2009 DODGE VIPER power steering

9. Read the instructions provided with your child safety
seat or booster seat to make sure that you are using it
properly.
10. All occupants should wear their lap and shoulder
belts properly.
11. Position the driver seat and passenger seat as far
away from the instrument panel as practical to allow the
airbags room to inflate. Note that the power adjustable
pedals allow for more driver’s seat adjustment options.
Refer to “Adjustable Pedals” in Section 3 of this manual
for details.
Airbag System Components
The Airbag System consists of the following:
•Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
•Airbag Warning Light
•Driver Airbag
•Passenger Airbag
•Passenger Airbag Off Light
•Steering Wheel and Column
•Instrument Panel
•Seat Track Position Sensors
•Interconnecting Wiring
•Seat Belt Reminder Light
•Knee Impact Bolsters
•Front Acceleration Sensors
•Passenger Seat Occupant Classification System (OCS)
Occupant Classification Module (OCM)
Passenger Airbag Disabled (PAD) Indicator Light
Flex Mat
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 45
2

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

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

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
5

D. After Injecting TIREFIT Sealant
1. Allow the air pump to inflate the tire to the pressure
indicated on the tire pressure label on the driver-side
latch pillar. Check the pressure in the tire by looking at
the Pressure Gauge 2.
•If the tire inflates to at least 26 psi (1.8 bar) within
15 minutes, proceed to Step 2 of this procedure.
•If tire fails to inflate to 26 psi (1.8 bar) within
15 minutes, perform the procedure steps described
under “G. Distributing TIREFIT Sealant to Better
Enable Tire Inflation.”
2. Press the AIR PUMP POWER button 3 to
turn OFF the TIREFIT kit.3. Remove the Speed Limit sticker from the top of the
Sealant Bottle 1 and place the sticker on the steering
wheel.
4. Disconnect the Clear Sealant Hose 7 from the valve
stem, reinstall the Yellow Cap on the fitting at the end of
the hose, and place the TIREFIT kit in the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Failure to reinstall the Yellow Cap on the fitting at
the end of the Clear Sealant Hose 7 can result in
sealant contacting your skin, clothing, and the ve-
hicle interior. It can also result in sealant contacting
internal TIREFIT kit components causing permanent
damage to the kit.
E. Securing TIREFIT Sealant in the Tire
Drive the vehicle for approximately 5 mi (8 km) to ensure
distribution of the TIREFIT Sealant within the tire.
188 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 8.4L
1 — Coolant Pressure Cap 6 — Clutch Fluid Reservoir
2 — Engine Oil Dipstick 7 — Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
3 — Power Distribution Center 8 — Engine Oil Fill
4 — Remote Jump Start Positive Battery Post 9 — Air Cleaner Filter
5 — Brake Fluid Reservoir 10 — Washer Fluid ReservoirMAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 1997

Chassis
Component Fluid, Lubricant, or Genuine Part
Transmission MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission Fluid
Rear Axle MOPARSynthetic Gear and Axle Lubricant SAE 75W-140 or equivalent,
with Limited Slip Additive Friction Modifier
Brake Master Cylinder MOPARBrake and Clutch Fluid DOT 4 Motor Vehicle or equivalent
Power Steering Reservoir MOPARPower Steering Fluid + 4, MOPARATF+4 Automatic Transmission
Fluid
248 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE