warning DODGE VIPER 2005 ZB / 2.G Service Manual

WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic
converter and once the engine has started, ignite and
damage the converter and vehicle. If the vehicle has
a discharged battery, booster cables may be used to
obtain a start from a booster battery or the battery in
another vehicle. This type of start can be dangerous
if done improperly, so follow this procedure care-
fully. See section 6 of this manual for jump starting
instructions.
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“NORMAL STARTING”procedure, it may be flooded.
Push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and
hold it there while cranking the engine. This should clear
any excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.NOTE:To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank
the engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the start
button is released. If this occurs, continue cranking with
the accelerator pedal pushed all the way to the floor.
Release the accelerator pedal and the start button once
the engine is running smoothly.
If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15
second periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal
held to the floor, the“NORMAL STARTING”procedure
should be repeated.
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After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
TRANSMISSION SHIFTING
NOTE:The parking brake should be engaged and the
gear selector placed in REVERSE before leaving the
vehicle, especially on an incline.
Fully depress the clutch pedal before you shift gears. As
you release the clutch pedal, lightly depress the accelera-
tor pedal.Be sure the transmission is in FIRST gear, (not THIRD),
when starting from a standing position. Damage to the
clutch can result from starting in THIRD.
For most city driving you will find it easier to use only
the lower gears. For steady highway driving with light
accelerations, 6th gear is recommended.
Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, or
try to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal
partially engaged. This will cause abnormal wear on the
clutch.
Never shift into REVERSE until the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.
NOTE:During cold weather, until the transmission
lubricant has warmed, you may have difficulty shifting.
This is normal and not harmful to the transmission.
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To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, down-
shift to maintain a safe speed when descending a steep
grade.
WARNING!
Skipping more than one gear while downshifting,
could cause you to lose control of your vehicle. You
could have an accident.
CAUTION!
If you skip more than one gear while downshifting
or downshift at too high an engine speed, you could
damage the engine, transmission, or clutch.
PARKING BRAKE
When you apply the parking brake with the ignition ON,
the brake system warning light in the instrument cluster
will come on.
NOTE:This light shows only that the parking brake is
on. It does not show the degree of brake application.
Parking Brake
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Before leaving the vehicle, make sure you fully apply the
parking brake. Place the transmission in REVERSE. Fail-
ure to do so may cause the vehicle to roll and cause
damage or injury.
As an added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.
Always apply the parking brake whenever you are not in
the vehicle.WARNING!
Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is danger-
ous for a number of reasons. A child or others could
be injured. Children should be warned not to touch
the parking brake release lever or the gear selection
lever as doing so may move the vehicle. Don’t leave
the keys in the ignition. Be sure the parking brake is
fully disengaged before driving: failure to do so can
lead to brake failure, and an accident.
BRAKE SYSTEM
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) is designed to aid the
driver in maintaining vehicle control under adverse
braking conditions. The system operates with a separate
computer to modulate hydraulic pressure to prevent
wheel lock-up and help avoid skidding on slippery
surfaces.
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All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type as the original equipment wheels and tires must be
properly inflated to produce accurate signals for the
computer.
WARNING!
Significant over or under inflation of tires, or mixing
sizes of front or rear tires or wheels on the vehicle
can lead to loss of braking effectiveness.
The Anti-Lock Brake System conducts a low-speed self-
test at about 12 mph (20 km/h). If you have your foot
lightly on the brake while this test is occurring, you may
feel slight pedal movement. The movement can be more
apparent on ice and snow. This is normal.The Anti-Lock Brake System pump motor runs during
the self-test at 12 mph (20 km/h) and during an ABS stop.
The pump motor makes a low humming noise during
operation, which is normal.
WARNING!
Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish
their effectiveness and may lead to an accident.
Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just
press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to
slow down or stop.
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CAUTION!
The Anti-Lock Brake System is subject to possible
detrimental effects of electronic interference caused
by improperly installed after-market radios or tele-
phones.
WARNING!
•Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
•The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
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NOTE:During severe braking conditions, a pulsing
sensation may occur and a clicking noise will be heard.
This is normal, indicating that the Anti-Lock Brake
System is functioning.WARNING!
To use your brakes and accelerator more safely, follow
these tips:
•Do not“ride”the brakes by resting your foot on the
pedal. This could overheat the brakes and result in
unpredictable braking action, longer stopping dis-
tances, or brake damage.
•When descending mountains or hills, repeated brak-
ing can cause brake fade with loss of braking control.
Avoid repeated heavy braking by downshifting the
transmission whenever possible.
•Do not drive too fast for road conditions, especially
when roads are wet or slushy. A wedge of water can
build up between the tire tread and the road. This
hydroplaning action can cause loss of traction, brak-
ing ability, and control.
•After going through deep water or a car wash, brakes
may become wet, resulting in decreased performance
and unpredictable braking action. Dry the brakes by
gentle, intermittent pedal action while driving at very
slow speeds.
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In the event power assist is lost for any reason (for
example, repeated brake applications with the engine
off), the brakes will still function. The effort required to
brake the vehicle will be much greater than that required
with the power system operating.
If either the front or rear hydraulic system loses normal
capability, the remaining system will still function with
some loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be
evident by increased pedal travel during application,
greater pedal force required to slow or stop, and activa-
tion of the Brake Warning Lamp during brake use.
NOTE:Your Viper has a very high performance braking
system. The brake pads are a semi-metallic compound
which has been selected for superior fade resistance and
consistent operation. A compromise is that under some
weather and operating conditions, the brakes may squeal
slightly during light brake applications.Brake Pad Break-In
The brakes on your new Viper do not require a long
break-in period, but avoid repeated hard brake applica-
tions from high speeds during initial break-in. Also avoid
severe brake loading such as may be encountered when
descending long mountain grades.
POWER STEERING
The power assisted steering system of your vehicle
provides mechanical steering capability in the event
power assist is lost.
If for some reason the hydraulic pressure is interrupted,
it will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions you will observe a substantial increase in
steering effort.
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WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading
can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and
increase your stopping distance. Use tires of the
recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never
overload them.
TIRES—GENERAL INFORMATION
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and
satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire pressure:1. Safety—
WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can cause
accidents.
•Under inflation increases tire flexing and can result in
tire failure.
•Over inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion shock.
Objects on the road and chuck holes can cause damage
that results in tire failure.
•Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems.
You could lose control of your vehicle.
•Over inflated or under inflated tires can affect vehicle
handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
•Unequal tire pressures from one side of the vehicle to
the other can cause the vehicle to drift to the right or left.
Always drive with each tire inflated to the recommended
cold tire inflation pressure.
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Tire Pressures for High Speed Operation
The manufacturer advocates driving at safe speeds
within posted speed limits. Where speed limits or condi-
tions are such that the vehicle can be driven at high
speeds, maintaining correct tire inflation pressure is very
important. Increased tire pressure and reduced vehicle
loading may be required for high speed vehicle opera-
tion. Refer to original equipment or an authorized tire
dealer for recommended safe operating speeds, loading
and cold tire inflation pressures.WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle under maxi-
mum load is dangerous. The added strain on your
tires could cause them to fail. You could have a
serious accident. Don’t drive a vehicle loaded to the
maximum capacity at continuous speeds above 75
mph (120 km/h).
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