air conditioning DODGE VIPER 2005 ZB / 2.G Owners Manual

VENTILATION
When the ventilation mode is selected, outside air comes
through the panel outlets. Air will enter the vehicle with
or without the blower in operation.
CLIMATE CONTROLS
The Air Conditioning System allows you to balance the
temperature, amount and direction of the air circulating
throughout the vehicle.
Air Conditioning And Heater Controls
104 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Panel
Air is directed through the outlets in the instrument
panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct air
flow.
Bi-Level
Air is directed through the instrument panel and
floor outlets. A small amount of air is also directed
through the defrost outlets.
NOTE:There is a varying temperature differential be-
tween the upper and lower outlets for added comfort.
The warmer air goes to the floor outlets. This feature
provides improved comfort during sunny but cool con-
ditions.
Floor
Air is directed through the floor outlets with a
lesser amount through the defrost outlets.Floor/Defrost
Air is directed through the windshield defrost and
the floor outlets. This setting works best in cold or
snowy conditions that require extra heat at the
windshield. This setting is good for maintaining comfort
while reducing moisture on the windshield.
Windshield Defrost
Air is directed through the windshield defrost
outlet. Use this mode with maximum fan and
temperature settings for best windshield defrosting.
NOTE:The air conditioning compressor operates in this
mode. This dehumidifies the air to help dry the wind-
shield. To improve fuel economy, leave in the Defrost
mode only when necessary.
A/C Pushbutton
With the fan control in the ON position, pushing
the A/C button turns on the air conditioning
compressor. An indicator light above the button
106 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

shows that the Air Conditioning compressor is on. Con-
ditioned air is now directed through the outlets selected.
Pushing the button a second time turns the compressor
OFF.
Slight changes in engine speed or power may be noticed
when the compressor is on. This is a normal occurrence
since the compressor will cycle on and off to maintain
comfort and increase fuel economy.
NOTE:If your air conditioning performance seems
lower than expected, check the front of the A/C con-
denser for an accumulation of dirt or insects.
Rear Window Defroster
Press the button once to turn on the Rear Window
Defroster and a second time to turn it off. A light
above the button shows that the Rear Defroster is On.NOTE:The defroster turns off automatically after 15
minutes of operation. Each later activation will allow 71⁄2
minutes of operation.
CAUTION!
To avoid damaging the electrical conductors, do not
use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abrasive window
cleaners on the interior surface of the rear window.
Labels can be peeled off by soaking with warm
water.
Operating Tips
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, at the right side of the hood, is
free of ice, slush, snow or other obstructions such as
leaves. Leaves collected in the air-intake plenum may
reduce air flow and plug the plenum water drains.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 107
4

•In city traffic—While moving, shift into the highest
gear possible to reduce engine RPM.
NOTE:There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition. If your air conditioner
is on, turn it off. The air conditioning system adds heat to
the cooling system and turning off the A/C removes this
heat. You can also turn the Temperature control to
maximum heat, the Mode control to floor, and the fan
control to High. This allows the heater core to act as a
supplement to the radiator and aids in removing heat
from the cooling system.WARNING!
A hot cooling system is dangerous. You or others
could be badly burned by steam or boiling coolant.
If your temperature gauge pointer is in the red area,
turn off the engine immediately. You may want to
call a service center for service. If you decide to look
under the hood yourself, see Section 7 of this
manual. Follow the warnings under the Radiator
Cap paragraph.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 149
6

NOTE:The exterior and interior lighting functions will
not work when the vehicle is in Battery Save Mode.
Exit Battery Save Mode by doing the following:
1. Press the driver’s door exterior handle to wake up the
vehicle.
2. If the door does not open (vehicle is armed) press the
remote keyless entry unlock button to unlock the vehicle.
3. Press the driver’s door exterior handle again to open
the door.
4. Cycle the Ignition to ON/RUN. If the ignition is NOT
cycled to ON/RUN, then the vehicle will re-enter Battery
Save Mode 45 seconds after the driver’s door is closed.Air Conditioner
Check the air conditioning system operation at the start
of the warm weather season.
NOTE:If air conditioning operation seems to be lower
than expected, check the front of the A/C condenser,
located in front of the radiator for dirt or insect accumu-
lation. Clean with a gentle water spray as required. Front
end fascia protectors may reduce air flow to the con-
denser and radiator, reducing A/C and engine cooling
performance.
176 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
•Use only refrigerants and compressor lubricants
approved by the manufacturer for your air condi-
tioning system. Some unapproved refrigerants are
flammable and can explode, injuring you. Other
unapproved refrigerants or lubricants can cause
the system to fail, requiring costly repairs. Refer
to Section 3 of the Warranty Information book for
further warranty information.
•The air conditioning system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system, adding refrigerant
or any repair requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced repairman.
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydrofluorocar-
bon (HFC) that is endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving product. How-
ever, the manufacturer recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by dealers or other service facilities
using recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:Use only manufacturer approved A/C System
Sealers, Stop Leak Products, Seal Conditioners, Compres-
sor Oil, or Refrigerants.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 177
7

•Make sure that the radiator and bottle overflow hoses
are not kinked or obstructed.
•Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle has
air conditioning, keep the front of the condenser clean
also.
•Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory cooling performance.
Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions,
and excessive swelling suggest deterioration of the rub-
ber. Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to
high heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspecthose routing to be sure hoses do not touch any heat
source or moving component that may cause heat dam-
age or mechanical wear.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose connections such as clamps and cou-
plings to make sure they are secure and no leaks are
present.
Components should be replaced immediately if there is
any evidence of degradation that could result in failure.Brake System
To assure brake system performance, all brake system
components should be inspected periodically. Suggested
service intervals can be found in Section 8 of this manual.
188 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

The frame of your Viper is galvanized for rust-through
protection. It is also dipped in a black E-Coat to protect
the welded areas. Avoid any scratches through to bare
metal.
Commercial Car Washes
We do not recommend that you take your Viper through
a commercial car wash.
In the event that you do take your Viper to a commercial
car wash, move the Heater/Air Conditioning blower
control to the lowest setting. This will prevent the possi-
bility of water entering the system.
CAUTION!
The tires on your Viper are wider than the guide
tracks on most washes and the low ground clearance
of your vehicle may not be compatible with some car
wash equipment. You could damage your vehicle.
FUSES—Power Distribution Center
A power distribution center is located in the engine
compartment. This center contains fuses and relays.
CAUTION!
•When installing the Power Distribution Center
cover, it is important to ensure the cover is prop-
erly positioned and fully latched. Failure to do so
may allow water to get into the Power Distribu-
tion Center, and possibly result in a electrical
system failure.
•When replacing a blown fuse, it is important to
use only a fuse having the correct amperage
rating. The use of a fuse with a rating other than
indicated may result in a dangerous electrical
system overload. If a properly rated fuse contin-
ues to blow, it indicates a problem in the circuit
that must be corrected.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 197
7

About Your Brakes....................... 117
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) System............... 87
Accessory Delay, Power..................13,26
Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze).......... 185
Adding Fuel........................... 145
Adding Washer Fluid..................... 182
Additives, Fuel......................... 144
Adjustable Pedals........................ 79
Aiming Headlights....................... 212
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter) . . . 171
Air Conditioner Maintenance............... 176
Air Conditioning.....................104,176
Air Conditioning Refrigerant............... 177
Air Pressure, Tires....................... 131
Airbag................................ 41
Airbag Deployment....................... 45
Airbag Light..........................44,91
Airbag Maintenance....................... 49
Airbag On/Off Switch...................35,46Alarm System........................... 20
Alignment and Balance................... 138
Alterations/Modifications, Vehicle............. 7
Antenna.............................. 103
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)...........184,185,212
Capacities........................... 212
Disposal............................ 186
Anti-Lock Warning Light................... 87
Anti-Theft Security Alarm.................. 20
Appearance Care........................ 194
Auto Down Power Windows................ 26
Automatic Door Locks..................... 15
Automatic Transmission
Adding Fluid......................... 214
Fluid Type........................... 214
Ball Joints............................. 179
Battery.............................90,171
Emergency Starting..................... 150
244 INDEX