2009 DODGE VIPER steering wheel

WARNING!
Using a seat belt extender when not needed can
increase the risk of injury in a collision. Only use a
seat belt extender when the seat belt is not long
enough when worn low and snug and in the recom-
mended seating positions. Remove and store the
extender when not needed.
Driver and Passenger Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS) - Airbag
This vehicle is equipped with airbags for the driver and
passenger as a supplement to the seat belt restraint
systems. The driver’s airbag is mounted in the steering
wheel. The passenger’s airbag is mounted underneath a
cover in the passenger’s side of the instrument panel. The
words SRS/AIRBAG is embossed on the airbag covers.NOTE:The airbags are certified to the Federal regula-
tions that allow less forceful deployment. The passen-
ger’s airbag is certified to the Federal regulations that
define Occupant Classification (Refer to “How The Air-
bag System Works” in this section).
The airbags have a multistage inflator design. This may
allow the airbag to have different rates of inflation that
are based on collision severity and occupant size.
WARNING!
•Do not put anything on or around the airbag
covers or attempt to open them manually. You may
damage the airbags and you could be injured
because the airbags are no longer functional.
These protective covers for the airbag cushions are
designed to open only when the airbags are inflat-
ing.
(Continued)
42 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING! (Continued)
•Do not drill, cut, or tamper with the knee bolster
in any way.
•Do not mount any accessories to the knee bolster
such as alarm lights, stereos, citizens band radios,
etc.
•Relying on the airbags alone could lead to more
severe injuries in a collision. The airbags work
with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In
some collisions, the airbags won’t deploy at all.
Always wear your seat belts even though you have
airbags.
•Being too close to the steering wheel or instrument
panel during airbag deployment could cause seri-
ous injury. Airbags need room to inflate. Sit back,
extending your arms comfortably to reach the
steering wheel or instrument panel.The airbags work with the instrument panel knee bolsters
and the seat belts to provide improved protection for the
driver and passenger. While the seat belts are designed to
protect the driver and passenger in many types of
collisions, the airbags will deploy in moderate to severe
frontal collisions. However, even in collisions where the
airbags deploy, all occupants need the seat belts to keep
them in the right position for the airbags to protect
properly.
NOTE:The passenger airbag may not deploy if the
Occupant Classification System (refer to “How The Air-
bag System Works” in this section) determines the seat is
empty or is occupied by someone that is classified in the
“child” category. This could be a child, a teenager, or
even a small adult. Therefore, even if the driver’s airbag
deploys, the passenger’s airbag may not deploy.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 43
2

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

Interconnecting Wiring
Seat Track Position Sensors
How the Airbag System Works
•
TheOccupant Restraint Controller (ORC)determines
if a frontal collision is severe enough to require the
airbags to inflate. The airbag inflators are designed to
provide different rates of inflation. Based on the level
of collision severity, the ORC determines the proper
rate of inflation. The ORC may modify the rate of
passenger airbag inflation or prevent passenger airbag
deployment based on input from the Occupant Clas-
sification System (OCS). The ORC will not detect
roll-over or rear impacts. Furthermore, the airbags are
not on and will not inflate if the key is in the
OFF/LOCK position, in the ACC position, or not in
the ignition.The ORC also monitors the readiness of the electronic
parts of the system whenever the ignition switch is in
the ON/RUN position. These include all of the items
listed under “Airbag System Components,” except the
steering wheel and column and the knee bolsters.
•The ORC turns on the Airbag Warning
Light and Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD)
Indicator Light for six to eight seconds as a
self-check when the ignition is first turned
ON. After the self-check, the Airbag Warning Light
will turn off and the PAD Indicator Light will function
normally (Refer to “Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD)
Indicator Light” in this section). If the ORC detects a
malfunction in any part of the system, it turns on the
Airbag Warning Light either momentarily or continu-
ously. A single chime will sound if the light comes on
again after initial start up.
46 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

WARNING!
Ignoring the Airbag Warning Light in your instrument
panel could mean you won’t have the airbags to protect
you in a collision. If the light does not come on, stays
on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as you
drive, have the airbag system checked right away.
•TheDriver Airbag/Inflator Unitis mounted in the
steering wheel. ThePassenger Airbag/Inflator Unitis
mounted underneath a cover in the passenger side of
the instrument panel. When the ORC detects a colli-
sion requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator units.
A large quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate
the airbags. Different airbag inflation rates may be
possible based on collision severity and occupant size.
The steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper right
side of the instrument panel separate and then fold out
of the way, as the bags inflate to their full size. Thebags inflate fully in about 50 to 70 ms. This is about
half of the time it takes to blink your eyes. The bags
then deflate quickly while helping to restrain the
driver and passenger. The airbag gas is vented toward
the instrument panel through vent holes in the airbag
material. In this way, the airbags do not interfere with
your control of the vehicle.•TheKnee Impact Bolstershelp protect the knees of
the driver and the passenger, and position everyone
for the best interaction with the airbags.
•TheOccupant Classification Module (OCM)is lo-
cated underneath the passenger seat. The OCM uses
input from the Flex Mat to classify the occupant in the
passenger seat into a size category. The OCM commu-
nicates this information to the ORC. The ORC may
modify the rate of passenger airbag inflation or pre-
vent passenger airbag deployment based on occupant
classification.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 47
2

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
3

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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