2008 DODGE VIPER warning

NOTE:Assist props will raise the hood to a normal
usage position. If greater access is required, the hood may
be pushed up at the front, raising the hood beyond the
initial opening height.
CAUTION!
Do not leave the hood open in areas where strong
gusts of wind are likely. Such a place might be by the
side of the road where large trucks pass by. Strong
gusts of wind may damage your hood. Always close
the hood in such situations.To prevent possible damage, do not slam the hood to
close it. Simply lower the hood until it is open approxi-
mately 6 inches (15 cm) and then drop it. This should
secure both latches. Never drive your vehicle unless the
hood is fully closed with both latches engaged.
WARNING!
If the hood is not fully latched, it could open when
the vehicle is moving and block your forward vision.
Be sure the hood latches are fully latched before
driving.
80 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

the Windshield Wiper/Washer Control Lever upward to
the first detent ªDELº position, and then rotate the end of
the lever to select the desired delay interval. There are
seven delay settings, which allow you to regulate the
wipe interval from a minimum of one cycle every second
to a maximum of approximately 15 seconds between
cycles. Rotating the lever upward decreases the delay
time.
WARNING!
Sudden loss of visibility through the windshield
could lead to an accident. You might not see other
vehicles or other obstacles. To avoid sudden icing of
the windshield during freezing weather, warm the
windshield with defroster before and during wind-
shield washer use.
Mist Feature
From the ªOFFº position, push the Windshield Wiper/
Washer Control Lever downward to activate a single
wipe cycle to clear the windshield of road mist or spray
from a passing vehicle. The wipers will continue to
operate until you release the lever.
Windshield Washers
To use the washer, pull the Windshield Wiper/Washer
Control Lever toward you and hold it for as long washer
spray is desired.
If you activate the washer while the windshield wiper is
in the delay range, the wipers will operate in low speed
for two wipe cycles after releasing the lever and then
resume the intermittent interval previously selected.
If you activate the washer while the windshield wiper is
turned OFF, the wipers will operate for two wipe cycles
and then turn OFF.
88 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

Adding Washer Fluid
The windshield washer fluid reservoir is located in the
front of the engine compartment on the passenger side of
the vehicle. Be sure to check the fluid level in the
reservoir at regular intervals. Fill the reservoir with
windshield washer solvent (not radiator antifreeze) and
operate the system for a few seconds to flush out the
residual water.
WARNING!
Commercially available windshield washer solvents
are flammable. They could ignite and burn you. Care
must be exercised when filling or working around
the washer solution.
TILT STEERING COLUMN
The tilt release lever is located below the multi-function
lever on the left side of the steering column. To tilt the
column, simply pull the release lever downward and then
move the steering wheel upward or downward as desired.
When the column is in the desired position, push the
release lever upward to lock the column firmly in place.
Tilt Steering Column Control
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 89
3

WARNING!
Tilting the steering column while the vehicle is
moving is dangerous. Without a stable steering col-
umn, you could lose control of the vehicle and have
an accident. Adjust the column only while the ve-
hicle is stopped. Be sure it is locked before driving.
ADJUSTABLE PEDALS
This feature allows the driver to move the brake and
accelerator pedals about 3 inches (72 mm) forward or
rearward to allow for greater driving comfort. The Ad-
justable Pedals switch is recessed into the knee bolster
beneath the steering column.
Adjustable Pedal Switch
90 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

To adjust the pedals:
1. Adjust the seat and steering column to a comfortable
position.
2. Either press the adjustable pedal switch forward to
move the pedals forward (toward the front of the ve-
hicle), or pull the switch rearward to move the pedals
rearward (toward the rear of the vehicle).
NOTE:
²Always adjust the pedals to a position that allows full
pedal travel.
²Further small adjustments may be necessary to find
the best possible seat/pedal position.
CAUTION!
Do not place any article under the adjustable pedals
or impede its ability to move as it may cause damage
to the pedal controls. Pedal travel may become lim-
ited if movement is stopped by an obstruction in the
adjustable pedal's path.
WARNING!
Do not adjust the pedals while the vehicle is moving.
You could lose control and have an accident. Always
adjust the pedals while the vehicle is parked.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 91
3

²The word ªDECKº will flash in the display if the
trunk/liftgate is open.
²The words ªLOW TIREº will flash slowly in the display
and a chime will sound if the tire pressure is low.
²The words ªFLAT TIREº will flash rapidly in the
display and a chime will sound if critically low tire
pressure is detected.
Message Center
When the appropriate conditions ex-
ist, the Message Center displays the
following indicators and warnings:
High Beam Light
This light will turn on when the high beam
headlights are on. Pull the Multi-Function Leveron the left side of the steering column toward you to
switch the headlights from low beam to high beam. Pull
the lever a second time to switch the headlights back to
low beam. (See page 81 for more information.)
Front Fog Light Indicator
This light will turn on when the front fog lights are
on. (See page 82 for more information.)
Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light
The amber Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light will
turn on and stay on briefly as a bulb check
when the ignition is first turned on. If the light
does not turn on during starting, see your
authorized dealer for service.
This light also illuminates at vehicle start-up to indicate
that the ABS self-check is in process. If the light remains
on after start-up, or turns on and remains on at road
speeds, it may indicate a system malfunction or that the
system is inoperative. In this case, the system reverts to
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 97
4

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

CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the light on could cause
further damage to the emission control system. It
could also affect fuel economy and driveability. The
vehicle must be serviced before any state emissions
tests can be performed.
Turn Signal Indicators
The left or right arrow will flash in unison with the
corresponding front and rear turn signals when the
turn signal switch is operated. (See page 82 for more
information.)
Hazard Indicators
Both turn signal arrows will flash in unison with the
front and rear turn signals when the hazard warning
switch is operated. (See page 176 for more information.)
NOTE:Leaving the hazard flashers on for extended
periods will wear down the battery.
Airbag Warning Light
This light will turn on for 6 to 8 seconds as a
bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned on. If the light does not turn on during
starting, remains on after starting, or turns on
while driving, have the system checked immediately by
an authorized dealer. (See page 40 for more information.)
Brake System Warning Light
The red Brake System Warning Light turns on
when the ignition is first turned on. It should
stay on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not turn
on during starting, have it repaired promptly. If the light
remains on following the bulb check, it may be an
indication that the parking brake is not released. If the
light remains on when the parking brake is released, it
indicates a possible hydraulic brake system malfunction.
In this case, immediate repair is necessary and continued
operation of the vehicle in this condition is dangerous.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 99
4