clutch DODGE VIPER 2009 ZB II / 2.G Owners Manual

A WORD ABOUT YOUR KEYS
You can insert the double-sided keys into the locks with
either side up.
The authorized dealer that sold you your new vehicle has
the key code numbers for your vehicle’s locks. These
numbers can be used to order duplicate keys from your
authorized dealer or a locksmith. Ask your authorized
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 shift lever into 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
1 — ACC 4 — ON/RUN
2 — OFF/LOCK 5 — RELEASE Button
3 — UNLOCK 12 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Normal Starting
CAUTION!
The engine in your vehicle is designed for operation
down to 0°F (-18°C). Starting the engine below 0°F
(-18°C) creates a potential for scuffing or seizing of
internal components in this very high performance
engine. To prevent engine damage, do not start the
engine at temperatures below 0°F (-18°C).
NOTE:
•You must disarm the security system in order to start
the engine. For details, refer to “Security Alarm Sys-
tem” in Section 2 of this manual
•Normal Starting of either a cold or a warm engine does
not require pumping or depressing the accelerator
pedal. However, if the engine has not started within
three seconds, slightly depress the accelerator pedalwhile continuing to crank. If the engine fails to start
within 15 seconds, turn the key to the OFF/LOCK
position, wait five seconds, then repeat the normal
starting procedure.
To start the engine:
1. Fully apply the parking brake.
2. Press the clutch pedal to the floor.
NOTE:The engine will not start unless the clutch pedal
is pressed to the floor.
3. Place the gear selector in NEUTRAL
4. Insert the ignition key fully into the ignition switch
5. Turn the key to the ON/RUN position.
STARTING AND OPERATING 135
5

WARNING! (Continued)
•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 carefully. See section 6 of
this manual for jump starting instructions.
If the engine is flooded, it may start to run, but not have
enough power to continue running when the ENGINE
START button is released. If this occurs, continue crank-
ing up to 15 seconds with the accelerator pedal pushed
all the way to the floor. Release the accelerator pedal and
the ENGINE START button once the engine is running
smoothly.If the engine shows no sign of starting after two 15 sec-
ond periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal held
to the floor, the NORMAL STARTING procedure should
be repeated.
After Starting
The idle speed will automatically decrease as the engine
warms up.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
NOTE:The parking brake should be engaged and the
shift lever selector placed in REVERSE before leaving the
vehicle, especially when parked on an incline.
Your vehicle is equipped with a high torque capacity dual
disc clutch. The clutch pedal must be fully depressed to
the floor during each shift. As you release the clutch
pedal, lightly depress the accelerator pedal.
STARTING AND OPERATING 137
5

CAUTION!
Failure to depress the clutch pedal fully to the floor
may cause increased shift efforts, and may result in
damage to the clutch and transmission.
Be sure the transmission is in FIRST gear when moving
forward from a standing position.
CAUTION!
Failure to start out in FIRST gear when moving
forward from a starting position may result in dam-
age to the clutch.
You will find it easier to use only the lower gears for most
city driving. For steady highway driving with light
accelerations, SIXTH 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:
•Your vehicle is equipped with a transmission reverse
inhibitor system. When vehicle speed is greater than
5 mph (8 km/h), the reverse inhibitor activates to help
prevent shifts into REVERSE. When at a complete
stop, you may notice light shift efforts into REVERSE
with the ignition key ON, and increased shift efforts
into REVERSE with the ignition key OFF. This is
normal operation of the transmission reverse inhibitor
system.
138 STARTING AND OPERATING

•Shifting gears during cold weather may require an
increased effort until the transmission lubricant is
warm. This is normal and not harmful to the transmis-
sion.
•Due to the high performance nature of your drivetrain,
a certain amount of noise from the transmission is
normal. This noise can be most noticeable when the
vehicle is idling in NEUTRAL with the clutch engaged
(clutch pedal released), but it may also be heard when
driving. The noise may also be more noticeable when
the transmission is warm. This noise is normal and is
not an indication of a problem with your clutch or
transmission.
Recommended Shift Speeds
To use your manual transmission for fuel economy it
should be upshifted as listed below. Shift at the vehicle
speeds listed for acceleration. Earlier upshifts duringcruise conditions (relatively steady speeds) will result in
increased fuel economy, and may be used as indicated.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
RECOMMENDED SHIFT SPEEDS
1-2 2-3 3-4 4-5 5-6
mph 15 25 40 45 50
(km/h) (24) (40) (64) (72) (80)
Higher upshift speeds may be used to obtain a desired
acceleration rate.
Skip Shift Indicator Light
There are times when you must shift the transmis-
sion directly from FIRST gear to FOURTH gear
instead of from FIRST gear to SECOND gear. This is to
help you get the best possible fuel economy from your
vehicle. This occurs when engine coolant is higher than
106°F (41°C), and vehicle speed is greater than 12 mph
(19 km/h) but less than 20 mph (32 km/h), and engine
speed is less than 1,322 RPM, and the transmission is in
STARTING AND OPERATING 139
5

FIRST gear, and the accelerator is at 1/4 throttle or less.
The Skip Shift Indicator Light located in the tachometer
will turn Amber during these times.
When the indicator light turns amber, the shift mecha-
nism will only allow shifts from FIRST gear to FOURTH
gear. After you shift the transmission into FOURTH gear,
you can press the clutch in and shift to another forward
gear.
Downshifting - Proper downshifting will improve fuel
economy and prolong engine life.
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.
140 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Brake System....................... 222
▫Manual Transmission.................. 224
▫Hydraulic Clutch..................... 224
▫Rear Axle.......................... 226
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion.......................... 226
Fuses.............................. 230
▫Power Distribution Center.............. 230
▫Mini-Power Distribution Center.......... 233
Vehicle Storage....................... 234
Replacement Bulbs..................... 236
Bulb Replacement..................... 237▫Auxiliary High Beam Headlight, Front
Park/Turn Signal Light, Front Side Marker
Light............................. 237
▫High Intensity Discharge Headlights (HID) . . 238
▫Front Fog Light...................... 239
▫
Taillight, Tail/Stop Light, Rear Marker Light. . 240
▫
Taillight, Tail/Stop Light, Rear Marker Light
(Coupe Models)
...................... 241
▫Backup Light, Rear Turn Signal Light...... 242
▫License Light....................... 245
Fluids And Capacities................... 246
Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts....... 247
▫Engine............................ 247
▫Chassis............................ 248
198 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 8.4L
1 — Coolant Pressure Cap 6 — Clutch Fluid Reservoir
2 — Engine Oil Dipstick 7 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
3 — Power Distribution Center 8 — Engine Oil Fill
4 — Remote Jump Start Positive Battery Post 9 — Air Cleaner Filter
5 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Washer Fluid ReservoirMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 1997

Change Brake Fluid
Brake fluid will tend to absorb moisture from the atmo-
sphere over time. If the fluid becomes contaminated with
water, brake performance will deteriorate. Therefore, the
brake fluid must be changed at the intervals specified in
“Maintenance Schedules” in Section 8 of this manual. See
your authorized dealer for service.
Manual Transmission
Transmission Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid in the transmission when performing
other underhood services.
Check the fluid level by removing the fill plug located on
the left side of the transmission. The fluid level should be
at the bottom of the fill hole. Add fluid, if necessary, to
maintain the proper level. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants,
and Genuine Parts” in this section for the correct fluid
type.
CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration
in transmission shift quality and/or damage to the
transmission. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts” in this section for the correct fluid
type.
Change Transmission Fluid
Change the fluid at the intervals specified in “Mainte-
nance Schedules” in Section 8 of this manual. If contami-
nated with water, change the fluid immediately. See your
authorized dealer for service.
Hydraulic Clutch
Master Cylinder — Clutch Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid in the clutch master cylinder when
performing underhood services.
224 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

Clean the top of the master cylinder area before removing
the cap. If necessary, add fluid to the reservoir.
Do Not Overfill. Overfilling can cause clutch release
problems as the clutch wears. A low fluid level may
indicate a leak, in which case, hydraulic clutch linkage
replacement may be required. The fluid level in the
reservoir will rise as the clutch wears - do not remove
fluid.
Use only the manufacturer’s recommended clutch fluid.
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in this
section for the correct fluid type.
WARNING!
Overfilling the clutch fluid reservoir can result in
spilling clutch fluid on hot engine parts and the
clutch fluid catching fire.Use only clutch fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter.
CAUTION!
•Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate
the clutch fluid, all clutch seal components could
be damaged causing partial or complete clutch
failure.
•Clutch fluid can damage the finish of your vehicle.
Do not allow clutch fluid to contact any painted
surface.
Change Clutch Fluid
Clutch fluid will tend to absorb moisture from the
atmosphere over time. If the fluid becomes contaminated
with water, clutch performance will deteriorate. There-
fore, the clutch fluid must be changed at the intervals
specified in “Maintenance Schedules” in Section 8 of this
manual. See your authorized dealer for service.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 225
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