DODGE VIPER 2004 ZB / 2.G Service Manual

all of the items listed above except the knee bolster, the
instrument panel, and the steering wheel and column.
The Diagnostic Unit also turns on the AIRBAG light in
the instrument panel for 6 to 8 seconds when the
ignition is first turned on, then turns the light off. If it
detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it turns
on the light either momentarily or continuously.
²The Airbag/Inflator Units are in the center of the
steering wheel and in the instrument panel. The words
SRS/AIRBAG are embossed on the airbag covers.
WARNING!
Ignoring the AIRBAG light in your instrument panel
could mean you won't have the airbags to protect
you in a collision. If the light does not come on, stays
on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as you
drive, have the airbag system checked right away.
WARNING!
Do not put anything on or around the airbag covers
or attempt to manually open them. You may damage
the airbags and you could be injured because the
airbags are not there to protect you. These protective
covers for the airbag cushions are designed to open
only when the airbags are inflating.
²When the crash sensors detect an impact requiring the
airbags, they signal the inflator units. A large quantity
of non toxic nitrogen gas is generated to inflate the
airbags. The airbag covers separate and fold out of the
way as the airbags inflate to their full size. The airbags
fully inflate in about 50 milliseconds. This is only
about half of the time it takes you to blink your eyes.
The airbags then quickly deflate while helping to
restrain the driver and right front passenger. The
airbag gas is vented through the airbag material
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 41
2

towards the instrument panel. In this way the airbags
do not interfere with your control of the vehicle.
²The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the knees and
position you for the best interaction with the airbags.
If A Deployment Occurs
The airbag system is designed to deploy when the impact
sensors detect a moderate to severe frontal collision, to
help restrain the driver and right front passenger, and
then to immediately deflate.
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 rightfront passenger 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
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.
42 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

²Your vehicle may be safely driveable after the airbags
deploy. If so, you can tuck the deployed airbags inside
the opening in the steering wheel hub and instrument
panel trim covers to make driving somewhat easier.
WARNING!
Deployed airbags can't protect you in another colli-
sion. Have the airbags replaced by an authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
Passenger Side AirBag On/Off Switch
The passenger airbag is to be turned off only if the
passenger:
²is an infant (less than 1 year old) who must ride in the
front seat because there is no rear seat, because the rear
seat is too small for a rear-facing infant restraint orbecause the infant has a medical condition which
makes it necessary for the driver to be able to see the
infant,
²is a child, age 1 to 12 who must ride in the front seat
because there is no rear seat, because there is no rear
seat position available, or because the child has a
medical condition which makes it necessary for the
driver to be able to see the child,
²has a medical condition which makes passenger airbag
inflation (deployment) a greater risk for the passenger
than the risk of hitting the dashboard (instrument
panel) or windshield in a crash.
If the airbag is turned off when there is any other
occupant at that position, the supplemental restraint
provided by the airbag will not be available.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 43
2

To turn OFF the passenger side airbag, use the on/off
switch located in the center console.
NOTE:When the passenger airbag is turned off the
airbag off light will illuminateTo Shut Off the Passenger Airbag:
²Place only the tip of the ignition key in the on/off
switch, turn the key clockwise, and remove the key
from the switch. This will shut off the passenger side
airbag. The PASS AIRBAG OFF light on the instrument
panel will illuminate when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position.
44 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

To Turn On The Passenger Airbag:
²Place the ignition key in the on/off switch, turn the
key counterclockwise, and remove the key from the
switch. This will turn on the passenger side airbag.
The light on the instrument panel will be off when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position.
WARNING!
The airbag may malfunction and serious injury
could result if key is left in the airbag shut off
switch. Always remove the key.
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.
²You can be injured if you are too close to either
airbag cover when the airbags inflate. It is dan-
gerous to try to repair any part of the airbag
system yourself. Don't try to repair the airbag
system. Be sure to tell anyone who works on your
vehicle that it has airbags.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 45
2

You will want to have the airbags ready for your protec-
tion in a collision. While the airbag Supplemental Re-
straint System (SRS) is designed to be maintenance free,
if any of the following occurs, have an authorized dealer
service the system immediately.
²The AIRBAG 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.
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.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
The engine in your new Viper does not require a long
break-in period. 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 of time.
²Do not make any full throttle starts and avoid full
throttle acceleration.
²Use the proper gear for your speed range.
46 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

²Wait until the engine has reached normal operating
temperature before driving at the recommended maxi-
mum break-in speed.
²Avoid excessive idling.
²Check the engine oil level at every fuel fill.
NOTE:A new engine will consume some oil during the
first few thousand miles of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as a sign of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
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.
²Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in
or out of the area.
²If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running, adjust your heating or cooling con-
trols to force outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower
at high speed.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47
2

Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle
Seat Belts
²
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the sys-
tem.
²Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident
if they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn web-
bing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or
retractor condition, replace the belt.
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.
Safety Checks You Should Make Outside the
Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect for tread cuts or side wall
cracks. Check wheel nuts for tightness and tires for
proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes are
present, the cause should be corrected immediately.
48 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mConvertible Top Operation.................51
NTo Raise The Top......................51
NTo Lower The Top......................53
mConsole Features........................54
mMirrors...............................55
NInside Day/Night Mirror.................55
NElectric Remote Control Mirrors............55
NMirror Adjustment.....................56
mSeats.................................57NManual Front Seat Adjustments............57
NReclining Seat.........................57
mTo Open And Close The Hood..............58
mLights................................60
NCourtesy/Reading Lights.................60
NInterior Lights........................61
NMulti-Function Control Lever..............61
NHeadlights, Parking Lights, Instrument Panel
Lights, And Front Fog Lights..............62
3

NDaytime Running Lights.................63
NLights-On Reminder....................63
NHeadlight Time Delay...................63
NBattery Saver Feature Ð Exterior Lights......63
NFog Lights...........................64
NTurn Signals..........................64
NHighbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch..........65
NPassing Light.........................65mTilt Steering Column.....................65
mAdjustable Pedals.......................66
NAdjustable Left Foot Rest.................67
mWindshield Wipers And Washers.............68
NWindshield Washers....................69
NMist Function.........................69
NIntermittent Wiper System................69
50 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE