. Release both buttons.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17

To Lock the Doors:

NOTE: To enable/disable the Lamp Flash, see procedure described above.

Press and release the LOCK button on the transmitter. The horn will chirp once and the park and tail lights will blink to acknowledge that the door is locked and that the alarm system is armed. The horn chirp can be disabled at the dealership if so desired.

NOTE: The horn chirp feature can be enabled or disabled by performing the following procedure:

1. Press and hold the Lock button on the transmitter.

2. Continue to hold the Lock button, wait at least 4 but no longer than 10 seconds, then press the Unlock button.

3. Release both buttons.

To Unlock the Trunk:

Press and hold the trunk button on the transmitter to unlatch the trunk. The front and rear park/turn signal lights will blink 3 times.

Panic Alarm

The panic alarm unlocks the driver’s door, turns on the interior lights, flashes the park and fog lights and sounds the horn for 3 minutes or until the alarm is turned off. Panic mode does not work when the vehicle is driven.

To Use the Panic Alarm:

Press and hold the Panic button to activate the alarm. Press and hold the Panic button or turn the key in the ignition to the RUN position to deactivate the alarm. The alarm will also shut itself off after 3 minutes.

18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To Program Transmitters:

This feature allows you to program transmitters in case one is lost or an extra transmitter(s) is desired. Up to 4 transmitters can be programmed to your vehicle. To program another transmitter follow these steps:

1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position and set the parking brake.

2. Using a previously programmed transmitter, press the UNLOCK button for 5 to 10 seconds. While the UNLOCK button is being pressed (after 5 seconds), press the PANIC button and release both buttons simultaneously. You will hear a chime sound to signal you that programming on the transmitter(s) may occur.

3. You may program up to 4 transmitters for your vehicle within a 30 second time limit. Press and release both LOCK and UNLOCK buttons of a new transmitter at the same time; then press and release any of the buttons once, you will hear a chime when the transmitter has

been successfully programmed. A chime will sound when the 30 seconds is over, or if you turn the ignition switch OFF.

4. You must repeat step 3 for all new transmitters that will be used with this vehicle (up to 4 total).

If you do not have a programmed transmitter, contact your dealer for details.

General Information

This transmitter complies with FCC rules part 15. Operation is subject to the following conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference.

2. This device must accept any interference that may be received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19

Transmitter Battery Service

The replacement battery number is 2016. This is a generic battery, readily available at local retail stores.

1. Pry the transmitter halves apart with a coin or similar object.

2. Remove and replace the batteries.

3. Reassemble the transmitter case and test operation. NOTE: If the transmitter is operated more than 255

times out of range of the vehicle (23 feet or 7 meters) or when the vehicle battery is dead, it may become “out of synch”. The result is that the transmitter will not function.

To correct this condition, remove the key from the ignition and close the hood and all doors. Press both buttons on the transmitter for about 10 seconds. The horn will chirp once to acknowledge the signal. Normal transmitter operation should resume.

VEHICLE THEFT ALARM

The system monitors the doors, trunk, hood, and ignition for unauthorized operation.

Once the system has been armed, opening any door, trunk (with the ignition key), hood or turning the ignition key to any position will trigger an alarm.

20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

If something triggers the alarm, the system will signal for about 18 minutes. For the first 3 minutes the horn will sound and the park, tail and fog lights will flash. If the condition which triggered the alarm is still present, the park, tail and fog lights will continue to flash for 15 minutes, unless the trigger condition is cleared sooner.

NOTE: The engine will not start until the system is disarmed.

To Arm the Vehicle Theft Alarm System

There are two methods to arm the Vehicle Theft Alarm system:

1. Press the Lock button on the Remote Keyless Entry. The optical and audible horn chirp will sound if it is enabled. (See Remote Keyless Entry section of this manual)

2. Remove the keys from the ignition and, with the door open, press the Lock button on the door trim panel and close the door.

3. After the last door is closed, the security light will flash for 15 seconds. If there is a fault in the system or if the hood or trunk is not closed, the Vehicle Theft Alarm lamp will remain ON steady for 15 seconds until the system is armed. (See the dealer if the system is faulted) The arming sequence will cancel if the door is opened or the ignition is turned on. Opening the hood or trunk will not cancel the arming process.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21

CAUTION!

4. The Security light will periodically flash, once every 6 seconds, to show that the system is still armed.

If the Security lamp flashes twice every 6 seconds, then the vehicle was tampered with!

Entering the Trunk with the System Armed

To enter the trunk with the system armed, the Remote Keyless Entry Trunk button must be pressed. This will pop the trunk open and allow access without alarming or disarming the Vehicle Theft Alarm System.

NOTE: If the key is used and the system is armed, then the Vehicle Theft Alarm System will start alarming.

22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Security System Disarm

There are two ways to disarm the system:

1. Driver door key cylinder: Insert the key in the cylinder located under the driver’s door mirror. This will disarm the Vehicle Theft Alarm System and open the driver’s door.

2. Or, press the UNLOCK button on the Remote Keyless Entry transmitter. The front and rear park and turn signal lights will flash to acknowledge the signal. (See the Remote Keyless Entry Section of this manual for operation)

NOTE: The vehicle will not start unless the Vehicle Theft Alarm System is disarmed by either of the two methods above. Inserting the key in the ignition WILL NOT disarm the system (it will start the alarming process!)

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23

Tamper Alert

If the horn sounds 3 times when you unlock the vehicle using the Remote Keyless Entry transmitter or key, the alarm has been activated. Check the vehicle for tampering.

NOTE: If the Security lamp flashes twice every 6 seconds, then the vehicle was tampered with.

WINDOWS Power Windows

The power window switches are located between the driver and passenger seats on the center tunnel bezel, just to the left of the parking brake. The switch on the left side controls the driver’s window and the switch on the right controls the passenger’s window. The power window switches are active when the ignition is in RUN or ACCESSORY.

The power window switch also works during accessory delay. This delay feature will allow the windows to be functional up to 2 minutes after the vehicle has been turned off. This feature can be disabled at the dealership if desired.

NOTE: Windows cannot be driven up during accessory delay with a door open.

NOTE: If the windows are completely closed, each respective window will drop slightly when either door is opened. The windows return to their full up position when the door is again closed. This is necessary to clear the seal when either door is opened.

24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Auto Down Feature

Both windows have an auto down feature. Press the window switch to the second detent, release, and the window will go down automatically. Press the switch a second time in either direction to stop the window.

To open the window to a desired positon, press and hold the window switch in the first detent until the window has reached the desired position and then release it when you want the window to stop.

Power Accessory Delay Feature

NOTE: The Window Up switch will not function with the door open and while the system is in the Power Accessory Delay mode. If the window is in the process of going up, opening the door will stop the window movement immediately.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25

Wind Buffeting

Wind buffeting can be described as the perception of pressure on the ears or a helicopter-type sound in the ears. Your vehicle may exhibit wind buffeting with the windows down, or the top down. This is a normal occurrence and can be minimized.

TRUNK SAFETY WARNING

WARNING!

Do not allow children to have access to the trunk, either by climbing into the trunk from outside, or through the inside of the vehicle. Always close the trunk lid when your vehicle is unattended. Once in the trunk, young children may not be able to escape. If trapped in the trunk, children can die from suffocation or heat stroke.

Trunk Internal Emergency Release

NOTE: As a security measure, a Trunk Internal Emergency Release lever is built into the trunk latching mechanism. In the event of an individual being locked inside the trunk, the trunk can simply be opened by

26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

pulling on the lever attached to the trunk latching mechanism, which is coated so that it glows in a darkened trunk.

OCCUPANT RESTRAINTS

One of the most important safety features in your Viper is the restraint system. This system consists of the driver’s and passenger’s seat belts, airbags for the driver and passenger, and a passenger airbag on/off switch located in the center console compartment for deactivating the passenger airbag system.

Please pay close attention to the information in this section. It tells you how to use your restraint system properly to keep you and your passenger as safe as possible. Whichever system you have, all of the warnings in this section apply.

WARNING!

In a collision, you and your passenger can suffer much greater injuries if you are not properly buckled up. You can strike parts of the inside of your vehicle or your passenger, or you can be thrown out of the vehicle. Always be sure you and your passenger are buckled up properly.

Buckle up even though you are an excellent driver. Even on short trips. Someone on the road may be a poor driver and cause a collision that includes you. And this can happen far away from home or on your street.

Research has shown that seat belts save lives. They also can reduce the seriousness of injuries in a collision. Some of the worst injuries happen when people are thrown from the vehicle. Seat belts provide protection against

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27

that, and they reduce the risk of injury caused by striking the inside of the vehicle. Everyone in a motor vehicle needs to be buckled up all the time.

Lap/Shoulder Belts

Each seat belt is a combined lap/shoulder belt system. The belt webbing retractor will lock only during very sudden stops or impacts. This feature allows the shoulder part of the belt to move freely with you under normal conditions. But, in a collision, the belt will lock and reduce the risk of your striking the inside of the vehicle or being thrown out.

WARNING!

Wearing a seat belt incorrectly is dangerous. Seat belts are designed to go around the large bones of your body. These are the strongest parts of your body and can take the forces of a collision the best. Wearing your belt in the wrong place could make your injuries in a collision much worse. You might suffer internal injuries, or you could even slide out of part of the belt. Follow these instructions to wear your seat belt safely and to keep your passengers safe, too.

28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions

1. Enter the vehicle and close the door. Sit back and adjust the seat.

2. The seat belt latch plate is located at the side of your seat back. Grasp the latch plate and pull out the belt.

3. Slide the latch plate up the webbing as far as necessary to make the belt go around your lap.

4. When the belt is long enough to fit, insert the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.”

WARNING!

A belt that is too loose will not protect you as well. In a sudden stop you could move too far forward, increasing the possibility of injury. Wear your seat belt snugly.

A belt that is worn under your arm is very dangerous. Your body could fall into the inside surfaces of the vehicle in a collision, increasing head and neck injury. And a belt worn under the arm can cause internal injuries. Ribs aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. Wear the belt over your shoulder so that your strongest bones will take the force in a collision.

5. Position the lap belt across your thighs, below your abdomen. To remove slack in the lap belt portion, pull up a little on the shoulder belt, as shown.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29

6. To loosen the lap belt if it is too tight, tilt the latch plate and pull on the lap belt. A snug belt reduces the risk of sliding under the belt in a collision.

30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!

A lap belt worn too high can increase the risk of internal injury in a collision. The belt forces won’t be at the strong hip and pelvic bones, but across your abdomen. Always wear the lap belt as low as possible and keep it snug.

7. Position the shoulder belt on your chest so that it is comfortable and not resting on your neck. The retractor will withdraw any slack in the belt.

WARNING!

A twisted belt can’t do its job as well. In a collision it could even cut into you. Be sure the belt is straight. If you can’t straighten a belt in your vehicle, take it to your dealer and have it fixed.

8. To release the belt, push the red button marked PRESS on the buckle. The belt will automatically retract to its stowed position. If necessary, slide the latch plate down the webbing to allow it to retract fully.

Enhanced Driver Seat Belt Reminder System (BeltAlert™)

If the driver’s seat belt has not been buckled within 60 seconds of starting the vehicle and if the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h), the Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert™) will alert the driver to buckle their seat belt. The driver should also instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat belts. Once the warning is triggered, the Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert™) will continue to chime and flash the Seat Belt Warning Light for 96 seconds or until the driver’s seat belt is buckled. The Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlert™) will be reactivated if the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled for more than 10 seconds and the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h).

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