2016 DODGE VIPER SRT traction control

PARKING BRAKE ..................... .261
 BRAKE SYSTEM ...................... .263
▫ Brake Pad Break-In ....................263
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . .264
▫ Anti-Lock Brake System ................265
▫ Traction Control System (TCS) ............267
▫ Electronic Stability Control ..............267
 TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION .............272
▫ Tire Markings ....................... .272
▫ Tire Identification Number (TIN) ...........275
▫ Tire Terminology And Definitions ..........277
▫ Tire Loading And Tire Pressure ...........278
 TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION ........283▫
Tire Pressure ....................... .283
▫ Tire Inflation Pressures .................284
▫ Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation . . . .286
▫ Radial Ply Tires ..................... .286
▫ Tire Types .......................... .287
▫ Run Flat Tires — If Equipped .............288
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped ...............288
▫ Tire Spinning ....................... .291
▫ Tread Wear Indicators ..................291
▫ Life Of Tire ........................ .292
▫ Replacement Tires .....................293
 TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES) .......295
 TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS .....295
242 STARTING AND OPERATING

LAUNCH MODE
This system maximizes acceleration traction for straight
line racing.
1. Bring the vehicle to complete stop on a level tracksurface 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. Push and release the “LAUNCH” button (located on the steering wheel controls).
5. Rapidly press the accelerator pedal to the floor withinone second.
LAUNCH Button
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 253

NOTE:
•All SRT vehicles are track tested for 24 hours of
endurance, however, it is recommended that suspen-
sion system, brake system, prop shaft, and ½ shaft
boots should be checked for wear or damage after
every track event.
• Track usage results in increased operating tempera-
tures of the engine, transmission, clutch, driveline and
brake system. This may affect noise (NVH) counter-
measures designed into your vehicle. New compo-
nents may need to be installed to return the system to
the original NVH performance.
For ACR models, please review the supplemental manual
for track tips.DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES
Acceleration
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery surfaces is dangerous.
You could lose control of the vehicle and possibly
have a collision. Accelerate slowly and carefully
whenever there is likely to be poor traction (ice,
snow, wet, mud, loose sand, etc.).
Traction
When driving on wet or slushy roads, it is possible for a
wedge of water to build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and may cause partial or
complete loss of vehicle control and stopping ability. To
reduce this possibility, the following precautions should
be observed:
256 STARTING AND OPERATING

Safe Operating Tips
WARNING!
To use your brakes and accelerator more safely,
follow these tips:
•Do not “ride” the brakes by resting your foot on the
pedal. This could overheat the brakes and result in
unpredictable braking action, longer stopping dis-
tances, or brake damage.
• When descending mountains or hills, repeated
braking can cause brake fade with loss of braking
control. Avoid repeated heavy braking by down-
shifting the transmission whenever possible.
• Do not drive too fast for road conditions, especially
when roads are wet or slushy. A wedge of water can
build up between the tire tread and the road. This
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
hydroplaning action can cause loss of traction,
braking ability, and control.
• After going through deep water or a car wash,
brakes may become wet, resulting in decreased
performance and unpredictable braking action.
Dry the brakes by gentle, intermittent pedal action
while driving at very slow speeds.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system that includes the Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), and Elec-
tronic Stability Control (ESC). All of these systems work
together to enhance vehicle stability and control in vari-
ous driving conditions.
264 STARTING AND OPERATING

Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light
The “Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light” will turn
on and stay on briefly as a bulb check when the
ignition is first turned on. If the light does not
turn on during starting, have it repaired
promptly.
This light also illuminates at vehicle start-up to indicate
that the ABS self-check is in process. If the light remains
on after start-up, or turns on and remains on at road
speeds, it may indicate a system malfunction or that the
system is inoperative. In this case, the system reverts to
standard non-anti-lock brakes. If this occurs, safely bring
the vehicle to a complete stop as soon as possible and
cycle the ignition to attempt to reset the ABS. If the light
remains on, see your authorized dealer immediately to
have the system serviced. Also, if the “BRAKE Warning Light” and the “ABS Warning Light” are on, and the
parking brake is fully released, see your authorized
dealer immediately.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The TCS system monitors the amount of wheel spin of
each driven wheel. If wheel spin is detected, brake
pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and engine
power is reduced to provide enhanced acceleration and
stability.
Electronic Stability Control
In full on mode the TCS system enhances directional
control and stability of the vehicle under various driving
conditions. The ESC corrects for oversteering and under-
steering the vehicle by applying the brake of the appro-
priate wheel. Engine power may also be reduced to assist
in counteracting the condition of oversteer or understeer
and help the vehicle maintain the desired path.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 267

In full on mode ESC utilizes sensors in the vehicle to
determine the path that the driver intends to steer the
vehicle and compares it to the actual path of the vehicle.
When the actual path does not match the intended path,
the ESC applies the brake of the appropriate wheel to
assist in counteracting the condition of oversteer or
understeer.
•Oversteer – when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
• Understeer – when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
WARNING!
The Electronic Stability Control System (ESC) cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on
the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
by prevailing road conditions. ESC cannot prevent
all accidents, including those resulting from exces-
sive speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces,
or hydroplaning. ESC also cannot prevent accidents
resulting from loss of vehicle control due to inappro-
priate driver input for the conditions. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents.
The capabilities of an ESC equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
which could jeopardize the user ’s safety or the safety
of others.
268 STARTING AND OPERATING

“Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further in-
formation. To turn ESC ON again, momentarily push the
“ESC” 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.
Sport Mode — If Equipped
Sport mode has reduced traction control and reduced
stability control. To enter the “Sport Mode” mode, push
the “ESC” switch once (located on the steering wheel).
The “ESC OFF” telltale will illuminate, and the “ESC
SPORT” message will display in the vehicle cluster (left of the odometer). Refer to “Driver Information Display
(DID)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for
further information.
WARNING!
When in Sport Mode, the TCS functionality of ESC,
(except for the limited slip feature described in the
TCS section), has been disabled, the “ESC Sport
Light” will illuminate, and the “ESC SPORT” mes-
sage will display in the vehicle cluster. When in
Sport Mode, the engine power reduction feature of
TCS is disabled, and the enhanced vehicle stability
offered by the ESC system is reduced.
Track Mode — If Equipped
Track Mode has no traction control and has reduced
stability control. To enter the “Track Mode” mode, push
the “ESC” switch twice. The “ESC OFF” telltale will
270 STARTING AND OPERATING

illuminate, and the “ESC TRACK” message will display
in the vehicle cluster (left of the odometer). Refer to
“Driver Information Display (DID)” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further information.
WARNING!
When in Track Mode, the TCS functionality of ESC,
(except for the limited slip feature described in the
TCS section), has been disabled, the “ESC Track
Light” will illuminate, and the “ESC TRACK” mes-
sage will display in the vehicle cluster. When in
Track Mode, the engine power reduction feature of
TCS is disabled, and the enhanced vehicle stability
offered by the ESC system is greatly reduced. Track
Mode is intended for off-highway or off-road only.Rain Mode
Rain mode offers increased traction control and stability
control for low traction conditions such as wet roads, dry
roads during cold temperatures, or when the driver
wants enhanced stability due to lack of familiarity or
experience with the vehicle’s response. To enter the “Rain
Mode” mode, push the “ESC” switch three times. The
“ESC Rain Light” will illuminate, and the “ESC RAIN”
message will display in the vehicle cluster (left of the
odometer). Refer to “Driver Information Display (DID)”
in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
NOTE:
Some models may not offer “Sport” or “Track”
Mode.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 271