2006 DODGE VIPER warning

WARNING!
If both ABS and/or Brake Warning lamps become
illuminated, please seek service immediately! Your
Viper will have diminished braking capability and
control if ABS and/or service brake systems are not
working properly. Have your brake system serviced
immediately.
Skip Shift Indicator
This indicator is located in the Tachometer. There
are two LED lights. The amber LED light will come
on when you are being prevented from shifting from First
to Second or Third gear. The tachometer’s shift arrow also
houses a red LED light that activates when the tachom-
eter gauge pointer goes above 5600 RPM and it shuts off
when the tachometer pointer falls below 5500 RPM. The
indicator serves as a visual aid to shift before reaching the
red line.
Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system called OBD II which provides in-field
emissions inspection tests required in some
states. If certain self-diagnostic monitors are
not complete, the light starts flashing 14 seconds after the
key is switched on and will continue to flash for approxi-
mately 11 seconds. If the OBD II monitors have com-
pleted, the malfunction indicator lamp will not flash as
described above.
The light will illuminate when the key is turned to the
ON position before engine start. The light will remain on
steady until the engine has started. If the bulb does not
come on when turning the key from OFF to ON have the
condition checked promptly. The light will turn off after
the engine has started, unless a malfunction is present.
92 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the light on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any state emissions
tests can be performed.
If the light is flashing, severe catalytic converter damage
and power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is
required.
If the gas cap is not secured properly, the light may come
on. Be sure the gas cap is tightened every time you add
fuel. (See page 169 for more information.)
High Beam Indicator
This light shows that the headlights are on high
beam. Pull the turn signal lever toward the steer-
ing wheel to switch the headlights from high or low
beam.
Seat Belt Indicator Light
This system alerts the driver to fasten the seat belt
if not done so within 60 seconds of starting the
vehicle and if the vehicle is moving faster than 5
mph (8 km/h). The system will cause a chime to sound
repeatedly and will flash the seat belt warning light for 96
seconds or until the driver’s seat belt is fastened. The
reminder system will be reactivated if the driver’s seat
belt is unfastened for more than 10 seconds and the
vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/hr). Refer to
Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System (BeltAlert™) in
the Occupant Restraints section for deactivating the
system.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 93
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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 contin-
ued operation of the vehicle in this condition is danger-
ous.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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 95
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Gauges
Tachometer
This gauge shows engine speed in revolutions-
per-minute (RPM) times 1,000. Avoid excessive
engine speeds in any part of the red warning
zone, particularly when driving downhill or in
lower gears.
Coolant Temperature Gauge
This gauge shows the engine coolant tempera-
ture. The gauge pointer will likely show higher
temperatures when driving in hot weather, up
mountain grades, or in heavy stop and go
traffic. If the red LED light turns on, stop the vehicle and
turn off the engine until the cause is corrected.
Oil Temperature Gauge
This gauge shows the oil temperature. The
gauge pointer will likely show higher tempera-
tures when driving in hot weather, up moun-
tain grades, or in heavy stop and go traffic. If
the red LED light turns on, stop the vehicle and turn off
the engine until the cause is corrected.
Oil Pressure Gauge
This gauge shows engine oil pressure when the
engine is running. The pressure will vary with
engine speed, oil viscosity, and engine tem-
perature. Oil pressures will be higher as the
engine is warming up. The normal operating pressure is
between 20 and 80 psi (pounds per square inch). If the
pointer remains in the red range, turn off the engine until
the cause is corrected.
96 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Ti m e
Press the TIME button to change the display from
elapsed CD playing time to time of day.
Operating Instructions - Satellite Radio Mode (If
Equipped)
Refer to the Satellite Radio section of the Owner’s
Manual.
CD Diagnostic Indicators
When driving over a very rough road, the CD player may
skip momentarily. Skipping will not damage the disc or
the player, and play will resume automatically.
As a safeguard and to protect your CD player, one of the
following warning symbols may appear on your display.
A CD HOT symbol indicates the player is too hot.
CD HOT will pause the operation. Play can be resumed
when the operating temperature is corrected or another
MODE is selected.CD ERROR will appear on the display if the laser is
unable to read the Disc data for the following reasons:
•Warped disc
•Excessive vibration
•Disc inserted upside down
•Damaged disc
•Water condensation on optics
SATELLITE RADIO — IF EQUIPPED
Satellite radio uses direct satellite to receiver broadcast-
ing technology to provide clear digital sound, coast to
coast. The subscription service provider is Sirius™ Satel-
lite Radio. This service offers up to 100 channels of music,
sports, news, entertainment, and programming for chil-
dren, directly from its satellites and broadcasting studios.
106 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

▫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
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WARNING!
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to get it
started. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic
converter 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. See section 6 of this manual for jump starting
instructions.
If the engine fails to start after you have followed the
“NORMAL STARTING” procedure, it may be flooded.
Push the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and
hold it there while cranking the engine. This should clear
any excess fuel in case the engine is flooded.NOTE: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.
If the engine has been flooded, it may start to run, but not
have enough power to continue running when the start
button is released. If this occurs, continue cranking with
the accelerator pedal pushed all the way to the floor.
Release the accelerator pedal and the 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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 121
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