2009 DODGE VIPER steering

Windshield Washers
To use the washer, pull the windshield wiper/washer
control lever toward you and hold it for as long as
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.
TILT STEERING COLUMN
The tilt release lever is located below the multifunction
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 asdesired. 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 91
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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 in (72 mm) forward or rear-
ward to allow for greater driving comfort. The adjustable
pedals switch is recessed into the knee bolster beneath
the steering column.
Adjustable Pedals Switch
92 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 pedals 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:
•Always adjust the pedals to a position that allows full
pedal travel.
•Further 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 93
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Adjustable Foot Rest
This feature allows the driver to adjust the foot rest
forward or backward and to rotate it upward or down-
ward to allow for greater driving comfort.To adjust the pedal:
1. Adjust the seat and steering column to a comfortable
position.
2. Using a 13 mm socket wrench, loosen the nut on the
pedal.
3. Slide the pedal either forward or backward and rotate
it upward or downward as desired.
4. Tighten the nut, being careful not to over tighten it.
CONSOLE FEATURES
The front console has a removable ashtray, power outlet/
cigarette lighter, and power window switches.
The center console compartment is equipped with a
cigarette lighter/power outlet.
Adjustable Foot Rest
94 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

•The word “DECK” will flash in the display if the
trunk/liftgate is open.
•The words “LOW TIRE” will flash slowly in the
display and a chime will sound if the tire pressure is
low.
•The words “FLAT TIRE” 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 Multifunction Lever on
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.
Front Fog Light Indicator
This light will turn on when the front fog lights are
on.
Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) 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.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 101
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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
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POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system will give you good
vehicle response and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will provide mechanical
steering capability if power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is interrupted, it will
still be possible to steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:Increased noise levels at the end of the steering
wheel travel are considered normal and do not indicate
that there is a problem with the power steering system.
Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a short amount of time. This is
due to the cold, thick fluid in the steering system. This
noise should be considered normal, and it does not in any
way damage the steering system.WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced power steering
assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering system at the end
of the steering wheel travel will increase the steering
fluid temperature and it should be avoided when
possible. Damage to the power steering pump may
occur.
Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined
service interval is not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
144 STARTING AND OPERATING

apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
No chemical flushes should be used in any power
steering system; only the approved lubricant may be
used.
WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a level surface and
with the engine off to prevent injury from moving
parts and to ensure accurate fluid level reading. Do
not overfill. Use only manufacturer’s recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the proper indicated
level. With a clean cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in Section 7 for the correct fluid type.
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
STARTING AND OPERATING 145
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