2006 DODGE VIPER Owners Manual

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.
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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 113
4

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
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 7
12
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.
114 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.
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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 115
4

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS

Starting Procedures.....................119
▫If Engine Fails To Start.................120
▫After Starting........................122

Transmission Shifting....................122
▫Recommended Shift Speeds..............123
▫Skip Shift Light.......................123

Parking Brake.........................124

Brake System..........................125
▫Brake Pad Break-In....................129
Power Steering........................129

Tire Safety Information...................130
▫Tire Markings........................130
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)..........133
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........134

Tires—General Information................138
▫Tire Pressure.........................138
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................139
▫Radial-Ply Tires......................141
5

▫Tire Spinning........................142
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................142
▫Life Of Tire.........................143
▫Replacement Tires.....................143
▫Alignment And Balance.................145

Low Tire Pressure (Ltp) System.............145
▫Low Tire Indicator....................145

Tire Chains...........................147

Snow Tires...........................147

Tire Storage...........................147

Tire Rotation Recommendations............147

Ground Clearance......................148
Fuel Requirements......................148
▫Spark Knock.........................148
▫Reformulated Gasoline.................149
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............149
▫MMT In Gasoline.....................150
▫Materials Added To Fuel................150
▫Fuel System Cautions..................150
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings..............151

Adding Fuel..........................152

Vehicle Loading........................153

Trailer Towing.........................153
118 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 119
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
120 STARTING AND OPERATING