2010 DODGE VIPER engine

Oil Temperature Gauge
This gauge shows the oil temperature. The
gauge pointer will likely show higher tempera-
tures when driving in hot weather, up moun-
tain grades, or in heavy stop and go traffic. If
the red Warning Light remains on after the bulb check or
turns on while driving, safely bring the vehicle to a
complete stop and turn off the engine. DO NOT operate
the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
Oil Pressure Gauge
This gauge shows engine oil pressure when the
engine is running. The pressure will vary with
engine speed, oil viscosity, and engine tem-
perature. Oil pressures will be higher as the
engine is warming up. The normal operating pressure is
between 20 and 80 psi (pounds per square inch). If the
pointer remains in the red range, safely bring the vehicle
to a complete stop and turn off the engine. DO NOT
operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected. This gauge does not indicate the amount of oil in the
engine. The engine oil level must be checked under the
hood. Check the level often during severe usage.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
The red Oil Pressure Warning Light is located in
the Oil Pressure Gauge. It will turn on to indicate
low engine oil pressure. The light should turn on briefly
as a bulb check when the engine is first started. If the
light remains on or turns on while driving, safely bring
the vehicle to a complete stop and turn off the engine. DO
NOT operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected.
NOTE: This light does not indicate how much oil is in
the engine. The engine oil level must be checked using
the procedure shown in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 117

Fuel Gauge
This gauge shows the amount of fuel in the gas
tank. The reaction time of the gauge has been
slowed to avoid needle fluctuation during pe-
riods of high G force cornering.
Voltage Gauge
This gauge shows the electrical system voltage.
The normal operating voltage is from 12 to
14 Volts with the engine running. If the pointer
remains at either the high or low ends of the
scale, the electrical system should be serviced.
Charge System Light
The red Charge System Light is located in the
Voltage Gauge. It will turn on when there is a
charging system malfunction or a possible accessory
drive belt failure. If jump starting is required, refer to “Jump Starting
Procedures” in “What To Do In Emergencies”.
CAUTION!
The accessory belt also drives the water pump. Op-
erating the vehicle with a failed belt can cause engine
overheating and possible severe engine damage.
SETTING THE DIGITAL CLOCK
The digital display panel on the radio displays the time in
hours and minutes. The display panel is operative when
the ignition switch is in the ON/RUN or ACC position.
Press and release the TIME button on the radio to display
the time. Press and release the button a second time to
turn off the time display.
118 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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.
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 solution of 50% ethylene
glycol antifreeze coolant and 50% water is recommended.
Refer to “Maintenance Procedures” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” 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.
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL 137

STARTING AND OPERATING
CONTENTS
Starting Procedures .................... 144
▫ Normal Starting ..................... 144
▫ If Engine Fails To Start ................ 146
▫ After Starting ....................... 147
 Manual Transmission ................... 147
▫ Recommended Shift Speeds ............. 149
▫ Skip Shift Indicator Light ............... 150
 Driving On Slippery Surfaces ............. 151
▫ Acceleration ........................ 151 ▫
Traction ........................... 151
 Driving Through Water ................. 151
▫ Flowing/Rising Water ................. 152
▫ Shallow Standing Water ............... 152
 Power Steering ....................... 154
▫ Power Steering Fluid Check ............. 154
 Parking Brake ........................ 155
 Brake System ........................ 157
▫ Brake Pad Break-In ................... 157
5

▫Anti-Lock Brake System ............... 158
 Tire Safety Information ................. 161
▫ Tire Markings ....................... 161
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ......... 165
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ......... 166
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure .......... 167
 Tires — General Information ............. 171
▫ Tire Pressure ....................... 171
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures ................ 172
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . 174
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... 174
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... 174
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ................. 175 ▫
Life Of Tire ........................ 176
▫ Replacement Tires .................... 176
▫ Tire Storage ........................ 177
 Snow Tires .......................... 178
 Tire Rotation Recommendations ........... 178
 Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) ....... 179
▫ Low Tire Indicator ................... 179
 Fuel Requirements ..................... 181
▫ 8.4L Engine ........................ 181
▫ Reformulated Gasoline ................ 181
▫ Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends ............. 182
▫ E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles ...... 182
▫ MMT In Gasoline .................... 183
142 STARTING AND OPERATING

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. Do not leave the keys in the
ignition. A child could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the vehicle.
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.
Normal Starting
CAUTION!
The engine in your vehicle is designed for operation
down to 0°F (-18°C). Starting the engine below 0°F
(-18°C) creates a potential for scuffing or seizing of
internal components in this very high performance
engine. To prevent engine damage, do not start the
engine at temperatures below 0°F (-18°C).
144 STARTING AND OPERATING

NOTE:
•You must disarm the security system in order to start
the engine. Refer to “Security Alarm System” in
“Things To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle” for
further information.
•Normal starting of either a cold or a warm engine does
not require pumping or pressing the accelerator pedal.
However, if the engine has not started within three
seconds, slightly press the accelerator pedal while
continuing to crank. If the engine fails to start within
15 seconds, turn the key to the OFF/LOCK position,
wait five seconds, then repeat the “Normal Starting”
procedure.To start the engine:
1. Fully apply the parking brake.
2. Press the clutch pedal to the floor.
NOTE:
The engine will not start unless the clutch pedal
is pressed to the floor.
3. Place the shift lever in NEUTRAL
4. Insert the ignition key fully into the ignition switch
5. Turn the key to the ON/RUN position.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 145

6. Press the red ENGINE START button located on the
instrument panel. Release the button when the engine
starts.If Engine Fails to Start
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not crank the
engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 10 to
15 seconds before trying again.
WARNING!
•Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into the
throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt to
start the vehicle. This could result in flash fire
causing serious personal injury.(Continued)
ENGINE START Button
146 STARTING AND OPERATING