Viper
OWNER’S MANUAL
2008
2008 Viper
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION
.............................................................3
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
...............................9
3
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
...............................61
4
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL
.................................... 93
5
STARTING AND OPERATING
.................................................129
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
...............................................175
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
...............................................191
8
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
..................................................255
9
IF YOU NEED CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
..........................................275
10
INDEX
....................................................................285
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
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
1
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.
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 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
INTRODUCTION 5
1
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 the left
front corner of the instrument panel. The VIN is visible
from outside the vehicle through the windshield. This
number also appears on the Automobile Information
Disclosure Label affixed to a windowonyourvehicle,the
vehicle registration, and the title.
NOTE: It is illegal to remove the VIN.
Vehicle Identification Number
6 INTRODUCTION
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
1
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
m A Word About Your Keys ..................12
▫ Ignition Key Removal ...................12
▫ Key-In-Ignition Reminder ................13
m Security Alarm System ....................13
▫ Rearming Of The System .................13
▫ To Arm The System .....................13
▫ To Disarm The System ...................15
m Illuminated Entry System ..................16
m Remote Keyless Entry .....................17
▫ To Unlock The Doors ...................17
▫ To Lock The Doors .....................18
▫ To Unlatch The Trunk/Liftgate .............19
▫ Using The Panic Alarm ..................19
▫ Programming Additional Transmitters ........20
▫ Battery Replacement ....................21
▫ General Information ....................22
2
m Door Locks ............................23
▫ Manual Door Lock .....................24
▫ Power Door Locks .....................24
m Windows .............................26
▫ Power Windows .......................26
▫ Auto Down Feature ....................27
▫ Wind Buffeting ........................27
m Liftgate — Coupe Models Only ..............28
m Trunk Lock And Release — Convertible
Models Only ...........................29
m Trunk Safety Warning — Convertible
Models Only ...........................30
▫ Trunk Emergency Release ................30
m Occupant Restraints ......................31
▫ Lap/Shoulder Belts .....................31
▫ Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure .....35
▫ Enhanced Seat Belt Reminder System
(BeltAlertt) ..........................36
▫ Automatic Locking Mode ................37
▫ Six-Point Belt System - If Equipped .........38
▫ Seat Belts And Pregnant Women ............39
▫ Seat Belt Extender ......................39
▫ Driver And Passenger Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS) - Airbag ...................40
▫ Child Restraint ........................50
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
m Break-In Recommendations .................56
m Safety Tips ............................57
▫ Exhaust Gas ..........................57
▫ Safety Checks You Should Make Inside
The Vehicle ..........................58
▫ Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle ....................59
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11
2
A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
You can insert the double-sided keys into the locks with
either side up.
The dealer that sold you your new vehicle has 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 Removal
1. Press the clutch pedal to the floor.
2. Bring the vehicle to a stop.
3. Place the gear selector in gear.
4. Apply the parking brake fully.
5. Press the “Key Removal” release button, turn the key
to place the ignition switch in the OFF/LOCK position,
and then pull the key out of the switch.
6. Release the clutch pedal.
Ignition Key Positions
12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
NOTE: The Power Accessory Delay feature allows you
to operate the radio and the power windows for 2
minutes after turning off the ignition switch. Removing
the key from the ignition switch and opening the driver’s
door will cancel this feature. Your dealership can enable
or disable the Power Accessory Delay feature as desired.
Key-In-Ignition Reminder
If you open the driver’s door when the key is in the
ignition, a chime will sound to remind you to remove the
key.
NOTE: The Key-In-Ignition reminder only sounds
when the ignition switch is placed in the OFF/LOCK or
ACC positions.
SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM
This system monitors the doors, trunk/liftgate, and hood
for unauthorized entry and the ignition switch for unauthorized operation. If something triggers the alarm, the
system will prevent the vehicle from starting. It will also
sound the horn and flash the park lights, the taillights,
and the fog lights.
Rearming of the System:
If something triggers the alarm, and no action is taken to
disarm it, the system will turn off the horn after 3
minutes, turn off all of the visual signals (flashing lights)
after 15 minutes, and then rearm itself.
To Arm the System:
Remove the key from the ignition switch and either press
a power door lock switch while the driver or passenger
door is open or press the LOCK button on the Remote
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13
2
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter. After the last door is
closed, or if all doors are closed, the system will arm itself
in approximately 16 seconds. During the arming process,
the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator light will flash at a
fast rate. Once the system is armed, the light will flash
once every 6 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 Alarm Indicator 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.
Entering the Trunk with the System Armed —
Convertible:
NOTE: Using the key to open the trunk while the
system armed will trigger the alarm.
Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Press the Trunk button on the RKE transmitter to allow
access without triggering the alarm or having to disarm
the system. The trunk lid will pop open.
Entering the liftgate with the System Armed —
Coupe:
NOTE: Using the key to open the liftgate while the
system armed will trigger the alarm.
Press the Liftgate button on the RKE transmitter to allow
access without triggering the alarm or having to disarm
the system. Then, within 30 seconds, open the liftgate by
using the key cylinder or the liftgate release switch
located in the exterior liftgate handle.
NOTE: If you do not open the liftgate within 30 seconds,
the system will re-arm and ignore the switch input.
After closing the liftgate, the system will arm immediately without having to re-lock the vehicle.
To Disarm the System
There are two ways to disarm the system:
•
Use the key to unlock the driver’s door. The door lock
is located on the outside door panel beneath the
mirror.
Mechanical Door Lock
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15
2
•
Press the UNLOCK button on the RKE transmitter.
The front and rear park lights and the turn signal
lights will flash to acknowledge the signal.
NOTE: The vehicle will not start unless the Vehicle
Security Alarm System is disarmed by either method.
Inserting the key in the ignition WILL NOT disarm the
system. Furthermore, turning the ignition key to any
position while the system is armed will trigger an alarm.
Tamper Alert
If something has triggered the system in your absence,
the Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light will flash
twice every six seconds. In addition, the horn will sound
three times when you disarm the system.
ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM
The interior lights will turn on whenever a door is
opened or the liftgate is opened (Coupe models) and the
dimmer switch is not in the defeat position.
The interior lights will turn on, remain on for about 30
seconds, and then fade to off if any of the following
occur:
•
A door is opened using the outside door handle and
then closed.
•
A door is unlocked using the remote keyless entry
transmitter.
•
A door is unlocked using the outside driver’s door key
cylinder.
The interior lights will turn on and remain on for about 4
seconds and then fade to off if a door is opened using the
inside door handle.
16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY
This system allows you to lock or unlock the doors, open
the trunk/liftgate, or activate the panic alarm from
distances up to about 23 feet (7 meters) using a hand held
radio transmitter. The transmitter need not be pointed at
the vehicle to activate the system.
To Unlock the Doors:
Press and release the UNLOCK button on the transmitter
once to unlock the driver’s door, or twice to unlock both
doors. The park lights and turn signal lights will flash to
acknowledge the signal and the illuminated entry system
will turn on. In addition, the words DOOR UNLOCKED
will flash in the odometer if one door is unlocked or will
remain on steadily if both doors are unlocked.
NOTE: On Coupe models, pressing either the UNLOCK
button or the LIFTGATE button will allow liftgate access.
Remote Key Unlock, Driver Door/Both Doors First
This feature lets you program the system to unlock either
the driver’s door or both doors on the first press of the
UNLOCK button on the transmitter. To change the current setting, proceed as follows:
1. Press the UNLOCK button on a programmed transmitter for at least 4 seconds, but not longer than 10
seconds. Then, press the LOCK button.
2. Release both buttons at the same time.
3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle, by
pressing the UNLOCK button on the transmitter with the
ignition in the OFF/LOCK position, and the key removed.
Keyless Entry Transmitter
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17
2
4. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to
its previous setting.
NOTE: Pressing the LOCK button on the transmitter
while you are in the vehicle will activate the Security
Alarm. Opening a door with the SecurityAlarm activated
will cause the alarm to sound. Press the UNLOCK button
to deactivate the Security Alarm.
Flash Lights with Remote Key Lock
This feature will cause the park lights and turn signal
lights to flash when the doors are locked or unlocked
with the transmitter. This feature can be turned on or
turned off. To change the current setting, proceed as
follows:
1. Press the LOCK button on a programmed transmitter
for at least 4 seconds, but no longer then 10 seconds.
Then, press the TRUNK/LIFTGATE button.
2. Release both buttons at the same time.
3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle, by
pressing the LOCK/UNLOCK buttons on the transmitter
with the ignition in the OFF/LOCK position, and the key
removed.
4. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to
its previous setting.
NOTE: Pressing the LOCK button on the transmitter
while you are in the vehicle will activate the Security
Alarm. Opening a door with the SecurityAlarm activated
will cause the alarm to sound. Press the UNLOCK button
to deactivate the Security Alarm.
To Lock the Doors:
Press and release the LOCK button on the transmitter to
lock the doors. The horn will chirp once and the park
lights and turn signal lights will flash to acknowledge the
signal.
18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Sound Horn with Remote Key Lock
This feature will cause the horn to chirp when the doors
are locked with the transmitter. This feature can be
turned on or turned off. To change the current setting,
proceed as follows:
1. Press the LOCK button on a programmed transmitter
for at least 4 seconds, but no longer then 10 seconds.
Then, press the UNLOCK button.
2. Release both buttons at the same time.
3. Test the feature while outside of the vehicle, by
pressing the LOCK button on the transmitter with the
ignition in the OFF/LOCK position, and the key removed.
4. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to
its previous setting.
NOTE: Pressing the LOCK button on the transmitter
while you are in the vehicle will activate the Security
Alarm. Opening a door with the SecurityAlarm activated
will cause the alarm to sound. Press the UNLOCK button
to deactivate the Security Alarm.
To Unlatch the Trunk/Liftgate:
Press and hold the TRUNK/LIFTGATE button on the
transmitter for at least one second to unlatch the trunk/
liftgate. The park lights and turn signal lights will flash
three times to acknowledge the signal.
Using The Panic Alarm:
The panic alarm unlocks the driver’s door, turns on the
interior lights, flashes the park lights and fog lights, and
sounds the horn. The Panic alarm will not work when
driving the vehicle.
To turn the panic alarm ON or OFF, press and hold the
PANIC button on the transmitter for at least one second
and release. The alarm can also be turned off by inserting
the key into the ignition switch and turning it to the
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19
2
ON/RUN position. If not deactivated through the transmitter or the ignition switch, the alarm will turn off
automatically after 3 minutes.
Programming Additional Transmitters
NOTE: You must have at least one programmed transmitter to perform this procedure. If you do not have a
programmed transmitter, contact your dealer for details.
Use this procedure to program up to three additional
transmitters for your vehicle. To activate the programming feature, proceed as follows:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position.
2. Set the parking brake.
3. Press and hold the UNLOCK button for at least 5
seconds, but no longer then 10 seconds on a previously
programmed transmitter. Then, press the PANIC button
while still holing the UNLOCK button.
4. Release both buttons at the same time. A chime will
sound to signal that the programming feature is activated.
5. Within 30 seconds, press and release the LOCK button
and the UNLOCK button at the same time on the new
transmitter.
6. Press and release any button one time on the new
transmitter. A chime will sound to indicate that the new
transmitter is programmed. An additional chime will
sound at the end of the 30-second programming period.
It will also sound if the ignition is switched OFF.
7. Repeat Steps 3 through 6 to program each additional
transmitter.
20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Battery Replacement
The recommended replacement battery is 2016. This is a
generic battery, readily available at local retail stores.
NOTE:
•
Perchlorate Material — special handling may apply.
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
•
Do not touch the battery terminals that are on the back
housing or the printed circuit board.
1. Separate the two halves of the transmitter with a coin
or similar object.
Separating Transmitter Halves
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21
2
2. Remove and replace the battery. Avoid touching the
new battery with your fingers. Skin oils may cause
battery deterioration. If you touch a battery, clean it with
rubbing alcohol.
3. To assemble the transmitter case, snap the two halves
together.
4. Test the transmitter operation.
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.
If your Remote Keyless Entry transmitter ever fails to
operate from a normal distance, check the following:
1. Closeness to a radio transmitter, such as a radio station
tower, airport transmitter, and some mobile or CB radios
can affect transmitter operation. To verify if this is the
cause, move the vehicle to another area and test transmitter operation.
2. The transmitter may become “out of sync” and will no
longer function if operated morethan255 times while out
of range of the vehicle (23 feet or 7 meters) or if operated
while the vehicle battery is dead or disconnected. To
“synchronize” the transmitter, remove the key from the
ignition. 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.
3. The transmitter battery may be weak or dead. The
expected life of the battery is a minimum of three years.
22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
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.
WARNING!
•
For personal security and safety in the event of an
accident, lock the vehicle doors as you drive as
well as when you park and leave the vehicle.
•
When leaving the vehicle always remove the key
from the ignition lock, and lock your vehicle.
Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause
severe personal injuries and death.
•
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
injured seriously or fatally. Don’t leave the keys in
the ignition. A child could operate power windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23
2
Manual Door Lock
The driver’s door can be locked or unlocked with the key.
The door lock is located on the outside door panel
beneath the mirror.
Power Door Locks
A power door lock switch is on each door trim panel. Use
this switch to lock or unlock the doors.
NOTE: To prevent you from accidentally locking your
keys in the vehicle, the power door locks will not operate
if the key is in the ignition and the driver’s door is open.
Mechanical Door Lock
Power Door Lock Switch
24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Electronic Door Lock
This vehicle is equipped with a virtual lock system. Input
from the outside door handle is ignored if the vehicle is
virtually locked.
Door Lock Messaging
The words “DOOR UNLOCKED” will flash in the odometer if one door is unlocked or will remain on steadily if
both doors are unlocked. A door is considered unlocked
if the inside door handle is pulled. With the key in the
ignition switch, this display will turn off approximately
40 seconds after switching off the ignition, or if the Power
Accessory Delay feature is active, it will turn off approximately 40 seconds after the delay feature times out.
Automatic Door Locks
This feature locks the doors automatically once vehicle
speed reaches 18 mph (29 km/h).
NOTE: Input from the door handles is ignored once the
vehicle is moving faster than 5 mph.
Automatic Door Locks Programming
The Automatic Door Locks feature can be enabled or
disabled as follows:
1. Close all doors and place the key in the ignition.
2. Cycle the ignition switch between ON/RUN and
OFF/LOCK 4 times ending up in the OFF/LOCK position.
3. Depress the power door lock switch to lock the doors.
4. A single chime will indicate the completion of the
programming.
5. Repeat these steps if you want to return this feature to
its previous setting.
This feature can also be disabled at the dealership if
desired.
NOTE: Use the Automatic Door Locks feature in accordance with local laws.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25
2
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 ON/RUN or
ACC position.
NOTE:
•
The Power Accessory Delay feature allows you to
operate the power windows for 2 minutes after turning off the ignition switch. Removing the key from the
ignition switch and opening the driver’s door will
cancel this feature. Your dealership can enable or
disable the Power Accessory Delay feature as desired.
•
Windows cannot be driven up during Power Accessory Delay with a door open. Furthermore, opening
the door will stop the window movement immediately
if the window is in the process of going up.
•
The window will lower slightly if it is closed completely when opening the door. The window will
return to its fully closed position after closing the door.
This action is necessary in order to clear the seal when
opening the door.
WARNING!
Never leave children in a vehicle, with the keys in the
ignition switch. Occupants, particularly unattended
children, can become entrapped by the power windows while operating the power window switch. Such
entrapment may result in serious injury or death.
26 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 position, press and hold
the window switch in the first detent. Release the switch
when you want the window to stop.
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 (convertible models).
This is a normal occurrence and can be minimized by
adjusting one or both windows up or down slightly.
Power Window Switches
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27
2
LIFTGATE — COUPE MODELS ONLY
The liftgate can be unlocked or locked by the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or by activating either of
the power door lock switches located on the door trim
panels.
To unlock the liftgate with the RKE transmitter, press the
LIFTGATE button on the transmitter for at least one
second. The park lights and turn signal lights will flash
three times to acknowledge the signal.
NOTE: Pressing the UNLOCK button on the transmitter
will also allow liftgate access.
Once unlocked, the liftgate can be opened or closed. To
open the liftgate, depress the liftgate release switch
located in the exterior liftgate handle and pull the liftgate
open with one fluid motion.
NOTE: The liftgate release switch will be ignored under
the following conditions:
•
When the ignition is in RUN and the parking brake is
not set.
•
When vehicle speed is not a 0 mph (0 km/h).
•
When all doors are locked (except for RKE liftgate
access). Refer to “Entering the liftgate with the System
Armed — Coupe” under “Security Alarm System” in
this section for additional information.
The word “DECK” will flash in the odometer when the
liftgate is open. With the key in the ignition switch, this
display will turn off approximately 40 seconds after
switching off the ignition, or if the Power Accessory
Delay feature is active, it will turn off approximately 40
seconds after the delay feature times out.
28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
WARNING!
•
Driving with the liftgate open can allow poisonous 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 temperature, it may be necessary to assist the props when
opening the liftgate in cold weather.
TRUNK LOCK AND RELEASE — CONVERTIBLE
MODELS ONLY
You can unlatch the trunk lid by pressing the TRUNK
button on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
for at least one second. The park lights and turn signal
lights will flash three times to acknowledge the signal
and the trunk lid will pop open.
You can also unlatch the trunk lid with the key. The key
cylinder is located on the trunk lid.
The word “DECK” will flash in the odometer when the
trunk lid is open. With the key in the ignition switch, this
display will turn off approximately 40 seconds after
switching off the ignition, or if the Power Accessory
Delay feature is active, it will turn off approximately 40
seconds after the delay feature times out.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29
2
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