Dodge Viper 2008 User Manual

2008 Viper

2008

OWNER’S MANUAL

Viper

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

.............................................................3

...............................9

...............................61

.................................... 93

.................................................129

...............................................175

...............................................191

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..........................................275

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

INDEX

....................................................................285

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.

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:

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 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.

Vehicle Identification Number

NOTE: It is illegal to remove the VIN.

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 ..................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

10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 11

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

12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 13

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

14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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.

Vehicle Security Alarm Indicator Light

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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 15

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

16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

•

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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 17

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.

Keyless Entry Transmitter

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.

18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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.

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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 19

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

20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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.

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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 21

Separating Transmitter Halves

22 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 morethan 255 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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 23

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.

24 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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.

Mechanical Door Lock

Power Door Locks

A power door lock switch is on each door trim panel. Use this switch to lock or unlock the doors.

Power Door Lock Switch

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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 25

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 ifthePower 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.

26 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WINDOWS Power Windows

The power window switches are located between the driver and passenger seats on the centertunnelbezel, 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 windowmovementimmediately 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.

Power Window Switches

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 27

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.

28 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 29

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.

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