2009 DODGE VIPER Owners Manual

Temperature Control
Use this control to regulate the tem-
perature of the air inside the passen-
ger compartment. The blue area of the
control indicates cooler temperatures
while the red area indicates warmer
temperatures.
Mode Control
Use this control to select the direction
of air flow.
NOTE:The dot between the mode control icons is a mix
position between the two modes.The mode settings are as follows:
•Recirculation Control
Air is recirculated inside the vehicle. You may
choose between Bi-Level and Panel air outlets
while in this mode. Use this mode to tempo-
rarily block out any outside odors, smoke, or
dust and to cool the interior rapidly upon initial start up
in very hot or humid weather.
•Panel
Air is directed through the outlets in the instrument
panel. These outlets can be adjusted to direct air
flow.
•Bi-Level
Air is directed through the instrument panel and
floor outlets. A small amount of air is also directed
through the defrost outlets.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 127
4

NOTE:There is a varying temperature differential be-
tween the upper and lower outlets for added comfort.
The warmer air goes to the floor outlets. This feature
provides improved comfort during sunny but cool con-
ditions.
•Floor
Air is directed through the floor outlets with a
lesser amount through the defrost outlets.
•Defrost/Floor
Air is directed through the windshield defrost and
the floor outlets. This setting works best in cold or
snowy conditions that require extra heat at the
windshield. This setting is good for maintaining comfort
while reducing moisture on the windshield.
•Defrost
Air is directed through the windshield defrost
outlet. Use this mode with maximum fan and
temperature settings for best windshield defrosting.NOTE:The air conditioning compressor operates in this
mode. This dehumidifies the air to help dry the wind-
shield. To improve fuel economy, leave in the Defrost
mode only when necessary.
Air Conditioning Control
With the fan control in the ON position, push the
A/C button to turn on the air conditioning com-
pressor. An indicator light above the button shows
that the Air Conditioning compressor is on. Conditioned
air is now directed through the outlets selected. Pushing
the button a second time turns the compressor OFF.
Slight changes in engine speed or power may be noticed
when the compressor is on. This is a normal occurrence
since the compressor will cycle on and off to maintain
comfort and increase fuel economy.
NOTE:If your air conditioning performance seems
lower than expected, check the front of the A/C con-
denser for an accumulation of dirt or insects.
128 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Operating Tips
NOTE:Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather condi-
tions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system in air-conditioned vehicles
must be protected with a high-quality antifreeze coolant
to provide proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A 50% solution of ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant in water is recommended. Refer
to “Maintenance Procedures” in Section 7 of this manual
for proper coolant selection.
Winter Operation
•
Use the Defrost mode to direct cold air away from the
occupants during engine warm-up in cold weather.
•The blower air will heat faster in cold weather if you
use only the low blower speeds for the first ten
minutes of vehicle operation.
•Use of the air Recirculation mode during winter
months is not recommended because it may cause
window fogging.
Vacation Storage
Anytime you store your vehicle, or keep it out of service
(i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more, run the air
conditioning system at idle for about five minutes in the
fresh air and high blower setting. This will insure ad-
equate system lubrication to minimize the possibility of
compressor damage when the system is started again.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 129
4

Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly re-
moved by turning the mode selector to Defrost. The
Defrost/Floor mode can be used to maintain a clear
windshield and provide sufficient heating. If side win-
dow fogging becomes a problem increase blower speed.
Vehicle windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.
Outside Air Intake
When operating the system, particularly during the win-
ter months, make sure the air intake, at the right side of
the hood, is free of ice, slush, snow, or other obstructions
such as leaves. Leaves collected in the air-intake plenum
may reduce airflow and plug the plenum water drains.
Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather
Conditions
130 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures.................... 134
▫Normal Starting..................... 135
▫If Engine Fails To Start................. 136
▫After Starting....................... 137
Manual Transmission................... 137
▫Recommended Shift Speeds............. 139
▫Skip Shift Indicator Light............... 139
Driving On Slippery Surfaces............. 141
▫Acceleration........................ 141▫Traction........................... 141
Driving Through Water.................. 142
▫Flowing/Rising Water................. 142
▫Shallow Standing Water................ 142
Power Steering........................ 144
▫Power Steering Fluid Check............. 144
Parking Brake........................ 145
Brake System......................... 147
▫Brake Pad Break-In................... 147
5

▫Anti-Lock Brake System................ 148
Tire Safety Information.................. 151
▫Tire Markings....................... 151
▫Tire Identification Number (TIN).......... 155
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure........... 156
Tires — General Information.............. 160
▫Tire Pressure........................ 160
▫Tire Inflation Pressures................. 161
▫Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation.... 162
▫Radial Ply Tires...................... 163
▫Tire Spinning....................... 164
▫Tread Wear Indicators................. 164
▫Life Of Tire......................... 165▫Replacement Tires.................... 166
▫Tire Storage......................... 167
Tire Chains.......................... 167
Snow Tires.......................... 167
Tire Rotation Recommendations............ 167
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)....... 169
▫Low Tire Indicator.................... 169
Fuel Requirements..................... 170
▫8.4L Engine......................... 170
▫Reformulated Gasoline................. 171
▫Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends............. 171
▫E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles...... 172
▫MMT In Gasoline.................... 172
132 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Materials Added To Fuel............... 173
▫Fuel System Cautions.................. 173
▫Carbon Monoxide Warnings............. 174
Adding Fuel......................... 175
▫Fuel Filler Cap (Gas Cap)............... 175
Trailer Towing........................ 176Recreational Towing
(Behind Motorhome, Etc.)................. 176
▫Towing This Vehicle Behind Another Vehicle
(Flat Towing With All Four Wheels On The
Ground)........................... 176
Ground Clearance..................... 177
STARTING AND OPERATING 133
5

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!
•Never 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.
•Do not leave animals or children inside parked
vehicles in hot weather; interior heat build up may
cause serious injury or death.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Be 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.
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.
134 STARTING AND OPERATING