2008 DODGE VIPER tow

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.
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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

Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed
the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire's load carrying capacity if you
adhere to the loading conditions, tire size, and cold tire
inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Loading
Information placard and in the ªVehicle Loadingº section
of this manual.
NOTE:Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,
gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and rear
axles must not be exceeded. For further information on
GAWRs, vehicle loading, and trailer towing, refer to the
ªVehicle Loadingº section of this manual.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your
vehicle, locate the statement ªThe combined weight ofoccupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs.º on the Tire and Loading Information placard. The
combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and
trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never exceed
the weight referenced here.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement ªThe combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo should never exceed XXX poundsº on
your vehicle's placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas-
sengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
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4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if ªXXXº
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb.
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs (295 kg) (since 5 x
150 = 750, and 1400 ± 750 = 650 lbs (295 kg)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult thismanual to determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
NOTE:The following table shows examples on how to
calculate total load, cargo/luggage, and towing capaci-
ties of your vehicle with varying seating configurations
and number and size of occupants. This table is for
illustration purposes only and may not be accurate for
the seating and load carry capacity of your vehicle.
NOTE:For the following example, the combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never exceed 865 lbs (392
kg).
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Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
²Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is
stopped in an open area with the engine running for
more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system
to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
²Guard against carbon monoxide with proper mainte-
nance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time
the vehicle is raised. Have any abnormal conditions
repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side
windows fully open.
²Keep the trunk closed when driving your vehicle to
prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous ex-
haust gases from entering the vehicle.
ADDING FUEL
Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)
The gas cap is located behind the fuel filler door above
the rear tire on the passenger side of the vehicle. To access
the gas cap, grasp the finger pull (on the left side of the
fuel filler door) and pull it open. The door will pivot
toward the front of the vehicle.
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TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with this vehicle is not recommended.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND
MOTORHOME, ETC.)
TOWING THIS VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER
VEHICLE (Flat towing with all four wheels on the
ground)
Recreational towing for this vehicle is not recommended.
NOTE:If the vehicle requires towing, make sure all four
wheels are off the ground.
GROUND CLEARANCE
The front and rear fascias and side sills ride low and
ground clearance is limited.
CAUTION!
Damage to the front and rear fascias and side sills can
occur if you disregard the low ground clearance in
these areas of your vehicle. Pay close attention when
parking to avoid running into parking curbs. Exercise
caution when entering or exiting steep driveways, or
when pulling off the road onto soft shoulders.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES
CONTENTS
mHazard Warning Flasher..................176
mIf Your Engine Overheats.................176
mTIREFIT Kit...........................177
NTIREFIT Storage......................178
NTIREFIT Usage Precautions..............178NTIREFIT Kit Components & Operation......180
NSealing a Tire With TIREFIT..............181
mJump-Starting Procedures.................186
mFreeing A Stuck Vehicle..................189
mTowing A Disabled Vehicle................189
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²You can use the TIREFIT air pump to inflate bicycle
tires. The kit also comes with two needles for inflating
sport balls, rafts, or like inflatable items. However, use
only the Black Air Pump Hose (6) and make sure the
Mode Select Knob (4) is in the Air Mode when
inflating such items to avoid injecting sealant into
them. The TIREFIT Sealant is only intended to seal
small punctures in the tire tread of a tire on this
vehicle.WARNING!
²Do not attempt to seal a tire on the side of the vehicle close to
traffic. Pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of being
hit when using the TIREFIT kit.
²Do not use TIREFIT or drive the vehicle under the following
circumstances:
þ If the cut or puncture in the tire tread is approximately 0.24 in. (6
mm) or larger.
þ If the tire has any sidewall damage.
þ If the tire has any damage from driving with extremely low tire
pressure.
þ If the tire has any damage from driving on a flat tire.
þ If the wheel has any damage.
þ If you are unsure of the condition of the tire or the wheel.
²Keep TIREFIT away from open flame or heat source.
²TIREFIT is not a permanent flat tire repair. Have the tire inspected
and repaired or replaced after using TIREFIT. Do not exceed 55
mph (90 km/h) until having the tire repaired or replaced.
²A loose TIREFIT kit thrown forward in a collision or hard stop
could endanger the occupants of the vehicle. Always stow the
TIREFIT kit in the place provided.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in injuries that are
serious or fatal to you, your passengers, and others around you.
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 179
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