2009 DODGE VIPER transmission

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
5

Safe Operating Tips
WARNING!
To use your brakes and accelerator more safely,
follow these tips:
•Do not “ride” 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.
•When descending mountains or hills, repeated
braking can cause brake fade with loss of braking
control. Avoid repeated heavy braking by down-
shifting the transmission whenever possible.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not drive too fast for road conditions, espe-
cially 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.
•After going through deep water or a car wash,
brakes may become wet, resulting in decreased
performance and unpredictable braking action.
Dry the brakes by gentle, intermittent 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.
148 STARTING AND OPERATING

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is on the top of the
steering column, just behind the steering wheel.
Press the Hazard Warning flasher switch and all front
and rear directional signals will flash. Press the switch a
second time to turn the flashers off.Do not use this emergency warning system when the
vehicle is in motion. Use it when your vehicle is disabled
and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.
If it is necessary to leave the vehicle to go for service, the
Hazard Warning flasher will continue to operate with the
ignition key removed.
NOTE:With extended use, the Hazard Warning flasher
may run down your battery.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
In any of the following situations, you can reduce the
potential for overheating by taking the appropriate ac-
tion.
•On the highways —Slow down and use the highest
gear possible.
•In city traffic —While stopped, put the transmission
in NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine idle speed.
Hazard Warning Switch
180 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Using the Air Pump Power Button
Push and release the button 3 once to turn ON
the TIREFIT kit. Push and release the button 3
again to turn OFF the TIREFIT kit.
Sealing a Tire with TIREFIT
A. Whenever You Stop to Use TIREFIT
1. Turn ON the vehicle’s hazard warning flashers.
2. Verify that the valve stem (on the wheel with the
deflated tire) is in a position that is near to the ground.
This will allow the TIREFIT Hoses 6 and 7 to reach the
valve stem and keep the TIREFIT kit flat on the ground.
This will provide the best positioning of the kit when
injecting the sealant into the deflated tire and running the
air pump. Move the vehicle as necessary to place the
valve stem in this position before proceeding.3. Place the transmission in PARK (auto transmission) or
in Gear (manual transmission) and turn OFF the ignition.
4. Set the parking brake.
B. Setting Up to Use TIREFIT
1. Remove the gloves from the Accessory Storage Com-
partment 8 and place them on your hands.
2. Turn the Mode Select knob 4 to the Sealant/
Air Mode position.
3. Uncoil the Clear Sealant Hose 7 and then remove the
Yellow Cap from the fitting at the end of the hose.
4. Place the TIREFIT kit flat on the ground next to the
deflated tire.
186 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

1. Wear eye protection and remove any metal jewelry
such as watchbands or bracelets that might make an
inadvertent electrical contact.
2. When boost is provided by a battery in another
vehicle, park that vehicle within booster cable reach, but
without allowing the vehicles touch one another.
3. Set the parking brake, place the transmission in NEU-
TRAL, and turn the ignition OFF on both vehicles.
4. Turn off the heater, radio, and all unnecessary electri-
cal loads.
5. Remove the plastic cover from the remote jump-start
positive post(+)in the engine compartment. Refer to the
following illustration for remote jump-starting connec-
tions.6.If you are jump-starting your vehicle,connect one
end of a jumper cable to the positive(+)terminal on the
booster battery. Connect the other end of the same cable
to the remote jump-start positive post(+).
Remote Jump-Start Connections
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 193
6

NOTE:The Vehicle Security Alarm System will prevent
the engine from starting.
12. Start the engine in the vehicle with the discharged
battery. If engine does not start in 15 seconds, stop
cranking engine and allow starter to cool down before
cranking again.
13. When removing the booster cables, reverse the above
sequence exactly. Be careful of the moving belts and fans.
WARNING!
Any procedure other than above could result in:
•Personal injury caused by electrolyte squirting out
the battery vent;
•Personal injury or property damage due to battery
explosion;
•Damage to charging system of booster vehicle or
of immobilized vehicle.
FREEING A STUCK VEHICLE
If your vehicle becomes stuck in mud, sand, or snow, it
can often be moved by a rocking motion. Turn your
steering wheel right and left to clear the area around the
front wheels. Then shift back and forth between RE-
VERSE and First gear. Usually the least accelerator pedal
pressure to maintain the rocking motion without spin-
ning the wheels is most effective.
CAUTION!
Racing the engine or spinning the wheels too fast
may lead to transmission/axle overheating and fail-
ure. It can also damage the tires. Do not spin the
wheels above 30 mph (48 km/h).
WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 195
6

▫Brake System....................... 222
▫Manual Transmission.................. 224
▫Hydraulic Clutch..................... 224
▫Rear Axle.......................... 226
▫Appearance Care And Protection From
Corrosion.......................... 226
Fuses.............................. 230
▫Power Distribution Center.............. 230
▫Mini-Power Distribution Center.......... 233
Vehicle Storage....................... 234
Replacement Bulbs..................... 236
Bulb Replacement..................... 237▫Auxiliary High Beam Headlight, Front
Park/Turn Signal Light, Front Side Marker
Light............................. 237
▫High Intensity Discharge Headlights (HID) . . 238
▫Front Fog Light...................... 239
▫
Taillight, Tail/Stop Light, Rear Marker Light. . 240
▫
Taillight, Tail/Stop Light, Rear Marker Light
(Coupe Models)
...................... 241
▫Backup Light, Rear Turn Signal Light...... 242
▫License Light....................... 245
Fluids And Capacities................... 246
Fluids, Lubricants, And Genuine Parts....... 247
▫Engine............................ 247
▫Chassis............................ 248
198 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter dam-
age:
•Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the ignition
when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle is in
motion.
•Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the
vehicle.
•Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires
disconnected or removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods during very rough
idling or malfunctioning operating conditions.
Cooling System
WARNING!
•When working near the radiator cooling fans,
disconnect each fan motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. The fans are tempera-
ture controlled and can start any time the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
•You or others could be badly burned by hot engine
coolant (antifreeze) or steam from your radiator. If
you see or hear steam coming from under the
hood, do not open the hood until the radiator has
had time to cool. Never try to open a cooling
system pressure cap when the radiator is hot.
216 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE