2008 DODGE VIPER ECU

NOTE:Watch for the Seat Belt Reminder light to turn on
while unbuckling the seat belt and turn off while re-
buckling the seat belt. It may be necessary to retract the
seat belt.
6. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position. A
single chime will sound to signify that you have com-
pleted the programming successfully.
The Enhanced Warning System (BeltAlertt) can be reac-
tivated by repeating this procedure.
NOTE:When the Enhanced Warning System
(BeltAlertt) is deactivated, the Seat Belt Reminder light
will continue to illuminate as long as the driver's seat belt
or the passenger's seat belt is unbuckled.Automatic Locking Mode
The seat belts for both occupants are equipped with
emergency locking retractors for normal use. Emergency
locking retractors activate during very sudden stops or
impacts. The passenger seat belt in your vehicle can also
be converted to an automatic locking retractor to secure
child restraint systems. Seat belts equipped with auto-
matic locking retractors have a distinctive label on the
webbing.
How To Engage The Automatic Locking Mode
To convert the passenger seat belt from emergency lock-
ing mode to automatic locking mode, grasp the shoulder
portion of the belt and pull all of the webbing out of the
retractor. Then, allow some of the webbing to retract back
into the retractor. As the belt retracts, you will hear a
clicking sound indicating that the belt is now in auto-
matic locking mode.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 37
2

NOTE:Once the belt is in automatic locking mode, you
will not be able to pull any more of the webbing out of
the retractor. In this mode, you will only be able to retract
excess webbing into the retractor to secure the child
restraint.
How To Disengage The Automatic Locking Mode
Simply allow all of the webbing to retract back into the
retractor to disengage the automatic locking mode. This
will return the retractor to the emergency locking mode
for normal use.
Six-Point Belt System - If equipped
This six-point belt system meets SCCA standards and it
should only be used when engaging in performance
related driving events. In turn, the standard lap/
shoulder belt should be used whenever the vehicle is
operated on the street.
Six-Point Belt Operating Instructions
1. Place the anti-submarining belt on the seat so that it
points upward.
2. Buckle the left and right lap belts and strap both legs.
3. Buckle the left and right shoulder belts.
4. Adjust the belts by pulling on the web ends and/or
repositioning the web clips and straps as required.
5. To release the belts, turn the belt latch mechanism
1¤4
turn in either the clockwise or the counter-clockwise
direction.
NOTE:The anti-submarining belt and the shoulder belt
are attached to eye bolts at designated locations and they
should be removed from the vehicle when not in use. The
lap belts and straps can be stored behind or to the side of
the seat after removal.
38 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

The airbags work with the instrument panel knee bolsters
and the seat belts to provide improved protection for the
driver and passenger. While the seat belts are designed to
protect the driver and passenger in many types of
collisions, the airbags will deploy in moderate to severe
frontal collisions. However, even in collisions where the
airbags deploy, all occupants need the seat belts to keep
them in the right position for the airbags to protect
properly.
NOTE:The passenger airbag may not deploy if the
Occupant Classification System (refer to ªHow The Air-
bag System Worksº in this section) determines the seat is
empty or is occupied by someone that is classified in the
ªchildº category. This could be a child, a teenager, or
even a small adult. Therefore, even if the driver airbag
deploys, the passenger airbag may not deploy.
Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize
the risk of harm from a deploying airbag.1. An infant up to 1 year or approximately 20 pounds (9
kg) should never ride in the vehicle, because in the event
of a crash the rear facing child seat places them too close
to the passenger airbag.
2. An infant in rear facing child safety seat, designed for
a child up to one year or approximately 20 pounds (9 kg),
shouldNEVERride in the front seat of a vehicle
equipped with a passenger airbag, unless the airbag is
shut OFF. An airbag deployment can cause severe injury
or death to an infant in this position. Refer to ªPassenger
Airbag Disabled (PAD) Indicator Lightº in this section.
3. A child that is not big enough to wear the vehicle seat
belt properly (refer to information on Child Restraint in
this section) should be secured in a child safety seat or
booster seat.
4. An older child who does not use a child safety seat or
booster seat should ride buckled properly in their seat.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 41
2

5. Never allow a child to place the shoulder belt behind
them or under the arm.
6. Never allow a child to lean forward toward the
instrument panel as a passenger airbag deployment
could cause severe injury or death to a child in this
position.
7. For a child from 1 to 12 years old: Move the passenger
seat as far back as possible. For a child from 20 to 60
pounds (9 kg to 27 kg): Secure them in the appropriate
child safety seat or booster seat. If too large for a booster
seat, the child should wear the lap/shoulder belt prop-
erly.
8. Read the instructions provided with your child re-
straint to make sure that you are using it properly.
9. Read the instructions provided with your child safety
seat or booster seat to make sure that you are using it
properly.10. All occupants should wear their lap and shoulder
belts properly.
11. Position the driver seat and passenger seat as far
away from the instrument panel as practical to allow the
airbags room to inflate. Note that the power adjustable
pedals allow for more driver's seat adjustment options.
Refer to ªAdjustable Pedalsº in Section 3 of this manual
for details.
Airbag System Components
The airbag system consists of the following:
²Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
²Airbag Warning Light
²Driver Airbag
²Passenger Airbag
²Passenger Airbag Off Light
42 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

NOTE:Perchlorate Material Ð special handling may
apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
Airbag Warning Light
You will want to have the airbags ready for
your protection in a collision. While the airbag
system is designed to be maintenance free, if
any of the following occurs, have an autho-
rized dealer service the system immediately:
²The Airbag Warning light does not come on or flickers
during the 6 to 8 seconds when the ignition switch is
first turned on.
²The light remains on or flickers after the 6 to 8 second
interval.
²The light flickers or comes on and remains on while
driving.
Child Restraint
Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up all the
time Ð babies and children, too. Every state in the United
States and all Canadian provinces require small children
ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law, and you
can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
WARNING!
In a collision, an unrestrained child, even a tiny baby,
can become a missile inside the vehicle. The force
required to hold even an infant on your lap could
become so great that you could not hold the child, no
matter how strong you are. The child and others
could be injured badly. Any child riding in your
vehicle should be in a proper restraint for the child's
size.
50 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Here are some tips on getting the most out of your child
restraint:
²Before buying any restraint system, make sure that it
has a label certifying that it meets all applicable Safety
Standards. We also recommend that you make sure
that you can install the child restraint in the vehicle
where you will use it before you buy it.
²The restraint must be appropriate for your child's
weight and height. Check the label on the restraint for
weight and height limits.
²Carefully follow the instructions that come with the
restraint. If you install the restraint improperly, it may
not work when you need it.
²Buckle the child into the seat according to the child
restraint manufacturer's directions.
²When your child restraint is not in use, secure it in the
vehicle with the seat belt or remove it from the vehicle.Do not leave it loose in the vehicle. In a sudden stop or
collision, it could strike the occupants or seat backs
and cause serious personal injury.
Child Restraint Tether Anchor
Child restraints having tether straps and hooks
for connection to tether anchors have been
available for some time. In fact, many child
restraint manufacturers will provide add-on
tether-strap kits for some of their older products. There is
a tether strap anchor located behind the child tether
access cover behind the passenger seat.
To attach a child restraint tether strap:
1. Move the seat forward.
2. Move the seatback to its full forward position.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 53
2

7. Return the seatback to an upright position.
8. Install the child restraint according to the manufactur-
er's directions.
9. Remove slack from the tether strap according to the
child restraint manufacturer's directions.
WARNING!
An incorrectly anchored tether strap could lead to
increased head motion and possible injury to the
child. Use only the anchor position directly behind
the child seat to secure a child restraint top tether
strap.Installing Child Restraints Using the Vehicle Seat belt
The passenger seat belt is equipped with an automatic
locking retractor for child restraint system installation. It
is designed to keep the lap portion of the restraint held
tightly to the passenger seat. Seat belts equipped with
automatic locking retractors have a distinctive label on
the webbing. (Refer to ªAutomatic Locking Modeº in this
section for additional information).
To restrain the child seat:
1. Pull enough webbing from the retractor to allow the
belt to pass through the child restraint and insert the latch
plate into the buckle until you hear a ªclick.º
2. Grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and pull all of
the webbing out of the retractor.
3. Allow some of the webbing to retract back into the
retractor. As the belt retracts, you will hear a clicking
sound indicating that the belt is now in automatic locking
mode.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 55
2

4. Tighten the lap portion of the belt and allow the excess
webbing to retract back to the retractor. If it still does not
make the child restraint secure, then secure the child
restraint with the Child Restraint Tether Anchor.
NOTE:Once the belt is in automatic locking mode, you
will not be able to pull any more of the webbing out of
the retractor. In this mode, you will only be able to retract
excess webbing into the retractor to secure the child
restraint.
Transporting Pets
Deploying airbags could harm your pet. An unrestrained
pet will be thrown about and possibly injured, or injure a
passenger during panic braking or in a collision.
Pets should be restrained in pet harnesses or pet carriers
that are secured by seat belts.
BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required for the drivetrain
(engine, transmission, and rear axle) in your new vehicle.
Following these few simple guidelines is all that is
necessary for a good break-in:
For the first 500 miles (800 km):
²Keep your vehicle speed below the legal, posted speed
limit and your engine speed below 4,000 rpm.
²Avoid driving at a constant speed, either fast or slow,
for long periods.
²Do not make any full throttle starts and avoid full
throttle acceleration.
²Use the proper gear for your speed range.
²Wait until the engine has reached normal operating
temperature before driving at the recommended maxi-
mum break-in speed.
56 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE