2008 DODGE VIPER Owners Manual

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

²Avoid excessive idling.
²Check the engine oil level at every fuel fill.
NOTE:A new engine will consume some oil during the
first few thousand miles of operation. This should be
considered as a normal part of the break-in and not
interpreted as a sign of difficulty.
SAFETY TIPS
Exhaust Gas
Do not run the engine in a closed garage or in confined
areas any longer than needed to move your vehicle in or
out of the area.
If it is necessary to sit in a parked vehicle with the engine
running, adjust your heating or cooling controls to force
outside air into the vehicle. Set the blower at high speed.The best protection against carbon monoxide entry into
the vehicle body is a properly maintained engine exhaust
system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the sound of the exhaust
system, when exhaust fumes can be detected inside the
vehicle, or when the underside or rear of the vehicle is
damaged, have a competent technician inspect the com-
plete exhaust system and adjacent body areas for broken,
damaged, deteriorated, or mispositioned parts. Open
seams or loose connections could permit exhaust fumes
to seep into the passenger compartment. In addition,
inspect the exhaust system each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace as required.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 57
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WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain carbon
monoxide (CO) which is colorless and odorless.
Breathing it can make you unconscious and can
eventually poison you. To avoid breathing (CO)
follow the safety tips below.
Safety Checks You Should Make Inside the
Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically, checking for cuts,
frays and loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced
immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the system.Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after an accident if
they have been damaged (bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regarding belt or retractor
condition, replace the belt.
Airbag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for 6 to 8
seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light does not come on or flickers
during or after the 6 to 8 seconds, or flickers or comes on
while driving have the system checked by an authorized
dealer.
Defrosters
Check operation by selecting the defrost mode and place
the blower control on high speed. You should be able to
feel the air directed against the windshield.
58 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear or uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread. Inspect the tread and side wall for
cuts and cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check the area under the vehicle after overnight parking
for fuel, water, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are present, the cause should be corrected imme-
diately.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 59
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UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE
CONTENTS
mConvertible Top Operation Ð Convertible
Models Only...........................63
NTo Lower The Top......................63
NTo Raise The Top......................64
NConvertible Top Boot Cover Installation ± If
Equipped............................67
NConvertible Top Boot Cover Removal And
Storage.............................72
mMirrors...............................75
NInside Day/Night Mirror.................75NOutside Mirrors.......................75
NPower Remote Control Mirrors.............76
mSeats.................................77
NManual Seat Adjustments................77
mTo Open And Close The Hood..............79
mLights................................81
NExterior & Interior Lighting Control.........81
NHeadlights & Parking Lights..............81
NHeadlight Time Delay...................81
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NDaytime Running Lights.................82
NLights-On Reminder....................82
NBattery Saver Feature Ð Exterior Lights......82
NFog Lights...........................82
NTurn Signals..........................82
NHighbeam/Lowbeam Select Switch..........83
NFlash To Pass.........................84
NInterior Lights........................84mWindshield Wipers And Washers.............87
NIntermittent Wiper System................87
NMist Feature..........................88
NWindshield Washers....................88
NAdding Washer Fluid...................89
mTilt Steering Column.....................89
mAdjustable Pedals.......................90
NAdjustable Foot Rest....................92
mConsole Features........................92
62 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

CONVERTIBLE TOP OPERATION Ð
CONVERTIBLE MODELS ONLY
WARNING!
The convertible top does not provide the structural
protection that a reinforced metal roof does, and the
fabric top cannot be expected to prevent the ejection
of the occupants of a vehicle in a collision. Therefore,
it is important that all occupants wear their seat belts
at all times when riding in a convertible. Studies
have shown that it is generally safer to remain inside
a vehicle during a collision, than to be ejected from
the vehicle.
CAUTION!
²To insure that no damage occurs, be sure that the
vehicle is at a complete stop with the gear selector
in the Neutral position before lowering or raising
the top.
²Do not operate the convertible top with ice or
snow build-up on the top. Damage to the top may
occur.
To Lower the Top:
1. Lower the window in each door at least one inch.
2. Lower both sun visors.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE 63
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