2008 DODGE VIPER brakes

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

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

BRAKE SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with dual hydraulic
brake systems. If either of the two hydraulic
systems loses normal capability, the remaining
system will still function. However, there will
be some loss of overall braking effectiveness. You may
notice increased pedal travel during application, greater
pedal force required to slow or stop, and potential
activation of the Brake System Warning Light.
In the event power assist is lost for any reason (i.e.,
repeated brake applications with the engine off) the
brakes will still function. However, the effort required to
brake the vehicle will be much greater than that required
with the power system operating.
Brake Pad Break-In
NOTE:Your vehicle is equipped with a high perfor-
mance braking system. The brake pads are a semi-
metallic compound, which offer superior fade resistance
for consistent operation. A compromise to using this type
of brake pad is that the brakes may squeal slightly under
certain weather and operating conditions (.i.e., during
light brake applications).
The brakes on your new vehicle do not require a long
break-in period. However, you should avoid repeated
hard brake applications from high speeds during initial
break-in. In addition, you should avoid severe brake
loading, such as may be encountered when descending
long mountain grades.
144 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

The Anti-Lock Brake System pump motor runs during
the self-test at 12 mph (20 km/h) and during an ABS stop.
The pump motor makes a low humming noise during
operation, which is normal.
CAUTION!
The Anti-Lock Brake System is subject to possible
detrimental effects of electronic interference caused
by improperly installed after-market radios or
telephones.
WARNING!
²The Anti-Lock Brake System contains sophisticated elec-
tronic equipment that may be susceptible to interference
caused by improperly installed or high output radio trans-
mitting equipment. This interference can cause possible
loss of anti-lock braking capability. Installation of such
equipment should be performed by qualified professionals.
²Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish their effec-
tiveness and may lead to an accident. Pumping makes the
stopping distance longer. Just press firmly on your brake
pedal when you need to slow down or stop.
²Anti-lock system (ABS) cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking or steering efficiency beyond that afforded by the
condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded.
²The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including those result-
ing from excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle
too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents.
²The capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner, which could
jeopardize the user's safety or the safety of others.
146 STARTING AND OPERATING

All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and
type as the original equipment and the tires must be
properly inflated to produce accurate signals for the
computer.
WARNING!
Significant over or under inflation of tires, or mixing
sizes of front or rear tires or wheels on the vehicle can
lead to loss of braking effectiveness.
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, have it re-
paired promptly.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
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.
STARTING AND OPERATING 147
5

Brake System
In order to assure brake system performance, all brake
system components should be inspected periodically.
Recommended service intervals can be found in the
ªMaintenance Schedulesº in this manual.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and
possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting
or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally
high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full
braking capacity in an emergency.
Brake and Power Steering Hoses
When servicing the vehicle for scheduled maintenance,
inspect surface of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence of
heat and mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber,cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasion, and excessive
swelling suggest deterioration of the rubber. Particular
attention should be made to examining those hose sur-
faces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust
manifold.
Insure nylon tubing in these areas has not melted or
collapsed.
Inspect all hose clamps and couplings to make sure they
are secure and no leaks are present.
NOTE:
²Often, fluid such as oil, power steering fluid, and
brake fluid are used during assembly plant operations
to facilitate the assembly of hoses to couplings. There-
fore, oil wetness at the hose-coupling area is not
necessarily an indication of leakage. Actual dripping
of hot fluid when systems are under pressure (during
vehicle operation), should be noted before a hose is
replaced based on leakage.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 225
7