warning DODGE VIPER 2017 VX / 3.G Manual Online

STARTING PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust your seat, adjust the
inside and outside mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and if
present, instruct any other occupant to buckle their seat belt.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving unat-
tended children in a vehicle is dangerous for a number
of reasons. A child or others could be seriously or
fatally injured. Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to children), and do
not leave the ignition of a vehicle equipped with
Keyless Enter-N-Go in the ACC or ON/RUN mode. A
child could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
•Long periods of engine idling, especially at higher
than normal engine idle speeds, can cause excessive
exhaust temperatures, which can damage your ve-
hicle. Do not leave your vehicle unattended with the
engine running.
• Running an engine with a low oil level can cause
severe damage. Check the engine oil level at every
fuel fill-up.
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) coolant temperature creates a potential for
scuffing or seizing of internal components in this high
performance engine. To prevent engine damage, do not
start the engine at temperatures below 0°F (-18°C).
190 STARTING AND OPERATING

If Engine Fails To Start
CAUTION!
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.
WARNING!
•Never pour fuel or other flammable liquids into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to start
the vehicle. This could result in a flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
• Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic con-
verter 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. Refer to “Jump-Starting” in “What To Do In
Emergencies” for further information. 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 cranking
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 second
periods of cranking with the accelerator pedal held to the
floor, the “Normal Starting” procedure should be repeated.
After Starting
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it will
decrease as the engine warms up.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
NOTE:
The parking brake should be engaged and the gear
selector placed into 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 pressed to the
floor during each shift. As you release the clutch pedal,
lightly press the accelerator pedal.
192 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 during cruise
conditions (relatively steady speeds) will result in in-
creased fuel economy, and may be used as indicated.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
RECOMMENDED SHIFT SPEEDS 1-4 4-5 5-6
mph 1745 50
(km/h) (27) (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 1,550 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, downshift
to maintain a safe speed when descending a steep grade.
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.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 195

4. Push and release the “LAUNCH” button (located on thesteering wheel controls).
5. Rapidly press the accelerator pedal to the floor within one second.
NOTE: If the instrument cluster message indicates all
conditions are correct for launch and the throttle is pressed
to the floor quickly (within approximately 1/2 second) the
system will hold the engine speed to a preset speed (below
the engine rev limiter speed).
6. Release the clutch aggressively. Do not ride the clutch. Release the accelerator pedal to deactivate launch control.
Pushing the launch control button or actuating the brakes
will also deactivate launch control.
NOTE:
•
Launch Mode brings the engine to optimum launch
RPM and waits for the driver to release the clutch.
Launch Mode then uses engine throttle only to achieve
controlled wheelslip for maximum acceleration through
first gear.
• Launch Mode can be used in any of the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) Modes.
• Launch Mode should not be used within the first 500
miles (805 km) of engine break-in.
WARNING!
Launch Mode is intended for off-highway or off-road
use only and should not be used on any public
roadways. It is recommended that this feature be used
in a controlled environment, and within the limits of
the law. The capabilities of the vehicle as measured by
the performance pages must never be exploited in a
(Continued)
LAUNCH Button
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WARNING!(Continued)
reckless or dangerous manner, which can jeopardize
the user ’s safety or the safety of others. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents.
TRACK USE
Guidelines For Track Use
NOTE:Because of the extreme conditions encountered
during track use, any damage or wear associated with
track use is not covered by warranty.
• It is recommended that the shocks be operated in RACE
mode, if equipped.
• ESC is track capable in all modes.
Prior To Each Track Event/Day
• Verify all fluids are at the correct levels. Refer to “Fluid
Capacities” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further
information.
• Verify the front and rear brake pads have more than ½
pad thickness remaining. If the brake pads require
changing, please burnish prior to track outing at full
pace. •
Tire pressure:
– 35psi hot recommended. This typically can be achieved with cold pressures between 25 and 29 psi,
depending on driver, track, and ambient conditions.
Conclusion Of Each Track Event
• It is recommended that a brake bleed procedure is
performed to maintain the pedal feel and stopping
capability of your brake system.
• It is recommended that each track outing should end
with a minimum of 1 cool down lap using minimal
braking.
• Following each track session, tires should be inspected
for wear.
NOTE:
• All SRT vehicles are track tested for 24 hours of endur-
ance, however, it is recommended that suspension sys-
tem, brake system, prop shaft, and ½ shaft boots should
be checked for wear or damage after every track event.
198 STARTING AND OPERATING

•Track usage results in increased operating temperatures
of the engine, transmission, clutch, driveline and brake
system. This may affect noise (NVH) countermeasures
designed into your vehicle. New components may need
to be installed to return the system to the original NVH
performance.
For ACR models, please review the supplemental manual
for track tips.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
You could lose control of the vehicle and possibly have
a collision. Accelerate slowly and carefully whenever
there is likely to be poor traction (ice, snow, wet, mud,
loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should be
observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are slushy.
2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
CAUTION!
Driving your vehicle through deep puddles at speeds
over 5 mph (8 km/h), may cause water to be ingested
into the engine. This can cause severe engine damage.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a sudden
stop.
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DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Driving through water more than a few inches/centimeters
deep will require extra caution to ensure safety and pre-
vent damage to your vehicle.
Flowing/Rising Water
WARNING!
Do not drive on or across a road or path where water is
flowing and/or rising (as in storm run-off). Flowing
water can wear away the road or path’s surface and
cause your vehicle to sink into deeper water. Further-
more, flowing and/or rising water can carry your ve-
hicle away swiftly. Failure to follow this warning may
result in injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through shal-
low standing water, consider the following Cautions and
Warnings before doing so.
WARNING!
•Driving through standing water limits your vehicle’s
traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h)
when driving through standing water.
• Driving through standing water limits your vehicle’s
braking capabilities, which increases stopping dis-
tances. Therefore, after driving through standing
water, drive slowly and lightly press on the brake
pedal several times to dry the brakes.
• Failure to follow these warnings may result in inju-
ries that are serious or fatal to you, your passengers,
and others around you.
CAUTION!
• Always check the depth of the standing water before
driving through it. Never drive through standing
water that is deeper than the bottom of the tire rims
mounted on the vehicle.
• Determine the condition of the road or the path that
is under water and if there are any obstacles in the
way before driving through the standing water.
(Continued)
200 STARTING AND OPERATING

Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined service
interval is not required. The fluid should be checked at every
oil change if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are apparent,
and/or the system is not functioning as anticipated. Coordi-
nate inspection efforts through an authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power steer-
ing components. Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do not
overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended power
steering fluid.
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 information.
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.
Parking Brake Lever
202 STARTING AND OPERATING

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 pushing
the button on the end of the handle. When the button drops
into the handle (releasing the lock), guide the handle
downward to its stop and then release the button and the
handle.
The “Brake System Warning Light” in the instrument
cluster will turn on when the ignition is in the ON/RUN
position and the parking brake is applied.
NOTE:
•This light only shows that the parking brake is applied
or a brake/ABS system fault. It does not show the
degree of brake application. If the “Brake System Warn-
ing Light” is illuminated when the parking brake is not
applied, please see your authorized dealer.
• Each time the parking brake is applied, the instrument
cluster will automatically go to the highest illumination
setting regardless of the dimmer control setting.WARNING!
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing children to
be in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a number
of reasons. A child or others could be injured seri-
ously or fatally. Do not leave the key fob in or near
the vehicle (or in a location accessible to children),
and do not leave the ignition of a vehicle equipped
with Keyless Enter-N-Go in the ACC or ON/RUN
mode. A child could operate power windows, other
controls, or move the vehicle.
• Ensure the parking brake is fully disengaged before
driving. Failure to do so can lead to brake failure,
and an accident.
BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with dual hydraulic
brake systems. If either of the two hydraulic
systems loses normal capability, the remaining
system will still function. However, there will be
some loss of overall braking effectiveness. You may notice
increased pedal travel during application, greater pedal
force required to slow or stop, and potential activation of
the “Brake System Warning Light.”
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In the event power assist is lost for any reason (i.e.,
repeated brake applications with the engine off) the brakes
will still function. However, the effort required to brake the
vehicle will be much greater than that required with the
power system operating.
Brake Pad Break-In
NOTE:Your vehicle is equipped with a high performance
braking system. The brake pads are a semi-metallic com-
pound, which offer superior fade resistance for consistent
operation. A compromise to using this type of brake pad is
that the brakes may squeal slightly under certain weather
and operating conditions (.i.e., during light brake applica-
tions).
The brakes on your new vehicle do not require a long
break-in period. However, you should avoid repeated hard
brake applications from high speeds during initial break-
in. In addition, you should avoid severe brake loading,
such as may be encountered when descending long moun-
tain grades.
For ACR models, please review the supplemental manual
for CCM brake pad and rotor burnishing.
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 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.
204 STARTING AND OPERATING