2013 DODGE VIPER instrument panel

Control Setting Suggestions for Various Weather Conditions
198 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

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, 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. Press the red ENGINE START/STOP button located
on the instrument panel. Release the button when the
engine starts.
Engine START/STOP Button
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 203

CAUTION!
If you skip more than one gear while downshifting
or downshift at too high a vehicle speed, you could
damage the engine, transmission, or clutch.
WARNING!
Skipping more than one gear while downshifting,
could cause you to lose control of your vehicle. You
could have a collision.
STREET/RACE MODE – IF EQUIPPED
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic controlled
damping system. This system allows for a street suspen-
sion damping setting or a firmer race suspension damp-
ing setting. When in street mode the system automati-
cally shifts the suspension dampers to the firmer Race
damping setting during some hard acceleration andbraking situations. The system also reduces body roll and
pitch in many driving situations including acceleration
and braking. There are two modes of operation:
NOTE:
With the ignition in the ON/RUN position, the
suspension damping system will be in the last mode the
system was in when the vehicle was turned off. The
driver can select either Street or Race damping mode at
any time.
• Street Mode — This mode will give a sporty, but
comfortable ride. Within this mode, the suspension
will adapt to the vehicle inputs, including vehicle
speed, braking and acceleration. This mode is driver
selectable when the vehicle is placed in STREET mode
(press the “STREET” button on the Instrument Panel).
This mode will set suspension for maximum perfor-
mance handling and is intended for a smoother ride on
the various types of pavement and road conditions
while still providing damping levels appropriate ex-
treme capabilities.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 209

•Race Mode — This mode is driver selectable when the
vehicle is placed in RACE mode (press the “RACE”
button on the Instrument Panel). This mode is for track
use only and will supply maximum grip to the tires.
NOTE: The RACE setting will provide a firmer ride.
• When RACE mode is enabled, a Shock symbol with
“RACE” next to it will light up in the instrument
cluster.
LAUNCH MODE – IF EQUIPPED
This system maximizes acceleration traction for straight
line racing.
1. Bring vehicle to complete stop on a level track surface with the engine running.
2. Set the steering wheel for straight ahead driving.
3. Fully depress the clutch and select the first gear position. 4. Press and release the “LAUNCH” Button (Located on
the steering wheel controls).
5. Press the accelerator pedal to the floor.
LAUNCH Button
210 STARTING AND OPERATING

The ESC system has four available operating modes:
ESC On
This is the normal operating mode for the ESC. When-
ever the vehicle is started, the ESC system will be in this
mode. This mode should be used for most driving
situations. The ESC should only be turned OFF for
specific reasons as noted in the following paragraphs.
Full Off
This mode is intended for off-highway or off-road use
only and should not be used on any public roadways. In
this mode, all TCS and ESC stability features are turned
OFF. To enter the “Full Off” mode, press and hold the
“ESC Off” switch for five seconds while the vehicle is
stopped with the engine running. After five seconds, a
chime will sound, the “ESC Activation/Malfunction In-
dicator Light” will illuminate, and theESC OFFmes-
sage will display in the vehicle odometer. The “ESC OFF” message may appear in the Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information. To turn ESC ON again,
momentarily press the “ESC Off” switch.
WARNING!
With the ESC switched OFF, the enhanced vehicle
stability offered by ESC is unavailable. In an emer-
gency evasive maneuver, the ESC system will not
engage to assist in maintaining stability. The “Full
Off” ESC mode is intended for off-highway or off-
road only.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 225

Sport Mode
Sport mode has reduced traction control and reduced
stability control. To enter the “Sport Mode” mode, press
the “ESC” switch once (located on the steering wheel).
The “ESC Sport Light” will illuminate, and theESC
SPORT message will display in the vehicle odometer.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)”
in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
Track Mode
Track Mode has no traction control and has reduced
stability control. To enter the “Track Mode” mode, press the “ESC” switch twice. The “ESC Track Light” will
illuminate, and the
ESC TRACKmessage will display in
the vehicle odometer. Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your Instru-
ment Panel” for further information.
WARNING!
In the ESC “Full Off” mode, the engine torque
reduction and stability features are cancelled. There-
fore, the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESC is
unavailable.
226 STARTING AND OPERATING

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The Hazard Warning flasher switch is located in the
center of the instrument panel above the climate controls.Press the switch to turn on the Hazard Warning
flasher. When the switch is activated, all direc-
tional turn signals will flash on and off to warn oncoming
traffic of an emergency. Press the switch a second time to
turn off the Hazard Warning flasher.
This is an emergency warning system and it should not
be used when the vehicle is in motion. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and it is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
When you must leave the vehicle to seek assistance, the
Hazard Warning flasher will continue to operate even
though the ignition is placed in the OFF position.
NOTE: With extended use the Hazard Warning flasher
may wear 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.
• In city traffic — While moving, shift into the highest
gear possible to reduce engine RPM.
NOTE: There are steps that you can take to slow down
an impending overheat condition:
• If your air conditioner (A/C) is on, turn it off. The A/C
system adds heat to the engine cooling system and
turning the A/C off can help remove this heat.
258 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Hood Release............................113
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid .....................301
Illuminated Entry ..........................16
Infant Restraint ...........................52
Inside Rearview Mirror ......................68
Instrument Cluster ....................... .153
Instrument Panel and Controls ................151
Instrument Panel Lens Cleaning ...............306
Interior Appearance Care ....................304
Interior Lights ............................119
Intermittent Wipers (Delay Wipers) .............122
Introduction ..............................4
Jump Starting ........................... .269
KeyFob.................................11
Key-In Reminder ..........................12
Keyless Entry System .......................11 Keyless Go
...............................11
Knee Bolster ..............................39
Lane Change and Turn Signals ................118
Lap/Shoulder Belts .........................30
Latches .................................63
Hood ...............................113
Latch Plate ...............................32
Lead Free Gasoline ....................... .248
Leaks, Fluid ..............................63
Life of Tires ............................ .242
Liftgate .................................26
Light Bulbs ..............................63
Lights ..................................63
Airbag ...............................52
Alarm .............................. .156
Anti-Lock ........................... .163
Automatic Headlights ....................116
Brake Warning ........................ .155
360 INDEX