2008 DODGE VIPER Owners Manual

REAR WINDOW FEATURES
Electric Rear Window Defroster
The electric Rear Window Defroster Control is
located on the climate control. Press this button to
turn on the rear window defroster. A light above the
button will illuminate when the rear window defroster is
ON. The defroster automatically turns off after approxi-
mately 15 minutes of operation for the first push of the
button, and will turn off after approximately 8 minutes
for the second push of the button.
CAUTION!
To avoid damaging the electrical conductors of the
rear window defroster, do not use scrapers, sharp
instruments, or abrasive window cleaners on the
interior surface of the window.
Labels can be peeled off after soaking with warm
water.
128 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
mStarting Procedures.....................132
NNormal Starting......................133
NIf Engine Fails To Start.................135
NAfter Starting........................136
mTransmission Shifting....................136
NRecommended Shift Speeds..............138
NSkip Shift Indicator Light................138
mDriving On Slippery Surfaces..............139
NAcceleration.........................139NTraction............................140
mDriving Through Water..................140
NFlowing/Rising Water..................141
NShallow Standing Water.................141
mParking Brake.........................142
mBrake System..........................144
NBrake Pad Break-In....................144
NAnti-Lock Brake System................145
mPower Steering........................148
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mTire Safety Information...................149
NTire Markings........................149
NTire Identification Number (TIN)..........152
NTire Loading And Tire Pressure...........153
mTires Ð General Information...............157
NTire Pressure.........................157
NTire Inflation Pressures.................158
NRadial-Ply Tires......................160
NTire Spinning........................161
NTread Wear Indicators..................161
NLife Of Tire.........................162
NReplacement Tires.....................162
NAlignment And Balance.................163mTire Chains...........................164
mSnow Tires...........................164
mTire Storage...........................164
mTire Rotation Recommendations............164
NTire Rotation........................165
mTire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)........166
NLow Tire Indicator....................166
mFuel Requirements......................168
N8.4L Engine.........................168
NReformulated Gasoline.................168
NGasoline/Oxygenate Blends..............169
NMMT In Gasoline.....................169
NMaterials Added To Fuel................170
130 STARTING AND OPERATING

NFuel System Cautions..................170
NCarbon Monoxide Warnings..............171
mAdding Fuel..........................171
NFuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)...............171
mVehicle Loading........................173
mTrailer Towing.........................174mRecreational Towing (Behind Motorhome, Etc.) . . 174
NTowing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)............................174
mGround Clearance......................174
STARTING AND OPERATING 131
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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!
²Never leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving
children in a vehicle unattended is dangerous for a
number of reasons. A child or others could be
injured seriously or fatally. Don't leave the keys in
the ignition. A child could operate power win-
dows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
²Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
²Be sure to turn off the engine if you want to rest or
sleep in your car. Accidents can be caused by
inadvertently moving the gear selection lever or
by pressing the accelerator pedal. This may cause
excessive heat in the exhaust system, resulting in
overheating and vehicle fire, which may cause
serious or fatal injuries.
132 STARTING AND OPERATING

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.
Normal Starting
NOTE:
²You must disarm the security system in order to start
the engine. For details, refer to ªSecurity Alarm Sys-
temº in Section 2 of this manual
²Normal Starting of either a cold or a warm engine does
not require pumping or depressing the accelerator
pedal. However, 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
15 seconds, turn the key to the ªOFF/LOCKº position,
wait 5 seconds, then repeat the normal starting proce-
dure.
To start the engine:
1. Fully apply the parking brake.
2. Press the clutch pedal to the floor.
NOTE:The engine will not start unless the clutch pedal
is pressed to the floor.
3. Place the gear selector in NEUTRAL
4. Insert the ignition key fully into the ignition switch
STARTING AND OPERATING 133
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5. Turn the key to the ON/RUN position. 6. Press the red ENGINE START button located on the
instrument panel. Release the button when the engine
starts.
Ignition Key Positions
Engine Start Button
134 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!
²Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in flash fire
causing serious personal injury.
²Do 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 carefully. See section 6 of
this manual for jump starting instructions.
STARTING AND OPERATING 135
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