2010 DODGE VIPER power steering

WARNING! (Continued)
•Always make sure that objects cannot fall into the
driver foot well while the vehicle is moving.
Objects can become trapped under the brake pedal
and accelerator pedal causing a loss of vehicle
control.
•If required, mounting posts must be properly
installed, if not equipped from the factory.
Failure to properly follow floor mat installation or
mounting can cause interference with the brake
pedal and accelerator pedal operation causing loss
of control of the vehicle.
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make Outside
the Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and uneven wear
patterns. Check for stones, nails, glass, or other objectslodged in the tread. Inspect the tread and sidewall for
cuts and cracks. Check the wheel nuts for tightness.
Check the tires (including spare) for proper pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of exterior lights
while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after overnight parking for fuel,
engine coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gasoline
fumes are detected or if fuel, power steering fluid, or
brake fluid leaks are suspected, the cause should be
located and corrected immediately.
2
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 67

▫Lights-On Reminder ................... 90
▫ Battery Saver Feature — Exterior Lights ..... 90
▫ Fog Lights .......................... 90
▫ Turn Signals ......................... 91
▫ High Beam/Low Beam Select Switch ....... 91
▫ Flash-To-Pass ........................ 91
▫ Interior Lights ....................... 91
 Windshield Wipers And Washers ........... 94
▫ Intermittent Wiper System ............... 95
▫ Mist Feature ......................... 96 ▫
Windshield Washers ................... 96
 Tilt Steering Column .................... 96
 Adjustable Pedals ...................... 97
▫ Adjustable Foot Rest ................... 99
 Electrical Power Outlets ................. 100
 Console Features ...................... 102
 Storage ............................. 103
 Rear Window Features .................. 104
▫ Rear Window Defroster ................ 104
70 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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.
ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS
Your vehicle is equipped with 12 Volt (13 Amp) power
outlets that can be used to power cellular phones, small
electronics and other low powered electrical accessories.One power outlet is located on the top of the floor
console. To access, push downward on the top or the
outlet and release. Push the power outlet downward and
release a second time to store the power outlet back into
the console.
12 Volt Power Outlet
100 UNDERSTANDING THE FEATURES OF YOUR VEHICLE

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

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 steer-
ing pump may make noise for a short amount of time.
This is due to the cold, thick fluid in the steeringsystem. 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
154 STARTING AND OPERATING

checked if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are
apparent, and/or the system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts through an autho-
rized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power
steering components. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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 “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further information.
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.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 155

ENGINE COMPARTMENT — 8.4L
1 — Coolant Pressure Cap6 — 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 Reservoir
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 209

NOTE:Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems may void your warranty and could result in civil
penalties being assessed against you.
WARNING!
You can be badly injured working on or around a
motor vehicle. Only do service work for which you
have the knowledge and the proper equipment. If
you have any doubt about your ability to perform a
service job, take your vehicle to a competent me-
chanic.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain the maintenance service
recommendations by the engineers who designed your
vehicle.
Besides those maintenance items specified in the fixed
maintenance schedule, there are other components which
may require servicing or replacement in the future.
CAUTION!
•Failure to properly maintain your vehicle or per-
form repairs and service when necessary could
result in more costly repairs, damage to other
components or negatively impact vehicle perfor-
mance. Immediately have potential malfunctions
examined by an authorized Chrysler Group LLC
dealership or qualified repair center.
•Your vehicle has been built with improved fluids
that protect the performance and durability of
your vehicle and also allow extended maintenance
intervals. Do not use chemical flushes in these
components as the chemicals can damage your
engine, transmission, power steering or air condi-
tioning. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. If a flush is needed
because of component malfunction, use only the
specified fluid for the flushing procedure.
7
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 213