2008 DODGE VIPER transmission

Flowing/Rising Water
WARNING!
Do not drive on or cross a road or a path where water
is flowing and/or rising (as in storm run-off). Flow-
ing water can wear away the road or path's surface
and cause your vehicle to sink into deeper water.
Furthermore, flowing and/or rising water can carry
your vehicle away swiftly. Failure to follow this
warning may result in injuries that are serious or
fatal to you, your passengers, and others around you.
Shallow Standing Water
Although your vehicle is capable of driving through
shallow standing water, consider the following before
doing so:
CAUTION!
²Always check the depth of the standing water before
driving through it. Never drive through standing water that
is deeper than the bottom of the tire rims mounted on the
vehicle.
²Determine the condition of the road or the path that is
under water and if there are any obstacles in the way before
driving through the standing water.
²Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving through
standing water. This will minimize wave effects.
²Driving through standing water may cause damage to your
vehicle's drivetrain components. Always inspect your ve-
hicle's fluids (i.e., engine oil, transmission, axle, etc.) for
signs of contamination (i.e., fluid that is milky or foamy in
appearance) after driving through standing water. Do not
continue to operate the vehicle if any fluid appears con-
taminated, as this may result in further damage. Such
damage is not covered by the new vehicle limited warranty.
²Getting water inside your vehicle's engine can cause it to
lockup and stall out and cause serious internal damage to
the engine. Such damage is not covered by the new vehicle
limited warranty.
STARTING AND OPERATING 141
5

WARNING!
²Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle's traction capabilities. Do not exceed 5 mph (8
km/h) when driving through standing water.
²Driving through standing water limits your vehi-
cle's braking capabilities, which increases stop-
ping distances. Therefore, after driving through
standing water, drive slowly and lightly press on
the brake pedal several times to dry the brakes.
²Getting water inside your vehicle's engine can
cause it to lockup and stall out and leave you
stranded.
²Failure to follow these warnings may result in
injuries that are serious or fatal to you, your
passengers, and others around you.
PARKING BRAKE
The parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
WARNING!
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure you fully apply
the parking brake and shift the transmission into
REVERSE. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to
roll and cause damage or injury.
As an added precaution when parking the vehicle, turn
the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade
and away from the curb on an uphill grade.
To apply the parking brake, grasp the handle and pull it
rearward until you feel resistance. To release the parking
brake, grasp the handle and pull it slightly while pressing
the button on the end of the handle. When the button
142 STARTING AND OPERATING

Safe Operating Tips
WARNING!
To use your brakes and accelerator more safely, follow these
tips:
²
Do not ªrideº the brakes by resting your foot on the pedal.
This could overheat the brakes and result in unpredictable
braking action, longer stopping distances, or brake damage.
²When descending mountains or hills, repeated braking can
cause brake fade with loss of braking control. Avoid
repeated heavy braking by downshifting the transmission
whenever possible.
²
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, braking ability, and control.
²After going through deep water or a car wash, brakes may
become wet, resulting in decreased performance and unpre-
dictable braking action. Dry the brakes by gentle, intermit-
tent pedal action while driving at very slow speeds.
Anti-Lock Brake System
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) is designed to aid the
driver in maintaining vehicle control under adverse
braking conditions. The system operates with a separate
computer to modulate hydraulic pressure to prevent
wheel lock-up and help avoid skidding on slippery
surfaces.
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.
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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 145
5

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The flasher switch is on the top of the steering
column, just behind the steering wheel. Depress
the flasher button and all front and rear directional
signals will flash. Depress the flasher button again to turn
off the flashers.Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.
If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
flasher system will continue to operate with the ignition
key removed.
NOTE:With extended use, the flasher may run down
your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
²On the highways ÐSlow down and use the highest
gear possible.
²In city traffic ÐWhile stopped, put the transmission
in neutral, but do not increase engine idle speed.
Hazard Flasher Switch
176 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

6. Air Pump Hose (Black)
7. Sealant Hose (Clear with Yellow Cap)
Using the Mode Select Knob & Hoses
Selecting Air Mode
Turn the Mode Select knob (4) to this position
for air pump operation only. Use the Black Air
Pump Hose (6) when selecting this mode.
Selecting Sealant/Air Mode
Turn the Mode Select knob (4) to this position
to inject the TIREFIT Sealant and to inflate the
tire. Use the Sealant Hose (Clear hose with the
Yellow Cap) (7) when selecting this mode.
Using the Air Pump Power Button
Push and release the button (3) once to turn On
the TIREFIT kit. Push and release the button (3)
again to turn Off the TIREFIT kit.Sealing a Tire with TIREFIT
(A) Whenever You Stop to Use TIREFIT:
Turn on the vehicle's hazard warning flashers.
1. Verify that the valve stem (on the wheel with the
deflated tire) is in a position that is near to the ground.
This will allow the TIREFIT Hoses (6) and (7) to reach the
valve stem and keep the TIREFIT kit flat on the ground.
This will provide the best positioning of the kit when
injecting the sealant into the deflated tire and running the
air pump. Move the vehicle as necessary to place the
valve stem in this position before proceeding.
2. Place the transmission in Park (auto transmission) or
in Gear (manual transmission) and turn off the ignition.
3. Set the parking brake.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 181
6

JUMP-STARTING PROCEDURES
WARNING!
²Take care to avoid the radiator cooling fans whenever the hood
is raised. They can start anytime the ignition switch is on. You
can be hurt by the fans.
²Take care to avoid the accessory drive whenever the hood is
raised. You can be hurt by the moving components.
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.
²Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution; do not allow battery
fluid to contact eyes, skin, or clothing. Don't lean over battery
when attaching clamps or allow the clamps to touch each
other. If acid splashes in eyes or on skin, flush contaminated
area immediately with large quantities of water.
²A battery generates hydrogen gas, which is flammable and
explosive. Keep flame or spark away from the vent holes.
²Do not use a booster battery or any other booster source with
an output that exceeds 12 volts.
NOTE:The battery is located underneath an access
panel inside the rear compartment on the left side of the
vehicle. A remote battery terminal is located in the engine
compartment for jump-starting.
1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watchbands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When boost is provided by a battery in another
vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach, but
without allowing the vehicles touch one another.
3. Set the parking brake, place the transmission in neu-
tral, and turn the ignition OFF on both vehicles.
4. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electri-
cal loads.
186 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

WARNING!
Any procedure other than above could result in:
1. Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting out
the battery vent;
2. Personal injury or property damage due to battery
explosion;
3. Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or
of immobilized vehicle.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between Reverseand First gear. Usually the least accelerator pedal pres-
sure to maintain the rocking motion without spinning the
wheels is most effective.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission/axle overheating and fail-
ure. It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the
wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h).
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
Do not tow with sling type equipment. Only use flat bed
equipment. Always comply with applicable state or local
towing ordinances.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 189
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NBattery Save Feature...................210
NAir Conditioner Maintenance.............212
NPower Steering Ð Fluid Check............213
NFront & Rear Suspension Ball Joints........214
NSteering Linkage......................214
NBody Lubrication.....................215
NBody Mechanism Lubrication.............215
NWindshield Wiper Blades................217
NWindshield Washers...................217
NExhaust System......................218
NCooling System.......................219
NHoses And Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses.......224NFuel System.........................224
NBrake System........................225
NTransmission........................228
NHydraulic Clutch.....................228
NRear Axle...........................230
NWheel Bearings.......................230
NAppearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion...........................230
mFuses (Power Distribution Centers)..........234
NFuses (Power Distribution Center).........234
NFuses (Mini-Power Distribution Center).....237
mVehicle Storage........................238
192 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE