2005 DODGE VIPER brakes

Turn Signal Indicators
The arrows will flash in unison with the corresponding
exterior turn signal when using the signal lever.
Hazard Indicator
Both turn signal arrows will flash in unison with all front
and rear turn signals when the hazard warning switch is
used.
NOTE:Leaving the hazard flashers on for extended
periods of time will wear down the battery.
Message Center
Message Center Components
Anti-Lock Warning Light
The amber ABS Warning Light will come on
when the ignition is first turned on, and stay on
briefly as a bulb check. If the bulb does not
come on during starting, have the bulb re-
paired promptly. This light also illuminates to indicate
that the Antilock Brake System self-check is in process at
vehicle start-up. If the light remains on after start-up, or
comes on and stays on at road speeds, it may indicate
that the ABS has detected a malfunction or has become
inoperative. In this case, the system reverts to standard
non-antilock brakes. Turn the engine off and on again to
reset the Antilock Brake System. If the light remains on,
see your authorized dealer. If both the red BRAKE and
amber ABS warning lights are on and the parking brake
is fully released, see your authorized dealer immediately.
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Brake System Warning Light
The dual brake system provides a reserve
braking capability in the event of a failure to a
portion of the hydraulic system. The warning
light should be checked frequently to assure
that it is operating properly. This can be done by turning
the ignition switch to a point midway between ON and
START. The light should come on. The red Brake Warning
Light will come on when the ignition is first turned on,
and stay on briefly as a bulb check. If the bulb does not
come on during starting, have the bulb repaired
promptly. If the light stays on longer, it may be an
indication that the parking brake has not been released. If
the light remains on when the parking brake is off it
indicates a possible brake hydraulic system malfunction.
Immediate repair is necessary and continued operation of
the vehicle in this condition is dangerous.WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the brake light on is danger-
ous. Part of the brake system has failed. It will take
longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a accident.
Have the brakes checked immediately.
Airbag Light
This light will come on and remain on for 6 to
8 seconds as a bulb check when the ignition
switch is first turned on. If the bulb is not lit
during starting, have it replaced. If the light
stays on or comes on while driving, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
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All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type as the original equipment wheels and tires must be
properly inflated to produce accurate signals for the
computer.
WARNING!
Significant over or under inflation of tires, or mixing
sizes of front or rear tires or wheels on the vehicle
can lead to loss of braking effectiveness.
The Anti-Lock Brake System conducts a low-speed self-
test at about 12 mph (20 km/h). If you have your foot
lightly on the brake while this test is occurring, you may
feel slight pedal movement. The movement can be more
apparent on ice and snow. This is normal.The Anti-Lock Brake System pump motor runs during
the self-test at 12 mph (20 km/h) and during an ABS stop.
The pump motor makes a low humming noise during
operation, which is normal.
WARNING!
Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish
their effectiveness and may lead to an accident.
Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just
press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to
slow down or stop.
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CAUTION!
The Anti-Lock Brake System is subject to possible
detrimental effects of electronic interference caused
by improperly installed after-market radios or tele-
phones.
WARNING!
•Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
•The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in turns,
following another vehicle too closely, or hydro-
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents.
•The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety
or the safety of others.
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NOTE:During severe braking conditions, a pulsing
sensation may occur and a clicking noise will be heard.
This is normal, indicating that the Anti-Lock Brake
System is functioning.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.
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In the event power assist is lost for any reason (for
example, repeated brake applications with the engine
off), the brakes will still function. The effort required to
brake the vehicle will be much greater than that required
with the power system operating.
If either the front or rear hydraulic system loses normal
capability, the remaining system will still function with
some loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be
evident by increased pedal travel during application,
greater pedal force required to slow or stop, and activa-
tion of the Brake Warning Lamp during brake use.
NOTE:Your Viper has a very high performance braking
system. The brake pads are a semi-metallic compound
which has been selected for superior fade resistance and
consistent operation. A compromise is that under some
weather and operating conditions, the brakes may squeal
slightly during light brake applications.Brake Pad Break-In
The brakes on your new Viper do not require a long
break-in period, but avoid repeated hard brake applica-
tions from high speeds during initial break-in. Also avoid
severe brake loading such as may be encountered when
descending long mountain grades.
POWER STEERING
The power assisted steering system of your vehicle
provides mechanical steering capability in the event
power assist is lost.
If for some reason the hydraulic pressure is interrupted,
it will still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these
conditions you will observe a substantial increase in
steering effort.
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WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn’t have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake, Power Steering, and Fuel System Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be made to examining those hose sur-
faces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
NOTE:Often, fluids are used during assembly plant
operations to ease the assembly of hoses to couplings.
Therefore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping of
hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation) should be noted before hose is re-
placed based on leakage.
High pressure fuel system hoses have unique material
characteristics that provide adequate sealing and resist
attack by deteriorated gasoline.
Use only manufacturer specified hoses or their equiva-
lent in material and specification, in any fuel system
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 189
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fluid level up to the requirements described on the brake
fluid reservoir. With disc brakes, fluid level can be
expected to fall as the brake pads wear. However, low
fluid level may be caused by a leak and a checkup may be
needed. Use only the manufacturer’s recommended
brake fluid. Refer to the Recommended Fluids, Lubri-
cants and Genuine Parts section for the correct fluid type.
Mopar Brake Fluid is fluid of this quality and is recom-
mended to provide best brake performance. Use of a
brake fluid that may have a lower initial boiling point or
unidentified as to specification, may result in sudden
brake failure during hard prolonged braking.
Use only brake fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container to avoid contamination from foreign matter.Hydraulic Clutch
The fluid in the clutch master cylinder should be checked
when performing other under hood services. To check
the fluid level, remove the reservoir cap. If necessary, add
fluid to the reservoir. Use only the manufacturer’s rec-
ommended brake fluid. Refer to the Recommended Flu-
ids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts section for the correct
fluid type. Mopar brake fluid is fluid of this quality and
is recommended to provide best brake performance.
Make sure that the fluid has been stored in a tightly
closed container to avoid contamination with dirt or
moisture. Do Not Overfill. Overfilling can cause clutch
release problems as the clutch wears. A low fluid level
may indicate a leak, in which case, hydraulic clutch
linkage replacement may be required. The fluid level in
the reservoir will rise as the clutch wears - Do Not
Remove Fluid.
Do not allow petroleum base fluid to contaminate the
brake fluid—seal damage will result.
192 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE