steering wheel DODGE VIPER 2015 VX / 3.G Owner's Manual

Electronic Stability Control
In full on mode the TCS system enhances directional
control and stability of the vehicle under various driving
conditions. The ESC corrects for oversteering and under-
steering the vehicle by applying the brake of the appro-
priate wheel. Engine power may also be reduced to assist
in counteracting the condition of oversteer or understeer
and help the vehicle maintain the desired path.
In full on mode ESC utilizes sensors in the vehicle to
determine the path that the driver intends to steer the
vehicle and compares it to the actual path of the vehicle.
When the actual path does not match the intended path,
the ESC applies the brake of the appropriate wheel to
assist in counteracting the condition of oversteer or
understeer.
•Oversteer – when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
•Understeer – when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
WARNING!
The Electronic Stability Control System (ESC) cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on
the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded
by prevailing road conditions. ESC cannot prevent
all accidents, including those resulting from exces-
sive speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces,
or hydroplaning. ESC also cannot prevent accidents
resulting from loss of vehicle control due to inappro-
priate driver input for the conditions. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents.
The capabilities of an ESC equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
which could jeopardize the user ’s safety or the safety
of others.
244 STARTING AND OPERATING

#ESC OFF#message will display in the vehicle cluster (left
of the odometer). The “ESC OFF” message may appear in
the Driver Information Display (DID). Refer to “Driver
Information Display (DID)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” for further information. To turn ESC
ON again, momentarily press the “ESC Off” switch.
WARNING!
With the ESC switched OFF, the enhanced vehicle
stability offered by ESC is unavailable. In an emer-
gency evasive maneuver, the ESC system will not
engage to assist in maintaining stability. The “Full
Off” ESC mode is intended for off-highway or off-
road only.
Sport Mode — If Equipped
Sport mode has reduced traction control and reduced
stability control. To enter the “Sport Mode” mode, press
the “ESC” switch once (located on the steering wheel).
The “ESC Sport Light” will illuminate, and the#ESC
SPORT#message will display in the vehicle cluster (left of
the odometer). Refer to “Driver Information Display
(DID)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
Track Mode — If Equipped
Track Mode has no traction control and has reduced
stability control. To enter the “Track Mode” mode, press
the “ESC” switch twice. The “ESC Track Light” will
illuminate, and the#ESC TRACK#message will display in
the vehicle cluster (left of the odometer). Refer to “Driver
Information Display (DID)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” for further information.
Rain Mode
Rain mode offers increased traction control and stability
control for low traction conditions such as wet roads, dry
246 STARTING AND OPERATING

wear and correct cold tire inflation pressures. The manu-
facturer strongly recommends that you use tires equiva-
lent to the originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed. Refer to the paragraph on
“Tread Wear Indicator.” Refer to the Tire and Loading
Information placard or the Vehicle Certification Label for
the size designation of your tire. The Load Index and
Speed Symbol for your tire will be found on the original
equipment tire sidewall. See the Tire Sizing Chart ex-
ample found in the Tire Safety Information section of this
manual for more information relating to the Load Index
and Speed Symbol of a tire.
It is recommended to replace the two front tires or two
rear tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire can seriously
affect your vehicle’s handling. If you ever replace a
wheel, make sure that the wheel’s specifications match
those of the original wheels.
It is recommended you contact your authorized tire
dealer or original equipment dealer with any questions
you may have on tire specifications or capability. Failure
to use equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect
the safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle.
WARNING!
•Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than
that specified for your vehicle. Some combinations
of unapproved tires and wheels may change sus-
pension dimensions and performance characteris-
tics, resulting in changes to steering, handling, and
braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredict-
able handling and stress to steering and suspen-
sion components. You could lose control and have
a collision resulting in serious injury or death. Use
only the tire and wheel sizes with load ratings
approved for your vehicle.
(Continued)
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 269

CAUTION!
Accessories plugged into the vehicle power outlets
draw power from the vehicle’s battery, even when not
in use (i.e., cellular phones, etc.). Eventually, if
plugged in long enough without engine operation,
the vehicle’s battery will discharge sufficiently to
degrade battery life and/or prevent the engine from
starting.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it
can often be moved using a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between 1st gear
and REVERSE, while gently pushing the accelerator. Use
the least amount of pressure to maintain the rocking
motion, without spinning the wheels, or racing the
engine.
CAUTION!
•When “rocking” a stuck vehicle by shifting be-
tween 1st gear and REVERSE, do not spin the
wheels faster than 15 mph (24 km/h), or drivetrain
damage may result.
•Revving the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission overheating and failure.
It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the wheels
above 30 mph (48 km/h) while in gear (no trans-
mission shifting occurring).
6
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 307

3. Press the right arrow button on the steering wheel
controls for one second. Vehicle will countdown from
ten seconds and enter Hibernation Mode.
NOTE:You may press the right arrow button on the
steering wheel controls during the countdown to abort
Hibernation Mode.
To Deactivate Hibernation Mode
1. Press the RKE UNLOCK button to unlock the vehicle.
2. Press the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air conditioner
should be checked and serviced by an authorized dealer
at the start of each warm season. This service should
include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt tension should also be checked at this
time.
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
Warranty Information Book, located on the DVD,
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 technician.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 321

Seats...................................94
Adjustment............................94
Reclining..............................96
Security Alarm............................17
Selection Of Coolant (Antifreeze)..............358
Selection Of Oil..........................316
SENTRY KEY®
FCC General Information..................16
Key Programming.......................16
Sentry Key (Immobilizer)....................14
Sentry Key Replacement.....................15
Service Assistance.........................371
Service Contract..........................373
Service Engine Soon Light (Malfunction Indicator) . .151
Service Manuals..........................376
Shift Indicator Light.......................228
Shift Speeds.............................225
Shoulder Belts............................35
Signals, Turn.............................85
Snow Chains (Tire Chains)...................270
Snow Tires..............................263
Spare Tire...............................265
Spark Plugs.............................358
Speed Control (Cruise Control)................114
Speedometer.............................144
Sport Mode.............................155
Starting................................222
Emergency (Jump Starting)................303
Engine Fails To Start.....................224
Starting And Operating.....................222
Starting Procedures........................222
Steering
Column Controls.......................105
Power...............................235
Tilt Column...........................111
Steering Wheel Audio Controls...............194
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System Controls . . .194
Storage................................351
392 INDEX