transmission DODGE VIPER 2013 VX / 3.G User Guide

cruise 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 trans-
mission directly from first gear into fourth gear
instead of from first gear into second gear. This
is to help you get the best possible fuel
economy from your vehicle. This occurs when engine coolant is higher than 107°F (42°C), and vehicle speed is
greater than 16 mph (26 km/h) but less than 18 mph
(29 km/h), and engine speed is less than 1,650 RPM, and
the transmission is in first gear, and the accelerator is at
20% throttle or less. The “Skip Shift Indicator Light”
located in the tachometer will illuminate during these
times.
When the “Skip Shift Indicator Light” illuminates, the
shift mechanism 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.
208 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!
If you skip more than one gear while downshifting
or downshift at too high a vehicle speed, you could
damage the engine, transmission, or clutch.
WARNING!
Skipping more than one gear while downshifting,
could cause you to lose control of your vehicle. You
could have a collision.
STREET/RACE MODE – IF EQUIPPED
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic controlled
damping system. This system allows for a street suspen-
sion damping setting or a firmer race suspension damp-
ing setting. When in street mode the system automati-
cally shifts the suspension dampers to the firmer Race
damping setting during some hard acceleration andbraking situations. The system also reduces body roll and
pitch in many driving situations including acceleration
and braking. There are two modes of operation:
NOTE:
With the ignition in the ON/RUN position, the
suspension damping system will be in the last mode the
system was in when the vehicle was turned off. The
driver can select either Street or Race damping mode at
any time.
• Street Mode — This mode will give a sporty, but
comfortable ride. Within this mode, the suspension
will adapt to the vehicle inputs, including vehicle
speed, braking and acceleration. This mode is driver
selectable when the vehicle is placed in STREET mode
(press the “STREET” button on the Instrument Panel).
This mode will set suspension for maximum perfor-
mance handling and is intended for a smoother ride on
the various types of pavement and road conditions
while still providing damping levels appropriate ex-
treme capabilities.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 209

If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-
tion.
PARKING BRAKE
The parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
WARNING!
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure you fully apply
the parking brake and shift the transmission into
REVERSE. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to
roll and cause damage or injury.
As an added precaution when parking the vehicle, turn
the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade
and away from the curb on an uphill grade.
To apply the parking brake, grasp the handle and pull it
rearward until you feel resistance. To release the parking
brake, grasp the handle and pull it slightly while pressing
the button on the end of the handle. When the button
216 STARTING AND OPERATING

Safe Operating Tips
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
braking can cause brake fade with loss of braking
control. Avoid repeated heavy braking by down-
shifting the transmission whenever possible.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•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,
braking 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.
Anti-Lock Brake System
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) is designed to aid the
driver in maintaining vehicle control under adverse brak-
ing conditions. The system operates with a separate com-
puter to modulate hydraulic pressure to prevent wheel
lock-up and help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 219

Emergency Fuel Filler Door Release
If you are unable to open the fuel filler door, use the fuel
filler door emergency release.
1. Open the trunk.
2. Remove the access cover (located on the right sideinner trim panel). 3. Pull the release cable.TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with this vehicle is not recommended.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.)
Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle (Flat towing with all four wheels on the ground)
Towing Condition
Wheels OFF The Ground Manual Transmission
Flat Tow None
•Transmission in NEUTRAL
• 65 mph (105 km/h) maximum
speed
Dolly Tow FrontNot Recommended
Rear Not Recommended
On Trailer AllOK
254 STARTING AND OPERATING

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located in the
center of the instrument panel above the climate controls.Press the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher. When the switch is activated, all direc-
tional turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming
traffic of an emergency. Press the switch a second time to
turn off the Hazard Warning flasher.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not
be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flasher will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position.
NOTE: With extended use the Hazard Warning flasher
may wear down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
• On the highways — Slow down and use the highest
gear possible.
• In city traffic — While stopped, put the transmission
in NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
• 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 (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C
system adds heat to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
258 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!(Continued)
•TIREFIT Sealant solution contains latex. In case of
an allergic reaction or rash, consult a physician
immediately. Keep TIREFIT out of reach of children.
If swallowed, rinse mouth immediately with plenty
of water and drink plenty of water. Do not induce
vomiting! Consult a physician immediately.
Sealing A Tire With TIREFIT
(A) Whenever You Stop To Use TIREFIT:
1. Pull over to a safe location and turn on the vehicle’s Hazard Warning flashers.
2. Verify that the valve stem (on the wheel with the deflated tire) is in a position that is near to the ground.
This will allow the TIREFIT Hoses (6) and (7) to reach
the valve stem and keep the TIREFIT kit flat on the
ground. This will provide the best positioning of the kit when injecting the sealant into the deflated tire and
running the air pump. Move the vehicle as necessary
to place the valve stem in this position before proceed-
ing.
3. Place the transmission in Gear and place the ignition in the OFF position.
4. Set the parking brake.
(B) Setting Up To Use TIREFIT:
1. Turn the Mode Select Knob (5) to the Sealant Mode position.
2. Uncoil the Sealant Hose (6) and then remove the cap from the fitting at the end of the hose.
3. Place the TIREFIT kit flat on the ground next to the deflated tire.
264 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

4. Remove the cap from the valve stem and then screwthe fitting at the end of the Sealant Hose (6) onto the
valve stem.
5. Uncoil the Power Plug (8) and insert the plug into the vehicle’s 12 Volt power outlet.
NOTE: Do not remove foreign objects (e.g., screws or
nails) from the tire.
(C) Injecting TIREFIT Sealant Into The Deflated
Tire:
• Always start the engine before turning ON the TIRE-
FIT kit.
NOTE: Manual transmission vehicles must have the
parking brake engaged and the shift lever in NEUTRAL.
• After pressing the Power Button (4), the sealant (white
fluid) will flow from the Sealant Bottle (1) through the
Sealant Hose (6) and into the tire. NOTE:
Sealant may leak out through the puncture in the
tire.
If the sealant (white fluid) does not flow within0–10
seconds through the Sealant Hose (6):
1. Press the Power Button (4) to turn Off the TIREFIT kit. Disconnect the Sealant Hose (6) from the valve stem.
Make sure the valve stem is free of debris. Reconnect
the Sealant Hose (6) to the valve stem. Check that the
Mode Select Knob (5) is in the Sealant Mode position
and not Air Mode. Press the Power Button (4) to turn
On the TIREFIT kit.
2. Connect the Power Plug (8) to a different 12 Volt power outlet in your vehicle or another vehicle, if
available. Make sure the engine is running before
turning ON the TIREFIT kit.
3. The Sealant Bottle (1) may be empty due to previous use. Call for assistance.6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 265

1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelrysuch as watchbands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When boost is provided by a battery in another vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach,
but without allowing the vehicles touch one another.
3. Set the parking brake, place the transmission in NEU- TRAL, and turn the ignition OFF on both vehicles.
4. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electri- cal loads.
5. Remove the plastic fuse cover to gain access to the remote jump-start positive post (+)in the engine
compartment. Refer to the following illustration for
remote jump-starting connections. 1 — Positive Battery Post (+)
2 — Negative Battery Post (-)
Remote Jump Start Connections6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 271

CAUTION!(Continued)
•Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission or clutch overheating and
failure. It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the
wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no
transmission shifting occurring).
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces gener-
ated by excessive wheel speeds may cause damage, or
even failure, of the axle and tires. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your vehi-
cle’s wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h) or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously without stop-
ping when you are stuck. And do not let anyone near
a spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Do not tow with sling-type equipment. Only use flatbed
equipment. Always comply with applicable state or local
towing ordinances.
CAUTION!
Towing this vehicle in violation of the above require-
ments can cause severe transmission damage. Dam-
age from improper towing is not covered under the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
274 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES