2008 DODGE VIPER key

²Steering Wheel and Column
²Instrument Panel
²Seat Track Position Sensors
²Interconnecting Wiring
²Seat Belt Reminder Light
²Knee Impact Bolsters
²Front Acceleration Sensors
²Passenger Seat Occupant Classification System (OCS)
þOccupant Classification Module (OCM)
þPassenger Airbag Disabled (PAD) Indicator Light
þFlex Mat
þInterconnecting Wiring
þSeat Track Position Sensors
How The Airbag System Works
²
TheOccupant Restraint Controller (ORC)determines
if a frontal collision is severe enough to require the
airbags to inflate. The airbag inflators are designed to
provide different rates of inflation. Based on the level
of collision severity, the ORC determines the proper
rate of inflation. The ORC may modify the rate of
passenger airbag inflation or prevent passenger airbag
deployment based on input from the Occupant Clas-
sification System (OCS). The ORC will not detect roll
over or rear impacts. Furthermore, the airbags are not
on and will not inflate if the key is in the OFF/LOCK
position, in the ACC position, or not in the ignition.
The ORC also monitors the readiness of the electronic
parts of the system whenever the ignition switch is in
the ON/RUN position. These include all of the items
listed under ªAirbag System Componentsº except the
steering wheel and column and the knee bolsters.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 43
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Flash to Pass
You can signal another vehicle with your headlights by
lightly pulling the Multi-Function Lever toward you.
This will cause the headlights to turn on at high beam
and remain on until the lever is released.
Interior Lights
The interior lights will turn on whenever a door is
opened or the liftgate is opened (Coupe models) and the
dimmer switch is not in the defeat position.
The interior lights will turn on, remain on for about 30
seconds, and then fade to off if any of the following
occur:
²A door is opened using the outside door handle and
then closed.
²A door is unlocked using the remote keyless entry
transmitter.
²A door is unlocked using the outside driver's door key
cylinder.
The interior lights will turn on and remain on for about 4
seconds and then fade to off if a door is opened using the
inside door handle.
Courtesy/Reading Lights
Two courtesy/reading lights are located in the bottom of
the rearview mirror. You can turn these lights on and off
from the switches in the bottom of the mirror or from the
dimmer control in the Multi-Function Lever. These lights
are also controlled automatically by the illuminated entry
system.
84 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

standard non-anti-lock brakes. If this occurs, safely bring
the vehicle to a complete stop as soon as possible and
cycle the ignition key to attempt to reset the ABS. If the
light remains on, see your authorized dealer immediately
to have the system serviced. Furthermore, if the red
BRAKE warning light and the amber ABS warning light
are on, and the parking brake is fully released, see your
authorized dealer immediately. (See page 147 for more
information.)
WARNING!
If the ABS and/or Brake Warning lights illuminate,
please seek service immediately! Your vehicle will
have diminished braking capability and control if ABS
and/or service brake systems are not working properly.
Have your brake system serviced immediately.
Malfunction Indicator Light
This light is part of an onboard diagnostic
system called OBD. The OBD system monitors
engine control systems. The light will turn on
when the key is in the ON/RUN position
before engine start. If the light does not come on when
turning the key from OFF/LOCK to ON/RUN, have the
condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap,
poor fuel quality, etc. may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
remains on through several of your typical driving
cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally
and will not require towing.
The Malfunction Indicator Light flashes to alert you to
serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of
power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle
should be serviced as soon as possible if this occurs. (See
page 195 for more information.)
98 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

NOTE:The light will turn on when the ignition switch
is in the ON/RUN position and the parking brake is
applied. This light shows only that the parking brake is
applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
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 an acci-
dent. Have the brakes checked immediately. (See
page 144 for more information.)
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light will turn on briefly as a bulb check
when turning on the ignition switch. It will also
turn on while the engine is running to warn of
a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control
system.
²If the light fails to turn on during the bulb check, see
you authorized dealer for service.
²If the light turns on steady while the engine is running,
safely bring the vehicle to a complete stop as soon as
possible, cycle the ignition key, and then restart the
engine. The light should turn off. However, if the light
remains on steady, see your authorized dealer for
service as soon as possible.
²If the light is flashing when the engine is running,
immediate service is required. If this occurs, you may
experience reduced vehicle performance, an elevated/
rough idle or engine stall, and your vehicle may
require towing.
100 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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

Be sure the transmission is in FIRST gear when moving
forward from a standing position.
CAUTION!
Failure to start out in FIRST gear when moving
forward from a starting position may result in dam-
age to the clutch.
You will find it easier to use only the lower gears for most
city driving. For steady highway driving with light
accelerations, 6th gear is recommended.
Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, or
try to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal
partially engaged. This will cause abnormal wear on the
clutch.
Never shift into REVERSE until the vehicle has come to a
complete stop.NOTE:
²Your vehicle is equipped with a transmission reverse
inhibitor system. When vehicle speed is greater than 5
mph (8 km/h), the reverse inhibitor activates to help
prevent shifts into reverse. When at a complete stop,
you may notice light shift efforts into reverse with the
ignition key on, and increased shift efforts into reverse
with the ignition key off. This is normal operation of
the transmission reverse inhibitor system.
²Shifting gears during cold weather may require an
increased effort until the transmission lubricant is
warm. This is normal and not harmful to the transmis-
sion.
²Due to the high performance nature of your drivetrain,
a certain amount of noise from the transmission is
normal. This noise can be most noticeable when the
vehicle is idling in neutral with the clutch engaged
(clutch pedal released), but it may also be heard when
STARTING AND OPERATING 137
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