2017 DODGE VIPER engine

Recommended Shift Speeds
To use your manual transmission for fuel economy it
should be upshifted as listed below. Shift at the vehicle
speeds listed for acceleration. Earlier upshifts during cruise
conditions (relatively steady speeds) will result in in-
creased fuel economy, and may be used as indicated.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
RECOMMENDED SHIFT SPEEDS 1-4 4-5 5-6
mph 1745 50
(km/h) (27) (72) (80)
Higher upshift speeds may be used to obtain a desired
acceleration rate.
Skip Shift Indicator Light
There are times when you must shift the trans-
mission directly from first gear into fourth gear
instead of from first gear into second gear. This is
to help you get the best possible fuel economy
from your vehicle. This occurs when engine coolant is
higher than 107°F (42°C), and vehicle speed is greater than
16 mph (26 km/h) but less than 18 mph (29 km/h), and engine speed is less than 1,550 RPM, and the transmission
is in first gear, and the accelerator is at 20% throttle or less.
The “Skip Shift Indicator Light” located in the tachometer
will illuminate during these times.
When the “Skip Shift Indicator Light” illuminates, the shift
mechanism will only allow shifts from first gear to fourth
gear. After you shift the transmission into fourth gear, you
can press the clutch in and shift to another forward gear.
Downshifting - Proper downshifting will improve fuel
economy and prolong engine life.
To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, downshift
to maintain a safe speed when descending a steep grade.
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.
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STREET/RACE MODE — IF EQUIPPED
This vehicle is equipped with a two mode electronic
controlled damping system. This system allows for a
compliant street suspension damping setting or a firmer
race suspension damping setting. When in street mode the
system will automatically shift the suspension dampers to
the firmer Race damping setting during some hard accel-
eration and braking situations. There are two modes of
operation:
•Street Mode — This mode will give a sporty, but
comfortable ride. This mode is driver selectable when
the vehicle is placed in STREET mode (push the
“STREET” button on the Instrument Panel). This mode
is intended for a smoother ride on the various types of
pavement and road conditions while still providing
damping levels appropriate extreme capabilities.
• Race Mode — This mode is driver selectable when the
vehicle is placed in RACE mode (push the “RACE”
button on the Instrument Panel). This mode is for track
use only and will supply maximum grip to the tires. NOTE:
•
With the ignition in the ON/RUN position, the suspen-
sion 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.
• The suspension mode will lock and stay in whatever the
driver selects even when the ignition is turned off and
the car restarted.
• The RACE setting will provide a much firmer ride.
• When RACE mode is enabled, a Shock symbol with
“RACE” next to it will light up in the instrument cluster.
LAUNCH MODE
This system maximizes acceleration traction for straight
line racing.
1. Bring the vehicle to a 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 posi- tion.
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4. Push and release the “LAUNCH” button (located on thesteering wheel controls).
5. Rapidly press the accelerator pedal to the floor within one second.
NOTE: If the instrument cluster message indicates all
conditions are correct for launch and the throttle is pressed
to the floor quickly (within approximately 1/2 second) the
system will hold the engine speed to a preset speed (below
the engine rev limiter speed).
6. Release the clutch aggressively. Do not ride the clutch. Release the accelerator pedal to deactivate launch control.
Pushing the launch control button or actuating the brakes
will also deactivate launch control.
NOTE:
•
Launch Mode brings the engine to optimum launch
RPM and waits for the driver to release the clutch.
Launch Mode then uses engine throttle only to achieve
controlled wheelslip for maximum acceleration through
first gear.
• Launch Mode can be used in any of the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) Modes.
• Launch Mode should not be used within the first 500
miles (805 km) of engine break-in.
WARNING!
Launch Mode is intended for off-highway or off-road
use only and should not be used on any public
roadways. It is recommended that this feature be used
in a controlled environment, and within the limits of
the law. The capabilities of the vehicle as measured by
the performance pages must never be exploited in a
(Continued)
LAUNCH Button
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•Track usage results in increased operating temperatures
of the engine, transmission, clutch, driveline and brake
system. This may affect noise (NVH) countermeasures
designed into your vehicle. New components 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:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are slushy.
2. Slow down if road has standing water or puddles.
CAUTION!
Driving your vehicle through deep puddles at speeds
over 5 mph (8 km/h), may cause water to be ingested
into the engine. This can cause severe engine damage.
3. Replace tires when tread wear indicators first become visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to avoid a collision in a sudden
stop.
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CAUTION!(Continued)
•Do not exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when driving through
standing water. This will minimize wave effects.
• Driving through standing water may cause damage
to your vehicle’s drivetrain components. Always in-
spect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., engine oil, transmis-
sion, axle, etc.) for signs of contamination (i.e., fluid
that is milky or foamy in appearance) after driving
through standing water. Do not continue to operate
the vehicle if any fluid appears contaminated, as this
may result in further damage. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Getting water inside your vehicle’s engine can cause
it to lock up and stall out, and cause serious internal
damage to the engine. Such damage is not covered by
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
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.
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.
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Power Steering Fluid Check
Checking the power steering fluid level at a defined service
interval is not required. The fluid should be checked at every
oil change if a leak is suspected, abnormal noises are apparent,
and/or the system is not functioning as anticipated. Coordi-
nate inspection efforts through an authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your power steering
system as the chemicals can damage your power steer-
ing 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.
Parking Brake Lever
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In the event power assist is lost for any reason (i.e.,
repeated brake applications with the engine off) the brakes
will still function. However, the effort required to brake the
vehicle will be much greater than that required with the
power system operating.
Brake Pad Break-In
NOTE:Your vehicle is equipped with a high performance
braking system. The brake pads are a semi-metallic com-
pound, which offer superior fade resistance for consistent
operation. A compromise to using this type of brake pad is
that the brakes may squeal slightly under certain weather
and operating conditions (.i.e., during light brake applica-
tions).
The brakes on your new vehicle do not require a long
break-in period. However, you should avoid repeated hard
brake applications from high speeds during initial break-
in. In addition, you should avoid severe brake loading,
such as may be encountered when descending long moun-
tain grades.
For ACR models, please review the supplemental manual
for CCM brake pad and rotor burnishing.
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 brak-
ing can cause brake fade with loss of braking control.
Avoid repeated heavy braking by downshifting 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
hydroplaning action can cause loss of traction, brak-
ing 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.
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WARNING!(Continued)
•The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase braking or steering effi-
ciency beyond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
• The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) cannot prevent
collisions, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle too closely,
or hydroplaning.
• The capabilities of an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a reck-
less or dangerous manner, that could jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of others.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be the same size and type
as the original equipment and the tires must be properly
inflated to produce accurate signals for the computer.
WARNING!
Significant over or underinflation of tires, or mixing
sizes of tires or wheels on the vehicle can lead to loss
of braking effectiveness.
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 ser-
viced. 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.
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