DODGE VIPER 2010 ZB II / 2.G Repair Manual

WARNING!
In an accident, an unrestrained child, even a tiny
baby, can become a projectile inside the vehicle. The
force required to hold even an infant on your lap
could become so great that you could not hold the
child, no matter how strong you are. The child and
others could be injured badly. Any child riding in
your vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the
child’s size.
There are different sizes and types of restraints for
children from newborn size to the child almost large
enough for an adult safety belt. Always check the child
seat Owner’s Manual to ensure you have the correct seat
for your child. Use the restraint that is correct for your
child.
Infant and Child Restraints
•
Safety experts recommend that children ride
rearward-facing in the vehicle until they are at least
one year old andweigh at least 20 lbs (9 kg). Two types
of child restraints can be used rearward-facing: infant
carriers and “convertible” child seats.
•The infant carrier is only used rearward-facing in the
vehicle. It is recommended for children who weigh up
to about 20 lbs (9 kg). “Convertible” child seats can be
used either rearward-facing or forward-facing in the
vehicle. Convertible child seats often have a higher
weight limit in the rearward-facing direction than
infant carriers do, so they can be used rearward-facing
by children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) but are
less than one year old. Both types of child restraints are
held in the vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 57

WARNING!
A rearward-facing infant restraint must not be used
in your vehicle unless the passenger airbag has been
turned off. A rearward-facing infant restraint may be
struck by a deploying passenger airbag, which may
cause severe or fatal injury to the infant.
Older Children and Child Restraints
Children who weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg) and who are
older than one year can ride forward-facing in the
vehicle. Forward-facing child seats and convertible child
seats used in the forward-facing direction are for children
who weigh 20 to 40 lbs (9 to 18 kg) and who are older
than one year. These child seats are also held in the
vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt.
The belt-positioning booster seat is for children weighing
more than 40 lbs (18 kg), but who are still too small to fit
the vehicle’s seat belts properly. If the child cannot sitwith knees bent over the vehicle’s seat cushion while the
child’s back is against the seat back, they should use a
belt-positioning booster seat. The child and belt-
positioning booster seat are held in the vehicle by the
lap/shoulder belt.
Children Too Large for Booster Seats
Children who are large enough to wear the shoulder belt
comfortably, and whose legs are long enough to bend
over the front of the seat when their back is against the
seat back, should use the lap/shoulder belt in a rear seat.
•Make sure that the child is upright in the seat.
•The lap portion should be low on the hips and as snug
as possible.
•Check belt fit periodically. A child’s squirming or
slouching can move the belt out of position.
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•If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck, move the
child closer to the center of the vehicle. Never allow a
child to put the shoulder belt under an arm or behind
their back.
NOTE: For additional information, refer to
www.seatcheck.org or call 1–866–SEATCHECK. Cana-
dian residents, should refer to Transport Canada’s web-
site for additional information. http://www.tc.gc.ca/
roadsafety/safedrivers/childsafety/index.htm
WARNING!
Improper installation can lead to failure of a child
restraint. It could come loose in an accident. The
child could be injured badly or killed. Follow the
manufacturer’s directions exactly when installing a
child restraint. Here are some tips on getting the most out of your child
restraint:
•Before buying any restraint system, make sure that it
has a label certifying that it meets all applicable Safety
Standards. Chrysler Group LLC also recommends that
you make sure that you can install the child restraint in
the vehicle where you will use it before you buy it.
•The restraint must be appropriate for your child’s
weight and height. Check the label on the restraint for
weight and height limits.
•Carefully follow the instructions that come with the
restraint. If you install the restraint improperly, it may
not work when you need it.
•Buckle the child into the seat according to the child
restraint manufacturer’s directions.
•When your child restraint is not in use, secure it in the
vehicle with the seat belt or remove it from the vehicle.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 59

Do not leave it loose in the vehicle. In a sudden stop or
accident, it could strike the occupants or seat backs
and cause serious personal injury.
Child Restraint Tether Anchor
Child restraints having tether straps and hooks
for connection to tether anchors have been
available for some time. In fact, many child
restraint manufacturers will provide add-on
tether-strap kits for some of their older products. There is
a tether strap anchor located behind the child tether
access cover behind the passenger seat.
To attach a child restraint tether strap:
1. Move the seat forward.
2. Move the seatback to its full forward position.
3. Remove the child tether access cover by prying either
side with a screwdriver or similar tool, as shown. NOTE:
While the child tether is in use, keep the access
cover in a safe place so that it can be replaced after use of
the child tether.
4. Pass the child restraint tether hook through either
opening in the seatback underneath the head restraint.
Child Tether Access Cover
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5. Attach the tether hook to the anchor loop.
6. Move the seat to its farthest rearward position. Apply
body pressure to the seat to be sure the seat adjusters
have latched.7. Return the seatback to an upright position.
8. Install the child restraint according to the manufactur-
er’s directions.
9. Remove slack from the tether strap according to the
child restraint manufacturer’s directions.
WARNING!
An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to
increased head motion and possible injury to the
child. Use only the anchor position directly behind
the child seat to secure a child restraint top tether
strap.
Tether Hook
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61

Installing Child Restraints Using the Vehicle Seat
belt
The passenger seat belt is equipped with an automatic
locking retractor for child restraint system installation. It
is designed to keep the lap portion of the restraint held
tightly to the passenger seat (Refer to “Automatic Lock-
ing Mode”).
To restrain the child seat:
1. Pull enough webbing from the retractor to allow the
belt to pass through the child restraint and insert the latch
plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.”
2. Grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and pull all of
the webbing out of the retractor.
3. Allow some of the webbing to retract back into the
retractor. As the belt retracts, you will hear a clicking
sound indicating that the belt is now in Automatic
Locking Mode.4. Tighten the lap portion of the belt and allow the excess
webbing to retract back to the retractor. If it still does not
make the child restraint secure, then secure the child
restraint with the Child Restraint Tether Anchor.
NOTE:
Once the belt is in Automatic Locking Mode,
you will not be able to pull any more of the webbing out
of the retractor. In this mode, you will only be able to
retract excess webbing into the retractor to secure the
child restraint.
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 an accident.
Pets should be restrained in pet harnesses or pet carriers
that are secured by seat belts.
62 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the drivetrain
(engine, transmission, and rear axle) in your new vehicle.
Following these few simple guidelines is all that is
necessary for a good break-in.
For the first 500 miles (800 km):
•Keep your vehicle speed below the legal, posted speed
limit and your engine speed below 4,000 RPM.
•Avoid driving at a constant speed, either fast or slow,
for long periods.
•Do not make any full throttle starts and avoid full
throttle acceleration.
•Use the proper gear for your speed range.
•Wait until the engine has reached normal operating
temperature before driving at the recommended maxi-
mum break-in speed.
•Avoid excessive idling.
•Check the engine oil level at every fuel fill.
NOTE: A new engine will consume some oil during the
first few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This
should be considered a normal part of the break-in and
not interpreted as a sign of difficulty.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 63

SAFETY TIPS
Transporting Passengers
NEVER TRANSPORT PASSENGERS IN THE CARGO
AREA.
WARNING!
•Do not leave children or animals inside parked
vehicles in hot weather. Interior heat build-up may
cause serious injury or death.
•It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people
riding in these areas are more likely to be seri-
ously injured or killed.
•Do not allow people to ride in any area of your
vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat
belts.
•Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a seat belt properly.
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 these safety tips:
Do 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.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.
64 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

If you are required to drive with the trunk/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.
The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent mechanic inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays, and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a
collision. Rear seat belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged (i.e., bent retractor,
torn webbing, etc.). If there is any question regarding belt
or retractor condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for four to eight
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting, see your
authorized dealer. If the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system checked by an autho-
rized dealer.
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 65

Defroster
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. See your autho-
rized dealer for service if your defroster is inoperable.
Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit the foot well of
your vehicle. Use only floor mats that leave the pedal
area unobstructed and that are firmly secured so that
they cannot slip out of position and interfere with the
pedals or impair safe operation of your vehicle in other
ways.
WARNING!
Pedals that cannot move freely can cause loss of
vehicle control and increase the risk of serious per-
sonal injury.(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Always make sure that floor mats are properly
attached to the floor mat fasteners.
•Never place or install floor mats or other floor
coverings in the vehicle that cannot be properly
secured to prevent them from moving and inter-
fering with the pedals or the ability to control the
vehicle.
•Never put floor mats or other floor coverings on
top of already installed floor mats. Additional
floor mats and other coverings will reduce the size
of the pedal area and interfere with the pedals.
•Check mounting of mats on a regular basis. Al-
ways properly reinstall and secure floor mats that
have been removed for cleaning.(Continued)
66 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE