2005 DODGE VIPER Owners Manual

The controls are as follows:
Fan Control
Use this control to regulate the
amount of air forced through the sys-
tem in any mode you select. Turn the
control clockwise to increase fan
speed. Turn the control to the O—Off
position to shut off the fan and to
prevent any outside air from entering
the vehicle. This also turns off the A/C compressor.
Temperature Control
Use this control to regulate the tem-
perature of the air inside the passen-
ger compartment. The blue area of the
control indicates cooler temperatures
while the red area indicates warmer
temperatures.
Mode Control
Use this control to select the direction
of air flow.
NOTE:The dot between the mode control icons is a mix
position between the two modes.
The mode control positions are as follows:
Recirculate
Air is recirculated inside the vehicle. You may
choose between Bi-Level and Panel air outlets
while in this mode. Use this mode to tempo-
rarily block out any outside odors, smoke, or
dust and to cool the interior rapidly upon initial start up
in very hot or humid weather.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 105
4

Panel
Air is directed through the outlets in the instrument
panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct air
flow.
Bi-Level
Air is directed through the instrument panel and
floor outlets. A small amount of air is also directed
through the defrost outlets.
NOTE:There is a varying temperature differential be-
tween the upper and lower outlets for added comfort.
The warmer air goes to the floor outlets. This feature
provides improved comfort during sunny but cool con-
ditions.
Floor
Air is directed through the floor outlets with a
lesser amount through the defrost outlets.Floor/Defrost
Air is directed through the windshield defrost and
the floor outlets. This setting works best in cold or
snowy conditions that require extra heat at the
windshield. This setting is good for maintaining comfort
while reducing moisture on the windshield.
Windshield Defrost
Air is directed through the windshield defrost
outlet. Use this mode with maximum fan and
temperature settings for best windshield defrosting.
NOTE:The air conditioning compressor operates in this
mode. This dehumidifies the air to help dry the wind-
shield. To improve fuel economy, leave in the Defrost
mode only when necessary.
A/C Pushbutton
With the fan control in the ON position, pushing
the A/C button turns on the air conditioning
compressor. An indicator light above the button
106 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

shows that the Air Conditioning compressor is on. Con-
ditioned air is now directed through the outlets selected.
Pushing the button a second time turns the compressor
OFF.
Slight changes in engine speed or power may be noticed
when the compressor is on. This is a normal occurrence
since the compressor will cycle on and off to maintain
comfort and increase fuel economy.
NOTE:If your air conditioning performance seems
lower than expected, check the front of the A/C con-
denser for an accumulation of dirt or insects.
Rear Window Defroster
Press the button once to turn on the Rear Window
Defroster and a second time to turn it off. A light
above the button shows that the Rear Defroster is On.NOTE:The defroster turns off automatically after 15
minutes of operation. Each later activation will allow 71⁄2
minutes of operation.
CAUTION!
To avoid damaging the electrical conductors, do not
use scrapers, sharp instruments, or abrasive window
cleaners on the interior surface of the rear window.
Labels can be peeled off by soaking with warm
water.
Operating Tips
When operating the system during the winter months,
make sure the air intake, at the right side of the hood, is
free of ice, slush, snow or other obstructions such as
leaves. Leaves collected in the air-intake plenum may
reduce air flow and plug the plenum water drains.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 107
4

The blower air will heat faster in cold weather if you use
only the low blower speeds for the first ten minutes of
vehicle operation.
During engine warm-up in cold weather, use the Defrost
mode to direct any cold air away from the occupants.
108 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures.....................111
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................112
▫After Starting........................114

Transmission Shifting....................114
▫Recommended Shift Speeds..............115
▫Skip Shift Light.......................115

Parking Brake.........................116

Brake System..........................117
▫Brake Pad Break-In....................121
Power Steering........................121

Tire Safety Information...................122
▫Tire Markings........................122
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........125
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........126

Ti re s—General Information................130
▫Tire Pressure.........................130
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................131
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................134
5

▫Compact Spare Tire—If Equipped.........134
▫Limited Use Spare—If Equipped.........135
▫Tire Spinning........................136
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................137
▫Replacement Tires.....................137
▫Alignment And Balance.................138

Low Tire Pressure (Ltp) System.............139
▫Low Tire Indicator....................139

Tire Chains...........................140

Snow Tires...........................140

Tire Storage...........................141

Tire Rotation Recommendations............141
Ground Clearance......................141

Fuel Requirements......................142
▫Spark Knock.........................142
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................142
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............143
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................143
▫Materials Added To Fuel................144
▫Fuel System Cautions..................144
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............145

Adding Fuel..........................145

Vehicle Loading........................146

Trailer Towing.........................146
110 STARTING AND OPERATING

STARTING PROCEDURES
CAUTION!
Long periods of engine idling, especially at high
engine speeds, can cause excessive exhaust tempera-
tures which can damage your vehicle. Do not leave
your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
WARNING!
Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
Fully apply the parking brake, press the clutch pedal to
the floor, and place the gear selector in NEUTRAL before
starting the engine.NOTE:The engine will not start unless the clutch pedal
is pressed to the floor.
Normal Startingof either a cold or a warm engine does
not require pumping or depressing the accelerator pedal.
To start the vehicle, turn the key to the ON position and
press the red ENGINE START button located on the
Ignition Key Positions
STARTING AND OPERATING 111
5

instrument panel and release when the engine starts. If
the engine has not started within 3 seconds, slightly
depress the accelerator pedal while continuing to crank.
If the engine fails to start within 10 seconds, turn the key
to the“OFF”position, wait 5 seconds, then repeat the
normal starting procedure.If Engine Fails to Start
NOTE:The Remote Keyless Entry Transmitter MUST be
used to unlock the vehicle and disarm the alarm system.
In the event of a lost or defective Remote Keyless
Transmitter, the security system can be momentarily
disarmed to allow the vehicle to be started.
See the paragraph on the Vehicle Theft Security System in
Section 2 of this manual
Engine Start Button
112 STARTING AND OPERATING